Impingement….

[Sjhoney]

Hi all, I’ve been getting shoulder pain for several months now and have finally been given an almost diagnosis of impingement.

Has anyone had experience of this condition and what was the outcome?

Ta 🥰

[springcross]

Hi, yes I have. It was diagnosed in 2019 but I'd had it for a good year previously. I didn't mention it to the GP until I started getting the RA symptoms and whilst waiting for my first rheumatology appointment, the GP decided to get an X-ray done and that was when it was confirmed. The rheumatologist referred me to their physiotherapist who gave me exercises to do which helped greatly, as until then it had been a real nightmare and was so restrictive. My hubby was diagnosed with it too a few months ago and he had exactly the same symptoms as me but not quite as bad (probably because he'd not had it so long). He was given similar exercises to me and it has helped him a lot too. Good luck with yours.

[Sjhoney in reply to springcross]

That’s good to hear that exercises helped. I’m finding it unbearable at night, just can’t get comfortable. Did you take any pain relief?

[springcross in reply to Sjhoney]

No but only because my stomach is super-sensitive so I only do that if I get really desperate and fortunately, that hasn't happened with my shoulder. What has your GP recommended you do? Is he referring you for physio?

[Sjhoney in reply to springcross]

He’s referring me for an X-ray to rule out osteoarthritis then I can have steroid injections and physio.Things seem to take ages just now with the covid stuff going on 🙄

[springcross in reply to Sjhoney]

Yes, it's really frustrating isn't it. I rang to get a telephone appointment with the GP before Christmas as I hadn't been feeling well for a while and was met by a recorded announcement telling people not to ring for a fortnight unless it was an emergency! I was gobsmacked! 😮

I forgot to say that I have it in my left shoulder joint now (undiagnosed but the same as the right one) but when it gets bad, I do the exercises and it seems to help a lot.

[Sjhoney in reply to springcross]

I’ve been on holiday and was told by my dr that if there was no improvement I should arrange a face to face appt on my return. Easier said than done! Trying to get past intransigent receptionists is so frustrating. I managed to get a phone consultation and saw a gp this afternoon.

A step in the right direction hopefully!

[springcross in reply to Sjhoney]

I hope you don't have to wait too long for the X-ray although you may have to wait a little longer for the physio (or maybe not). Good luck with it anyway. 🤞

[Sjhoney in reply to springcross]

Thanks 🥰

[springcross in reply to Sjhoney]

👍 x

[Esmereld]

Bob and Brad have an interesting video on YouTube about shoulder impingement. Might be an interesting few minutes. I really like their videos. They explain things so even an eejit like me can understand. 🤦‍♀️

[Craighead]

Hi I get steroid injections for my shoulders. I feel for you the pain is so intense. I can't move my arms from my sides, need help to g

[Craighead in reply to Craighead]

Get dressed. Sending you a hug 🤗

[Craighead in reply to Craighead]

👍

[Sjhoney in reply to Craighead]

My arms feel like they’re in a vice during the night.

[Craighead in reply to Sjhoney]

I really feel for you. 🤗

[Sheila_G]

Yes. I had impingement a few years ago now. I was given exercises to do and an elasticated band (can't remember the name of it) to do exercises with to strengthen the shoulder. This band is also attached to a door handle for some exercises. I found them very useful and within a month I was fine. I do still have shoulder problems now and again but I still have the band and exercises so try to keep on top of it. Good luck.

[Mrs-A]

Hi,

I had impingements in both shoulders (left in 2012 and right in 2017), and due to my diabetes I also had frozen shoulder. It was so painful both times! 😖

To cut a long story short, I had to have keyhole surgery on both shoulder. It's called a subacromial decompression, I also had a capsular release for the frozen shoulder both times.

The results were excellent and it was a very short recovery that wasn't too bad. I was driving after less than a week.

I hope you soon get a confirmed diagnosis, and a treatment that sorts it out 🤞🏻

[Sjhoney in reply to Mrs-A]

Thank you, it can’t come quick enough 😳

[Fruitandnutcase]

Yes, I had that last year. Eventually as soon as things started to open up I paid to see a private physio who did a lot of deep massage and gave me exercises that I did faithfully. I went to her for ten sessions then stopped and carried on with the exercises myself. It took a long time then I realised I could do most of the things I had been unable to do. It’s more or less ok now, I still can’t do a couple of movements we do in Pilates - almost but not quite there but at least I’ve got good movement, I can fasten and unfasten my bra behind my back again and it doesn’t hurt every time I move my arm so good physio should make a difference to you.

[Peterrabbits]

I saw a registrar , a junior rheumatologist . He said I had impingement due to some sort of strenuous manoeuvre perhaps . I’ve been working hard all my life in a very physical job , never had a problem . 3 months of pain later I saw a senior specialist , she said straight away that’s due to my PSA , not impingement at all . So beware . It did ease with time , just gave up on that left arm , let it just be . Now the other arm is threatening to start hurting !

