Dear Erin, Ducky,, and all, I took your advice and called back again and although I didn't get to talk to the doctor , the nurse did read me the MRI report. It seems I have a tear in the tendone of the rotator cuff. Also, a buildup of fluid in the bursa, significant of bursitis. the third thing had a lot of big medical words that I did not understand. When I asked her about it she did not understand it either, so so much for that part. Anyway, they are going to give me a steroid shot on Monday unless they get a cancellation before that. There are four doctors in that group. Do y ou think I would be out of line if I asked if one of the other doctors could give me the shot so that I could get it sooner and maybe get some relief? Thank you for your thoughts. Luv and hugs, Nic
Hey nic-nac - well, good news is we know where the pain is coming from... how long will it last? With the tear heal? I don't think that you would be out of line in requesting one of the other docs. I would call and ask the nurse and see what she says. She would know their temperments better than anyone's. A week is a long time to wait when you're in pain. Try and call, all they can tell you is no, and you'll have to wait til Monday anyway right? Nothing lost... good luck to you, and let us know what they say! Gentle hugs coming your way {{{HUGS}}} Duck
Diagnosed January 2005 - Psoriatic Arthritis/Spondylitis
Diagnosed January 2005 - Psoriatic Arthritis/Spondylitis
-Currently taking 50mg shot weekly of Enbrel
Diagnosed May 1998 - Graves Disease
-Complete Thyroidectomy September 1998 - While 11 weeks pregnant
Other Complications - GERD/Scoliosis/Hiatal Hernia/Graves Disease of the Eyes
Diagnosed May 1998 - Graves Disease
-Complete Thyroidectomy September 1998 - While 11 weeks pregnant
Other Complications - GERD/Scoliosis/Hiatal Hernia/Graves Disease of the Eyes
Current Meds - Enbrel/Prevacid/Synthroid
Past Meds - Inderal/PTU/Prednisone/Voltaren/Feldene/Mobic/Cortisone and Steroid Shots
A-hah! Persistance pays off! Thank the Lord. See, I was right...full of bologny them saying such long a wait for that MRI. Being that they saw what you have, I wonder why the doc didn't tell you to come pick up a RX for a stronger pain medication? You don't need an appointment to do that. They could just have it for you at the front desk. Anywhoo, I am glad you got hold of them.
Ducky's right, your nurse there would know their temperement about "squeezing you in" earlier. But, you are in a lot of pain & that should take priority. An injection doesn't put a doctor back too much time.
Another option would be to go the conservative route. Rest it, use an arm sling, ice it often and take those nsaids and Darvocets. See if you can wait out the week.
A very inflammed shoulder cuff and bursitis...if you get a steroid injection too soon it can be very very painful. On the other hand...if he's a good shot it can bring quick reduction of pain and swelling. Go with what your gut says. I mean, how much worse can it get? You're suffering already with pain, if they get a cancellation sooner, why not....get it over with sooner.
So how does it feel tonite?
I wrote you about the steroid thingy we were talking about, it's on your other post.
Rest well, Take care
erin
Active, Severe RA. Crohns Disease. Chiari Malformation & Right Brain venous anomoly. AS. Emphysema. Rheumatic Lung. MVP and Tricuspid prolapse. Had Lymes disease for 10 years.
Active, Severe RA. Crohns Disease. Chiari Malformation & Right Brain venous anomoly. AS. Emphysema. Rheumatic Lung. MVP and Tricuspid prolapse. Had Lymes disease for 10 years.
Meds: Humira 40mg every 4 days; pred; Pentasa; Imuran; dilaudid; diazepam; Avinza 30mg; MiraLax & too many others.
Dear Ducky and Erin and all, I have decided that if they get a cancellation I will take that appt. In answer to your question Ducky sometimes a rotator cuff tear will never heal and you have to have surgery . Ugh 
that would be my last resort. Anyway, there are things they will try before going that route. First they try the steroid shots and if that doesn't work you go to physical therapy and they use ultrasound , message, and light exercise. Then if all else fails its surgery. I found out all of this because the nurse who answered the phone has just been through this with her mother. She said the doctors in the group do not take each other's patients, and that other patients have wanted to do that too, but apparently its a no no. So I will wait and in the meantime use the consertive measures you mentioned Erin. It's still very painful but I guess thats to be expected. One interesting fact I read when I googled rotator cuff tear was that people who have RA are very prone to this type of thing. Amazing what you can find out isn't it? Erin, I am going to my other post now to read about the steroid thing. Thanks to both of you for your replies and kindness. Luv and Hugs, Nic
that would be my last resort. Anyway, there are things they will try before going that route. First they try the steroid shots and if that doesn't work you go to physical therapy and they use ultrasound , message, and light exercise. Then if all else fails its surgery. I found out all of this because the nurse who answered the phone has just been through this with her mother. She said the doctors in the group do not take each other's patients, and that other patients have wanted to do that too, but apparently its a no no. So I will wait and in the meantime use the consertive measures you mentioned Erin. It's still very painful but I guess thats to be expected. One interesting fact I read when I googled rotator cuff tear was that people who have RA are very prone to this type of thing. Amazing what you can find out isn't it? Erin, I am going to my other post now to read about the steroid thing. Thanks to both of you for your replies and kindness. Luv and Hugs, Nic