OH my aching rotator cuffs

[D4570]

On opening day of duck season, my brother-in-law packed in about a mile and a half pulling a two-wheel wheelbarrow full of decoys and ammo and maybe lunch too. We each pulled the barrow through tall weeds and mud, and each had a handle trading sides to rest the other arm.
I had no idea I was mucking up my shoulders. I had the flu shot the day before and assumed the new pain was from it. It's been over six weeks and the pain gets worse as time goes on. I have seen 3 doctors and 4 trips to the walking centers and it's still horrible. I can't get in to see the orthopedic specialist till mid-January. I have had 3 ultrasound exams and several X-rays. bottles of different NSAIDs and steroids. I've tried Heat, cold, CBD creams, and Voltaren. I'm using KT tape now with some good results. I'm afraid I'm going to kill someone soon if I can't get some sleep and relief.
Anyone with a miracle fix?

 

[David658]

There is a Polar Ice machine, you put ice and water in it, and a shoulder "cuff" goes on your shoulder. Pumps ice water thru it, not super cold like an ice pack that can burn your skin, but just heavenly pain relief. You can find them on Ebay. Newer ones have a compression feature, that is a nice relief, too. Your doc should be able to prescribe one for you if you want a new one.
Blew my shoulder on Memorial Day. Surgery was November 8. I hope you can get scheduled and treated sooner than I did. Be careful stacking NSAIDs on the Voltaren - that V is potent stuff.
Best of luck to you, sorry you find yourself where you are.

David
NM

 

[F250]

Have the doctors scheduled a MRI yet ? I had rotator cuff surgery last March. Sucks for about 4 months.

 

[tillicant]

On opening day of duck season, my brother-in-law packed in about a mile and a half pulling a two-wheel wheelbarrow full of decoys and ammo and maybe lunch too. We each pulled the barrow through tall weeds and mud, and each had a handle trading sides to rest the other arm.
I had no idea I was mucking up my shoulders. I had the flu shot the day before and assumed the new pain was from it. It's been over six weeks and the pain gets worse as time goes on. I have seen 3 doctors and 4 trips to the walking centers and it's still horrible. I can't get in to see the orthopedic specialist till mid-January. I have had 3 ultrasound exams and several X-rays. bottles of different NSAIDs and steroids. I've tried Heat, cold, CBD creams, and Voltaren. I'm using KT tape now with some good results. I'm afraid I'm going to kill someone soon if I can't get some sleep and relief.
Anyone with a miracle fix?

In late Nov. of 2021, was heading out for a morning ML hunt, the car in front of me whacked a doe. Not one to waste meat, I stopped, called our DNR and registered. At 530 AM, no help in loading. Felt the twitch, or whatever you call it. Same as you, thought it would get better. Finally got a MRI, but opted to delay the surgery till the following December due to our work schedule.
That was probably one of the worse decisions I have ever made. Get the MRI, get the surgery. (thats the miracle)

 

[MNElkNut]

Crazy that none of your doctors has requested an MRI. That was the first thing that my doc did. Surgery sucks, but it cures the problem.

 

[Tradewind]

Ice and whiskey. A pharma type friend suggested whiskey and benedrill for sleeping Carefull on the dosage of each if you are not
in really good shape. Use about 3 or 4 big puffy pillows when you sleep. Hopefully you're a side sleeper.
get the pillows on the front side and use as many as needed to elevate the arm upward. You will find a spot
in that elevation somewhere that feels better than the rest. Otherwise the recliner will be your next best bet
rather than laying flat.
As @tillicant said get the MRI. That is what ortho's use to prove to insurance you need surgery. It's worth the wait,
IMO for a good ortho. I went to college with mine.
Good luck