Shoulder saga
I had a frozen shoulder following an open repair of rotator cuff(Nov 2000) and extensive debridement and a previous arthroscopy (May 2000). I was diagnosed with RSD and put on Neurontin in April 2001. This was followed by twice weekly suprascapular nerve blocks (very painful) and when this didn't work I was admitted for two weeks for an indwelling brachial plexus nerve block. This too was unsuccessful and by this time my shoulder was well and truly stuck. The same surgeon decided to do a further diagnostic arthroscopy and manipulation under anaesthetic. This was three weeks ago and i certainly have much more movement. on post operative review the surgeon said that the pain I am still having is due to all the intervention and i must work through it in order not to lose the range of motion. i am having physio twice weekly and it is very painful both during and after. As I was experiencing a great deal of neck pain I was referred to a neuro-spinal surgeon and after an MRI he says i have three cervical discs degenerating and wants to do a fusion. I am most reluctant and am looking at alternatives to put this off as long as possible and to this end will see an anaesthetist specialising in pain management.
