Author |
Message |
Holly
Member
06-19-2005
| Saturday, April 12, 2008 - 6:53 am
Mame, hasn't your doctor suggested a cortisone shot into the shoulder? That's an option that would stop the pain tout-suite!
|
Lakecat
Member
10-01-2006
| Saturday, April 12, 2008 - 6:57 am
I got cortizone injections in my back-that was about 7 weeks ago and it has helped.
|
Mameblanche
Member
08-24-2002
| Saturday, April 12, 2008 - 9:16 am
Hi Holly and Lakecat, About a year ago I got a cortzone shot in one of my arthritic knees and the shot was so painful and did nothing for me I swore I'd never do that again. Mind you... IF the new doc I've been referred to INSISTS it's the only way to go, I'm not stupid enough NOT to try it for my shoulder. But I'm hoping I won't have to... On the other hand, my dh has had cortizone shots and he finds them helpful too.
|
Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Saturday, April 12, 2008 - 9:24 am
Mame, even in pain you still make me smile!!! I love that egg pic!!! love ya bunches
|
Sharinia
Member
09-07-2002
| Saturday, April 12, 2008 - 7:43 pm
awwe ((Mames)) geez, this sounds like crazy, intolerable pain. i just keep thinking..why??? you know? have you thought about hypnosis for this, or acupuncture i agree with pamy btw.. the eggs are C-U-E-T-T-T CUTE! keep us updated - fff 
|
Mameblanche
Member
08-24-2002
| Sunday, April 13, 2008 - 8:44 am
Thanks ladies, xoxox! At this point I am keeping the codein intake down to once a day or less. It makes me fuzzy AND the side-effect is that I'm irritable for about 48 hours afterwards. But right now being in constant pain contributes to my irritability, so I may as well be painfree while grumpy. LOL. I haven't taken anything yet today, as it's sore right now, but not over the top - yet. At that point I'll take something. I really do not like to be blotto all the time, even though I try to be humourous about it when I am. So I alternate with non-codein type meds too, like an anti-inflamatory, or extra-strength Motrin, which don't really do a whole lot to mute the pain, actually. So far I'm in a relatively good mood, but I have noticed that I am VERY irritable. DH was clearing his throat for quite a while this AM and I tore a strip off him and asked him to pipe down. Normally I'd just tease him about it, or ignore it. I went to the movies with a pal the other day and I found myself trying not to be so edgy, she's a very sweet gal, but even she started to get on my nerves. I hate being this short-tempered. That's just NOT ME. I will be seeing a specialist once the doc makes the apt, and then I hope they have some answers for me. WHAT is the problem? The doc thinks it MIGHT be tendonitis. And what treatment course do I need to take? I am at the point where accupuncture or even that horrid cortisone shot would be a consideration. I LOVE massage, and ALWAYS turn to it on my worst Fibro days. BUT in this instance I am PETRIFIED of them manipulating my arm into painful positions AND also hurting it with the wrong pressure etc. I've NEVER been AFRAID of massage before. That's so depressing to me. Aaaaargh!
