Shoulder impingement & frozen Shoulder

[Woodsey1]

Hi all I really need advice . Went for guided steroid injection injection today . Was told I have rotary cuff impingement, severe inflammation & frozen shoulder. I thought I only had PMR which is bad enough, has anyone else been diagnosed with all this . Would love to hear from anyone out there suffering the same . I am beside myself at the moment with numbness & pain in my leg due to my back. Had a mri which my consultant is not happy with so have to have another one next week. My dr says I must keep my stress level down HOW. Sorry for moaning . Xx

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Yes!...but it wasn’t, turned out to be GCA....not implying yours is, but just make sure if other shoulder starts to play up, query it.

[MrsNails]

That’s where l came in 6 months before I developed PMR & had one completely Locked Down Shoulder 🤦🏻 I was in agony.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Frozen shoulder is often diagnosed in people who really have PMR.

Sometimes they really do live in cloud cuckoo land - keep your stress levels down my foot ...

[Kra59]

Mine all started with a diagnosis of frozen shoulder from a physio. A doubting GP called for blood tests as the pain was bilateral and put me on prednisolone. I have no doubt though that you could have both. It becomes easy to blame all pain on PMR. Also easy for the doc to say don't stress when you have different diagnoses, pain and procedures going on. Take care.

[Croft9232]

Yes me too! Rotator Cuff problems for a couple of years, also Calcific Tendonitis which is extremely painful.. I have had numerous steroid injections in both shoulders, but since the onset of PMR May 2019 haven’t. Tendonitis if I am correct is a common complaint anyway with PMR as is Piriformis Syndrome which I also suffer with. Hang in there as we say and know you are not alone x. Currently sat on a warm Wheatie for the pain in my bum!Margaret.

[Lizwillis]

Yes, me too! Now more than a couple of years ago, can’t remember how long! The rheumatologist sent me for scans and have had appointments with two shoulder specialists as both shoulder impingements also have torn tendons, oddly the one with the worst tear is much more easily flexible and fortunately it is my right one being right handed that is extremely lucky.

I really didn’t fancy any of the operations that were being suggested plus the incredibly long recuperation time, as having had a hip operation ( which has left me with one leg nearly two centimetres longer than the other one, the physiotherapist I had was quite horrible to me afterwards saying it wasn’t possible, well, it was and is and was admitted by the surgeon, saying it was the smallest one he had on the shelf! Wonderful!) . Also just before the op I had managed to get down to 5 mgs of Pred and was feeling quite good. Nobody suggested I upped the dose before the op, though I mentioned being on Pred to the anaesthetist so he have me an extra injection. However, everything went downhill after that, so that I was eventually back up to 20 mgs and not doing very well!

So, when I was supposed to decide about having a shoulder op, along came Covid! So I am managing and have had help with some pain patches, after going through extreme continuous shoulder pain night and day for six weeks last June. Physio didn’t help, a TENS a machine didn’t help nor a Shiatsu massage machine. So I am living with it and trying not to make matters worse.

I’m not sure if Pred makes things difficult for tendons and also the bone growths around these joints. I expect PMRpro will know. Anyway, I have been on Pred now for nearly 6 years so it probably doesn’t help. So, basically I understand how you feel and sympathise.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lizwillis]

It doesn't do tendons any good, makes them a bit delicate so not a good idea to be over-strenuous. If you have a history of quinolone antibiotic treatment - and even worse if a doctor ignores the guidelines and gives them to you alongside steroids - then that can result in tendonitis, especially in the achilles, and that needs great care. (Quinolone abx names all end in -floxacin, such a ciprofloxacin)

[Lizwillis in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you PMRpro, I knew you would know about it all. I certainly haven’t been at all over strenuous! I was told by one of the shoulder surgeons that often builders and farmers get this and only come to home when the tendons are completely gone! All very scary.

Interesting about antibiotics as I have , unfortunately been on a number in very recent times because of diverticulitis flare ups. Think they were something with flaxin at the end . Again, can’t remember what they were called. But certainly had them too many times, but because of the diverticulitis needed them. I shall watch out for tendinitis in the Achilles, although currently not doing very much in the way exercise.

Having read the piece the other day, too, on Sjögren syndrome I rather think I have that too with extremely dry mouth, swollen tongue etc etc and the eye problems. Also now having lots of dental appointments because of decay in lots of teeth. It is never ending! One thing after another to try and deal with! However I have now got down to 7 mgs of Pred and am having another go at cutting out sugar ( Mrs Nails report on how she has done this was very good) as, of course I now have steroid induced Diabetes.

Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and knowledge.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lizwillis]

You can get lozenges called Xylimelts which will help the dry mouth:

xylimelts.co.uk/

and of course - dry mouth contributes to poor oral health

[Lizwillis in reply to PMRpro]

Indeed, I am now realising that this dry mouth is and has been causing all sorts of oral health problems.

Thank you for this. It sounds rather like the Xylimelts have Xylitol in them. My dentist recommended using sugar free chewing gum to increase saliva and I found a firm in Hampshire that sells these with Xylitol and how good it is. Will definitely look at what you suggest. Thank you again.

[Lizwillis in reply to Lizwillis]

Just been investigating them and they seem brilliant! Thank you so much.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lizwillis]

Easier than chewing gum all the time - they just sit there

[Lizwillis in reply to PMRpro]

Exactly! Apparently helps with reflux for some people too which would be another bonus!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Lizwillis]

Had never noticed that

[Lizwillis in reply to PMRpro]

When researching them earlier I saw that a study had been done when people had found that their reflux had been much better since using the Xylimelts, but of course now can’t find it!

[Woodsey1 in reply to Lizwillis]

Thanks so much for your reply. I am sorry to hear you have been suffering so long. What type of pain patches have you been given . The doctor just ups the strength of my co-codamal which makes me feel drowsy. I’m sure he didn’t believe the pain I was in. It’s daft but in one way I was pleased when the radiologist gave the injection &scan results . At least people might believe how I feel. I’m sick of people saying you look well . As if I am putting it on . I know a lot of you out there with PMR & associated pain must feel the same. Thanks again

[Lizwillis in reply to Woodsey1]

I haven’t been given the patches, but a pain specialist I am consulting with has been marvellous and they are very expensive as I think they come from the USA, so I buy them from her when I need them. I know exactly what you mean when people think you look well and don’t believe how you feel.

The patches are made by Lifewave and they are in fact based in County Galway in Ireland. You may like to look them up and they do different ones for different things.

[Woodsey1 in reply to Lizwillis]

Thank you xx

[Esradral in reply to Lizwillis]

Hi, I too suffered shoulder impingement about 10 years ago. First of all the throbbing, pins & needles and acute pain was associated with all the house bashing I had been doing (self diagnosed). I was unable to move my shoulder without extreme pain, however if I kept my elbow glued to my side I could manage some use. Thinking I had over done it and strained myself in some way, I thought pain relief and anti inflammatory tablets along with heat and ice sources applied including rest would eventually sort out the problem.This of course did not happen, so I went to see a chiropractor (highly NOT recommended without prior X-ray and MRI) he decided I had a (excuse the spelling) supersplinatous tendinitis (inflammation of the tendon). I then saw him 3 times a week at a charge of course, he pulled, pushed, prodded, yanked at my extremely painful 😖 shoulder (no pain no gain is my belief) for 3 months upon which I suffered extreme pain reaction. I finally gave in and made an appointment with a doctor who gave me a cortisone jab which had no effect what so ever, while I waited for a referral to a consultant. About 6 months later I paid to see one as I couldn’t stand the lack of sleep due to pain. Initially he said the same as the chiropractor on first examination, but X-ray and MRI proved that I had sprouted (very common) bone spurs in my shoulder which had impinged on my tendon, passing right through it. His response was , “you will never be out of pain and there was no option but to have the operation.”

I can’t deny the operation was extremely painful and wearing a sling that strapped my arm to my body for 6 weeks was uncomfortable (to stop movement) and the following physio for 12 months to get it moving again was quite cruel but essential. I received most of my movement back but a little limited, however that is a small price to pay for the pain relief I now had.

On my last appointment with him before being discharged he asked how my other shoulder was feeling as it is common to get it in both shoulders and at the time it was fine and I didn’t believe for a second this would be the case.

Two years later “de ja vu” same pain symptoms, straight to the physio who looked after my other shoulder, she put me through a range of movements and agreed it was highly likely I had the same issue. I paid to see same consultant and seen in within the week, he agreed and sent me straight for X-ray and MRI. He then gave me a cortisone injection (extremely painful) into the joint, 24 hrs later I was pain free like magic. X-ray and MRI confirmed the spurs and impingement on the tendon again. Booked in for operation 6 weeks later and by then had a 95% tear of the tendon due to being able to move my arm, the spurs acting like a saw, if I had been left in pain and looked after it with limited movement I wouldn’t have done so much damage. Hindsight comes to mind there. The same long intensive physio prevailed and finally I am sorted. There is the chance however that more spurs can grow and effect the same damage, so far so good. The Fibromyalgia and now PMR pain is different, that I am well aware of. The moral of this story, cover all angles and see consultants for a proper diagnosis.

