polly929 wrote: Yes, orthopedic surgeons. Go see one. He/She will refer you to the appropriate PT or MRI if needed. MRIs use magnets not radiation, there should be no issue with exposing that area. Yes they cost a lot of money, if you're shoulder becomes useless it may be necessary, but that is up to a doctor to decide. I will never understand why if you have a health problem you would discuss it on a discussions side of a decorating forum and get other people's opinions or experiences rather than see a specialist. Wow. That's a pretty curt and judgemental response but that's just my opinion. Because what I glean from that response is that anyone that would ask about a medical issue on a forum is an idiot. Seems to be par for the course around here much too much, again...just my opinion and one of the reasons I lurk more than post. I will say that the overwhelming majority of posts here are polite and friendly - I enjoy reading those. People frequent forums because they like to ask questions, read about the experiences of others, share their experiences, get helpful information, and, sometimes, just have a simple conversation on the discussions or off topic section of a decorating, car, garden, or whatever forum. ~Back on topic~ To answer Oakley's OP, I do have experience with mild to severe pain in every joint in my body but no distinct problems with my shoulders. I just live with it. Sometimes, I have really bad days but can still function. It started happening around 10 years ago and got to the point a few years later where I had to take one stair at a time (still happens from time to time). I don't go to the Doctor for every little thing but decided to go to an Orthopedic Surgeon and get the whole work-up. Diagnosis: Age - exactly what I thought Treatment: Joint specific exercises and OTC pain relief. I just ordered this supplement from Dr. Mercola. He's a proponent of natural health as well as a Physician, Surgeon, and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. He's a frequent guest on Dr. Oz's show and always interesting. Anyway, read about it, might be worth a try. Dr. Mercola on Dr. Oz Astaxanthin on Mercola.com Hope your shoulder feels better, Oakley.

Sorry to hear this Donna, but you will do great! Two men I work with have had this surgery in the past year. First guy did so well, the second one used the same surgeon. That doc's motto is "it's not a marathan, it's a sprint". Take it slow. Neither of them mentioned having a hard time with pain, but both did mention sleeping/laying flat. I think that took a few weeks for both. Hope you have a comfy recliner. I saw the second guy last week, it was his first day driving. He was doing great. Let us know how you are doing!

I had 2 frozen shoulders about 6 months apart, one in each shoulder. I was barely in my 40s and even though my mother had had one and thyroid issues run in my family, I didn't make the connection with the first one. I was young and fit and thought the achy pain was because my shoulder exercises needed more oomph, so I amped up workouts. The pain got a lot worse. I read somewhere that a frozen shoulder is like a scab over a wound and too intense exercise is like peeling off the scab and delaying the healing process. I wish I would have saved that article because it helpful at the time. My first frozen shoulder was formally diagnosed during the most intensely painful phase and I was given prescription pain medicine. I took it as directed and found no relief so stopped. I eventually found what worked for me and it healed in about 12 months. When the next shoulder started showing signs, I knew what to do and it lasted about 8 months. It's a depressing period of time. To those going through it, I wish you the best as it's a very misunderstood condition. It also completely changes your day-to-day living. Even simple things like reaching for my seatbelt and putting on a bra were altered. Today my favorite stretch is lying on my back with arms at 10 and 2 o'clock, flat on the floor, because there was a time my arms couldn't do that.

I'm glad that the pillow case is working to ease the seam - but do try something more likely to reduce pressure. Those gel shoe inserts are cheap and readily available (yes, you can find more expensive "medical" gel pads, but they are probably too thick). A small piece of sheepskin is harder to find (I kept some from a worn out pair of slippers) but you could probably mimic the effect with some springy pillow stuffing wrapped in a piece of cotton. Some medical supply drugstores stock sheepskin padding for crutches - or, at least, they used to. Nerves heal but slowly - better to prevent any damage, and your shooting pain is warning you of that.