Shoulders R Shot...

[WheelieMike]

I believe my shoulders are shot. When I move my arms, it sounds and feels like I have gravel in my shoulders. My question is, is any ortho dr ok, or should I find one that has experience with people with SCI?

Thanks,
Mike

[SCI-Nurse]

Ideally you should see a physiatrist first, who can determine if you would benefit from non-surgical management of your shoulder problems. They may also be familiar with an orthopedist who not only knows and is experienced with SCI, but is a specialist in shoulder problems. Not all orthopedists specialize in that area. Many of those who do a lot of sports medicine work (like for local professional baseball teams) do a lot of shoulder work.

(KLD)

[WheelieMike]

Shoulders Update:
Well, my shoulders aren't shot. The Dr did say there was weakness in them, more so in the left than the right. He is thinking it has something to do with degenerative disc disease and possible pinched nerves around the C6. He wanted to order an MRI, but Ins denied it at first. The Dr had to call and talk the Insurance's Dr into approving it first...gotta love the insurance company.

I finally get to my delayed MRI apt, and we go over all the precautions. With Harrington Rods on my back and stents in my pelvic area, I'm a little concerned. The story I have gotten from everyone at the Dr's office is: "Oh, you should be ok." Wait, what? SHOULD BE? I would like a little more reassurance on your part than that. When I got to the appointment, the tech explained everything a lot more then her coworkers did on the phone.

Anywho, long story short, MRI went alright, and my hardware seems to be in it's orginal location. Now I just have to wait on the Dr to read and let me know what he thinks.

[ancientgimp]

I used to get sounds like that when going throgh range of motion. I always thought it was releasing scar tissue. Think long and hard before considering shoulder surgery. Some come out worse than before going under the knife. Glad to hear your problem does not appear to be rotator cuff.

[JoeMonte]

Mike,
Have you tried any cortisone shots in the shoulders? I have one every few months and lift free weights to rehab at home. It has helped me. I turned 50 and hope to have them to the end. I wish you well.
Best Regards,
Joe

[fuentejps]

Mike,
Have you tried any cortisone shots in the shoulders? I have one every few months and lift free weights to rehab at home. It has helped me. I turned 50 and hope to have them to the end. I wish you well.
Best Regards,
Joe

same here I get kenalog inj as needed. really helps

[cheesecake]

same here I get kenalog inj as needed. really helps

Be careful of the injections. I was doing the same thing for a number of years. After one set of injections, I was left with muscle death and wasting in the scapula area.

[gjnl]

Shoulders Update:
Well, my shoulders aren't shot. The Dr did say there was weakness in them, more so in the left than the right. He is thinking it has something to do with degenerative disc disease and possible pinched nerves around the C6. He wanted to order an MRI, but Ins denied it at first. The Dr had to call and talk the Insurance's Dr into approving it first...gotta love the insurance company.

I finally get to my delayed MRI apt, and we go over all the precautions. With Harrington Rods on my back and stents in my pelvic area, I'm a little concerned. The story I have gotten from everyone at the Dr's office is: "Oh, you should be ok." Wait, what? SHOULD BE? I would like a little more reassurance on your part than that. When I got to the appointment, the tech explained everything a lot more then her coworkers did on the phone.

Anywho, long story short, MRI went alright, and my hardware seems to be in it's orginal location. Now I just have to wait on the Dr to read and let me know what he thinks.

Shoulders are wheelers "Achilles' heels." You've been using your shoulders since 1986 (if I read your profile right) in a manner for which they are not intended. Do all you can now to preserve what you have left.

All the best,
GJ