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Bicep Tendonitis - what's going to happen ?

Wibbles

I have arthritis in both shoulders, which on it's own would be hard to cope with. I also have bicep tendonitis which is extremely painful, my biceps feel like they are "swelling up" and freeze my shoulder joints.

I am unable to do things like move a cup of tea on a table top and as for picking things up - impossible !

I really need replacement shoulder(s) - but this has been rejected by the surgeon , because they would most likely pop out as soon as they were done because I use my arms for everything (due to "useless legs" / previously a failed knee replacement (which was done, years too late after everything Physio related - failed))

I asked about a care home and getting everything . mobility-wise done fore me - for 3 months until my shoulders healed - but the surgeon / NHS wouldn't pay for this.

So after any Op - would I really be released home - knowing that soon I would be back due to a failed recovery ?

Or would I be kept in hospital for 3 months, bed blocking - until I was deemed safe enough to go home.

My Wife/Carer can't move me across to the middle of my bed or even help me to get to the toilet due to her own arthritis problems.

So what will happen in the long term to my shoulders ? Will they continue to deteriorate and get even more painful ?

I am on maximum pain killers now (Naproxen AND Codeine) - there's no stronger painkillers that work for me.

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Comments

Rachel_Scope

Hi @Wibbles. Sorry you're struggling so much with your pain. I found some information here https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/care-after-a-hospital-stay/arranging-care-before-you-leave-hospital/

how the doctor will decide when you're ready to leave hospital (be discharged)
when they think that will be
whether you will go home or somewhere else, such as a community hospital or care home (most people go home)
transport or any other arrangements
any support and care you might need

They can offer short-term care - reablement, intermediate care or aftercare. Reablement care is available in some areas for free for up to 6 weeks.

I can't say what will happen with your shoulders as I'm not medically qualified but maybe someone else has been through something similar and can share their experience.

Wibbles

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1093861#Comment_1093861

Rachel

Thanks - I have already tried to find out who, exactly is responsible for paying for any care (LA or NHS) - and my Local Authority tell me that I need ANOTHER care needs assessment first (I had one 3 years ago) so they can assess the financial side first - this means that I will be expected to pay towards any care (I do have over £17000 savings) - but this is wrong - the care is supposed to be FREE nationwide/where ever you are - for the first 6 weeks……

I understand that high needs care can cost up to £5k per week - so we are talking about a lot of money here.

I cannot go home until my shoulders are 100% safe from popping out again - and everything will have to be done for me - no use of arms at all for est. 3 months.

from moving to the centre of my bed, to wiping my bum for me after going to the toilet.

Wibbles

I was hoping to find another forum member who had had Bicep Tendonitis to see what's going to happen from experience …..

JessieJ

Hi @Wibbles

I feel your pain, as I have bicep tendonitis one side & arthritis in both shoulders too & been living with it for months. Then decided enough was enough. So, 5 months ago, I had a cortisone injection into my right shoulder, with the hope some would help with the bicep, sadly not. I'm already on Naproxen, Co-codamol & a medicine drawer of other various painkillers & potions, none help. It's now a case of live with it.

I also have epicondylitis/tennis elbow, ulnar & carpal tunnel syndrome the same side. I'm having another cortisone injection for carpal in a couple of weeks, as that is really making life very awkward. I can't have ops on any of it, as that would mean I'd need full time care until fully recovered. But, because of my first spinal fusion being a failure, plus the two after that, I refuse to go under the knife again for anything bone, tendon or nerve wise. For the carpal both sides, I'm on crutches around the flat as much as poss, so just that op is a no no anyway.

Good luck with finding out who will fund your care so you can go ahead. I would have thought it would come under NHS Continuing Healthcare, for which you have a different assessment.

StarryEyed

What a dreadful situation @Wibbles and @JessieJ . I'm so sorry you're both suffering so much. I've got arthritis that started affecting both shoulders about two years ago, no doubt aggravated by using them more since my feet have out. What I don't understand, Wibbles, is why you're still able to consider the shoulder operations when you say the surgeon said no. Or are you talking about surgery for your biceps tendon? Or did I misunderstand?

