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I noticed that my right arm was getting sore here and there in January 2000. I orginally thought I needed more calcium because I do not drink much milk and I had breast fed my daughter until she was 8 months old. Although that was four months prior to noticing the pain - it was my first thought.
It gradually got worse throughout last year. In November I went to see my docter about it - on the advice of my husband who noted I complained of pain first thing in the morning.
He perscribed anti-inflamitories for 10 days. They seemed to lose effect after the first 3 days.
In January of this year, I met again with him as I was having difficulty lifting my arm to brush my teeth and turn on the lightswitch. But not everyday. He referred me to a Physologist who I see next week - he apparently will perform an EMG.
In the beginning of February, I turned up in his office in tears hugging my arms in front of me. I could not lift them without extreme pain and discomfort. He perscribed a different type of anti-inflamitory and referred me to a physiotherapist to treat me for possible thorasic outlet syndrome while I waited to see the physologist. I informed him that my left arm was fast approaching the pain level of my right and exhibiting all the same symptoms.
The physiotherapist has help me but things continue to go downhill. I get numbness in my fingers and sometimes on my forearms (both arms). My knuckles are sore and swollen.
We completed some excercises on Wednesday to strengthen my rotator cuff, and I am still in GREAT pain today (Friday). I have difficulty sleeping, feel very fatigued when my muscles are sore and sometimes my chest feels heavy when I am seated upright at my desk. My fingers are clumbsy and times - especially in the morning (I drop things) and I am scared that every little twinge means something new. ie my knees ache but I think it's in my head.
I am a 31 year female and would welcome any thoughts you have.
Please help.
In Reply to: Chronic Arm Pain posted by Cynthia on March 16, 2001 at 16:38:56:
This very well could be a cervical radiculopathy caused by either a degenerative or herniatied cervical disc. Have xrays of your neck been done?
These types of problems can respond very favorably to conservative chiropractive care. Read the archives about spinal problems and bracing.
Doc Kim
In Reply to: Chronic Arm Pain posted by Cynthia on March 16, 2001 at 16:38:56:
Hi, Cynthia.
Listen to Doc Kim (Thanks, Doc Kim!)
Do you understand that your regular doc does not have a clue? How COULD he manage you like that when faced with the progression of your symptoms??? Only a monopoly.......
You need a neurologist and very soon. Start keeping a diary of how you remember this developing and copies of your medical records.
Doc Kim had a better idea of your problem (without even seeing you) than the doc, that had the advantage of multiple examinations during the development of the problem, has even now.
Let us know what you learn.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Chronic Arm Pain (Archive in Chiropractic.) posted by Walt Stoll on March 18, 2001 at 09:26:55:
I've just come from the specialist. I don't think I'm satisfied with his prognosis. He feels I have tendonitis. I don't understand - isn't this a repetitive strain injury? It has been seven days of pain this time so far. I injured myself yesterday putting my daughter into her car seat. She walked to the car herself and I merely put her in place as my arms were already sore - I've been so cautious. So what he saw was my inability to move my right arm away from my body without pain. Problem is I don't think he heard me trying to tell him that I have pain on my left shoulder too, it's just not so pronounced and obvious. Why does he think this? I don't do anything repetively other than type and I try not to do that all day either.
He plans on giving me a cortisone shot on Thursday (it's Tuesday today) He wanted to do it today but I am over sensitive right now and couldn't promised that I would leap off his examining table at the slightest pin prick.
I questioned him on the inpingement syndrome theory of my doctor - he said no way. I asked about a pinched nerve - he said no. He hooked me up to a machine and sent an electric current through my lower arm and told me I didn't have carpal tunnel syndrome - lucky me.
I feel crazy - tendonitis seems like an easy answer for something that continually gets worse. Maybe this is just turning me into a hypocondriac?
My doctor had me do blood work and x-rays on my right shoulder and neck in January. Nothing indicated anything abnormal.
The specialist perscibed Nortriptyline 25 mg 2 capsules before bed to help me regain the sleep I've lost.
Does any of this change your opinions of what I have described.
I have a gut feeling that this doesn't fit.
Cynthia
In Reply to: Chronic Arm Pain posted by Cynthia on March 20, 2001 at 19:09:28:
Just to let you know, my specialist called me this morning and asked me to get another set of x-rays completed. Right shoulder, neck and chest regions. I see him tomorrow to discuss and receive the cortisone shot. My right arm movement is improving slowly since Monday. the more I move it (cautiously) the better my range of motion and the less frequent the pain. Woke up this morning with both shoulders extremely ainful to move - but that doesn't seem odd lately.
Does it make any difference if I wake up with the pain and it seems to lesson during the day as I move my arms?
Is this tendonitus?
In Reply to: Chronic Arm Pain posted by Cynthia on March 20, 2001 at 19:09:28:
Hi, Cynthia.
Repetitive motion is but one cause of chronic tendonitis and not even the most common one.
Chronic bracing is the most common cause and is what causes most people with this to be susceptible to it. If the bracing is not dealt with, even if the allopathic supressive therapy works (tape over the dashboard warning lights), other structural problems will soon arise.
Nortriptyline is an antidepressant. Read your labels!
Injection of cortisone into a tendon sheath is NOT a "simple pin prick". It is one of the most painful injections we have. Still, this might help IF you start dealing with the bracing before the problem starts returning.
See the archives and glossary.
Walt
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