I scheduled my shoulder manipulation procedure for the day before election day, which ended up working out great. I was so nervous about the election that it helped me not obsess on my shoulder manipulation procedure. My procedure was scheduled to take place at noon, which meant of course that I was starving all morning. I really don’t get that you can’t eat/drink anything after midnight no matter if your procedure is scheduled for 6 am or 12 noon. Makes no sense. But since I am generally a rule follower, I made sure not to eat or drink anything after midnight.
After arriving at the hospital and filling out some paperwork, I was brought into the pre-op area. While the nurse gave me my cute little gown, paper booties, and cap to change into, she mentioned something about having a big needle inserted in my neck to numb my shoulder/arm. That was the first I heard about needles (besides of course the IV needle). I thought I was just going to get some mild anesthesia since there was no cutting involved and the entire procedure would only take 10-15 minutes. She immediately noticed the panicked look on my face. She told me that getting the block (the big needle) was up to me but she highly recommended it saying that it was much easier to do the manipulation this way. I think my reaction was mostly due to the fact that I was not prepared for any big needles.
While obsessing about the big needle, another nurse came in to take my blood pressure. It was extremely low. If I remember correctly now it was something like 65 or 70 over 50 with 50 being the number she was concerned about. My blood pressure is always though but never that low. I think my hunger and anxiety might have had something to do with it. She waited a few minutes and then took it a second time. It went up enough to be ok. Thank goodness. I really wanted to get this over with and did not want to have to come back another day to have it done.
While waiting for my procedure, I was thrilled that I had a private TV to watch in my little cubicle area. I really wanted to watch CNN or MSNBC to check the latest election coverage news, but settled with The Today Show and then the local news figuring I needed to stay low key and not get all stressed out with close election polls.
During the local news, the anesthesiologist came in with the big needle to give me the block, which would make my left arm and hand completely numb. He described what he would be doing and then stuck this big blunt needle slowly into my neck (into the front of my neck on the left side right by that little pocket by my collar bone) while a nurse slowly pumped liquid in though the needle. I started to feel a cold feeling move slowly down my arm. I think I remember needing to tell him when I felt it reach my fingers. He told me that pretty soon my arm would be numb. He put up the railing so that my arm would not fall off the bed and then hung a sign, which I think had something to do with my numb arm.
Now anyone who knows me knows that I am usually a big wimp when it comes to pain, but I am proud to report that the anesthesiologist told me that he was surprised at how well I did when he administered the block. He told me that when he administers the block to football players, they always handle it much worse than I did. That made me feel good.
After the anesthesiologist left, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire came on. After that, a thirty-minute medicare commercial came on. That is when my election addiction kicked in. All I could think of was how was I going to reach the TV and change the channel to CNN or MSNBC. Because my left arm was completely numb (very strange feeling) and my right arm was hooked up to the pulse ox thingy that they put on your finger, I could not reach the TV to change the channel myself. My bed was located right in front of "the board" where all the surgeries were listed, which meant everyone hung out in that area. I thought about using the call button or calling out to someone to ask them to change the channel for me, but they were all busy discussing how to make the schedule work since my doctor was running late and I felt pretty silly bothering them just to ask to have the channel changed. I tried to move the TV with my foot, but that didn't work either. Instead, I kept busy listening to everyone try to rework the board to accommodate my doctor who was running late. As long as my procedure was not pushed back further once he arrived (my procedure was scheduled first), I was ok. I did not want that block to wear off.
Finally, after enduring about 25 minutes of the medicare commercial and spending most of that time trying to move my arm and fingers with my mind (a very strange feeling to have your arm/hand/fingers completely numb), a nurse stopped in to give me an update on when I would be taken in. I asked her if she could turn the channel for me. She moved the tv closer to me so I could change it. I put it on CNN since it was less button pushing than MSNBC (channel 14 vs 38).
I was much happier being able to watch the election coverage. About one minute before my doctor finally arrived, breaking news that Barack Obama's grandmother passed away was announced. I fell completely apart. Tears came pouring out uncontrollably and then one minute later everyone arrived to take me away. I quickly got my act together and was whisked off. I didn’t want them all to think I was freaking out about the manipulation procedure.
