Tendonitis

Lizzie · Tendonitis

I'm so fed up with this I could scream!

I have tendonitis in my right shoulder and just at the moment, it's having a really bad flare up. The pain is running down the outside of my arm to my elbow and there simply isn't a comfortable position for it. I haven't had a full night's sleep for more than a fortnight and it's really starting to get me down.

I've had a flare up like this before and was referred to a wonderful lady in the physiotherapy department, who mended it. I rang the surgery today and apparently, I can't go back to the physiotherapist without being referred by a GP. I'm sure there's a good reason for that, but it's frustrating as it'll take that much longer. I've made an appointment to see the GP tomorrow morning.

I make my living as a computer programmer and unfortunately, computing makes it worse (I should probably switch of this machine right now and go and do something else!).

Does anyone have any tips/experience/advice? I understand that it's a condition that needs to be 'managed' rather than 'cured', but all I can think of at the moment is more painkillers (which don't really work, but I'm rattling with them anyway). I just want (and really need) a good night's sleep....!

Lizzie

Sorry about that extended whining folks - I try not to normally, but I was feeling really peed off with it yesterday.

Will reinstate stiff upper lip immediately!

kaz

Shoulders and computers are the bane of any physiotherapists life.
There is a move to allow self referral to physiotherapy in some areas but the majority of places you still need to be referred by your doctor - this is supposed to reduce unnecessary referrals and provide a triage system of acute or chronic - IT DOESN'T WORK. Your shoulder will be counted as chronic because you have had it before - they don't seem to take into account that it is an ACUTE flare-up of a chronic problem (Perhaps this should be in the soap box section Evil or Very Mad

)
Check how long the waiting list is and try to get your GP to push you in as urgent (Although this pushes the other 'chronics' further down the list Confused

)

If your shoulder is hurting as you are doing a particular activity that is your body telling you to stop, or modify the activity - it doesn't mean go and make a cup of tea, just pace your activities. Make sure your wrist/forearm is resting on the desk as you work on your computer so the action is coming from your wrist not your shoulder.
Have you tried ice packs or heat packs on your shoulder?
Tablets prescribed by the doctor should help to reduce inflammation and pain so that it can get better faster.
Good Luck at the doctors.

Lizzie

Thanks Kaz (I was kind of hoping you'd be here Wink

)

I now have a referral to the physiotherapist and some super dooper painkillers. If the physio doesn't work (but I'm sure it will) it's a cortisone injection in my shoulder, which doesn't sound very nice. I feel better for some progress being made.

I seem to remember last time it only took a couple of weeks to get a physio appointment, although the doc's given me loads of painkillers so perhaps he knows something I don't!

Kathy

Sorry Jellycat, I meant to reply to this. Embarassed

Not that I had anything really constructive to say, most of the aches and pains I've had (and still get from time to time) I'll do some research and try to modify what I'm eating and drinking as this affects every part of the body and is where a lot of illness stems from. Any remedies I do use are herbal, I mentioned before that I can't take painkillers etc.

Hope it all gets sorted and the painkillers kick to give you a good nights sleep, it's horrible having continual pain like that. Smile

Becki

Whine away Very Happy

I did

Sorry you are suffering. *hug*

Leonie2

sorry for not replying Jellycat, the reason for my silence is because I have no experience or advice to offer. but I do hope you're feeling better soon, hugs from me too xx Smile

Cabbagepatch

Me too JC, I wouldn't know what to suggest.

BTW, no whining goes on in the Potting Shed, we just all share in each others' ups and downs, tears and laughter Very Happy

kaz

What! No wine in the potting shed?
(Is everyone but me teetotal? Embarassed

)
Hope you get a good night sleep with the painkillers Jellycat.

Lizzie