mary I'm sure you have already done a search but thought this one just might give you some ideas?

wish I could wave that magic wand and your shoulder and my knees/back would just go away...

I do know my mother benefitted from passive exercise in the ymca "warm pool"...she fell and broke her shoulder and was never properly cared for....

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/shoulder-osteoarthritis-degenerative-arthritis-shoulder

That was another thing he mentioned, that he didn't think physical therapy would help. I'm 85 and I've been saying I'm past my expiration date. Hearings gone, one eye is wonky, back is bad and I can't keep my balance. My mind is fine!

You don't say where you are, but with all due respect, if a physician is qualified in Sports Medicine, it's in addition to doing orthopedics or physical medicine and they wouldn't be practicing as a GP.

You probably need to see an orthopedist, or a rheumatologist, or maybe both. But not a GP. Good luck.

I have osteoarthritis in both shoulders, plus two rotato cuff tears in my left shoulder.

Have an orthopedist that I see after mri's, and get a cortisone shot when I absolutely need immediate relief. Though I try to steer clear of those unless I can no long tolerate the pain. Last shot I had was 6 months ago.

I recommend as stated, EXERCISE, is the best.Water aerobics, I do try to do 4-5 times weekly, and alternate using machines at the Y, when weather doesn't permit. We do have a bubble over the pool during cold weather, that is with water heated plus air., Helps a lot.

I take IBpro, twice daily, and when that does not help, I take a prescription medication, but try to use only when absolutely necessary.

Best relief is icing with those ice pads that I buy from Dollar Tree, and use once on my neck for relief, and then my left arm.in the evening when watching tv. Been told if you use that it relaxes the muscles for sleeping. Helps a lot.

Tumeric capsules from WalMart seems to help, also.

I HAVE gone for therapy, but I have found, that I understand their procedures, and when I workout in water aerobics consistenly, I can get my own relief, without going for therapy.

Also, only with advice from your therapist, or personal trainer at the gym, have bought hand weights , use them at home.Best to use the pound size they recommend.

Hope this helped.

Mary, I have a similar situation. My right shoulder has been a problem for years and now the pain has gone across my neck, onto the left side, and I have put off having it even checked out due to so many other problems. Like you, my PC has moved on and I will be seeing someone else soon; haven't decided which one yet.

Over the years I have "done it all" with some success, or failure. Now I am taking a blood pressure med, the cancer pill, and a blood thinner. I can't do anything that requires needles, which could cause bleeding. The only thing that helps me is Tylenol, but it also makes me very sleepy, so I can only take it at bedtime. I am having an Xray done next week, just to satisfy my mind as to what the problem is. I hope you can find help with your new doctor; do let us know.

And a note here to Snidely.

Often times, the terms such as GP, PC, FP, are used interchangedly, The doctor that I think I have decided on is listed as a PC. His name is followed by DO.

Occasionally, I get sholder soreness and pain and I have been diagnosed with arthritis in my lower back and hips via xray, so there is no guessing there. For me, I find that my sleep position can agravate my shoulders. If i sleep on my side, I tend to scrunch up the sholder joint and it will be stiff the next day. This can be circumvented by folding my pilllow to provide a high enough support for my head so that my spine is more or less straight. On the downside, if I should roll onto my back in my sleep, the pillow height should be reduced.

I have arthritis! Sleeping in the "wrong" position I hurt. My right shoulder was giving me problems. The arthritis doc recommend swimming. My shoulder pain is less since I started swimming.

Try it.

Good luck!

Moni

HI Sue-va,

Though I'm not a health care provider myself, I'm pretty well informed for an outsider through the careers and experiences of friends and family. Let's fill in some of these blanks.

Physicians spend 3-8 years or more in "residencies" after the 4 years of medical school This is when they learn the knowledge and skills required for the "type" of medicine they wish to practice. The specialties of Internal medicine, family practice, pediatrics, OB/GYN are all considered as "primary care" specialties, but they're not interchangeable. The training for each has some overlap with others but they're different. You may know that patients who have HMO or similar coverage can be required to see their Primary Care physician first for any problems, and then move on to a specialist only with a written referral. Otherwise, a primary care doc is who you or I see for an annual physical, flu shots, sore throats, etc.

PC in a physician's business name often stands for Professional Corporation, which is a legal and income tax distinction. It has nothing to do with the services offered or the individual's training.

DO means the "physician" went to Osteopath School, not Medical School. There are some differences in the material covered but the biggest difference is that DO schools are easier to get into. Students who apply to DO schools typically don't have the grades or test scores to get into MD schools, or were unsuccessful in trying to get into MD schools. Graduates of DO schools are considered uncompetitive for getting into the more selective and in-demand specialties (dermatology, the various surgical specialties, etc.) and so many wind up in primary care. It's a two tier system and the DO route is the lower of the two. I personally choose to be seen by MDs only.

Sounds like you have osteoarthritis.
I have both Rheumatoid and osteo arthritis.