|
Pamznic
Member
03-01-2006
| Sunday, April 13, 2008 - 8:58 am
Good Morning Dear Fibro and chronic pain friends - Wow, it's been awhile since I've posted anything and it's disheartening and wonderful all at once to see the new folks that are posting here. This community is a wonderful place and I thank all of you for keeping it going. I had such high hopes for kaiser and now 4 months later I'm devastated I take 9 med's now. I found out late last month that I am in the "donut hole" meaning generic drugs (some are covered) but if they are Brand I have to pay. So my average monthly Bill for med's is just shy of $1,000. So do I feed my kid, pay my bills and just be in pain or what? I can't even pay the 30 copay to see doc's cuz I just don't have it. You get it, so enough... I tried Lyrica for about 6 month. Never really got any relief but I went ahead and paid for it and kept it going till first week of April. I think it was karuuna who cautioned that the side affects included weight gain. I went to SoCal with my daughters 10th grade class (all 100 of them) and I started noticing (so did others) that my ankles were so swollen I had to take a $50.00 cab ride from the Getty museum back to my room so I could put my legs up for 6 hrs to get them to come down. the next day we spent hours touring the San Luis O campus and they swelled again getting worse on the long ride home. I was suspecting the Lyrica but I was also getting pain in my chest so couldn't be sure. Eventually I went to have an EKG which was normal (for who, long story) so I kept everything going the same and when I finally sow my Doc 3 Apr I told him A. Lyrica is very expensive and B. I gained 10 lbs in 3 months. I quit that med and now I'm on Neurontin again. I think the extra lbs are starting to come off my ankles are certainly reducing their size. This time around I'm having a really hard time keeping my spirits up. Doesn't help that my kid was home really sick all week (God bless her) and that April is tough for me anyway. My Late husbands Birthday and date he died all fall in April. So I come here with a heavy heart. I'm feeling a little lost and overwhelmed and If you could'nt tell I need to talk. Well tomorrow will be a brighter day. Thanks for listening you all are so great. Best Regards, Pam Have a wonderful sunday

|
Pamznic
Member
03-01-2006
| Sunday, April 13, 2008 - 9:10 am
Dear Mame so sorry to post such a long message right after you. I've keeping tabs on you (everyone here) but I can't help but be concerned about your shoulder. Even if it hurts I hope you do like shoulder shrugs or just try and raise them up. Frozen shoulder can set in really quick and that's hard to come back from. My friend Meg has a problem shoulder and That was one of the things her PT gal told her. I've got my 84 yr old Papa doing shoulder shrugs to try and keep him loose. Meanwhile enough of my preaching like a Doctor. I'll lite a candle for you. Be well 
|
Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Sunday, April 13, 2008 - 9:20 am
(((Pam))) thoughts and prayers are with you this month. I hope you find something that helps you that is cost effective. xoxoxoxoxoo Keep comming here and keeping us posted, we are all here when you want to talk!!! Mame, hope you get to that specialist soon so you can get some relief! xxoxoxoo
|
Mameblanche
Member
08-24-2002
| Sunday, April 13, 2008 - 9:31 am
((((Pamznic, Pamydoll and all my FFF)))) Have no fear, between my dh & a galpal who had the similar shoulder/arm probs, and they went to physio, and my own common sense, I am frequently doing shrugs, and pulling the bad arm up by my good arm by linking my fingers together and pulling it up over my head at least til the pain level jumps. I also do the crawling fingers up the wall excercise. I have enough things wrong with me, I don't need to add a frozen shoulder to it. Mind you, I am already finding severe limitations on what I can do with my arm already. I cannot reach around all the way in the back to pull up my pants with my bad arm, so I've learned to use mostly my right arm and wiggle into them. Also putting on my boulder-holder (bra) is painful and hellish. etc. DH helps if he's around, and enjoys undoing it at night. I noticed in my last couple of baths, that I couldn't totally reach under my right armpit to wash it properly with my left hand. It's a bit scary, but I'm hoping the specialist will help me reverse this. Between this, and worrying about my mom, and needing to find a job (2 income family currently coasting on 1 income), I am not in the best place I could be, stresswise. Oh well. Life goes on, no matter what mood we're in, eh? May as well make the best of it.
|
Mameblanche
Member
08-24-2002
| Sunday, April 13, 2008 - 9:40 am
Pamznic, I am so glad that your meds have been corrected and that your swelling has receded! Wishing you all the best... gentle hugs.
|
Pamznic
Member
03-01-2006
| Sunday, April 13, 2008 - 12:46 pm
That maybe a little to optimistic but as you said the swelling has gone down. Hope your situation with your Mom is resolved soon. It sucks to be in the sandwich generation sometimes. Taking care of kids and your folks. But our Moms are so important. Lastly terrific that you are doing your stretching.