[Lizwillis in reply to Esradral]

I am sorry to hear of all the trauma you went through but that by biting the bullet and having the operation on both shoulders you have largely sorted it all out. Yes, I have seen two shoulder surgeons for a proper diagnosis and had scans on both shoulders. I think I said, I am reluctant to have more operations at the moment, and doubt I would get one anyway, currently, due to the resultant issues after my hip operation and PMR getting bad again. Maybe in another year or so I might be brave and get the worst one done. I know Dorset Lady has had these done and she seems fine now.

[Woodsey1 in reply to Esradral]

Hi Thankyou for all the information . You poor thing you have been through so much. The steroid injection I had is not working as yet I’m still keeping my fingers crossed although he said he didn’t think it would work. I have to wait till I see my rheumatologist to find out what next . I am having pain in my other shoulder but not to bad . Think it’s the PMR . Thank you again xx

[salparadise127]

I had not surgery, but Manipulation under Anesthesia for my frozen shoulder; they put you under, then snap, crackle and pop the shoulder parts, then inject cortizone. I felt better for weeks until the cortizone wore off, then minor pain returned and I was diagnosed with PMR and put on prednisone. Its been tolerable since.

[pegpowell in reply to salparadise127]

I had a knot below my right shoulder several months before PMR diagnosis. Eventually the knot became a torn rotator cuff. An orthopedic surgeon gave me a steroid shot and it healed. About a year later I over exerted and injured it but, with lots rest, it healed again.

[Androg]

I am in the US & had one frozen shoulder with terrible pain (my PMR pain was basically under control, with flares on occasion). I was diagnosed & treated with a steroid shot in that shoulder, then followed up with appropriate gentle shoulder physical therapy, which got the pain gone & range of motion back to 80%.Then a couple months later I developed a frozen other shoulder!! Again, went to my Ortho doc, got another shot & expected the same, fairly quick pain relief... But this time it took nearly 10-12 days before some pain came. It was a slower process & this time I did my therapy at home. The shoulder is now pain free (and my pain levels were off the charts!) But range of motion is a bit less than the other, at 74%. I am 66 & have had PMR on Prednisone for nearly 6 years at the time I had my frozen shoulders.

[Woodsey1 in reply to Androg]

Thank you for posting it’s nice to hear how others cope with all this as well as PMR which is so unpredictable. I have a second MRI within 4 week on my back to deal with now as severe pain in back & leg to contend with as well. Sorry for all the moaning . I feel like I am falling apart ha ha . Hope you continue to be pain free. Take care xx

[Androg in reply to Woodsey1]

We sound in similar predicaments! I just had an MRI last week on my right knee, which had been giving me trouble since late Dec, but they passed it off as gout (which it wasn't), then osteoarthritis, which I have but this was sharp pain. The results were two meniscus tears, one medial & one lateral ☹️. I see an orthopedic doctor next week so the saga continues.I do hope you find some relief, it sure is difficult living in pain and, as you said, feeling like we are falling apart!!

I know it isn't much, but just knowing we are not alone in all this helps. Hugs & sending loving vibes to you today 💓

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Androg]

It never ceases to amaze me how some doctors think they can see through skin and bone! All these technical advances with imaging ignored ...

[Woodsey1 in reply to PMRpro]

So true xx

[Woodsey1 in reply to Androg]

That’s so true not feeling alone . This forum is a life saver. Hugs right back to you xx

[Moness]

Hard luck! I have the same sort of ailment and had a cortisone injection in my shoulder the other week. Now waiting for physio. My shoulder problem has been bothering me for years, nothing to do with pmr. I thought being on steroids would have helped. I wonder if acupuncture would do the trick? It’s my right arm too so a real nuisance but gives me an excuse not to do much cleaning or ironing! Hope yours starts to improve soon.

[Woodsey1 in reply to Moness]

My goodness I can’t believe how many of us have the same type of problem. Your right the only plus side NO ironing which I hate ha ha. Hope you get on ok with physio & it helps . If you try acupuncture and get any relief please let me know . X