bad pain in left shoulder and down arm.

[Ronzy]

rummy says arthritis,but I have other thought. 🤷🏽‍♂️ Aches most of the time, herts to touch, comes and goes like swollen lumps. 😵‍💫😖

[Blearyeyed]

What tests has your Rheumy done so far to diagnose Arthritis?Which type of Arthritis have they diagnosed?

Have they offered you any treatment so far?

Are you already on steroids for PMR and at which dose?

Have you been assessed for other pain conditions as well which can occur at the same time as PMR or Arthritis like Fibromyalgia or Chronic Pain Syndrome , or any mechanical issues which benefit from steroid injections at the pain site?

This information could help people give you better advice if you are happy to add it to your post or in the replies.

[piglette]

What are your other thoughts? Do painkillers help?

[Ronzy in reply to piglette]

a little,wounding about blood clot or particularly 🤷🏽‍♂️

[piglette in reply to Ronzy]

If painkillers help it is probably something other than PMR. If you are worried I would contact a doctor.

[MiloCollie]

you need to find out more. X

[sampete]

I had pain in my arm like a pulled muscle for ages, Rheumy gave me steroid injection which didn't work. Doctors sent me for x-ray turns out I need a reverse shoulder replacement.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to sampete]

Why do you need a reverse one?

[sampete in reply to DorsetLady]

Not sure I quite understand myself but apparently the ball and socket is completely worn away so they have to put a plate in so I can lift my arm and it works the opposite way to normal,at the moment can't lift it to even brush my hair properly its so painful.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to sampete]

I totally sympathise. I had mine replaced just before covid lockdown in February 2020…..and they weren’t sure whether it would be usual or reverse. Fortunately once surgeon had a look, he decided normal one would be okay…and it is, with good movement and strength…Apparently reverse operation doesn’t give as good a range of mobility..but if it gets rid of the pain then that’s more important

I do have a bit of an issue with rotator cuff that side, but it’s nothing compared to issues pre replacement.

Hope yours goes well when you have it….

[sampete in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you he did say there wouldn't be as much mobility but I can live with that if it means no pain. Do you mind me asking if there was much pain after op and time of recovery?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to sampete]

short answer -very little post op pain -but as I’ve got to be out this morning, I’ll get back to you later….

Full answer -

My Shoulder op notes – 10th February 2020

Went well – rotator cuff repaired as well as replacement. Up & awake later same day – sandwiches for tea. No real pain, although bad night on ward – not me, but others keeping me awake.

Home next day, managed to get bra on before left ward! Took Oramorph that night, but upset stomach, so didn’t take again. Shoulder stiff and arm bruised – arnica & ice packs help- but not as painful as I thought.

Dressing replaced 17th looked good – leave couple of days then remove - took off on 18th and washed hair!!!

21st changed compression socks – hurt shoulder!

25th- Sutures out, no longer need sock (hurrah) – Dr okayed.

26th – Physio happy with progress- keep doing as doing, but don’t overdo!

Paracetamol - 3 or 4 times a day depending on pain.

March

Out walking every day and in garden, shoulder improving but slowly. Following exercises given on discharge .Reduced paracetamol to twice a day.

24th – Surgeon rang – keep doing exercises, but don’t lift arm above shoulder level yet – rotator cuff repair.

Okay to drive, but because of COVID-19 lockdown, so not doing so yet.

25th – Physio rang – same message a surgeon.

From then on – followed exercises on you tube…. until able to restart Pilates in July. Still exercising shoulders daily.

2021 - A year on, although the mobility was impaired certainly initially with lack of NHS physio, feel almost 100% better, no pain in shoulder itself, although main muscle from shoulder to elbow does still “pull” a bit when stretching that arm overhead. No problem sleeping on that side.

September – December paid privately to see physio –quite a lot of improvement in mobility but still not 100%. No pain overall.

2022 –Similar situation, so requested appointment to see surgeon. 3 appointments in total and x-ray after final one. Generally, both he and I happy with replacement. No pain in shoulder per se, good mobility and strength.

Xray showed no loosening of shoulder replacement but some disruption of Rotator cuff. Surgeon advice - Can do reverse operation in future if necessary, but not considered at present time as no pain nor issue, and will not get as good mobility.

Sorry about saga ...

Couple of links might help - first about replacements in general -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk....

this re reverse surgery -roh.nhs.uk/patient-informat...

[Ronzy in reply to DorsetLady]

thanks I’ll try physio 👍👍🌹🌹

[Ronzy in reply to DorsetLady]

think I’ll have to try physio

[Ronzy in reply to sampete]

😵‍💫😱🥰

[Ronzy in reply to sampete]

🤷🏽‍♂️🌹🌹