Hi :)
Coming to the end of the frozen shoulder saga I think. The freezing went - but the pain didn't, so a couple of weeks ago I had surgery. They did a subacromial decompression and a bursectomy and found arthritis grade 3 in the centre and some more minor arthritis elsewhere.
The arthritis hadn't shown up in a scan I had. There was also general nflammation - but hey - SjS can do that.
Due to start physiotherapy later this week. I already have a much better range of movement and less pain but I am wondering whether it will ever be painless. If it has arthritis - it is liable to keep hurting - isn't it?
It IS better than it was though so I feel it was worth doing it.
Anyone any opinions on shoulder arthritis?
Thanks - Scottie :)
My orthopedist tells me the only option left for me is a shoulder replacement.
I know that is a very difficult and rare surgery, and I don't want it at all.
If I have the right combination of medications (my beloved Cymbalta worked perfectly, but isn't good for me now) I don't have so much pain. But I cannot reach behind me for anything, and I can hear both shoulders as they rub bone on bone and sometimes seem to slip out of alignment.
My knees are the same. I will probably risk the knee replacement, tho' with my neuropathy I cannot imagine how I can do the rehab properly? I wear leg/foot braces so that I can walk, and standing in the braces creates stress on my knees, I can hear and feel them slide and crunch. I guess I say 'ouch' a lot!
I got through simple back surgery last year, which I never thought I would need or be willing to try.
So I guess I can 'never say never'!
In 2003 I had surgery to remove a bone spur that impinged on my rotator cuff. It was arthroscopic since the rotator cuff hadn't been torn, and it went so well.
I had hoped that was the problem now...but of course it isn't. The joints in my shoulders are beyond any sort of simple intervention.
Scottie, I wish you the very best. I'm already so limited in what I do, so I only exercise in the pool and on the Nu-Step in the machine room. I am 75, and nearing my absolute 'sell by date'!
But I haven't given up at all, really.
I'll probably address my knees first....maybe in 2018?
Regards, Elaine
I had total shoulder replacement a couple of years ago. It was painful, but controlled pretty well by meds. I now have full range of motion. The most important things are to use a surgeon who specializes in shoulders, not just a general Orthopedic. And also to really push yourself in PT. Knee and hip are next.
Thanks, Jenny. Wow, you had shoulder replacement surgery....... and survived to be optimistic about it.
I do well in PT and know how to push through pain, so I AM encouraged.
I'll check to find shoulder replacement orthopedists, I guess. As long as I have the pain controlled, I will wait, of course.
I do have 'full range of motion' but with pain. Does that count?
Regards, Elaine