Bursitis anyone?

[Tink]

I'm starting to think I have bursitis in my right shoulder. Has anyone had it? Have any advice for me?

My upper arm and shoulder have been aching off and on, and today it's been much more on than off. It hurt on my upper arm first, now it's across the muscle on top of the shoulder and hurts like heck when I turn my head, or have to lift my arm. When I'm able to just hold it still and let it rest against my body or on a desk it feels hot and tender, but isn't real painful. I'd probably be screaming if someone tried to massage my neck/shoulder area right now.

I've been taking Aleve which helps some, but not a lot. I tried Tylenol arthritis formula which really did nothing. I can't take celebrex because they wondered if my taking it before for arthritis contributed to my heart attack.

I would rather not have to take off time to go to a dr, but I've tried the over the counter things I've heard are suggested for it. HELP!?!?

[DianaB]

I looked it up on the computer and it recommends that you take anti-inflammitory medication. Some ibuprophen is probably what you need. I would start taking it every 4 hours for a few days and see if that helps. Sorry that you're having trouble with your shoulder. I'll say a prayer for you.

[Janet]

Hope you can find out what wrong Tink. Sounds painful to me. Hopefully the ibuprohen suggestion will help...maybe a nice long soothing bath. Let us know what works for you. Would heat of some kind be helpful?

[Tink]

Thanks ladies.
Hubby called and I told him about my shoulder, so now he's bugging me to go in to
the clinic and get it checked. He's called twice tonight about it.

I had to promise him I will go in if it gets any worse. I have Thursday afternoon off, from 1:00, so I guess I'll see how it's doing by then. I vaguely remember my Mom having a couple bouts of bursitis when I was a kid, and had an aunt who actually ended up having surgery for hers because it got so bad. I don't care to end up in that position if I can help it!

My Dad had arthritis in his shoulders so bad that at times he couldn't lift his arms high enough to comb his own hair. I REALLY hope it's not the start of that! I do have it in my hands and knees, and a touch of it in my lower back... but as long as I keep active it's not terrible yet. This aging stuff simply stinks.

[Janet]

Tink, I really would have it all checked out. Better safe than sorry. My husband (who has always been thin) started aching in his knees, arms and well just all over. He kept losing weight and didn't have that much to lose so he finally went to the Dr. He ended up with rhuematoid arthritis. He had to see a specialist and now takes medicine for it. He was lucky his Dr. (who he sees every six months) said, because he came in time and now it is basically in a remission like state. He's had no more problems, although he has to continue his medication and was able to put a bit of his weight back on. He was miserable before his diagnosis, so please don't wait, ya never know.

[Tink]

I went to my Dr this morning, and he assures me I don't have bursitis due tot he location and type of pain I'm having. He is instead, testing me for ulcers and breast cancer, and has taken me off a med that I've been on a couple of months (Crestor) that's known to cause nasty aches and pains. He had 5 tubes of blood drawn to test and has me scheduled to come back in next week.

I also had him check a spot on my face and he's sending me to a specialist since he thinks it too looks suspicious for skin cancer. He noticed my recent weight loss, and instead of applauding it, said it could be a symptom of something we should be aware of. DANG now he wants to schedule me for a colonoscopy and a mammogram. I know I have to go back in, but I kinda wish I hadn't even started this craziness! Sounds like I'm gonna be spending a lot of time at the clinic in the next couple weeks.

[DianaB]

It sounds like he's being very cautious and checking everything out. I'll say a prayer that your tests come out ok. Keep us posted on what you find out.

[Janet]

See if you can schedule all your tests for the same day so you can get them done and over with and the results back faster. My mom thinks that just because the Dr. schedules the appointment, she can't change it.

I'm saying prayers for you Tink....I know everything will be fine, so as hard as it is, try not to worry. We're all here for you, I hope you know that!!

[Tink]

Thanks ladies

I had the blood work done today, so will get the results back next week.
I have my Mammogram and another visit with the dr next Thurs. I called my boss and got a vacation day for that day so I don't have to rush. So I'm thinking like you Janet. I want to get it all behind me as quick as I can.