Shoulder bursitis n tendons inflamation

Question

Hi, just wondering anyone has painful shoulder bursitis after radiation? If yes, what do u do to treat it? I had ultrasound on my shoulder on affected side n shows bursa n tendons inflamed. I cannot crossed my arm or reach my back. Dr suggests physio first if not improved will try cortisone injection. Has anyone did the cortisone injection n it works? Thanks

cath62 · Answer

Wow @arpie your situation sounded terrible but also extreme. @Siewli since you have been to your dr why not follow that advice. I assume your dr got an xray or scan for your diagnosis. I think we need to be careful jumping to see a surgeon at an initial stage, especially when you have already seen a dr about this.I had bursitis in my shoulder along with inflammatory in my rotator cuff. My dr recommended physio and I am so glad I went for treatment. It worked. No surgery needed. Cortisone can be hit and miss. My husband had it and it worked a treat.&nbsp;I think take things one step at a time. Try physio and if no success then escalate to the next step. Seeing a surgeon at this stage is a big step to take without following the other steps first. Go see a good physio and even ask your gp for a treatment plan for physio so it's cheaper if you don't have private cover.&nbsp;Take care

cath62 · Answer

Bursitis can take a few months to heal and can do so on its own. Physio is a start and if that doesn't work a cortisone injection under an ultrasound can certainly help if it hits the right spot. Good to see your gp about it. I am an ex nurse and careful here about giving advice. It's always best to talk to your registered health professional. Best wishes

arpie · Answer

Sorry you've got the shoulder bursitis/pain @Siewli. The pain can be excruciating if you over stretch it when reaching for something .... l almost dropped to the floor in agony once, it was so bad ... with tears in the eyes ....I did have a cortisone injection but it didn't really 'do much' for me (technically it was supposed to help for up to 6 months relief, but for me, it only lasted a couple of weeks) ....Chances are it could also have a tinge of frozen shoulder &amp; impingement/tear of the rotator cuff tear as well, possibly bicep damage aw well - you really need to be seen by a Shoulder specialist orthopaedic surgeon.&nbsp; They often only see the 'other stuff' when they go in with the arthroscope &amp; take pics of the damage, as well as snip off the bad bits .....&nbsp; The sooner you get it checked out properly - the better, as your description indicates it is already fairly severe.&nbsp; &nbsp; Mine was nothing to do with radiation ... women tend to get it more often than men (probably all the heavy shopping bags &amp; carrying kids around every day wouldn't help ....)Sadly, the longer you put off getting it checked out by a pro - the worse it is likely to get.&nbsp; This is because, as it hurts, you tend not to use it so much &amp; the movement restriction and pain just gets worse &amp; worse and the pain increases.&nbsp;&nbsp;My GP originally fluffed around for well over a year, giving me acupuncture, massage &amp; US (as a treatment method, not diagnostic tool) and then Physio - none of which helped - it just got worse &amp; worse.&nbsp; I eventually had difficulty feeding myself &amp; washing my hair ... and absolutely couldn't reach behind my back at all.&nbsp; &nbsp;I saw a specialist shoulder guy &amp; should have done it 8 months+ earlier.My left one was frozen solid in 2001 .... but without the rotator cuff damage ... Manipulation under a block anaesthetic 'fixed it' back then with nearly 8-10 months to get back to full range of movement&nbsp; .... but it has returned just now (burning, clicking, aching) &amp; I had an xray last week &amp; have an US next week to see what the damage is ...... and then will look for a surgeon - Sadly, I think my guy (who did both my shoulders) has retired now :(&nbsp;My right one, about 10 years ago, was a mix of frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tear &amp; bicep tear as well - and I had keyhole surgery to fix that one &amp; it is going good now after 8-10 months recovery.&nbsp;Ask your GP for a referral to a specialist - google who is available in your area (there are 'Dr Trip Advisor' sites that you can read up on their abilities &amp; success rates ...) tho word of mouth is often the best guide.The shoulder is the most complex set of bones, muscles &amp; tendons in the whole body &amp; one bit is 'damaged' - it can stuff up the entire shoulder.&nbsp;With my first one, when I held my arms out at shoulder height, my scapula actually came 'out' with it, like a wing ..... that's when I knew it was REALLY BAD &amp; sought the surgeon out - and wished I'd done it 6 months+ earlier! :(&nbsp;Take care &amp; all the best xx. Let me know how you get on.&nbsp; &nbsp;

siewli · Answer

Thanks. Will ask GP for referral

siewli · Answer

@arpie Thanks. I'm thinking about asking GP to rescan my shoulder too.@cranky_granny Thanks. It is so frustrating that we have to do so much to counteract the side effects. It's like never ending story.@Cath62 Thanks. Will definitely check with GP for suggestions.

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Shoulder bursitis n tendons inflamation

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