Shoulder Bursitis

Posted by happyat76 @happyat76, Nov 20, 2020

I have been diagnosed with Shoulder Bursitis and three inflamed tendons. My Dr. has given me Tylenol #3 for the pain and she also suggested I get physiotherapy. The Tylenol does absolutely nothing for my pain. I have been using a heating pad and also putting ice on my shoulder and upper arm. I would very much like to hear from anyone who is suffering from this painful condition. I can't sleep, can't raise my right arm, everything hurts my arm and shoulder. I have been like this for over two weeks and I am not getting any better. Should I rest my arm, or should I do exercises? I am at a loss as to what to do for myself. BTW I am 79 years of age. My Dr. has not been much of a help.

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happyat76 | @happyat76 | Mar 28, 2021

In reply to @erikas "@happyat76 That sounds terrible. May I ask why your provider has not given you pain medications?..." + (show)

I am not sure at this time. I had x rays on my right shoulder on Friday and am waiting to hear from my Dr. To find out what she thinks. I will get back to you about whether it is in fact, pitched nerves or something else.

happyat76 | @happyat76 | Mar 28, 2021

In reply to @erikas "@happyat76 That sounds terrible. May I ask why your provider has not given you pain medications?..." + (show)

About the pain medication. She won't give me anything because she said my stomach is too sensitive. I wish she would give me something as I am in such terrible pain right now.

happyat76 | @happyat76 | Apr 13, 2021

What prescription meds are good for Bursitis?

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Apr 14, 2021

In reply to @happyat76 "What prescription meds are good for Bursitis?" + (show)

The two things that work for me are a steroid injection and NSAID pain rub like Voltaren, used on a consistent schedule over many days. Both are targeted so easier on the body than oral meds. Skill of the injecting doc is vital in getting the med in the most troublesome spot.
Sue

Sarah | @emyliander | Apr 14, 2021

When I had shoulder bursitis years ago I ended up with a frozen shoulder, the doctor then gave me a cortisone injection in the shoulder. I did do some physical therapy but mostly it just took time to heal, a year. Since then I’ve had no trouble with it. Warmth can make it feel better, ice it in the first 48 hours but you are past that time already. Ibuprofen reduces inflammation but I would check first with your doctor as it may not be advisable under certain circumstances. Gentle exercise can be done, this is where physical therapy can be helpful, to make sure you don’t further aggravate it.
I hope you are able to get the help you need, sometimes persistence pays off.

happyat76 | @happyat76 | May 25, 2021

In reply to @sueinmn "The two things that work for me are a steroid injection and NSAID pain rub like..." + (show)

Thank you so very much for your remarks about my pain. My Dr. put me on Lyrica. I have been on it for four weeks now and I am finally getting some relief from the pain. What I don't understand is my muscle in my arm seems to have turned to mush. Is this possible. Can muscle just go to mush if not used? I am very worried about this now as the pain I get in the area is so unbelievable. Let me know what you think okay? Thanks

happyat76 | @happyat76 | May 25, 2021

In reply to @emyliander "When I had shoulder bursitis years ago I ended up with a frozen shoulder, the doctor..." + (show)

Thank you very much for your very nice remarks. I apologize for sending these remarks to you now, but I just have not felt like doing anything because of this Bursitis. My Dr. prescribed Lyrica for nerve pain and some physical therapy. I use a rubber band a number of times per day and it really hurts. The Lyrica is now helping me to some extent, but my muscle pain is so bad and the muscle is like jelly. I guess may the muscle has deteriorated because of I wasn't using it because of the Bursitis. Do you think this is possible?

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | May 25, 2021

In reply to @happyat76 "Thank you very much for your very nice remarks. I apologize for sending these remarks to..." + (show)

Yes disuse turns our muscles to mush. We can get the function back gradually with stretching and exercise.
I'm going to call on @artist01 to talk about all the 'naby steps' she has been taking to get stronger.
When you first get started it's minimum weight or tension, a few revisions, 2-3 times a day. In a few days add a little.
When I was recovering from hip replacement my first walks were to the end of the driveway and back - maybe 100 feet. Then half a block, a block, etc - over a period of weeks. After thumb surgery it took 3 months to get to exercise with a 2 pound weight.
Your recovery is not a race, it's just what you do to live your best possible life, with all the challenges.
Come back and let us know how you progress.
Sue

artist01 | @artist01 | May 26, 2021

@happyat76 Hello there, "Happy". I notice you've been in touch with Sue, @sueinmn, and that Sue has mentioned me as a contact for you in your battle to regain your strength during your current painful bursitis attack.
I'd be pleased to offer any tips I can, if you'd like to contact me.
Warm regards, Laurie

mfratt | @mfratt | May 27, 2021

Have you gone to physical therapist yet? I have rotator cuff and a muscle tear. Superstanotis? Wasn’t sure I spelled that right. It’s a slap tear & spur in the shoulder. I have had about 5 injections with no relief. Besides, injections cause muscle weakness and other issues. Try to find a physical therapist that deals with sport injuries. I found relief with kinesiology tape. I’m 74 and learned how to use it myself. Find a pt who uses this tape. You can find it almost anywhere. I use it on my rediculopathy on my S1 & S2 & L4 & L5 and hip bursitis. It keeps the inflation in check. I googled to find pt on line and watched videos on how to use. It seems to settle the spasms down. I find comfort in using it. It’s worth a try. Good luck in your quest. Excuse the spelling.