sorry long post:
Hi everyone, this post is not really a PMR/GCA issue although I do have PMR.
You are such a supportive group I’m wondering whether anyone else has gone through what I’m currently going through. Just over 4 weeks ago I had extensive arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery (using a nerve block and sedation). My shoulder was so bad and was never going to heal by itself I decided to go ahead with the surgery. I was in hospital as a day patient. It was obviously very painful post surgery but I was coping until my stitches were removed two weeks post surgery. I woke the following morning to find that I had had a major leakage of fluid from the site of one of the incisions. I had to return to the hospital to see my consultant. Suddenly I was experiencing far more pain and stiffness than prior to the leakage. I have been back to the hospital regularly and the wound did appear to be healing ok. However last Sunday I noticed that one of the other incision sites was looking a bit inflamed. Last Monday I had my regular monthly PMR blood tests. On Tuesday my blood results came back with extremely high readings. My ESR was 63(normally 9) and my CRP was 106 (normally 1). My Gp surgery were alarmed and I was called in. My shoulder was becoming extremely inflamed so I had another visit to my consultant who put me on antibiotics. To cut a long story short the shoulder got much worse to the point where I had to have it drained last night. (The worst pain I’ve ever experienced!). I was back at the hospital this morning to be checked and I’m now on Penicillin 4 times a day in addition to the other antibiotic. Add steroids, diabetic drugs and pain relief into the mix and I’m taking 34 pills. Some need to be taken with food the antibiotics 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. There’s not enough hours in the day! I’m seeing my consultant again next Monday when he will decide whether I need to have more surgery to see if I have a deep infection, this time with a general anaesthetic and possibly a 2 night stay. I knew there were risks with the surgery compounded by being a diabetic and on steroids but I really had no choice as my shoulder was deteriorating badly. So far I’ve managed to stay on my pre op. dose of 8.5 mg Prednisolone per day.
If you’ve got this far with my post thank you. I’m not looking for sympathy as we all have our crosses to bear (although a virtual hug would be nice🤗). I just wondered whether any of you have been through this and can offer me any advice. Thanks, Tiggy70 x
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