As I was wheeled in to the operating room, my doctor started the manipulation procedure right away. I remember sitting part of the way up as my doctor raised my left arm slowly up towards the ceiling. I heard this cracking noise. Sort of a crack crack crack as he slowly lifted my arm (I imagine the noise was the scar tissue, adhesions, and sticky stuff breaking up). It was a very strange noise. Meanwhile the anesthesiologist was putting something in my IV and telling me that I should be feeling something very soon. As my doctor continued to move my arm in different directions, I distinctly remember telling the anesthesiologist that the anesthesia was not working and that was the last thing I remember.
The next thing I remember was waking up with a not so friendly nurse sitting next to me. She seemed to have one goal and that was to move me out of there as soon as possible. She brought me some guava juice and graham crackers and then told me to get dressed. My left arm felt like a dead weight. She had to help me with my clothes and then put my arm in a sling. Everyone else was so kind. I guess my luck ran out when I went to the post-op area. My guess was that because my doctor was late and all of his surgeries got backed up, she needed to keep things moving, but still, she could have been a little more friendly.
I was instructed to keep my arm in my sling until the block wore off. When the block started wearing off, the intense pain began. I didn’t feel pain in my shoulder as much as in my arm and hand. It felt like an intense pins and needles feeling that you get when your foot wakes up after going to sleep. I took my percocet and slept for a few hours. I woke up in time for the 6 o’clock news. There was a lot of news on Obama's grandmother. More tears.
I slept well that night, waking only once (but that was my usual election anxiety...check the news, check the internet sites, and then go back to sleep). The amount of pain I felt the following morning was pretty much the same as before the manipulation procedure. The only pain pill I took so far was when the block first wore off.
It was election day! My first physical therapy session was scheduled in the morning. I was a little worried about PT. I was told that the first few sessions could be pretty painful.
Next up – physical therapy.
For more information on Frozen Shoulder - check out this website.
*Update on my current situation – still in pain. I am worried that it might be more than just my shoulder freezing up again. I am hoping that it is not a rotator cuff injury or tear. I did some reading up on rotator cuff injuries. If it is a tear, the good news is that I think it is only a minor tear because there is only one position/movement that really hurts. Besides doing my exercises and stretches, I have been resting my left arm all weekend, hoping that with rest, exercises, and continued physical therapy, my arm will heal on its own and in time for my trip.
I tried to call to make an appointment Friday afternoon after therapy and was told that my doctor is booked into July. The person I spoke to is going to have the nurse call me this week. Hopefully my doctor will be able to squeeze me in.
If my arm does not heal, I may need to drastically change my packing plans as I won’t be able to carry my two bags up and down train station stairways. This will be interesting since I am not a light packer.
Comments (26)
Hi Girasoli, your frozen shoulder sounds pretty painful. I'm afraid of needles too so I can relate to your reaction to that. Glad to hear that you handled it very well and better than others. I hope you continue to recover and that all will be well before your trip to Italy.
Enjoy your Memorial Day off today!
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | May 25, 2009 5:19 AM
Posted on May 25, 2009 05:19
I was all scheduled for that manipulation procedure last fall, but the doctor needed to push it back until my stupid insurance approved it. Then it was to be just before Thanksgiving, and we were going away, and I thought,"How will I put up 5 Christmas trees?"
I postponed it until January, and in December, the pain MAGICALLY went away, after 14 months of frozen shoulder and lots of PT. Two people told me that as long as there was no rotator cuff injury, if I left it alone it might just go away! You were brave!
I am SO excited we will meet you in San Diego!
Posted by Palma | May 25, 2009 6:20 AM
Posted on May 25, 2009 06:20
Girasoli, this sounds so extraordinarily painful. I have no fear of needles generally, but the thought of a big one going into my neck is absolutely chilling. (Because I have a lot of neck problems, I suppose -- I'm very worried about that.)
What did they do during the surgery, more manipulations, breaking up old scar tissue, that kind of thing? Do you think this might eventually reduce your migraines?
I returned to the chiropractor last week because I can no longer move my neck, and saw the X-rays today. Things look pretty nasty, and involve the shoulder as well. Not pleasant to deal with.
I hope that all of your hard work in physio, recovering from surgery, etc., will soon pay off. And maybe this year, we'll both be forced to pack a whole lot lighter!!!! (this could mean a lot of hotel laundry!)
Take very good care of yourself.