|
Mameblanche
Member
08-24-2002
| Monday, April 14, 2008 - 6:55 am
Thx PamZ. DH & I have 2 cats, but no kids... so I call us the 'open-faced-sandwich' generation. LOL.
|
Pamznic
Member
03-01-2006
| Monday, April 14, 2008 - 8:29 am
cleaver and so sorry to assume (I know I should do that)
|
Mameblanche
Member
08-24-2002
| Monday, April 14, 2008 - 11:21 am
The specialist's office just called. My apt is tomorrow! Wish me luck!
|
Pamznic
Member
03-01-2006
| Monday, April 14, 2008 - 11:50 am
so glad your seeing the specialist. Lots of Luck
|
Mameblanche
Member
08-24-2002
| Monday, April 14, 2008 - 12:51 pm
Thx PamZ. They said they'd be testing my nerves, among other things, and I'm really scared of this test from what I've heard about it... Paint me yellow and with feathers. .
|
Sharinia
Member
09-07-2002
| Monday, April 14, 2008 - 8:16 pm
Mames, I totally sympathize with the pain-related irritability. I know what you mean ... its not that you become a beotch, really, there are just no nerves left for tolerance and diplomacy Anyways, good luck with the doctor appt!! xoxo
|
Sharinia
Member
09-07-2002
| Monday, April 14, 2008 - 8:19 pm
pamznic, your post broke my heart... prayers 
|
Mameblanche
Member
08-24-2002
| Monday, April 14, 2008 - 10:29 pm
Thanks Shar! xox Cuz I'm a bit of a yellow-bellied sapsucker regarding the medical tests tomorrow my galpal who frequently goes to visit mom will be accompanying me to the specialists office. BTW, this galpal is a Jamaican lady in her 60's and she's a godsend. When I was in the hospital with a blocked intestine a few years ago, she visited me 8 of the 9 days I was in there! She'd just come, and sit with me for hours at a stretch day after day. Her job was at one end of town and the hospital was at the other end of town, and she took several busses and got her butt there each day after a long day hard at work. I never asked her, she just did this of her own initiative. I found out afterwards that I could have died. In the meantime my mother didn't bother to change her vacation plans or travel to visit me during all of this. My pal's attitude is that acquaintances are there in the good times, but true friends are there especially in the bad times. She's quite an extraordinary human being. DH and I love her. She embodies the motto: friends are family you choose for yourself!
|
Sharinia
Member
09-07-2002
| Tuesday, April 15, 2008 - 4:07 pm
Wow, that is a great friend Mames. Where did you two meet?? When I was super ill, one of my gfs from law school (very busy with her own law practice) emailed me every day for 6 months, and said she understood that I wasn't able to write back. Wow, huh? Eventually she started slacking on me though Sorry about your mom. My mom gave me a hard time as a kid because I was sick a lot (allergies, asthma, bronchial infections - stuff she could not relate to at all). She could not grasp how someone could be as sick as often as I was, and reasoned I must have been 'doing something' to cause it. Very hurtful as a kid I had great grades and was very active in sports, so it wasn't like I was looking to 'hide' from anything. I just had shit luck (and genetics from my dad - tho he was not as bad off) Anyways.. the 'nice' thing about my health crisis around 30ish was that she really helped save my life. I had a foot in the grave and told her I was probably going to die. She insisted that I fight, and was there for me every day after work, helping any way that she could. I seriously believe (know) I would have checked out w/o her help. It really helped heal those emotional wounds from childhood. Anyways! Let us know what those docs have to say 
|
Mameblanche
Member
08-24-2002
| Tuesday, April 15, 2008 - 4:58 pm
