Acromioclavicular arthritis

drlesbailey

I am currently living with acromioclavicular arthritis, and although it does not affect my work in physical therapies, means i cannot do weight training and is very uncomfortable at night.
I have been offered an operation but recovery and work recommencement is 8 weeks and I cannot afford the time off.
I realise my condition is minor compared to most of the users on here, but aside from my own knowledge, has anyone got any tips on drug free pain control please?
Dr Les Bailey, Woodmansterne, Surrey

elnafinn

Hi there Dr Les Bailey

Welcome to the forum. I would not agree that your pain is minor. Pain is pain isn't it? I am sorry I have no magical answer for you but as I have a massive inoperable rotator cuff tear which is giving me a lot of jip at the moment, mainly at night, the pain wakes me up unfortunately, I can truly sympathise with you on that front. I do find that a heated wheatbag (microwaveable) that can be wrapped around my shoulder helps immensely and sometimes a hot water bottle to the ready when the wheatbag cools. The wheatbag is better because it can be moulded more to the shoulder unlike a hotwater bottle. Other than that I take 2 anti inflams a day for all my aches and pains and get on the best I can.

I do exercise my shoulders every day which is not always too pleasant but persevere and have done so for years now.

If you have any tips for painful shoulders please share.

Elna x

drlesbailey

Thankyou.
I use my own clinic infra red lamp and electroacupuncture, so am ok for heat,but all to no avail (not for any length of time anyway )
Im hoping to stay away from anti inflams.
Isnt your rotator tear operable?
Dr Les Bailey

elnafinn

Unfortunately not. I went to theatre and when I came round the surgeon said would I like the good or bad news first The good news was that I did not have to have my arm in a sling for a good few weeks, the bad news was that the tear was too massive to repair. There was nothing to knit together or very little so it would have torn again. This was a good few years ago. He gave me a wash and clean out instead which did nothing really. He did mention about someone in France operated on massive tears but no more detail than that. I have had injections which worked for a goodly time. :roll: Last year I wanted more injections but as I had just had a spinal op - neck end - the consultant did not recommend injections into the neck..... I made do with another injection in a different part of the shoulder but it only worked for about 5 weeks.

If you know of someone that does repair massive rotator cuff tears please let me know.

Elna x

drlesbailey

I shall certainly ask around colleagues for you.
There is highly likely specialists in the field of rotator cuff surgical procedures, but these guys are more likely in the USA?
Good luck with this awful problem which truly eclipses my own shoulder problem!!
Dr Les Bailey

villier

drlesbailey wrote:

I am currently living with acromioclavicular arthritis, and although it does not affect my work in physical therapies, means i cannot do weight training and is very uncomfortable at night.
I have been offered an operation but recovery and work recommencement is 8 weeks and I cannot afford the time off.
I realise my condition is minor compared to most of the users on here, but aside from my own knowledge, has anyone got any tips on drug free pain control please?
Dr Les Bailey, Woodmansterne, Surrey

Hi
Welcome to the forum, you will find a lot of lovely friendly knowledgable people here, I like yourself feel the OA I have in my hands is minor compared to other people(just a fusion done), as some say if you have any kind of arthritis you know what pain is all about, I also have a very rare neurological condition so live with chronic pain. I am afraid I don't know of any drug free pain control, I'm sure there will be a few more along soon to give their input, just wanted to say hello and welcome.................Marie x

drlesbailey

Thank you Marie.
Your kind words are appreciated.
Dr Les Bailey

dreamdaisy

Ah, the Holy Grail of drug-free pain relief. I think the closest one can get is acupuncture but like all things it works for some and not others. I don't like living with pain but it does provide a useful feedback to me as a hint that I am overdoing things. My pain is a nuisance but I long ago reconciled myself to keeping the dullers to a minimum and altering the way I do things to help myself as much as possible. I am self-employed and arthritis has cost me dear over the years, not only emotionally and physically but financially too. Sometimes needs must: I had double carpal tunnel surgery four weeks ago today and I won't be back at work until mid-January. It's going to be a lean Christmas but it was surgery or risk damaging my hands beyond reason; a no-brainer in my book! I wish you well. DD

valval

distraction one of the better drug free pain relief but it only works so far and does not help when trying to sleep good luck good to have you with us val

drlesbailey

Thank you DD.
Luckily this problem does not affect my work in any way and Im able to treat patients unhindered in any aspect of physical therapies.
It is worse when getting comfortable to sleep and driving, strangely.
Dr Les Bailey