[Sjhoney in reply to Peterrabbits]

I had this years ago before my RA was diagnosed, consultant said it was polymyalgia! I had steroid shots in both shoulders and it went away. It’s been so frustrating trying to get an answer and feeling like I’m being passed from pillar to post 🙄

[Peterrabbits in reply to Sjhoney]

Rarely mentioned by rheumatologists is diet . I cut out all the usual suspects and according to my blood tests it’s working !

[Sjhoney in reply to Peterrabbits]

What are the usual suspects? I’m thinking it’s probs my favourite things 🤔😄

[Tkat10]

mrs a was very lucky to have such a swift recovery, I had my left shoulder decompressed and I took about 3 months before driving was possible. Then about 18 months before I could sleep on that side again. Don’t get me wrong the pain and problems even after physio, acupuncture and medication meant it was a necessity but be aware that as ra patients we take time to heal, longer than non ra people as the numerous surgeons have pointed out(generally with a shudder which is very not like surgeons who like to carry out surgery).

[Peterrabbits]

Had a steroid injection in shoulder paid privately, didn’t do much at all . Waste of time . Same with the TMJ problem , my jaw seized almost shut . When I asked specialist what they could do the answer was basically nothing really , so I just let it be . It eased a bit after 2 months . Use an ice pack directly on the joint . It will bring down inflammation . They wanted to do a big facial x ray , what for ? To see , to see what ? That I have an inflamed TMj due to psa .

I don’t bother getting another dose of radiation straight through my head to see what I already knew . Doc agreed . Watch and wait and follow up appt

[nomoreheels]

It seems to quite common but I’m sorry you're being troubled by it. RD is a giver that's for sure. Anyway, I was referred to physio initially, 6 rounds I think, which really helped. I was given exercises to do at home which I didn’t find nearly as effective. My GP prescribed gabapentin initially, working up to top dose but they didn't help so changed to pregabalin which has. I've also had steroid injections, both front & back, which worked for a good while.

What I found most helpful was when we had a van shunt into the back of our car. The physio appointed by the insurance company was excellent & the addition of acupuncture did the power of good. Just wish I could afford to see him regularly!

I think the next time mine really has a go I might ask what else can be done, or if I could be referred again, maybe for acupuncture if it's an option. I hope whatever treatment plan you receive helps for you.

[wishbone]

Don't know what's wrong with my shoulders, but I've had problems for several years, usually with both shoulders together but sometimes just with one. When flaring I can't put any pressure on them or even lie on my side. I even have problems laying on the oppisite side if just one shoulder is playing up as it can still be too painful. Think it must be related to my RA as having it better controlled does help though the problem is always there. I also have some scrunching (for want of a better word) in the one shoulder with certain postures. I have mentioned it to reumy a couple of times but don't get much of a response.

[Sjhoney in reply to wishbone]

I’m finding it pretty unbearable at the moment tbh. I’m just not getting much sleep. I’m going to call the dr again tomorrow as I can’t wait for an X-ray, I’m in so much pain! What part of that don’t they understand??

[wishbone in reply to Sjhoney]

I bet you're finding it unbearable! Thankfully my shoulders have eased this past few weeks after a painful flare that lasted a month or so. They are still uncomfortable to lie on and I try to sleep upright with one of those horseshoe shaped pillows around my neck to help keep the pressure off.

Hope you get to the bottom of it and also some relief soon.

[Sjhoney in reply to wishbone]

Thank you x

[KittyJ]

I think it depends what the impingement is. I had a bone spur removed from my shoulder as it was stopping me lifting my arm and was agony. Physio didn’t work. This was a long time ago now and keyhole surgery wasn’t available then so it was a much longer recovery but I got most of the movement back and much less pain. I hope the physio helps you.

[Sjhoney in reply to KittyJ]

The thing is I’ve had this pain for at least 6mths, and all they do is dish out steroids. It’s me that’s asking for it to be investigated. I should have been more forceful at the dr, but it’s hard when you’re not feeling completely yourself and vulnerable. I love going to bed bit I dread it now as I know I’m going to be in pain.

[KittyJ in reply to Sjhoney]

It took a long time for me to get a diagnosis, I was pushed from pillar to post and back. I know it’s not an easy thing to do but do keep on at them because I know how painful it can be and that affects your whole life not just when you try to use your arm. It’s sad that we have to be so pushy and even worse now because of Covid, 🤞🏻 You get this sorted soon.

[Sjhoney in reply to KittyJ]

So true. The fact that I’m not sleeping affects me during the day. Chronic pain is the worst x

[KittyJ in reply to Sjhoney]

🤗x

[Sjhoney in reply to KittyJ]

I took an amitriptyline last night and it helped hugely with sleep 👍🥰

[KittyJ in reply to Sjhoney]

That’s great news 😊

[LauraJM]

I had this about a year ago and my Rheumatologist injected steroid into my shoulder with almost instantaneous relief from it. It's now so good that my granddaughter can fall asleep on that shoulder. The exercises eased the pain but didn't cure it - I would highly recommend the steroid injection as the best way of getting rid of it.

[Sjhoney in reply to LauraJM]

I was offered a steroid injection but I’m on antibiotics at the moment for a dental abscess 🙄. I’ve had it before and it was brilliant 👍