Posted by sandrac | May 25, 2009 10:54 AM
Posted on May 25, 2009 10:54
Thanks Kathy. The pain I am experiencing now is not as bad as it was when my shoulder first froze as long as I keep stretching daily. It is just one movement/angle that produces pain. I am hoping it gets resolved or at least improves before my trip.
Palma, I am sorry to hear that you have had to deal with a frozen shoullder. Do you have full range now? Great to hear that you did not have to have the manipulation procedure and it resolved on its own. Make sure to keep stretching. I am thinking about going to the San Diego GTG. There are still work issues I need to figure out first.
sandra, I should have mentioned that the needle went into the front of my neck, left side right by that little pocket by my collar bone. Once that was over, the procedure was a piece of cake. There was no cutting involved so no surgery really, just moving my arm around in all positions breaking up the adhesions and sticky stuff. My PT described it as a jagged cut around the adhesions without actually cutting (more like tearing it all apart). Sounds horrible but I didn't feel anything. Just the pain and swelling afterwards. It worked though. I did regain pretty much all of my range of movement and the pain went away (until recently).
So sorry to hear that you are having more neck problems. What is going on? Has your spinal cord fused? I am working as hard as I can to avoid having to pack too light. I am a reformed heavy packer so my mid-packing weight is something I have been very proud of.
Posted by girasoli | May 25, 2009 11:07 AM
Posted on May 25, 2009 11:07
I'm a bit behind but sorry to catch up and read that you had to endure this pain. Hopefully everything is set right to heal good as new. Need to be in good shape to travel and enjoy. Take care. I hope the San Diego GTG trip is possible. I'd love to meet you. It'll be a blast. Take care.
Posted by Barb Cabot | May 25, 2009 11:27 AM
Posted on May 25, 2009 11:27
Sounds painful. I don't like needles either - especially big ones and in my neck! Sorry to hear you are in pain. Hope you will heal and be painfree on your trip..! M
Posted by menehune | May 25, 2009 3:17 PM
Posted on May 25, 2009 15:17
this is not good timing at all for this for you, (not that it ever would be good timing), but I really hope it subsides enough before your trip. Do everything you can in these days to rest it and let it heal...
dana
Posted by dana | May 25, 2009 3:22 PM
Posted on May 25, 2009 15:22
Hope that you will get in to see the doctor soon. I wouldn't hesitate to call them back if you don't hear from the Nurse promptly. Hopefully, the pain is a normal part of the healing process. Feel better soon!
Posted by sheri | May 25, 2009 4:16 PM
Posted on May 25, 2009 16:16
Sorry to hear that you are in pain. Hope that you get to see or speak with the Doctor/Nurse soon. Hope that you are feeling better soon!
Posted by sheri | May 25, 2009 4:18 PM
Posted on May 25, 2009 16:18
Yikes! I don't think I could do that big needle! I almost didn't get married because I had to have a blood test.
I am glad you are feeling an improvement. I guess it is a long process.
Keep up the good work with your stretching. How much time do you have before your trip?
Posted by nancyhol | May 25, 2009 6:29 PM
Posted on May 25, 2009 18:29
Thanks again everyone! I really appreciate all of your comments, concern, and best wishes. In the scope of things it is nothing serious, but it is still pain. We take for granted what all our body parts do until one does not work. I am hoping to get my arm/shoulder back soon!
Barb, healing and getting in shape for my trip is my goal. I am really hoping I can make it to San Diego also. Still need to see what is happening with my job first before committing.
menehune, the needle was pretty scary but now I don't even remember the pain from it so it couldn't have been that bad. I think the thought of it was scarier than the actual needle itself. Either that or time erases memories.
dana, this is the second year my shoulder/arm has started bothering me right before my trip. Last year the pain was very mild. The freezing part started when I returned. This time there is a specific pain with a certain way I move my arm which makes me think there might be something more going on. I really don't want to be traveling with something wrong. I hope my doctor has some sort of miracle for me... that is IF I can get into see him.
sheri, I am definitely calling tomorrow if I don't hear from the nurse. If necessary, I will march myself down there to talk to someone.
nancy, I think it is a good thing I did not know about that needle until I arrived at the hospital. I am wondering now if my doctor left out that part of the procedure on purpose! Glad you got married even though you had to deal with a needle :) 27 days til I leave for Italy!!
Posted by girasoli | May 25, 2009 8:13 PM
Posted on May 25, 2009 20:13
I see your countdown clock is at 27 days....sure hope that you'll be much better by the time your trip is here.