The osteo is in my right hand. Osteo reacts only to non-impact exercise. It attacks the connective tissue in joints, with inflammation, destroying the ligaments. The only thing you can do is to take the anti-inflammatory, like cortisone, BUT...you must go to a physical therapist for exercises to keep mobility in the affected joints. As you restore mobility, the pain will subside. Don't stop the exercise, tho..

Like you, my hubby has shoulder pain...bone on bone and was getting the cortisone shots, which do not last and can only be given so many times in a year. He read about and started taking Hyaluronic Acid capsules from the health food store. It took a while to build up in his body, but has made a great difference for him. Our orthopedic doctor said that Hyaluronic can also be given in shot form, but since the capsules were working so well, to stick with them. It is something you might want to try. It may or may not work for you as everyone's body chemistry is different.

I had to Google it, but orthopedic MD's are doing shoulder joint replacements -- sometimes partial, sometimes the whole thing. Look it up.

Within the last few months, I've become aware of a grinding in my shoulder when I clean using a lateral motion. It only happens when I am applying pressure.

Could this be the signal that I need to hire a cleaner? The Little Woman is wearing out after only fifty years of marriage?

This probably isn't much help, but I've had to learn to avoid sleeping on my shoulders, especially the one I injured from over-pulling a lawnmower cord. I went to physical therapy for that one, but after many visits realized they were making the shoulder worse.

.Oh, Mary....I am so sorry that you have a doctor that offered no help due to your age. "Past your expiration date "? You need to fire him as your doctor and find someone else.

I would think that targeted physical therapy would be of great benefit to you.

I wonder if I am the only one in the group to benefit from oral glucosamine/chondroitin supplements. Actually, my husband before I. He has osteoarthritis in one hip, discovered after it began to greatly bother him. The orthopedic specialist he went to see offered the shots as a possible way to put off the inevitable surgery. Bah!

He started taking a liquid supplement (Flexicose) while he pondered his options and did his own research. It sure turned things around for him and very quickly. He continued with the supplement for several months. This took place about eight years ago and he has been pain free ever since.

Some time after his episode, I developed severe pain in one of my knees which was subsequently diagnosed as osteoarthritis, as well. My physician told me (like a rehersed script) that my only options were the injections to stave off knee replacement, knee replacement, and strong pain killers.

When I refused the shot, he stood up and walked imperiously to the door, turned and said, "You're not hurting enough. Call me when you're ready."

We ordered several more bottles of Flexicose for me to start taking and the same thing happened to me as happened to him....I took it for about six months and have been symptom free ever since. This occurred about five years ago.

Not everyone can take glucosamine/chondritin; research carefully to understand possible allergic or medication reactions. Flexicose is a liquid supplement which is likely more effective as it doesn't have to sit in the stomach waiting to dissolve (or be eliminated).

Just my own experience!

rhizo, the doctor didn't say that, that is my own whimsical expression of my condition!

Thanks for all the responses which I am studying.

Rhizo I take glucosamine/controiton, and the doc recommend I increase my dose to three times daily. I just don't recommend meds, or supplements.

Moni

I do suffer from the same malady and have finally resorted to just plain old drugs. I take Trammadol in the morning and again in the evening. I can take it 3 dimes a day per my script but I try to avoid that if possible...just about every thing else bothers my stomach so bad that it's just not worth it and the Trammadol at least gives me a day that I can manage...not pain free but managable...

snidley have you ever considered that we don't really need your daily lectures and corrections...We could certainly manage without you correct every thing people say or do on this board...No one expects the members here to be perfectly right about every little thing, to spell everything perfectly to have everything to the inth degree...

Makes me wonder why you spend your day here with all of us, surely you have a better / higher quality people to spend your time with or do you jusst get your jollies hanging with people that you can spend you time correcting...

ruthie, there are passing moments through the day when I have a bit of time free, not unlike others.

I'm younger than social security age, I'm not female, I don't live in a rural/small town setting nor in the East/South/Midwest. My views are going to be different than those of other people here.

My comments are usually too wordy. Let's trade efforts - I'll try to keep comments short and avoid a preachy style, you keep an open mind and avoid being negative. I try to be helpful, but I understand that if you don't like or agree with the help, you may have a different reaction than what I would intend.

Your intention may not be intended to be but generally comes across as rude and not necessarily welcome. Your name here at the board tells the whole store and your purpose for being here in my personal opinion...Most of the Ladies are nice enough not to say anything and just take your constant abuse but not me...I think you are an obnoxious bully ..but I have a pretty big mouth and I am more than happy to tell you what I think of the way you talk to the Ladies of this board.

definition of Snidely
Adv. 1. snidely - with a sneer; in an uncomplimentary sneering manner; "

Your comments would be welcome its your constant correcting of everyone here that is rude and unnecessary. Most of us do not even bother to make sure that everything we spell, punctuate or write is perfect and don't appreciate the fact that you feel the need to constant "patrol" the board ..we are here to have a little fun, to relax and enjoy, and then we run into a jerk like you that has to jump in and try to correct every one...or is it that you are just trying to impress everyone.. To pound your chest and say.. Hey look I am way smarter than you are..that's what it looks like...or maybe you really are just a jerk.

