Reverse Shoulder Replacement Long Wait for Reverse Shoulder Replacement.

I had the ultrasound scan of my shoulder this morning. It hurt! I could feel my shoulder grating when she pressed on it in certain places.

The radiologist said she couldn't see any tears in the rotator cuff, but there was "a lot" of fluid around the sore area in my biceps and some around the shoulder joint. She couldn't visualize the head of the humerus - I'm too fat.

I'll wait for the official report, but I think my next step is to see my GP, and ask for a shoulder X-Ray, to see what the bones are doing, plus a referral to a shoulder expert OS. I can't take NSAIDs, because of my bleeding disorder, so that seems to indicate an aspiration and probably steroid injections. Probably an MRI as well.
Oh joy!
 
so that seems to indicate an aspiration and probably steroid injections. Probably an MRI as well.
Gosh - does not sound fun! Hope you can get this resolved quickly.
 
Good luck @Celle
My biceps tendon was released (one of the 2 parts of it) during my RCR surgery (shoulder thread). The idea scared me to death frankly, but the OS said it was too shredded to repair and had been deteriorating over time evidently because the surrounding muscles, etc, were strong and had already taken over for that bicep tendon!
Your plan of seeing an OS and getting an MRI sound quite wise.
 
I'm sorry this isn't resolved for you yet, @Celle. I think your idea about an x-ray and consultation with a good shoulder surgeon are in order.
 
I'm still waiting for the report about the ultrasound scan, so I can't do anything yet.
 
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Yesterday, I phoned my GP surgery for the ultrasound report. It was sitting in my GP's in box. He is on holiday until February 10th, so I wouldn't have received the report until after that, if I hadn't phoned.
His nurse discussed it with me and then emailed it to me. @Jamie

"US L SHOULDER Januuary 17, 2020
Indication
: Rotator cuff symptoms. Query impingement

Findings:
LH Biceps tendon: No subluxation or tear but moderate tendon sheath fluid was noted.
Subcapsularis: No tendonosis, calcification or tear.
Supraspinatus: No tear identified. Echogenic calcification is noted at the insertion, measuring up to 3 x 4 mm.
Infraspinatus: No tendonosis, calcification or tear.
Subacromial subdeltoid bursa: No thickening or free fluid.
AC Joint: Unremarkable.
Suprascapsular and spinoglenoidnotches: Unremarkable.
Abduction: Impingement noted at 10 degrees external rotation, 60 degrees abduction, 60 degrees forward flexion.
Hawkins sign: Positive.
Posterior labrum: Small joint effusion.

Impression:
  1. No evidence of tendon tear.
  2. Bursitis noted with impingement.
  3. Tendinopathy at the supraspinatus.
  4. Moderate joint effusion present."

I have an appointment with my GP's colleague next Wednesday. I will ask her to order an X-Ray of my shoulder, to visualize the bones, and for a referral to an arm and shoulder OS as soon as possible.

I can't take NSAIDs, which would probably be the first course of action, because of the bleeding disorder I have.
 
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Celle, I had a rotator cuff problem a few years ago. It got to the point where my shoulder was almost frozen. PT absolutely took care of my problem. PT was uncomfortable, but very effective. The therapist pointed out my bad posture, which was causing the bone spurs to erode the connecting tissue in that area.

Once it got loosened up, it was fine. I try to do my stretching exercises when I remember them.
 
Thank you for your advice, @bikinglynn . I certainly need to do something, because this shoulder is driving me mad. If PT is to be the answer, I'll do it, but first I want to have some further investigations and consult a shoulder specialist.

I did go to a chiropractor about 6 months ago and he put my shoulder through its full range of motion for about 6 weeks, but he advised seeking further investigations.

I had a very uncomfortable plane journey a week or so ago, when my shoulder was hard up against the person sitting next to me and I couldn't move it at all. By the end of the flight, I think I would have gladly had my shoulder and arm removed. Similarly, being squashed inside a tube for an MRI of my abdomen shortly before Christmas caused severe shoulder pain.
 
Celle, I'm glad you have the report in hand now. I think you are correct to seek an x-ray and consultation with a shoulder specialist to find out what options you have. I hope it's something easier than surgery.
 
Definitely NOT!! I think I'd fight that a bit....
 
I had my shoulder X-Rayed today. We'll see what that shows - if anything.
I wish I had been able to see the image, but the technicians had the screen turned, so I couldn't see it.
 
The shoulder X-Ray showed I have advanced osteoarthritis in my left shoulder.
Now for a referral to a shoulder surgeon.
 
Here's hoping you can get in to see the surgeon soon.
 
Thinking of you, Celle. :console2:
 
Hugs and best wishes, Celle.
Wishing you comfort throughout the process.
 
Celle, I am sorry to read about your shoulder. Glad you were able to get an appt already.
 
Sounds like you may be joining the shoulder replacement crowd. I’ve had both shoulders replaced and can’t tell. I swing kettlebells, punch a heavy bag, practice Martial arts, whatever I want. I had a top notch shoulder specialist perform the surgery, he has performed hundreds if not thousands of shoulder replacements. Get an orthopedic surgeon that specializes in shoulder replacement not a jack of all trades. Prior to the replacement I had surgery to clean up one of my shoulder joints which didn’t help at all so I went through with the replacement. Glad I did!

Best wishes
 

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