((((Shar)))) Thanks for sharing those stories hon! So glad you and your mum were able to tie a ribbon on the past and make positive memories. Well my galpal and I went to the specialist/physiatrist today and he was great. Loved his personality. We bantered back and forth and he just cracked me up. Looks fatherly but with a sassy mouth. Luv it! He TOTALLY relaxed me! Anyhow since I don't really have any numbness in my fingers, he decided that it wasn't really necessary to do the nerve test (which I've heard hurts like a b*tch and was the reason my pal accompanied yours truly - the big baby). We agreed that if, after all the other tests, if he's still stumped, I'll be a big brave girl and go for it. But he swore that it's low on his list of what he thinks it is. Now on to the rest of the visit. He said I do already have somewhat of a frozen shoulder and he is sending me for AGRESSIVE physio. (oy!) And he sent me for blood tests, (did those today) and referred me for a bone scan (he had to explain the difference to me between a bone density scan which I had last summer, and a bone scan. Of course I don't remember diddly about his explanation (sigh, fibro-fog strikes again!) so I'll be googling the Mayo Clinic for that info. My bone scan apt is April 30th. Plus he's sending me for an MRI. He does think that maybe there is a small tear there that just didn't show up in the ultrasound. I like that he's really leaving no stone unturned, and wants as much as I do to get to the bottom of it and fix me right up. He wanted to give me the cortisone shot, but I mentioned I'd heard of the oral version, since I'd had a shot in my knee a year or so ago and it hurt more than my poor arthritic knee, AND was of no use whatsoever. SO he put me on... PREDNISONE Steroidal pills, (generic version), I was shocked spitless when the 65 pills cost me only TWELVE BUCKS & CHANGE! Anyhow, I have to take 6 pills once a day, for 3 days and then 5 pills once a day for 3 days and then 4 pills... well you get the idea, and then when it gets down to 1 pill for 3 days, after that, I have to have 1/2 pill for 3 days! I took the pills with lunch (was told by pharmacist to take them with LOTS of food to avoid tummy probs. And about the same time each day. I've heard others hear talk about their Prednisone experiences, but can't remember if it was good or bad stuff. But since the shot didn't work on me and it was too painful, I consider myself lucky to have the alternative. BUT I guess I'm going to bulk up on this crap, so their goes any progress I made on my weight loss. Sigh. The best thing is that the pharmacist said I should start feeling better in couple of days. I live in hope... Once I have a physiotherapist apt, and the MRI apt, I'll keep ya'll posted. Thanks for hanging in with me and my crisis du jour. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo FFF!
|
Gilda
Member
08-21-2006
| Tuesday, April 15, 2008 - 7:32 pm
Sounds like a good specialist who you can have confidence in. Glad he is taking immediate action by sending you for all those tests to figure out your shoulder pain. Just wondering why he wants to do a bone scan?
|
Dahli
Member
11-27-2000
| Tuesday, April 15, 2008 - 9:13 pm
I hope the prednisone doesn't wreak havoc with your sleep Mamzie... that's the biggest problem I've heard. Hope you're feeling better soon!
|
Mameblanche
Member
08-24-2002
| Tuesday, April 15, 2008 - 9:48 pm
Hiya Gilda! Wow, Dahli - omigolly, it's about 1 AM my time, and I'm feeling a bit antsy, plus I have a raging headache. I figured the antsyness if cuz I had a couple of cheap cocolate pastries. (Hanging my head in shame here and glad this ain't the weightloss thread.) I had it after 9 pm and I know better. I have a weird caffein allergy. I can have chocolate during the day within reason, but in the evenings if I have even a bit of it it makes me itchy/antsy. BUT now I'm wondering if it's the Prednisone... hmmm. Definitely gonna have to google prednisone after I post this. Most frustrating is I am dying to take a Motrin for my headach, but don't know if I can take ANYTHING while on the Prednisone, so will have to google that too. Plus I'll be phoning the pharmacist first thing in the morning to find out for sure. It's hard enough to get to sleep with a painful shoulder, and all my other ouchies, but the nicest thing is when I'm asleep, of course I'm not in pain so I want to get as much sleep as possible. Gilda the bone scan, if I remember correctly... and I'm not sure I do... but I THINK it's to find out if it's arthritis related. I dunno. Something else for me to look up. I've slated tomorrow for zipping around the clubhouse to let folks know how very much their friendship and caring has always meant to me, and ESPECIALLY this past Twilight Zone month! I really am so very grateful for my friends here (and in RL!). Note to self: STOP HOGGING THIS THREAD!!! (I'm sorry guys!) 
|
|