Shoulder Mass - has anyone had this?

butterfly1

I have psoriatic arthritis and am not allowed back on MTX or Sulpha due to the adverse side effects (low grade liver damage and allergic reactions to the Sulpha). Therefore for the last couple of years they've just been throwing anti-inflams at me and always refuse to see me when I have flare ups and send me to my GP for more anti-inflams which don't do much at all. 3 weeks ago I was given steroid injections into my shoulders which was the biggest mistake ever. Following 3 weeks of extreme pain and not being able to get back to work I eventually, after many phone calls and arguments, managed to get seen again at the Rheumy Clinic on Friday. They did xrays which has resulted in the diagnosis that when the doctor injected the steroids she has ruptured the tendons in my shoulders - no wonder I'm in so much pain. Because of the xray on the left shoulder I was sent for an ultra sound an hour later. The Consultant Radiologist did this and said I need an MRI asap because of the mass on the left shoulder. I'll get the appointment for the MRI within the next 2 weeks on an ugent referral. I'm not quite sure what to make of this now. I'm relieved they're finally acknowledging there is a problem but I'm a bit worried about the mass. The left shoulder is the one that has been causing me the problem over the last 9 months which I and the docs had put down to the PA flaring.

The Radiologist did say that on my right shoulder I will have to have surgery but he doesn't know about the left yet as it was hard to see the damage due to the mass. As that's the worst side I'm guessing it'll also need operating. I just don't know what to do and so worried about work. I am office based in an IT company and sit at a computer all day and at the moment can only manage a few minutes typing before the pain gets unbearable.

Any experiences of this would be appreciated as you can imagine I'm worried, angry and upset.

Thank you.

lindalegs

Oh Tracy how awful for you. I, personally, haven't heard of a 'mass' on a joint before but hopefully others have.

Have you talked to your employers about your problems, if not, you probably should as it would help you to stop worrying about your job? What about being signed off work by the doctor? The trouble is that if typing gives you excruiating pain you could be making your shoulders worse. Have your tried ice/heat packs to help them? I'm sorry to be clutching at straws but know it's terrible to be in so much pain.

Try to rest your shoulders, if you can, to see if that helps.

Luv Legs

woodbon

Hello, It sounds as if you've had a really horrible experience. It must be hard for you to know what to do. Linda has made the suggestions that I would heat and ice can give some relief. I prefer heat, but thats just a personel thing, others prefer ice. I believe I read somewhere that using ice and the heat can be very good too. Don't put the ice next to your skin as it can cause an ice burn, wrap a packet of peas or whatever in a tea towel first. :shock:

I hope all turns out well for you in the end. Dont worry about feeling all the emotions, its only natural, I know I'd certainly be angry and worried. Love Sue

elnafinn

Hi Tracy

How awful for you. I remember you posting on the helpline about it and answered. I felt very concerned. I knew you should not be feeling as you were at all and wondered if the medic had got the injection site incorrect.

I am sure you are worried, angy and upset. It is not your fault at all either. I hope something is going to be done about the person who gave you in the steroid injection. This should not be allowed to happen again.

I hope work are being understanding. There is nothing you can do -if you cannot type because the pain is too much.

I do hope things get sorted for you soon.

Luv
Elna x

butterfly1

Thank you so much everyone for your kind words. I'm lucky in that I work for a good company and my boss is very understanding, in fact she keeps telling me off when I log in from home to work and telling me I shoujld be resting. I manage a small team and we're all so busy that I feel I'm letting everyone down and hate being off sick. I've been signed off by my GP so no problem there but I so badly want to back to work, it's the one thing in my life I am in control of and can't handle not being able to work. I will certainly be putting a complaint in but will wait until I get the final diagnosis before I take any action.

elnafinn

Hi Tracy

Pleased to hear you will be putting in a complaint - best wait until you are sorted, I agree, YOU are the main concern here.

I do know how you feel about not being able to work - at least you have an understanding boss - and they know you enough to be well aware that if you could work you would definitely be doing it.

All the very best, please do keep us posted.

Luv
Elna x

woodbon

Hello, You're right to complain. Its something we often don't do enough of. We will complain to friends but not to the people who can do something about it. To me it sounds as if their may well be some blame about procedure, if so its important to make the right complaints as you may need help with treatment in the future. I know that I'm not very good at complaining and their is one occasion in the past when I should have but did'nt. Still thats another story. You have yourself to worry about. Good luck Sue

madwestie

Tracyc have you thought about trying voice activated software. I have a professional one from dragon. My company purchased it for me. It works well for windows type software such as word,ie,excel etc not so good for things like unix (so talking all computer now) but it does help with emails and i find that even if it saves on some typing it leaves me able to type more for the things that it can't do.

joyous

hi trac im sorry to here of what happened with your shoulder i had an op on mine in june 07 i was in so much pain like you when they opened me i had torn tendons as well they put a titainan plate in mine and scrapped the bone as well , before the op i had 2 nerve block inj which they went in my back with it did hurt i wont lie to you the first one worked but only lasted a few months but the relief the second didn work they have to get it in the right place , i had pain etc for years before they did anythin , ive had ra for 14 years now my shoulder is ok now no pain but limited movement but i didn have much to start off with just hope tho other one never goes on me as it has done in the past best wishes joy xx