Any idea?

[polymy]

Sorry everyone. I don’t know what happened there. Anyway I had another appointment with the shoulder consultant regarding the huge bursa that was drained a few weeks ago. Under ultrasound it showed it had filled up as big as ever. I see the rheumatologist in 3 weeks so he said he wouldn’t drain it again because she would want to send a sample to the lab. I asked what could possibly be in the fluid and I couldn’t get a proper answer from him. What might be in it? I am on 2.5mg pred. Bursa is swollen on the other shoulder as well. I am in such awful pain with it all.

Liz.

[SheffieldJane]

What a hideous sounding condition, poor you. I expect they want to find out whether the bursa has become chronically infected and may need to be removed. I don’t expect your Rheumatologist really knew how to answer you and didn’t want to spread unnecessary alarm. Like you I’d rather know what I’m up against. I wonder if your immune system is still compromised, allowing this infection to reoccur? You must feel so brought down with this, I hope they can sort it soon. 💐

[polymy in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you SJ. When he drained it last time it looked like a clear viscous fluid with some reddish orange colouring at the top. I think my PMR is doing fine on the 2.5mg. Maybe my adrenals are lagging behind. I would rather know what they might be looking for in the fluid but he wouldn’t commit himself.

Liz.

[SheffieldJane in reply to polymy]

Do you worry about cancer? Just ask straight out, I would. Shoulder pain makes you so weary. I hope you’ve got decent painkillers. I would doze this one away I think.

[polymy in reply to SheffieldJane]

To be honest SJ I have never given Cancer a thought. It would be a bit unusual to have cancer in both shoulders I think. Will ask the rheumatologist when I see her on the 24th. I wondered if he may be thinking RA?? Would that show up in a joint effusion? I have painkillers , tramadol and paracetamol. They help the general aching but of course it’s movement that causes most pain. So many things I can’t do.

[SheffieldJane in reply to polymy]

I agree that would be very odd. However, it is an unspoken fear in a lot of us when we have unusual symptoms. So I thought I’d get it out there. I did a brief search and just found the operation if this carries on.

[polymy in reply to SheffieldJane]

thank you SJ. It’s good to know there may be an op that could help. Sleeping is a problem. I can’t lie on either side and have never slept on my back.

[Rugger in reply to polymy]

You have my sympathies and I hope they can do something to help the pain and swelling.

My PMR flared a year ago as bursitis in both hips and shoulder joints. My hips recovered with an increase in pred, but my right shoulder has never been right!

I, too can't do so many things and have to lie on my back in bed, which isn't my chosen way of sleeping. I'm waiting for a rheumy appointment to see what they suggest - maybe a steroid injection into the joint?

Let us know how you get on.

[polymy in reply to Rugger]

I will let you know Rugger. I had a steroid injection into both shoulders but it hasn’t helped. My fear is that I will have this problem forever. I wonder if the steroids have caused it?? Maybe the pmr itself.

[TooSore]

I had my knee drained by an orthopedic just before seeing my Rheumatologist early on. He was very interested and asked if the fluid was sent for testing (it wasn't). He was asking about crystals in the fluid and said if they drain it again he wanted it tested. He wanted to rule out pseudo gout if I remember right. He also looked at my knee with an ultrasound but couldn't see anything.

Good luck. Maybe call and see if you can be seen earlier. When you are in pain, a few weeks is a long wait!

[polymy in reply to TooSore]

Hi tooSore,

That is very helpful thank you. My shoulders have been xrayed and ultrasound too. That was how the huge bursa was discovered. Have quite extensive OA in the joint too. I have been in pain since February as it has taken so long to be triaged and then passed around from pillar to post. Thank you for responding.

Liz.

[TooSore in reply to polymy]

Can they drain it like they did my knee? It sounded and looked scarier than it felt. Easier than a cortisone shot.

[polymy in reply to TooSore]

It has been drained once but in a matter of a few weeks it has filled up again.

Liz.