Shoulders

scattered
scattered Member Posts: 326
edited 1. May 2013, 14:16 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hey everyone,

I've woken up to a nasty flare in my shoulder. The joint and all the muscles and tendons surrounding it are exceptionally sore. ?It also won't move.

I'm due at work in two hours and need to get dressed etc. It's my right shoulder, my dominant arm and i feel very stuck. I've only been in my job a month and don't feel able to take time off. Any tips on how to get dressed etc would be much appreciated. I'm applying heat then ice every twenty mins and have taken the usual handful of painkillers.

Sorry if this is full of typos. I'm not very good with my left hand only!

Thanks.
Scat

Comments

  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Scat
    Boy do I feel for you..my right shoulder has joined in the fun....I am told it might be bursitis or the rotator cuff has worn..but I do not want any more xrays...so my physio friend has told me to put ice on it , rest it and exercise..or it could seize up...sorry I cant help with the dressing bit...I just struggle...I do feel for you having to go to work... hope it eases up for you very soon xx
    Love
    Barbara
  • Numptydumpty
    Numptydumpty Member Posts: 6,417
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Poor you, what rotten luck!
    I'm suffering with my right shoulder at the moment, I had a steroid injection in it yesterday, it's still hurting like bu##ery.
    As for getting dressed, I go bra less :oops: wear loose fitting clothes, and always put my right arm in/through first. I often have to get help from my OH or daughter.
    I hope it eases soon.
    Take care,
    Numpty
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I'm sorry to hear about this, scattered. My shoulders are calmer these days but I still have to use a dressing stick and buy with them in mind. Whatever goes on easily. (I'm with Numpty - bras don't.) Sometimes holding the arm still in an improvised sling can help. Unfortunately, flares won't be rushed, though. With luck, you've just slept badly on it and it will work itself right (says she, rather more optimistically than she feels).
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • kentishlady
    kentishlady Member Posts: 809
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi. You have my sympathy. I've had a frozen shoulder (18 months ago) which is still not completely better and know what agony you must be in. Definitely put affected arm/shoulder into blouses, cardigans/jumpers etc first. With regard to bras, try doing it up at the front and then swivelling it round - helps just alittle and is a bit easier. Elasticated trousers are a definite 'must'. Attach yrself to a warmed wheatbag when possible to ease the pain. I know physios recommend ice packs but think you may find heat is more comforting, or maybe alternate between hot and cold.

    Do hope the pain eases for you soon.

    Beryl ((()))
  • scattered
    scattered Member Posts: 326
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks everyone.

    Has been a tricky day, especially as all my clothes are pull on over the head jobbies as I can't do fiddly little buttons on blouses. I'm going back to the heat/ice ritual now I'm home and keep topped up on painkillers. Hopefully it will pass quickly.

    Scat.
  • Airwave!
    Airwave! Member Posts: 2,469
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Your problems sound familiar, I have difficulty using my shoulders, since they seized up, like yours(the joints are worn out). Don't lean on your elbows, careful picking kids up, no heavy lifting. No sleeping on either one, place your arm at a angle where it doesn't allow weight to pull on your shoulder at any time, careful when walking not to swing your arms and especially not to overuse them during the day, or overdo anything. Do everything in moderation and you may find that some of the pain may subside slightly, it is never far away, a slight movement such as overreaching and off you go again.

    Such delights as getting dressed(and undressed!) without help, starting the lawnmower, raising your arms above shoulder level, scratching your back or even washing your own back disappear, I have a sponge loofah on order for my birthday (oh heaven!). Don't stand for overlong, change your stance often.

    Pills don't work, or analgesic creams. Heat helps (wheat bags), using them for hours at a time, be strict with yourself about what you can do without pain. Try manmade fibers, they slip past each other easily.