Shoulder problems

PatBrown
PatBrown Member Posts: 2
edited 7. Aug 2025, 10:54 in Living with arthritis

I have unremitting pain in my shoulders and upper arms due to "advanced" arthritic damage in the shoulder joints. This has resulted in me now having very limited use of either arm (I can't now dress/undress unaided or prepare food but I'm only 71 and not mentally ready for a care home yet!). My GPs just keep prescribing ineffective painkillers (currently it's codeine, paracetamol and ibuprofen gel, previously it was Naproxen and Co-dydramol). I've never heard of anyone with similar issues. Is there anyone out there who can advise me how to get some relief as at times I'm suicidal due to the pain and exhaustion caused by lack of sleep?

Comments

  • Ellen
    Ellen Moderator Posts: 1,996

    Hello @PatBrown welcome to the online community.

    I see from your post that you are really struggling with arthritis in your shoulders. Having experienced shoulder pain you have my sympathy. There is not much respite from it even at night. Of course you aren't ready to enter a nursing home yet.

    I was wondering whether you have had any physiotherapy at all. There are options including steroid injections into the joint which might be suitable for you.

    We have had members here who have had shoulder replacement surgery too: @crinkly and @lindalegs to name two. They may also have some tips for getting dressed/undressed.

    I will just pop this information here for you apologies if there's nothing new there for you, but hopefully there are some tips you hadn't though of:

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/shoulder-pain/

    My best wishes

    Ellen.

  • lindalegs
    lindalegs Member Posts: 5,402

    Hello @PatBrown

    I have been where you are and am wondering whether you've talked about shoulder replacements with your doctor? Replacements take away the pain though it's hard work post surgery in doing exercises to get the best from them. @Barbs1 has just had a shoulder replaced and is doing very well by all accounts, she might see this and come along to give her input.

    Any pain is very tiring and really can get you down especially when it's interfering with your sleep. Maybe you need to talk more with your GP about the pain you're in and what more they can do to help you.

    Love, Legs x
    'Make a life out of what you have, not what you're missing'
  • Barbs1
    Barbs1 Member Posts: 6

    hi Pat,

    Yes I had shoulder replacement surgery 5 weeks ago and it’s the best thing! Recovering well at home after just one night in hospital. Now doing physio and it really helps. I tried steroid injections but they didn’t work for me and as the arthritis was advanced it was surgery or live with the pain which I wasn’t prepared to do to be honest. I’m happy to help with anything you need to know.

    Take care

    Babs

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