Joint thickening of synovial fluid and severe pain

Posted by leigh17 @leigh17, Apr 19, 2023

I have been suffering from severe shoulder pain for 14 months. I had a shoulder replacement 3 years ago, and everything was going fine until last year. I finally had a CT Arthrogram and it shows reactive synovial, thickening, and mechanical synovitis as well as a capacious joint, which may correlate with like laxity and possibly my lack of strength. The implant is intact. I cannot open doors or lift anything at all. I had a meeting with an orthopedic yesterday and he said there’s nothing that can be done? I’m going back to my original surgeon for the fourth time today but up to this point he’s telling me he can’t help me and I am becoming despondent This is on top of all of my back issues. Has anyone had any issues with anything of this nature? Thank you so much.

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@leigh17 I'm sorry to hear that you are having difficulties with your shoulder, but not surprised to hear that the surgeons are telling you there is nothing they can do. Once a joint is surgically repaired, healed and uninfected, their job is done. The very best among them have some "tricks" in their toolbox, but they are few and far between.
But...don't give up yet!
Your new best friend is a specialized rehabilitation therapist. This is usually a PhD - PT who specializes in figuring out a customized rehab program for dealing with the strength, pain, range of motion... Treatment can include traditional PT, myofascial release, massage, acupuncture, pool therapy and pain management. They often work with a rehab physician or pain management program.

So, how do you find this resource? Ask! Ask your primary, your ortho, your friends. Research! See if there is an ortho specialty hospital, or a place that specializes in rehabbing people after a devastating injury, or a large PT organization that lists a specialty in complex rehab (you can sometimes find a reference to it under services on their Web Site.)

I hope this gives you some idea of where to turn.
Sue

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Sue, thank you so very much. I will look into these things, some great advice We are going back to the surgeon today to discuss the CAT scan. I will get back to you later in the day again, thank you so very much for your kindness. It is very much appreciated.

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There is finally a plan! Had a cortisone shot to help relieve the pain , if not he will go in laparoscopically and clean out the Synovitis and tighten the tendon. I am not sure why this test was not done a year ago, but I am so relieved that he has finally decided to do something. Sue again, thank you for your suggestions!!

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@leigh17

There is finally a plan! Had a cortisone shot to help relieve the pain , if not he will go in laparoscopically and clean out the Synovitis and tighten the tendon. I am not sure why this test was not done a year ago, but I am so relieved that he has finally decided to do something. Sue again, thank you for your suggestions!!

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My shoulders are nor so problematic. I would honestly recommend a neurosurgeon for spine issues. Ortho fixs elbows and knees. Be well.

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@leigh17

There is finally a plan! Had a cortisone shot to help relieve the pain , if not he will go in laparoscopically and clean out the Synovitis and tighten the tendon. I am not sure why this test was not done a year ago, but I am so relieved that he has finally decided to do something. Sue again, thank you for your suggestions!!

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It never hurts to shop doctors. You shouldn't have to beg a pain management doctor to do procedures.

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I agree . This Dr however, has a patent replacement of his in my shoulder. No one else is going to touch this but him. I hope you do the surgery soon having trouble with my thoracic and I apologize I thought that’s what you were responding to you before my error. Thank you!

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@leigh17

I agree . This Dr however, has a patent replacement of his in my shoulder. No one else is going to touch this but him. I hope you do the surgery soon having trouble with my thoracic and I apologize I thought that’s what you were responding to you before my error. Thank you!

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He has his own patent? I never heard of that. I saw a excellent neurosurgeon And he did not recommend surgery on my spine because I don't have spinal cord interruption, And my pain is not debilitating. Keep in mind It's completely common to have many amended surgeries after a surgery. There are plenty of people that have had multiple surgeries and are in more pain then they began with. I have had steroid shots, I also had a busvicaine shot Procedure in my lumber. It is a prequel to see if nerve end ablasion would work. Unfortunately it did not. I'm pretty positive i'm done with shots. Nobody knows how your body will react to anything. Once again I'm brand new to this so I've noticed. I have responded to people when they don't get it and wrong people are getting my responses. Be well.

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This is a shoulder replacement patent. It’s a bit smaller than some of your traditional ones. It doesn’t have the shaft that goes down to the arm..
Yes, very familiar with amended surgeries. I had my left shoulder replacement replaced with a reverse and I really wish I hadn’t done it so I know what you’re talking about..
Wishing you better health with your spine and less pain I understand completely I’ve had for spinal fusions. I love my neurosurgeon . Good luck to you. By the way I have had ablations and they worked wonderfully..

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@leigh17

This is a shoulder replacement patent. It’s a bit smaller than some of your traditional ones. It doesn’t have the shaft that goes down to the arm..
Yes, very familiar with amended surgeries. I had my left shoulder replacement replaced with a reverse and I really wish I hadn’t done it so I know what you’re talking about..
Wishing you better health with your spine and less pain I understand completely I’ve had for spinal fusions. I love my neurosurgeon . Good luck to you. By the way I have had ablations and they worked wonderfully..

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I've never had surgery. my fusion is natural. All the way down one side. Ultimately if I ever have to get disc hardware replacement , they will fuse the other side. I am 51 years old. Diagnosed at 49. I'm a newby with chronic pain. But like many other people, I had to go through an injury, Lose my job, Get thrown on disability through the company, Ultimately not brought back. Hard lesson to learn. I am in total agreement, you definitely want to see a neurosurgeon for spine. Just curious if pain management differs stated by state. I'm on SC. Where are you located if you don't mind me asking.

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I am so very sorry that this happened to you with your job, it does not seem fair. I am out of used in part of my neck so I understand that..
I’m not sure how pain management would differ from state to state. No I don’t mind at all. I’m in Florida…

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