my shoulders are just so painful I could cry! I'm almost 7 months post-op now (bypass).
This isn't shoulder tip pain like wind; this is in the joints. I'm finding it really difficult to move my arms; even getting dressed hurts like crazy - in fact I can't put my coat/cardigan on without help.
Has anyone else experienced this? My other joints (knees and hips) are also painful, but not as bad as my shoulders.
I'm seeing the doc next week.
Hi Grace, I have had Osteo Arthritis in my joints since it was diagnosed when I was 25! A few years ago, I experienced similar problems to yourself in both shoulders. The pain became so unbearable I was in fear of going to bed at night. It was worse then because I had no control over my arms and used to move them more causing excruciating pain. It was so bad that I used to cry out in my sleep, much to Bev's alarm! Eventually I went to Gateshead QE where they peformed an unltra sound scan on each shoulder.
The results showed that the arthritis had worn down the the shoulder joints causing the problem, where the joints met had completely eroded!
I was sent for physio first, but no use at all. Next was a course of injections into the shoulder muscle, slight relief for a few weeks then the pain returned. The injections were given using a large needle insertedin the muscle until it nearly reached the shoulder bone, painful in themselves!
Finally I went for surgery. The full extent of the problem was revealed! On both shoulders, the ragged portion of the arthritic joint had severed the tendons! On my left shoulder, it had actually sliced through the muscle. Consequently, every time I moved I was in extreme pain and discomfort. Both joints had the bone pads 'shaved' and the shoulders re-constructed. The tendons and muscle were stitched back together.
Recovery, with physio, was a long time but well worth it.
Have the occasional pain now, but nothing like prior to surgery!
It certainly made me appreciate how vital your shoulder joints are and how you just take them for granted until something goes wrong.
I really hope that you do not have a similar problem, but it might be worth asking your doctor if you can be referred for a scan. It might just reveal the problem before things get a lot worse as in my case!
Regards - Paul xx
