Rotator Cuff problem

[kcsunshine]

What can i do for rotator cuff? Went to dr. today and got a shot but she says it might be torn. Gave me script for NSAID and made appointment for therapy sessions. It hurts worse now than when I went. Can't dress myself, hubby had a time just trying to get deod. under that arm that wouldn't move. If I can get layed down in a certain position, it eases off but darn, the dishes need washed, the chickens need put up (he has been helping with the chicks and cooking, but dishes are not his thing (unless we run out). I need some sympathy here............

 

[cjparker]

I know justhow you feel! I tore my rotator cuff when I was managing a convenience store....moving 18 packs of beer. I couldn't move my right arm hardly at all without experiencing excruciating pain. The worst part was that I had a stick shift car at the time and drove a lengthy winding road to work each day.

Lots of doctors want to repair the rotator cuff surgically but I decided to wait a while. The cuff healed eventually, but it took a few months! One thing I learned is that the shoulder can "freeze" and need surgery anyway, if you don't maintain some sort of range of motion. So I did what I could to keep moving, but never tried to lift my arm above waist level. You might want to talk to a physical therapist about your options.

I doubt that helps any for your situation, just wanted to commiserate.

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

oh no!!! sorry.. i know its terribly painful.

here's my funny shoulder story:

my little niece was helping me throw the ball for the dog and she winged it really hard. not to be outdone by a 12 year old i did the same thing. i ended up on the couch in terrible pain, crying for 3 days... dr gave me the same NSAID. they told me the same thing but that it was 'impinged' not sure if its the same as yours. i couldnt even lift my arm up even to my shoulder. it was horrible.

so it looked like surgery was the only option. the problem? no insurance. so.... not for that reason alone i assure you.. but The Big Man and i decided to fast track the 'lets finally actually get married' so i'd have his insurance. the big day arrived. yay! shoulder surgery here i come.

i kid you not - within 2 weeks that sucker has healed. full range of motion. just like nothing happened.

The Big Man says that i tricked him into getting married but i have a feeling i was the one that the universe was laughing at.

sending hugs...

 

[sylvie]

Those are slow to heal. If you use it for heavy work while on nsaids it will take that much longer to heal.
When mine felt a little better in about 2 months because I used the other arm and worked smarter, I began to lift it 1/2" beyond its frozen position. I didn't want scar tissue to permanently freeze it in a non useful position. Eventually I could raise it using the inside of a doorway and lowering myself, holding for only a few seconds for a stretch. It paid off and I have complete range of motion, can swing it around in complete circles. I am careful not to overdo because it is not an injury I want to repeat.

BTW I didn't see a doctor; no money for one at that time. Educated myself online and used common sense. The body is an amazing set of processes.

 

[kcsunshine]

Thanks for the feel goods. Leave it to OFG to hurt herself just to get married...
I've got a therapy session on Thursday. I have been through this before many many years ago. I think it was because of those chickens.....I remember throwing something to them and felt pain when I did.... Dratted birds. I love them. Anyway, hubby is being good and cooking for me (he's much better at it then I am). Other than that, he stays down in his shop "so I can rest without him bothering me" is what he says.

BTW, welcome back OFG. It's been sorta quiet around here without you.

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

how's your shoulder today, honey?

 

[kcsunshine]

Great news - Either I'm better or those NSAIDS are a wonder. I still can't lift my arm up to the side, but I can lift it up straight out in front of me and can use it to some extent. I'm going slow. Waiting for my therapy session on Thursday to know just what I can and can't do - but I got some dishes washed!

 

[Mackay]

Just don't get one of those shots again. Steroids slow the healing process and there is plenty of evidence that they will even degrade tissue. I'd stay away from them

You probably need to go higher on your Ibuprofen dosage than you think. Consider 800 mg every 6 hours for this week. Take is consistantly. It will reduce inflammation but if you miss dosages the inflammation starts to come right back and you dont get ahead. Take them with food.

Really listen to your physical therapist and if you don't like them get another one right away. They can do a lot!

I have had two significant back injuries this year... some weird karma I guess. Both caused a lot of pain. I took tramadol for one of them and it sent me to the hospital with visual field disturbances. they though I was having strokes!

This is a rub on that I found so incredibly helpful. Made the difference between sleeping and not sleeping and it is much better than the products you find in a pharmacy

http://www.herbspro.com/shop/productdetail.asp?ptid=39781&utm_source=Googlebase&utm_medium=HPFeed
good prices at this above site

and I would combine it with this:
http://www.drchristophers.com/ointments/complete-tissue-bone-2-ointment.html

and this page will tell you why but I would purchase at the top link: http://www.drchristophers.com/ointments/cayenne-heat-4-ointment.html


There is a shot they have now that is not steroid and more like tramadol but not tramadol that works great. Just cant remember what it is. They gave it IV to my son when he fractured his back falling out of a tree. The pain relief was spectacular for him.
You might inquire about it.

 

[kcsunshine]

Thanks MacKay - I really hate taking any kind of meds and I have to be really hurt to call my Dr. and tell her I need a shot, so I know what they can do for you.

My mom has suffered with hip, knee, back, problems for years and took shots for everything, (My brother and I both say she enjoys ill health), and I think the shape she's in today can be directly related back to the shots she had.

Thanks for the info also. I'm plugging along....I'll check out that rub - I know I'm crazy but I love the smell of bengay.

Speaking of natural remedies - My Grandmother made a homemade linament that would make your eyes burn when she uncorked it. But it sure worked when she would rub my legs at night when I couldn't sleep. Hmmm, I think I've got the recipe around here somewhere.

 

[Mackay]

Dr Christophers stuff smells better than Bengay, and the cayenne will promote increased circulation.

That other product will stimulate healing of tissues. Check out the herbs in it! The Cayenne rub will facilitate carrying it deep into the joint, or you could use a little DMSO with it too.

We compared Christophers rub to an over the counter the other day. No comparison is heat and length of time the heat stayed