 | Blogs > 1942CLASSIC > THROUGH AN OPEN WINDOW > CORTISONE......GOD BLESS THE DISCOVERER |
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On March 15th I had surgery for a significantly torn rotator cuff. (My doctor's exact words.) On the 19th I began physical therapy to regain my range of motion and strength. I had been told I would probably be in therapy for 12-14 weeks, would probably regain 90% function and the excruciating pain I had been suffering for months would slowly dissipate. For 14 weeks I have been faithful in atending therapy and doing my best to do everything that was asked of me. Unfortunately I have not regained the function I had expected and although the pain has lessened somewhat it has been constant. That made visits with friends and the May Bash really difficult. Depression was descending in a cloud; if not black, definitely dark gray. Today I went back to see the surgeon for my third follow up visit and he and my therapist agreed that I have more pain, less range of motion and less strength than I should have at this point. The reason they feel this is true is that my body just naturally produces more scar tissue and adhesions than is ordinary. I heard this with ominous forboding. Wondering if I would always have this pain, never be able to use my right arm freely again made me feel sick and that cloud grew darker still. I know Dr G. has operated on others to cut adhesions but I wondered if that wouldn't just give rise to still more. You know that helpless, hopeless feeling you get at a time like that? Then he said, " I want to try something else if you are willing. I want to give you a shot of cortisone. That can help soften that adhesion and relieve the pain and soreness." I was concerned as I had taken cortisone orally for asthma and allergies years ago and had a psychotic reaction. Sure didn't want to go through that again. Dr G. reassured me that an injection would not affect me like taking it orally. So I said let's do it. The cortisone was mixed with a numbing element and for the first time since August 2006 I am not in pain. I have thanked and praised God and if the person who discovered the properties of cortisone were available I would thank them with exceeding joy! Cloud has lifted and I feel human once again!!!     "I may not do great things, but I can do small things with great love." Mother Theresa 
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6/20/2007 11:16 am |
That's terrific news to hear. I have a few friends who swear by the cortisone shots. There is some caution as to repeated use but I'm sure Dr. G. is aware of that. I hope you progress stays pain free and you experience greater flexibility with your shoulder. Thank you for the update,good news is always the best to hear.  This is just a personal opinion, but life is more fun if you can find time to laugh. 
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6/20/2007 1:27 pm |
Linda I am sooooo very happy for you....it is wonderful....  Can't wait for our ST Pete happenings......RED Living my life for the memories I will have....... not the regrets of what never was......
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6/20/2007 1:44 pm |
You can only take those shots so many times a year, so be sure to plan to have one right about the time we go to St. Pete...if you are going to need another one. Belle
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6/20/2007 1:56 pm |
This is good to hear Linda ... That sinking feeling is awful ... Have been there done that. I had a nasty skiing accident at 30 and they said I'd never walk again. Sure .... I found myself a good physio and I worked at it ... In the past year it has given me some grief ... I found a new physio closer to home. Someone I had seen years ago. It took a few weeks before he asked if he could massage the scar. I yelped alot but weeks later its worked. Now ... Why didn't I think of that ? Amazing things leap our when we need them ... Healing hug .... Onward and upward kiddo 
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6/20/2007 2:12 pm |
1942: I AM so Happy for you! Living pain-free is like being in a whole other world! Take good care of yourself and have a Happy Day!
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6/20/2007 2:26 pm |
1942CLASSIC, That is most wonderful news ....... and as you said to be pain free says yippie ki yippie ki yippie ki aye ....... not sure did all that one right but right there celebrating with ya g/f ... Blessings and Hugsssssssssssss ....... Pattie
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6/20/2007 3:45 pm |
I'm glad it worked so well for you, linda. There is a divergence of opinion about cortisone, but my one shot to the torn achilles did relieve the agonizing pain quite a bit. I also took laser therapy, which is also controversial, but the tendon did heal. The laser may have expedited the healing somewhat.
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6/20/2007 3:57 pm |
I am so glad that you are out of pain, but once that wears off the pain will be back. The shots can destroy your bones seriously. So, if you can go without these shots I would. You also might have arthritis now in your shoulder. I pray that this does keep the pain away.
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6/20/2007 4:12 pm |
I'm glad you've gotten some relief after nearly a year in unrelenting pain, Linda. My husband was a polio survivor, for whom the pain never let up. He had a severe headache that was never completely absent and intermittent muscle cramps that were excruciating. No wonder you were feeling 'low'. I hope your relief continues and that you will know full recovery before too much more time has passed! Never lose a holy curiosity.  Albert Einstein TheHag
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6/20/2007 4:53 pm |
LInda..that is wonderful news. I have a titanium shoulder, still have a bad rotator cuff, plus torn ligaments and muscles down to my elbow. They had a hard time putting me back together....grin In addition to physical therapy, I have a Tens Unit.....it is wonderful. It short circuits the pain with electric shock that you control. I no longer have to wear it all the time, only when I over use the arm. The insurance company originally rented it for me, but since it was going to be forever..they purchased it for me. Ask your PT or doctor if this would help you.
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6/20/2007 5:07 pm |
Glad you are feeling better! Being in constant pain can make one miserable.......just keep up with the shots. Have fun in St. Pete!!
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6/20/2007 7:41 pm |
Ahhh, that wonderful feeling when you don't feel pain any more. I can relate. Just keep up your therapy at home and it might take more than 2 years, but you might be pleasantly surprised with your healing. Just don't over do.
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6/20/2007 10:28 pm |
I'm so glad you're feeling relief, the dark clouds have passed and you're getting a sense of how to move on without the pain for at least some time. I hope a LOT of time. HopSkipRun is totally right about not overdoing it, being pain free could easily let you overextend. Hope you keep to the diligence you're famous for, slow and steady always wins!!!
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6/29/2007 9:21 am |
It is grand when Modern Medicine gets it right. MONTICELLO BLUE take me to where SUNFLOWERSGrow &LOVE Blooms 
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7/2/2007 1:00 pm |
Now how did I miss this post when you are one of my watched blogs? ... hmmmmmmmmmm... It's a few days later and I'm hoping you are still relatively pain-free, Linda. GBU, my friend. *hugs*  's &  'sCarMa Breathe life in... and live it with passion!
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