Wibbles

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1094141#Comment_1094141

I am considering self funding an op !

I am in so much pain that I don't care about the cost…

StarryEyed

The shoulders op?

Wibbles

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1094161#Comment_1094161

yes

StarryEyed

Self-funding the op as well as the aftercare? Or just the aftercare?

Wibbles

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1094216#Comment_1094216

The aftercare I guess

The op will no doubt be available on NHS - But if not - both

I am in constant intense pain and it's getting worse

StarryEyed

I'm so sorry you're suffering so much. As we all know, psychological and physical pain are the oldest form of torture. With physical pain we also get the bonus of psychological pain. My heart goes out to you, that you may find the solution, and quickly. I'm rooting for you. ❤️

Wibbles

My shoulders are now extremely painful 24/7, you can hear and feel them crunching every time that I move them with the pain spreading down my biceps and forearms (tendonitis) towards my hands – they lock up regularly and I cannot put any weight or pick up anything heavier than a tea cup.

I really don’t know how much more pain, I can take from my shoulders/arms…. But I can’t have an operation due to my reliance on my shoulders/arms – which would not allow any repair to heal.

I can't get comfortable at night either…….

What's going to happen when the tendons finally snap ?

I assume that I will totally lose the use of my arms ?

My elbows are already "crunching" like my shoulders so assume this is arthritis spreading ??

Rachel_Scope

I can't say what will happen @Wibbles, I'm so sorry you're going through this. Have you spoken to your GP?

I don't know if this will be useful at all but have you got a thick mattress topper? I struggle with pain in my ribs and can't get comfortable and it's really helped me.

JessieJ

@Wibbles, have you asked about a cortisone injection? You can only have two a year, but my shoulder has settled & doesn't cause me a bother, elbow is bearable. The bicep does still cause pain though, but I can cope with that. Yesterday had the same side carpal tunnel injected. As I am on light use, plus my crutches, it is too early to say if that is better. But hopefully, my right side should be a bit more tolerable for a while. Then onto the left! 🤣

Wibbles

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1097773#Comment_1097773

I had a cortisone injection, 2 years ago - when they thought that my problem was Revolver Cuff related - unfortunately, it didn't help - since then I have had an x-ray - which clearly showed wear and tear due to Arthritis - which has got a lot worse in the last 2 years !

JessieJ

A shame it didn't help, @Wibbles. It's difficult to work out what to do, as having any procedure means more disabled for a good while, not knowing how much mobility you'll have afterwards. Hope you get what you need, at least get some pain relief from somewhere.

StarryEyed

Oh my goodness! It sounds like you're in excruciating pain, apart from being so debilitated. I imagine though they're related they are two serious problems. Do you have an occupational therapist who can come to your home to see if there is any way to help with aids or rearranging what you already have? They specialise in both problems. There are also great ideas online for disabled people. Like @Rachel_Scope I also have a mattress topper that has really helped the pain in my shoulders and back. This is what I bought - viscoelastic memory foam....

https://www.amazon.es/-/en/Viscoelastic-Thickness-Relieves-Removable-Breathable/dp/B09L1NJH42

Also, do you have any way of managing with your mental health? My pain drives me mad if I let it run free.

Wibbles

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1098104#Comment_1098104

Thanks - I do have an electric adjustable bed !

but the idea of a home visit from OT - Yes I will look in to that

StarryEyed

You're welcome @Wibbles

A topper is a thin mattress that would go on top of your electric bed mattress. Is that what you have?

I'm also wondering if you might benefit from a physiotherapist assessment and/or a massage therapist? I've used these three types of therapists for decades and they're always coming up with new treatments. Doctors are good for meds and tests and surgery, but massage therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists have lots of fantastic conservative treatment modalities. Or maybe you've already explored those? The trick with them is to have them teach you what you can do on your own, or you'll be bled of all your savings in no time.

warby54

I am a physiotherapist and have just read through your thread and wondered the same thing have you seen an MSK physio?