Darlene Mc
I have been diagnosed with chronic flexor tendinitis since 1997.My pain started in my right arm and shoulder and then moved to my left arm and shoulder. I also have pain and swelling in both my hands and wrists area, the right worse than the left but both sides are very painful. I have been going to an orthopedic doctor from day one and have had all kinds of treatments tried to ease the pain. The 1st couple of years I would get injections in my shoulder that would give me some relief for a few months but never stopping the pain; just a little relief. But as bad as it gets any little thing helps and I would do anything to get some relief. Last year I had an injection and I noticed that it only relieved the pain for about a month maybe. I also went in out patient surgery and had an epidural in the base and back of my neck and it didn't have much effect either. I don't think my doctors knows anything else to try so all they do now is keep prescribing pain medicine; and something to help me get to sleep at night. I have had a rotator cuff surgery done to my left shoulder and may need the same thing for the right but all I can see that the the surgery did was to repair the tear that was in my rotator cuff. It was about an inch long. I still have the pain. I don't know of one day since day 1 that I have not had some kind of pain and or discomfort. The times that I get a real bad flare up are very very painful. These are the times that the pain medicine doesn't even help. All I can do is cry because it gets so bad. I can't sleep on my right or left side. Sometimes not even on my back so I sit up in a chair all night and try to get to sleep. For about 2 yrs now I have begun to have the same pain in my ankles and feet; swelling and pain every day. I can't stand or for for more than maybe 30 minutes at a time. The doctors are still working on figuring out what to do to help this. All I can say to you is good luck in finding help or a cure. I just pray to God that you or anyone else never have to suffer the pain and discomfort that I have every day. I would not wish this on anybody. I have not even told you half the story of my life since this diagnosis. I can tell you though that my life has changed completely. I have not worked on a job since October 2000. I am 46 yrs young and I have worked more than half my life and now not being able to hold out on a job is very very hard for me. I am having a very hard time having to be dependant on my husband because I have always been so independant. Many days not being able to even drive or do as much as open a bottle soda or hold a cup of coffee for instance. I thank God that I have such a patient husband. If I didn't have him to help me out around the house it would really be difficult. If you can get help I would be very happy for you. I pray that your shoulder and arm pain does not progress. I have to tell you that I applied for disability and you would know that the 1st two times I was denied so then I thought that I had better get a lawyer to help with my case. Well it has been 9 months now and I am still waiting for a trial hearing. The lawyer says it takes them at least a year to call you in for a hearing. Things are not so easy at home financially. My husband works a job that only pays by the month. Can you imagine what this is like for us. I wish so many days that I was able to get at least a part time job but I already know from what I go through daily that I would not last 2 hrs not to mention 2 days. I am not going to say any more because I do not want to discourage you. Prayfully it will never get to be this bad for you. I just thought I would share with you the things that are going on with me. Good luck to you though and anyone else in the same condition.