Trying to cut a long story short 2013 - sudden onset of ITP. 80 mg prednisolone initially whilst in hospital. Reducing well when January 2014 saw the onset of shoulder pain, followed shortly afterwards by GCA. After confirmation by Rheumy in March, Preds increased back up to 40. Started slow reduction from then on and was advised to have physio. Did that for 6 months, no change in shoulder pain so had steroid injection in shoulder. Cataract suddenly needed doing and hearing aids needed to be upgraded. Decided that I would concentrate on getting down to zero preds with 1 flare up achieved that in June2015 . My arm was not better so my GP sent me for US scan, shock horror 3 of the 4 tendons have torn in half. So I have had an MRI scan and CT Scan and just been told that the only answer is to replace the shoulder joint!!
Anyone who has had this procedure done, please tell me whether you think it was worth it, I would really rather have a 'warts and all' opinion, then I can consider all my options.
Second post and update.
I have severe pain but hardly any swelling.
i have just been diagnosed with this thing
Finally, I've been diagnosed!! I DO have inflammatory arthritis.
Feeling very worried about starting methotrexate, I have been told so many bad things about this drug , what other medication could I have 
