Shoulder/arm pain

[Linda007]

Hi I was diagnosed with RA 12 years ago and Fibromyalgia a year or so later. In addition to all the usual aches and pains I have been experiencing terrible shoulder/pain that just isn't easing. It is worst when I lift my arm up so high and really bad when I try and put my arm behind my back. Wondered if anyone has any ideas as have a bit of a wait to see GP and no rheumatology appointment scheduled for a while.

Thanks

[oldtimer]

Can you afford to go and see a physio privately? I find that they are often much better at diagnosing this type of thing.

[Linda007 in reply to oldtimer]

That's a good idea, thank you. I've been fobbed off with any pain I get as part of Fibromyalgia and I did think this would pass, but will look into it

[Barrister]

Sounds like a rotator cuff tear. Have you fallen or anything like that? You will need to see your GP who may arrange Physio as some rotator cuff tears respond to this. It could also be a bone spur digging into the tendons. Either way, go to see your GP and tell him what you've told us. I had a rotator cuff tear repaired in February and removal of bone spur. Before that, the pain was agony and was stopping movement. Now I can move my arm with no pain at all. Clemmie

[Martinilady in reply to Barrister]

I had the same - agony in roght shoulder, couldnt lift my arm above shoulder height. Torn rotator cuff had operation , very successful & no probs since.

[Strayleaves]

Hi

I was diagnosed 12 months ago with R.A. Was at work , had a slight twinge pain in shoulder , progressively got worse throughout that night.....up all night, in absolute agony , husband took me to hospital in a.m. Diagnosed with rotator cuff injury .X ray normal , shoulder ultrasound showed bursitis in the shoulder, nothing else. Arm in sling for three days ......improved slightly , then other shoulder went the same. Went to an after hours g.p. , he diagnosed a possible inflammatory arthritis. Dr did bloods , .........then diagnosed with aggressive R.A. On Humira and methotrexate. You may be having a flare in your shoulder.

Do hope you get relief soon . May need to see your GP . Or if you can get in to see your rheumatologist.....be better.

[Ladydingle in reply to Strayleaves]

Hi

Can I ask is Humira working for you as I started a month ago but no improvement at all. How long before you noticed a difference?

Thank you

[Strayleaves in reply to Ladydingle]

Hi

I actually noticed a difference in the first two weeks with Humira. 😀😀😀😃

My specialist told me that it can actually take up to three months for it to really kick in ....... I was very happy .....

next week I have been on it for three months.

But ..... I think it's stopped working ?!?!

Now starting to get all the pains back ......they aren't really bad ....but I can tell ....even today my wrists have started to get sore .......I haven't had a problem with them for two months at least .

🙁

I see specialist next week ....

[Ladydingle in reply to Strayleaves]

Thank you for replying and so sorry to hear that would you let me know how it goes

Good luck!

Sue

[Strayleaves in reply to Ladydingle]

Hi

Thanks.

I feel like I should apologize ....it is probably the last thing you wanted to hear .....that the Humira was working , now looks like it's not ..Did not mean to be negative or disheartening. This R.A is bad enough as it is .

I really do hope the Humira works great for you . Hopefully , I will get to go on a drug that will work for me as well. I dont know what will happen when I see my Rheumatologist next week, if he puts me on something else or if I keep going with the Humira for awhile....

I am very new on this site , only found it by accident. I am not very savvy with technology so hopefully I'll find my way around it ok .

I am looking forward to talking with others , with R.A and I guess sharing stories, information and support .

Take care

Karen

[Ladydingle in reply to Strayleaves]

Don't worry thank you for your reply I really wish you luck next week. Maybe you could private message me I would love to hear from you.Sue

[nomoreheels]

Is there a GP in your Practice who is qualified to give steroid injections Linda, just enough so you can have some relief from the pain until your next Rheumy appointment? Or could you make an appointment to see your Rheumy nurse? Mine are available to me between Rheumy appointments, I don't know if it's the same for you. I had rotator cuff tendonitis (left), the pain radiated down my arm & affected my sleeping as it's my natural sleep-side. At my Rheumy review last October I saw an SpR who sent me to X-ray, gave me a 40mg Depo Medrone steroid injection, she also referred me to Physio. I'm pleased to say I've had no further issues. I've continued to do the exercises given when my course of physio ended.

I understand how this type of pain can be wearing so I hope one of the suggestions helps you.

[Hidden]

No ideas, but my Fibro does the exact same thing. Sorry you are going through that.. It's literally a pain, huh? =)

[sammysam1969]

Hi I have same thing and have had several steriod shots in each shoulder wich help .mine is due to the muscle inflammation caused by ra hope this helps

[Jesnaskah]

All my issues started out with shoulder pain...then shooting pain into my hand that woke me up one night.

We all really thought it was something mechanical. Even had an MRI scheduled to see if I had a pinched nerve in my neck. But in a matter of days it then spread to wrist, neck and jumped over to the other shoulder, then lower extremities!

Now there isn't a joint, big or small that isn't affected and in agonizing pain. I am still in the process with two rheumatologists trying to figure out what I have, done a ton of blood work, ruled out all viruses (Hep A, B, C, Parvo, Lyme, EBV)...Lupus seems unlikely, tests came back negative. I have high SED and CRP levels meaning high inflammation. I personally think it is PMR, but because I am only 34 they will not diagnose me as such.

I think docs are going to force me into the RA category. The only way I am coping right now with manageable pain is because I am on Prednisone, but that cant last forever and I am afraid of what is next for me.

I sincerely hope you find a doctor that will help you assess what is going on. Dont be afraid to be pushy with docs, sometimes we gotta be our own docs and demand they take us seriously!