Posted by Annie | May 26, 2009 3:47 AM
Posted on May 26, 2009 03:47
I'm sorry that after going through the manipulation it wasn't a permanent fix. I know how painful a frozen shoulder can be. I hope things will improve for you.
Posted by Carver | May 26, 2009 5:40 AM
Posted on May 26, 2009 05:40
Girasoli, I have to say that even without cutting, your procedure still sounds pretty horrible!
My neck isn't great -- it is losing its natural curve and that can lead to the vertebrae fusing together. So I'm definitely getting to work on fixing that!
I'm sure that your physio will help, and your new packing system of 2 wheeled bags, neither one too large, will work well. Packing for several weeks, as opposed to a short trip, is a real challenge.
And less than month until your trip, yay!!!!
Posted by sandrac | May 26, 2009 10:08 AM
Posted on May 26, 2009 10:08
Annie, I am hoping 27 days will be enough time to recover and if I am still in pain, I will just have to eat more gelato to take my mind off of it!
Carver, thanks. I am thinking it might be more than just my shoulder freezing up again. I sort of wish it was just a frozen shoulder since I know what to do for that. I still have therapy this week and I finally got through to my doctor and they squeezed me in next Monday for an appointment.
sandra, I think it sounds much worse than it was. My recovery was not bad either. Just a few days of pain and then the healing began, which was so nice after months of pain while it was freezing up. I am continuing to exercise and stretch and will be sure to not let up. The good thing with all of this is that my arms (or at least my right arm) will be stronger than normal now that I am lifting weights (light weights that is). My only concern is lugging that second bag up/down the stairs. I will be sure to discuss this with my doctor as I don't want to make my arm worse. The last thing I want to do is have surgery again. 27 days!! Can't believe it is getting that close! :)
Posted by girasoli | May 26, 2009 11:34 AM
Posted on May 26, 2009 11:34
Girasoli, Just reading the part about the large needle going into your neck, made me feel faint. I really hate needles, and I have had to have so many shots for my migraines, but still fear them. How brave you were!! I do hope you continue to progress with your pt, so that you will be able to enjoy your trip in 26 days!! Oh, I wish it were me planning to go to Italy in 26 days, mine is in the planning stages for May of next year. It sounds like you are being very good at keeping up with your stretches and weights, and pt. I am sorry you are still in so much pain, I do hope you get in to see the Dr before you leave on your trip. Thank you for sharing. Best wishes.
SandraK
Posted by Sandra Alexander | May 26, 2009 11:39 PM
Posted on May 26, 2009 23:39
On my way to teach/sub a special ed. class this morning. Thinking of you...how are you feeling? Hope you are okay. Anyway just wanted to let you know you are in my thoughts. Ciao Bella!
Posted by barb cabot | May 27, 2009 3:53 AM
Posted on May 27, 2009 03:53
Both my husband and I had partial rotator cuff tears in the past. My doctor told me that 75% of these tears will heal spontaneously - but it would take 6-9 months!!! You know what - he was right. It's a long time to live with a limitation and pain on certain movements, but in my mind, it was better than surgery.
Glad your frozen shoulder OR experience wasn't too bad. It sounds like you've received very good care, aside from that one snippy nurse. Good luck with you next doctor visit!
Posted by Terry (teaberry) | May 27, 2009 10:39 PM
Posted on May 27, 2009 22:39
I join the group in hoping that your shoulder problems are certainly less painful by the time your trip rolls around. After your first surgical experience, I imagine you are not eager for another one. Good luck, and yes, I do hope we will be meeting next March in San Diego.
Posted by Marcia | May 28, 2009 10:31 AM
Posted on May 28, 2009 10:31
Sandra, thanks so much for your comment. I really hate needles also. I was bad yesterday doing my exercises since my shoulder was even more painful. I am afraid to make it worse. I am really looking forward to Monday when I see my doctor to find out what is going on (even though a needle could be involved if he does give me a cortisone shot).
barb, I hope you had a fun day! I really love my class this year and am starting to feel sad about my year ending since most of my children are moving up to K next year. Thanks so much for thinking of me. Yesterday was a tough day pain wise. I am hoping PT today will help some.
