Feeling disappointed because I wanted to start the New Year well on the way to recovery.
I’ve been in constant pain for the past three weeks when moving my shoulder/arm (surgery side).
I do not know what to do for the best as I am very conscious that I need to keep my shoulder joint moving. However, having Rotator Cuff Tendonitis is making movement painful.
After surgery and radiotherapy, I did the arm exercises recommended by the physiotherapist but all of a sudden three weeks ago the pain started and I could not put my left arm up behind my back to fasten my bra.
I have had to change the way I get dressed to avoid getting a stabbing pain down the top of my arm and across my collarbone. Driving and changing gear is now painful.
My breast surgeon has referred me to a physiotherapist for further assessment as she said my symptoms related to Shoulder Impingement Syndrome. It could take 6-8 weeks before I get an appointment.
I can do some of the shoulder/arm exercises without too much pain but do not want to aggravate the tendons and muscles in the rotator cuff.
The last thing I want to get is a frozen shoulder so feel I need to do something.
Has anyone had Rotator Cuff Tendonitis/Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?
Looking for any advice while I wait to see physio.
I can’t take anti-inflammatories or strong painkillers like Tramadol so am feeling worn out with the constant pain.
Thanks.
M
Hi Magical_Moon,
I’m sorry you haven’t had any replies to your question as yet, but hopefully now someone will see this. In the meantime could I suggest you give our helpline team a ring and have a chat, they may be able to help you. Calls are free 0808 800 6000 lines open Mon-Fri 9-5 and Sat 10-2.
Take care,
Jo, Moderator
Hi Magical_Moon- I do Pilates (or rather I did before chemo and op!) and my Pilates teacher gave me some great advice about exercise which has helped me a lot. Ask your physio if she knows any Pilates teachers. They are especially careful about the rota cuff and shoulder placement! Also the abs and back, as they strengthen the core and have great effects on the rest of the body. Regular Pilates really helps me with a poor sense of balance so that can’t be bad either! Good luck!
Thank you Jo.
I saw my GP on Thursday about my Shoulder Impingement and Rotator Cuff Tendonitis.
As I am allergic to anti-inflammatories, she advised me to have a steroid injection in my shoulder joint.
I explained I was fearful to have this because of the risk of developing Lymphoedema. I was told by the Breast Clinic that I must not have blood pressure taken or injections in my left arm after having two sentinel lymph nodes removed.
This morning I had a telephone consultation with another GP at my practice who does the Steroid Injection Clinic to discuss my Lymphoedema concerns. He was very helpful and understanding about my fear of getting Lymphoedema. He told me the steroid injection went straight into the soft tissue and a space within the shoulder joint and was a different injection to injections in the vein which could have a negative effect on the lymphatic drainage system.
He is going to make an assessment of my shoulder joint next week and assured me that he would not give me a steroid injection until I was happy to go ahead.
I am so scared of developing Lymphoedema but know I cannot continue with the constant shoulder joint pain and restrictive movement. GP said it is likely to get worse if nothing is done to rectify problem now.
I’m really really stressed.
I spoke to the Breast Cancer Care Helpline today about my concerns. The Helpline suggested I try and speak to someone at the hospital who deals with the Lymphodaema. I’ll do this next week before I see my GP again.
Sorry for the long post Jo but just needed to write down my fears. I live on my own and have no family to distract me from my current dilemma.
Peace and Positivity,
M 