This post was edited by ruthieg__tx on Sat, Oct 18, 14 at 13:09

i'm wondering if you have the facilities for a pool at all? and age certainly doesn't have anything to do with it...mother enjoyed her pool "classes" until she decided to move...she was 85, at the time...so pools really are ageless! oh the ymca also had a lift that placed you in the water if not capable of using the ramp...above all it was warm water...

I've also heard of using soup cans like weights, but i'd certainly have a pt direct you...

snidely is the rooster among the hens and he wants to be sure we hear him crow.

I'm appreciating the advice and how many of us have the same problem. No pools available for me, but the hot water running on my shoulders when showering sure feels good.

marygailv., ruthie :o)

Appointment for me Monday a cortizone shot for my shoulder. 6 months since I had one and hoping for relief.

marygailv, I don't recall seeing anything about hot compresses in the responses. You said the hot water in the shower feels good. How about trying a heating pad? Gentle exercise, meds if approved and you can handle them, and a heating pad?

Around here a GP is a General Practitioner, I agree with others who recommend a specialist. I think you should see an Orthopaedic Surgeon.

This post was edited by katlan on Sat, Oct 18, 14 at 12:17

The Elasto Gel shoulder wrap is terrific, Got mine on Amazon.

A heating pad works wonders for me too. My husband has finger that is particularly bad and has a topical cream that the VA issues It's a 10% topical analgesic. I have used it on my neck and shoulders and it does seem to help. I have also tried some of the over the counter things and they help some too. they are not cheap but they do help..Even the Blue Emu helped.

Did the doctor also aspirate at the site? I found a cortisone shot wasn't enough unless the sac was also drained to reduce some of the pressure. I've had a cortisone shot only work for a week or so myself - I'm guessing because my knee wasn't drained enough.
I've been through a few anti-inflammatory programs (meds and physio) and nothing has worked like major lifestyle modifications. I've had arthritis for over half my life (since late teens) and am now off all medications except this weekend as we were travelling and had some contamination in my diet so I took a couple of Aleves as the joint pain was creeping back.

"I have a pretty big mouth ".

Agreed. Also a lot of personal unhappiness and anger to dissipate. Perhaps doing so in my direction saved a poor little dog from getting kicked.

Marygail, there's a good topical medication, Voltaren, that gives me some relief for my back pain. It's by rx only.

snidely, I suggest you visit osteopathic.org and educate yourself about Osteopathic Physicians.

haha now you are trying to be funny snidely ..Showing your true colors....why don't you go find some men to play with ...or is it that you can't hold your own among your own sex and have to find a board of women to prove yourself.. Now if you will excuse me from this, I've had enough of this conversation, you, and need to get back to my own unhappy life....I would ask though before I leave why you chose to "kick" the ladies on this board....don't have a puppy in your life?......think about that one, no answer required just think about it because I'm leaving town and won't be back to answer you ..you can't spend a day with them with out belittling them/kicking and it's just not a nice thing for a man to do.

About three years ago I had some problems with right shoulder when reaching in various directions, especially up, and back, as retrieving something in the back seat of the car. My G.P. suggested that I get Glucosamine Sulfate and take three capsules daily, to help with cartilage between the bones. I've been taking it for a time ... and came on here a while ago to say that, as I got an extended supply on sale a while ago, I am going to have to go on living for somewhat longer (also have quite a lot of PB and jam on hand, for even more incentive).

I find that the shoulder has been developing some of those problems again, recently.

Oh, well ... life do have its problems!
________________________
Can one get "diplomacy" ...

... without a prescription?

Perhaps a touch of that on the part of some participants might help pour some oil on troubled waters, around here.

While I fairly frequently find some of snidely's information somewhat unfeeling and rather abrasive ... I find that I've learned some things from them, as well.

Dad used to say that one should let a lot of life's problems lacking direct consequence for one's self ...

... roll like water off of a duck's back.

ole joyful

Just back from receiving two injections in my left shoulder: Hyaluronic Acid Injection, and a cortizone.

Immediate relief.

Two months from now I'll have a cortizone shot in my right shoulder.

Had something wrong. Difficult to do anything. It went away?

Glenda, I'm glad the cortisone shot worked for you. My friend since grade school said it didn't last long for her either. I guess I have a body that is resistant to pain relief pills! My friend and I are both diabetic and the shot raises your blood sugar for a few days, mine was over 400 when I tested it the next day.

Glenda, I'm glad the cortisone shot worked for you. I had relief for about 4 days. My friend since grade school said it didn't last long for her either. I guess I have a body that is resistant to pain relief pills! My friend and I are both diabetic and the shot raises your blood sugar for a few days, mine was over 400 when I tested it the next day.