Terry, that is great news that 75% heal on their own if that is what is going on. I really do not want surgery. 6-9 months however is not great news. I am really afraid I will tear it more if it is a tear while traveling. I guess my doctor will be able to let me know more when I see him. The frozen shoulder experience (or at least part one if what I have right now is another frozen shoulder) was most painful before the surgery and then the first day after surgery when I had my first PT appointment. The manipulation procedure for me anyways was definitely worth having. I healed and regained my range very quickly.
Marcia, thanks! Yes I am definitely not hoping for more surgery. I am also not very patient with pain though so when given the choice of waiting months or a quick fix, I often choose the quick fix. I really do hope San Diego will work out!
Posted by girasoli | May 28, 2009 11:38 AM
Posted on May 28, 2009 11:38
This all sounds so painful, Girasoli! I remember you wrote about it earlier and it sounded awful. And then to have new pain show up now, not long before your trip, that really sucks. I am getting PT for a shoulder/neck injury myself, it seems to take forever but at least it is helping. My PT is fantastic!
BTW, there is a centrally located laundry place (self service) in Bologna. I think I paid 7.50 for one load, wash and dry, with soap. It is on Via Petroni, right before it hits Via Zamboni (so basically Piazza Verdi.) A lot cheaper than the hotel at least, and the washers were big.
Sandra, your neck thing doesn't sound good either! We should make a club!
Posted by Chiocciola | May 28, 2009 11:54 AM
Posted on May 28, 2009 11:54
Girasoli,
I am sorry you are still in pain. I hope you feel better soon.
What a surgery you had to go through, and the unfriendly nurse, that is horrible.
Wish you the best of luck at your doctor's appointment.
Posted by candi | June 1, 2009 5:43 PM
Posted on June 1, 2009 17:43
Girasoli,
Sorry to hear about your shoulder... I do know how you feel. Hurt my shoulder at work from one of my patient who twisted my arm back in Jan. After 4 long months of PT my assign dr. is going to do the same surgery. Being a nurse I don't mind giving needles, but to get one that's different. I am a very small petite person and now worry. As for my doctor he must not believe in pain meds. Gave me a scribt for celebrax after asking for something for the last 4months.
Do you have any problems now, how long do you have to go to therapy afterwards. Did you get to use the dynamic splint?? Any more complications?? Any info would be greatly appeciated. Do hope you are back on your feet soon
Posted by cathi | June 6, 2009 2:10 PM
Posted on June 6, 2009 14:10
Chiocciola, I am sorry to hear that you are also experiencing shoulder/neck problems. Glad your PT is helping! Hey we could have a club! Thanks for the tip on the laundry place in Bologna!
candi, thanks. It seems so long ago now. I would do it again though if I had to. I am very grateful that I have my range back. Thankfully my current shoulder problem is not frozen shoulder again! I thought it was at first since I had the same sort of pain when moving my arm.
cathi, thanks for your comment. I would try to get better pain meds for right after the manipulation procedure. I was prescribed darvocet but since I already take that for my migraines, I wanted something stronger and asked for percocet which worked wonders! I probably only took 6 or 7 total but it was very helpful the first few days, especially to sleep at night and after my first PT session. I was approved for 17 PT sessions (from my insurance) after the manipulation procedure. I ended up going for 14 and then did not need to go back (although I have recently returned but for what turned out to be tendonitis and not frozen shoulder again). I went twice a week. I have continued to stretch (which is most important) after I stopped PT but did not continue with my strenghtening exercises, which I think might have contributed to my current shoulder problem. I have never heard of a dynamic splint. I wish you luck. I am also a tiny person. I don't think that made a big difference except for the fact that I have very little upper body strength.
Posted by girasoli | June 6, 2009 7:37 PM
Posted on June 6, 2009 19:37
I just had manipulation done on my shoulder and it was a piece of cake.....I never felt the needle go in my neck. I now can move my arm and shoulder. With a few therapys I should and will be on the mend. As far as meds go Advil works for me in stead of vicaton.........good luck to anyone else who has this done
Posted by ann | October 8, 2009 12:34 AM
Posted on October 8, 2009 00:34
ann, thanks for the comment. Glad it was a piece of cake. I would do it again rather than try to unfreeze it with just therapy. I have pretty much all of my range back now except for one position (but before my frozen shoulder, I was extra flexible, so now that position is just normal range like most people). Glad you didn't need to take heavy duty meds. Keep up with your therapy.
Posted by girasoli | October 8, 2009 1:37 PM
Posted on October 8, 2009 13:37