After I was diagnosed with RA, the rheumatologist gave me a whole bunch of meds to take. After 6 months or so, I stopped taking it because of some issues, and after that my RA took me in it's sleeper hold and my joints quickly deteriorated. I went back to my rheumatologist, and he put me back on a long list of meds, and I slowly started to regain my health...My joints became unstiff and the pain and swelling subsided considerably (although not entirely).
But for some reason, my left shoulder has not been able to keep up with the other joints, and it is still in a state of stiffness and pain. To give you an idea, i can't even lift up my left arm to apply deoderant. Its too painful, and my arm can not seem to lift up. I can stretch it outwards to pick up a cup, with minimal pain, but the most pain is when I lift it straight upward, or when I lift it from my elbow, like when applying deoderant.
I asked my rheumy what the deal was and he said that there is a lot of scar tissue that has developed there. I would feel a lot more normal if my left shoulder was alright. One time I clenched my teeth, and I lifted my arm as much as possible, and I heard a series of cracks, not like the sound when you crack your knuckles, but like something was breaking in there...
Sorry for making you guys read this long post, but I was wondering if any of you guys have had this experience, or similar ones... I really don't know who else to ask, since you guys are the only ones who understand what I'm going through. Would regular painful exercise help with it, because I have been trying to lift my arm and exercise it. Thanks...
I would ask if there are other treatments for your shoulder
specifically. It sounds like there could be some permanent
damage, but they probably have to do an MRI or x-rays to get a full
picture.
I have certain and specific joints that bother me no matter what.
I have a right middle finger with the main joint that is always bigger
and swollen. I had prior damage to that joint from
childhood. I also have a right knee problem.
I think that RA can aggravate preexisting conditions we have and I
don't know what they can do for them. I am in the process of getting a
doctor under insurance. All my previous care has been pay cash
and I could'nt afford diagnostic studies. Perhaps they can do
some more to treat your shoulder specifically.
I did buy a massager that you lay back on. My right shoulder and neck really bother me during flares and it helps a lot.
I have the same issue...but in both shoulders. My RA Doc sent me to Physical Therapy for ultra sound treatment and strenghtening...it feels SOOOOOOOOOOoo much better now. I still have my days...but I can reach for things over head and the snapping and pinching don't bother me as much.