Anaemic

[ShirleyAb]

PMR diagnosed September 2017. Apart from the finding that suggested it was PMR, blood tests were normal. Started on 15 mg. daily, now 3 mg.

Left shoulder due for replacement at end of April - MRI scan shows "complete rupture of supra spinatus with type IV muscle atrophy. There is also significant glenohumeral arthritis". Prior to PMR was unaware of anything amiss and no idea I had damaged anything. Pre-op blood test showed I was Anaemic and have had an iron infusion.

Any tips on coping with shoulder replacement would be very welcome - dressing concerns me.

This forum is so helpful and makes the PMR journey much less scary - Thank You!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Pleasure - but sorry, shoulder replacements are way out of my realm!!!! Someone has had major shoulder surgery recently though - I'm sure she'll comment.

[Yellowbluebell in reply to PMRpro]

That's could be me!! Had mine done after 8 operations to try and resolve some major issues with right shoulder. The operation itself is straight forward. You will need some serious pain relief afterwards because the shoulder joint doesnt have a great blood supply can be really painful. You will be in a sling with a waist strap probably and I would recommend not trying to get your arm into sleeves for the first couple of weeks and dress over it instead. After the first couple of weeks always dress your injured side first. Remember to take pain meds regularly and do the basic physio you are set till you are given the ok to do more. If you need any more info just PM me and I will be willing to help if I can. Good luckx

[ShirleyAb in reply to Yellowbluebell]

Thank you so much for your useful comments. I had not thought of avoiding sleeves at first - a good idea that I will heed. Thank You.

[Yellowbluebell in reply to ShirleyAb]

It's a case of making things as easy for yourself as possible. After each of the many surgeries I learnt something new that helped.avoid pain and stress. Just take things easy and you will be ok.

[ShirleyAb in reply to Yellowbluebell]

Thank you. Very reassuring.

[ShirleyAb in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for your speedy reply, and Yellowbluebell has come up with some good comments. Thank you for all your many helpful writings re PMR and Prednisolone which I have most useful. Hope you are feeling better.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to ShirleyAb]

Forgot to say - if you google it you should find some videos online with ways of dressing after shoulder surgery. I found some when Marilyn(?) had her surgery - here's an example:

youtube.com/watch?v=FQ3wneK...(Not working as expected?)

You should get help from the OT dept at the hospital too.

[ShirleyAb in reply to PMRpro]

What a star! Excellent video, I am gradually getting my pred addled brain round this. Thank You.