UPDATE: OK, since the shoulder started hurting Sunday the 17th (after finishing the Medrol on the 13th) the pain kinda came and went during the following week. However, last Friday Oct 22nd I woke up with my shoulder hurting really bad and locked up/difficult to move. With heat and meds I was able to get dressed and come into work later. So back to the doc that afternoon. He talked with the shoulder doc and they gave me two choices. Either try a longer 10 day round of steriods (5,5,4,4,3,3,2,2,1,1) which isn't great for you but they felt it was a valid choice given my med history, or off to the shoulder doc for steriod shot in the shoulder. My doctor told me it was my choice but he was 51% to 49% for the steriod shot. I guess I just wasn't ready for that so I am on day 7 of the 10 day steriods. I also began taking the Mobic this morning since today is a 2 pill steriod day. Of course the steriods helped within 24 hours but I feel like maybe this course did not have as dramatic a result (maybe my imagination) as the first one.
I guess I keep hoping that during the interim there will be enough improvement that I won't need to have further treatment. Although at this point that hope has been dashed a bit. The shoulder doc told my GP that he had never heard of anyone having this problem but at least did not say it couldn't happen or was in my head. My GP asked that I print him off the "good stuff" that I found in my hours of research for him to look at...which is one of the reasons I really like my GP. He doesn't think he knows everything and actually listens to and responds to patient issues without already having formed an opinion that can't be swayed.
At work last Friday I asked my boss how his wife's shoulder was doing and he told me she had been back to the doctor and was now on a Medrol Pak, that it really helped, etc. you know the story. They both know my experience with the steriods and I need to ask again how she is doing since finishing the Medrol.
I am very apprehensive about what will happen after I finish the steriods. It's almost kinda cruel that you can take something that really gives relief but it's not good for you and it is not a solution. So this is do or die, if the pain does not return (crossed fingers) I'm good. However, if it again becomes such that I cannot perform daily functions without a lot of pain I will get the steriod injection. I have had several fellow sufferers inform me that's what finally gave them relief. One was in pain for 7 months until the shot, says it's been good now 3 months post-shot.
So, guess I'll make it through Halloween semi-pain free depending on my costume choice! I am also taking my first ballroom dance class tonight (I really suck) which I imagine will get my mind off my shoulder for a few days while my feet, knees and hips hurt ha!
Six weeks since the flu shot and still counting....
Comment Reply
UPDATE: OK, since the shoulder started hurting Sunday the 17th (after finishing the Medrol on the 13th) the pain kinda came and went during the following week. However, last Friday Oct 22nd I woke up with my shoulder hurting really bad and locked up/difficult to move. With heat and meds I was able to get dressed and come into work later. So back to the doc that afternoon. He talked with the shoulder doc and they gave me two choices. Either try a longer 10 day round of steriods (5,5,4,4,3,3,2,2,1,1) which isn't great for you but they felt it was a valid choice given my med history, or off to the shoulder doc for steriod shot in the shoulder. My doctor told me it was my choice but he was 51% to 49% for the steriod shot. I guess I just wasn't ready for that so I am on day 7 of the 10 day steriods. I also began taking the Mobic this morning since today is a 2 pill steriod day. Of course the steriods helped within 24 hours but I feel like maybe this course did not have as dramatic a result (maybe my imagination) as the first one.
I guess I keep hoping that during the interim there will be enough improvement that I won't need to have further treatment. Although at this point that hope has been dashed a bit. The shoulder doc told my GP that he had never heard of anyone having this problem but at least did not say it couldn't happen or was in my head. My GP asked that I print him off the "good stuff" that I found in my hours of research for him to look at...which is one of the reasons I really like my GP. He doesn't think he knows everything and actually listens to and responds to patient issues without already having formed an opinion that can't be swayed.
At work last Friday I asked my boss how his wife's shoulder was doing and he told me she had been back to the doctor and was now on a Medrol Pak, that it really helped, etc. you know the story. They both know my experience with the steriods and I need to ask again how she is doing since finishing the Medrol.
I am very apprehensive about what will happen after I finish the steriods. It's almost kinda cruel that you can take something that really gives relief but it's not good for you and it is not a solution. So this is do or die, if the pain does not return (crossed fingers) I'm good. However, if it again becomes such that I cannot perform daily functions without a lot of pain I will get the steriod injection. I have had several fellow sufferers inform me that's what finally gave them relief. One was in pain for 7 months until the shot, says it's been good now 3 months post-shot.
So, guess I'll make it through Halloween semi-pain free depending on my costume choice! I am also taking my first ballroom dance class tonight (I really suck) which I imagine will get my mind off my shoulder for a few days while my feet, knees and hips hurt ha!
Six weeks since the flu shot and still counting....
October 28, 2010 - 11:46amThis Comment
Reply