Anyone had surgery for shoulder calcification?

IONIA

I have a calcification right shoulder, confirmed by X Ray and MRI Scan. I have had three steroid injections, and now on waiting list for surgery. Presented to me is 80% success rate, although recovery time is a little while and committment to physio is paramount. I am a nurse, and going to contact the specialist nurse for more information, as a literature search has so far yielded zilch. I am keen to go for it, as the pain on movement is murder and affecting my quality of life. I had an acute tendonitis last year which ended up with me in casualty and can only be described as childbirth on the shoulder, upper back and neck ! [not nice]. I only have word of mouth re two people who had it done and said it was worth it. Has anyone on here had [or know anyone who has] the surgery? If so what outcomes did they have ? Would really appreciate any info, thanks.

Savvy_Sue

Sorry, no but I can offer my sympathy! My DH had one which mercifully cleared up after one injection but he was in agony (and he is not a wimp!)

littlereddevil

My friend had it done and said it was great

IONIA

Savvy Sue - oooh you understand. And Anneg, thanks for your post. I guess I am just scared of the surgery - not keen to be on the 'other side of the fence' so to speak. But oh to imagine being able to put on/take off eg a T shirt and reach up for things without me squealing ooh oww owww [and no, not a la Harry met Sally, hehe] ... would be sheer bliss.

Savvy_Sue

With those odds and that amount of pain I'd be prepared to go for it! Best of luck.

What do they do if it doesn't work? Amputation? (I hope laughing doesn't hurt too much ...)

awleahbee

I was diagnosed with calcification of the shoulder tendon in March 09. My GP has tried the usual medication to relieve the pain (i.e. anti inflammatory drugs, cortisone injections) but the pain has not got any better!
I was referred to a specialist at my local hospital in May, and am now on the waiting list for arthroscopic surgery to remove the calcium deposits and relieve the impingment in my shoulder joint. The consultant told me the current waiting list for this op is around 12 weeks! It is now 10 weeks since my consultation and the pain has got REALLY bad! Movement is extremely limited and it is now interfering with my everyday life.
Has anyone else been waiting for this kind of surgery, and if so, how long can I expect to wait until I get this done?

whatatwit

I would try ringing the consultant's secretary and find out when your appointment is likely to be.
Sometimes, a little nudge is needed, or your letter may have gone astray.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

And his secretary is more than capable of dealing with the people in admissions, who are more 'big picture' orientated as a rule (they have managers with politically important targets), rather than the secretary, who tends towards individuals (and have fewer targets set), as does her consultant.

pxxuk

I have just been diagnosed with this in my left shoulder... I thought I was being a big baby myself with it but it is agony! I thought I would only be in pain with it for a few days but after reading this... OMG, weeks of pain???!! I dont fancy the injections route either.... :eek:

brokeworkaholic

Yep, I had it done 7 or 8 years ago via keyhole surgery. General anaesthetic, in & out in a few hours. Well worth it.....but....

1. For females having the procedure, WEAR A SKIRT!!! With your arm in a sling & complete numbness in the arm, going to the loo is a nightmare! I wore trousers & to this day, I remember wishing someone had advised me to think through the logistics.

2. Sleeping: Rest your shoulder/arm on a pillow. Again, you as you have no feeling, it can drop off the bed unexpectedly without you knowing!!

3. I have 3 scars that you have to look for, when you do spot them they look like gunshots & make a great story!

4. The physiotherapy is a killer but if you do it properly, the ease of movement & full use of unrestricted arm movement returns. I was back in to my 60 hour-a-week manual/physical labour job in 6 weeks.

That's it off the top of my head, I will post more if it comes to mind,ok.
xx

ailuro2

Guy from work had it done, previously couldn't raise his arm above shoulder height, off work a few weeks and got better and better till now you'd never know the pain he'd been in.

Good Luck.:D