Dislocated shoulder!: Hi .guys. Cannot believe that... - PMRGCAuk

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Dislocated shoulder!

Cinka profile image
19 Replies

Hi .guys. Cannot believe that just days before Christmas I went flying and dislocated my shoulder with a small fracture to the head of humerus. Talk about pain..

Since then my temperature has gone up slightly by 1 degree and I do feel off - colour . I will consult medics again but wondering about raising steroids .. Help, especially PMRPro and Dorset Lady .. Thank you

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Cinka profile image
Cinka
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19 Replies
SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

I think this is a case where I would increase my dose for about 2 weeks, maybe by 5 mgs and then return to your usual dose. I know that pain, having done the same thing myself falling over a suitcase arm outstretched. The pain was unbelievable. I think this injury was a factor in my subsequent PMR diagnosis. It is such a shock to the system.

I am sure our star advisors will be along shortly.

Cinka profile image
Cinka in reply to SheffieldJane

You're a star advisor yourself! I know there are many, like yourself, who have loads of knowledge.

Thank you, Sheffield Jane.

I agree with you about the pain! I'm almost afraid to go out, in case I do it again .. 😕 xx

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply to SheffieldJane

I believe my broken leg was the final straw which led to PMR.

Marilyn1959 profile image
Marilyn1959

Hi Cinka. You have my sympathy. I had replacement numerous bone on Christmas day last year! I know the pain you describe. What is your treatment plan?

Cinka profile image
Cinka in reply to Marilyn1959

Thamks for rep!ying, Marilyn. Just a sling and painkillers at the moment, plus a few exercises for lower arm. Sling slips and slides, unfortunately ..

Have to go back for X-ray in 2 weeks to make sure everything still in place! - then if all OK. start on physio to include shoulder.

Don't know why I have a low-grade temperature. tho' .. 😮

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply to Cinka

Can you get the sling adjusted? Sounds like it's not fitting properly. Bone must be kept in right position.

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply to Cinka

I wonder if the healing process around the fracture leads to a slight increase in body temperature? If it rises more I'd seek medical help right away, but probably just a sign the body is doing what it's supposed to if it doesn't go up any more and is back to normal in a day or so. I remember when my leg was broken, the bone wasn't displaced at all. Nevertheless within a few hours my leg had swollen to twice its normal size, and I read later that this is a natural mechanism to help stabilize the fractured area - a kind of natural cast if you will. I didn't take my temperature at the time but I would be surprised if it hadn't gone up.

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply to Cinka

Reading more about this. I think the inflammatory response to an injury is actually beneficial so if there is no particular increase in PMR symptoms probably best just to leave the pred at current level, for now at any rate. Time to reassess in a few days, or if you notice PMR is actually flaring. Rest, rest, rest, and drink plenty of fluids and eat protein-rich foods!

Cinka profile image
Cinka in reply to HeronNS

Thank you for your responses and the information.. I will keep a eye on things and follow your advice. 😊

Marilyn1959 profile image
Marilyn1959 in reply to Cinka

If your sling is just thin off white fabric type it will slip and slide. I was given arm immobiliser as pictured in first example on link PMRpro has posted. This was much better, though strap needed adjustment on occasions as it affected my neck and shoulder blades. I think hospital increased my pred for a few days, but I was having it intravenously so unaware of dosage before op. Post op went back to normal dose tablet form.

If you still have temperature on Monday I would advise you try to get emergency appointment to check it out in case of infection.

Cinka profile image
Cinka in reply to Marilyn1959

It is an immobilser but I have similar problems to you and it doesn't keep my arm in the same position so I'm constantly adjusting ..

I will get more advice if temp. doesn't settle.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

It has been found that a fall can actually trigger a flare so keep a close eye out and don't ignore any signs of a flare.

What sort of sling have you got? It is essential that it fits properly and supports the damaged area in the right way. Most hospitals these days use the sort labeled Arm Immobiliser here:

djoglobal.eu/cf_core/servic...

Marilyn1959 profile image
Marilyn1959 in reply to PMRpro

I had the arm immobiliser given to me in hospital as in the first example on link.

Cinka profile image
Cinka in reply to PMRpro

I do have the arm immobiser but it doesn't adequately function as such..

The A&E nurse said I might have to adjust my arm into the sling if slips which is not ideal. I did wonder whether the trauma of it all could affect my temperature .. Will increase pred if things don't settle in a day or two.

I will check your link. Many thanks.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Cinka

In my experience they should work well if the right size and adjusted correctly - I know it is a pain (pun NOT intended) but it may be worth going back and asking if there is something not right with it.

Cinka profile image
Cinka in reply to PMRpro

Thank you! Sounds like a plan!

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

I would stick to paracetamol first for the pain from the fracture (and the temperature) - Pred is not a painkiller per se, but a small increase might help with the inflammation caused.

But do be aware that the whole episode could cause a flare so be prepared to up Pred if PMR aches & symptoms occur.

Cinka profile image
Cinka in reply to DorsetLady

Thank you, Dorset Lady - I will keep an eye on things and may increase slightly.

Cinka profile image
Cinka

Thank you, everyone, for your responses to my dilemma ..

The advice and info you have all given has been really helpful. 😊

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