Shoulder & arm pain

denpen

HI
I think that I have OA in my shoulders when I saw the consultant (for my hip) I mentioned it but he just ignored it (1 problem at a time I think). I have also mentoned it to 2 Locum doctors that I saw but they didnt bother either. my right shoulder is the worst especially when I sleep on it (I cant sleep on the other side because of my hip) My shoulder wakes me during the night and its really sore and all of my arm aches (the aching is a different thing for me, this morning I felt it going down my arm into my thumb. my jaw is sore as well, so much so that I have a problem brushing my teeth in the mornings I saw my dentist 2 week ago and he said it may be the OA in my jaw.
When I go go docs for pain killers next time I will ask again.
Does this ring a bell with anyone else?
Denise

nearlybionic

Hi
I have had neck and shoulder pain off and on since I had an injury and ended up with bulging discs in neck.
I prefer to sleep on my left, but thats my operated side, so until last week I was sleeping on my back. I am now sleeping for short periods of time on my right side and my neck, shoulder, and elbow are really painful, especially when I wake up. This is making things difficult as I am still using crutches most of time and I am sure it is putting more pressure on it. :roll:
I have crunching sounds in my neck, which worries me, but...
So in short, yes it sounds familiar. I need to talk to my dr about this but am fed up of finding more problems.
I am using my wheat pack, and painkillers, and will try to keep off the right side at night.
Hope you get some answers and relief soon
NB x

denpen

Hi NB
Yeah I too have worn discs in my neck which I have had for years. The First thing I do in the morning is get into the shower and get that hot water onto my neck and shoulders and back then I am able to move. But I havent experienced this arm pain before. I know what you mean it seems that you find more and more problems as you go along.
As for yourself you just get your hip fixed then another problem comes along. Thats what I am worrying about if I have a hip replacement I am afraid I wont be able to use crutches, but I will cross that bridge when I come to it.
Denise.x

nearlybionic

Hi
Re the post THR thing.If the crutches will cause you too much pain, they can offer you a frame or something.
My hubby has just put a new shower in and there are different jet settings which are great for aches etc.! I have also used freeze spray, which works sometimes.
If I am so full of aches and pains at 40, goodness knows what I`ll be like in 20years or so!!!! :shock:
NB

denpen

HI NB
Yeah the shower spray head is one of the best inventions in the world !!! Years ago I went to a chiropractor because my neck completely ceased up they pulled my head and popped discs in my neck (which was very scary) but I must say after a few sessions and some ultrasound and massage it worked a treat.
It doesnt bear thinking about what condition we will be in when we get older, I was first diagnosed with (worn discs) in my back when I was 38 I am 53 now and its in my back, neck, both hips, pubis bone, and that just the confirmed parts (probs in my shoulders and jaw) thats got to be the worst bit "I Wont Be Able To Talk" ha ha.

Denise.x

jemima

I have OA in both shoulders, my right worse than my left. In total, I've had five operations on them (one on left and four on right), before that steroid injections, after that physio and after that acupunture. As well as OA I also have a torn tendon on the right.

I too found sleeping very difficult as it was almost impossible to get into a position that was comfortable. It was at that point I decided to check out other mattresses!

I shopped around and asked friends. I went to various shops and tried them out. Eventually, I found a very comfortable one with a high count of individual covered piocket springs and a very thick layer of latex foam on top - and it's absolute bliss! I just bought the mattress (already have a firm wooden base) and it was the best £500 I've ever spent - if I'd known then what I know now, I'd have scrimped up £5000!

I can't pretend that sometimes I don't get tied up in knots when I'm sleeping and wake myself up with pain but nights are soooo much better than before.

You may also find a body pillow might help with getting comfortable.

BTW, my local hospital has different orthopaedic specialists for different areas so there's a hip person, a knee person, a shoulder person and so on. Get your GP to refer you to someone who specialises in shoulders - although mine are mobility improved to some extent, I've been told they'll never be 'normal' in movement, capability or pain levels but they are somewhat better than when I first had the problem and at least they've had mine and the hospital's best shot at improvement.

jeannie2

Yes, does ring a bell and the reaction to it as well. I got the brush off with "well it must be something you've been doing" - end of conversation. Makes me cross. Still - got a new rheumy so perhaps I can start again. Please God let whoever it it be approachable!!!!

eckstardeluxe

Hi. I am having the same trouble. I have advanced OA in my spine but started having problems with my right shoulder. I posted on here and took the advice to see the DR.She said I'd hurt it lifting my baby as trying not to hurt my back. As I have secondary arthtritis they didn't think I had it in my shoulder. But after 12 weeks I went back and I'm being sent for an MRI on it to see what's wrong. I'd definitely speak to your GP about it. good louck x

denpen

Thanks everyone I am begining to think that the gp`s that I see think I AM a hypocondriac, firstly in my shoulder I had tendonitis and was treated for that, then I fell down the stairs and wrenched the same arm and even through all that I was telling them that I thought I had OA in the shouldert I will be telling them again when I next go for my painkillers.
Denise

eckstardeluxe

denpen wrote:

Thanks everyone I am begining to think that the gp`s that I see think I AM a hypocondriac, firstly in my shoulder I had tendonitis and was treated for that, then I fell down the stairs and wrenched the same arm and even through all that I was telling them that I thought I had OA in the shouldert I will be telling them again when I next go for my painkillers.
Denise

Good for you Denise, I know what you mean when you say you feel like you are being a hypochondriac. I get this too and my hubby having read my medical notes with me thinks I'm crazy. He says "for every person like you there are tons who sit on the blimming internet googling away and going to the Dr and getting perfect care after it" maybe not quite like that but I can see his thinking. You make sure you get the treatment you rightly deserve. xxx

vijaysa

Hi

I am a new participant. I live in South Africa. I too have serious shoulder and arm pain, especially my elbows. My right shoulder clicks as well. But I was diagnosed with RA in 2003 and my rheumatologist says it is inflammation from the RA. The only thing that helps me sleep is a muscle relaxant or a strong painkiller like doxyphene. The difference with my shoulder pain is it is there for a few weeks then disappears and then comes back again. My aunt has had OA for many years and has now also been diagnosed with RA.

denpen

Hi
Welcome to the forum Vijaysa all the way in south africa.

Ooh I hope that I dont have RA as well as OA I had blood tests back in Nov/Dec which showed that I didnt have RA, but from what I heard at the Self Help meeting last week that may not mean that much as I gathered you can still have RA and it not show up on the blood tests or maybe it just doesnt show up in the early stages, we will have to wait and see.
You are all brilliant with your help and support. Thank you
Denise.