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Rotator Cuff

Wibbles

I have rotator cuff problems in both shoulders - I have no idea whether the cuffs are torn - but the pain is getting worse and travelling down my arms !

I need an MRI in order to get a proper diagnosis - but the waiting list is LOOOONG -

It was caused by repeatedly falling to the ground - something due to poor mobility - so its a vicious circle with no solution.

Does anyone else suffer from this extremely debilitating condition ?

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Comments

ShirleyW

Yes I do. But mine is caused by osteoarthritis. Mainly in my right shoulder.

I went to see my GP about it in November 2021. I asked to be referred to a consultant and I already knew which consultant.

Research private hospitals in your area which deal with this condition and who also treat people on the NHS. My surgeon/consultant was recommended to me by the surgeon who had operated on my hands for osteoarthritis.

I saw the consultant at a Ramsay Hospital in my area in December. He sent me for x-rays and an MRI scan in January 2022. Saw him again in February 2022 with the results and he listed me for surgery.

I was originally down to have the surgery in April but I delayed it until June because I had to have my gall bladder removed in April.

I had the operation two weeks ago. the surgeon repaired injuries to the tendons in my rotator cuff and also he excised excess bone from two of the shoulder joints. These bone spurs had caused the tears in the tendons.

The surgery, appointments with the surgeon, x-rays and scans were all done by the private hospital but on the NHS. You receive much better treatment and generally there are very small waiting lists.

I've now had 6 joint surgeries and one gall bladder operation in the last 4 years. All done in private hospitals but on the NHS.

Push your GP to refer you to a consultant. You have the right to choose which consultant.

However the operation for rotator cuff repair is much more painful than I expected and you have to wear a sling for at least 4 weeks. Full recovery can take up to a year. If you are constantly falling then you may cause even more damage if you fall during the recovery period.

Wibbles

ShirleyW said:

Yes I do. But mine is caused by osteoarthritis. Mainly in my right shoulder.

I went to see my GP about it in November 2021. I asked to be referred to a consultant and I already knew which consultant.

Research private hospitals in your area which deal with this condition and who also treat people on the NHS. My surgeon/consultant was recommended to me by the surgeon who had operated on my hands for osteoarthritis.

I saw the consultant at a Ramsay Hospital in my area in December. He sent me for x-rays and an MRI scan in January 2022. Saw him again in February 2022 with the results and he listed me for surgery.

I was originally down to have the surgery in April but I delayed it until June because I had to have my gall bladder removed in April.

I had the operation two weeks ago. the surgeon repaired injuries to the tendons in my rotator cuff and also he excised excess bone from two of the shoulder joints. These bone spurs had caused the tears in the tendons.

The surgery, appointments with the surgeon, x-rays and scans were all done by the private hospital but on the NHS. You receive much better treatment and generally there are very small waiting lists.

I've now had 6 joint surgeries and one gall bladder operation in the last 4 years. All done in private hospitals but on the NHS.

Push your GP to refer you to a consultant. You have the right to choose which consultant.

However the operation for rotator cuff repair is much more painful than I expected and you have to wear a sling for at least 4 weeks. Full recovery can take up to a year. If you are constantly falling then you may cause even more damage if you fall during the recovery period.

I can't wear a sling - poor mobility necessitates the use of my hands and knees for get about!!

Alex_Alumni

It's frustrating to have to do, but I would definitely encourage you to chase up your GP about a referral @Wibbles.

I'd also raise the issues you're having with falls, you've probably exhausted a lot of options already, but you could speak to your GP or another specialist about whether anything more can be done to help lessen the risk of falls for you.

I'm glad to see that @ShirleyW has been able to share her experience with you, knowing you're not alone doesn't solve the problem, but it helps

Wibbles

I emailed my GP last Tuesday - the message was added to my medical records on Thursday but nothing has been heard from anyone regarding the issues raised!!

ShirleyW

Wibbles said:

I emailed my GP last Tuesday - the message was added to my medical records on Thursday but nothing has been heard from anyone regarding the issues raised!!

i think you might have more luck asking for a telephone app to speak to your doctor.

Wibbles

I am fed up with trying to speak on the phone (I struggle to speak) - I had a phone consultation, 2 weeks ago for a "blood in stools / piles" issue and was told that due to my age (58) - I needed a sigmoidiscopy (camera up the bum) -and that the surgery would arrange this - I received a letter from the hospital within 2 days, but it wasn't an appointment date - it was a request to phone them - my wife spent 3 hours on hold - before someone finally answered, simply to tell us that I would receive a date within 6 weeks !

I prefer face to face to allow me to ask any questions and get things sorted there and then

Wibbles

ShirleyW said:

Yes I do. But mine is caused by osteoarthritis. Mainly in my right shoulder.

I went to see my GP about it in November 2021. I asked to be referred to a consultant and I already knew which consultant.

Research private hospitals in your area which deal with this condition and who also treat people on the NHS. My surgeon/consultant was recommended to me by the surgeon who had operated on my hands for osteoarthritis.

I saw the consultant at a Ramsay Hospital in my area in December. He sent me for x-rays and an MRI scan in January 2022. Saw him again in February 2022 with the results and he listed me for surgery.

I was originally down to have the surgery in April but I delayed it until June because I had to have my gall bladder removed in April.

I had the operation two weeks ago. the surgeon repaired injuries to the tendons in my rotator cuff and also he excised excess bone from two of the shoulder joints. These bone spurs had caused the tears in the tendons.

The surgery, appointments with the surgeon, x-rays and scans were all done by the private hospital but on the NHS. You receive much better treatment and generally there are very small waiting lists.

I've now had 6 joint surgeries and one gall bladder operation in the last 4 years. All done in private hospitals but on the NHS.

Push your GP to refer you to a consultant. You have the right to choose which consultant.

However the operation for rotator cuff repair is much more painful than I expected and you have to wear a sling for at least 4 weeks. Full recovery can take up to a year. If you are constantly falling then you may cause even more damage if you fall during the recovery period.

What will happen if I do nothing about my rotator cuff problem?
I am convinced that I have torn a tendon but my GP does not appear to believe me just telling me to do specific exercises
I am in considerable pain but don't know whether to admit for a second opinion

Sue_Alumni

Hi @Wibbles I am sorry to hear that you are in so much pain and that your GP is being so unhelpful. What's making you feel worried about asking for a second opinion ?-you shouldn't be made to feel bad for wanting to see someone face to face.

ShirleyW

Wibbles said:

ShirleyW said:

Yes I do. But mine is caused by osteoarthritis. Mainly in my right shoulder.

I went to see my GP about it in November 2021. I asked to be referred to a consultant and I already knew which consultant.

Research private hospitals in your area which deal with this condition and who also treat people on the NHS. My surgeon/consultant was recommended to me by the surgeon who had operated on my hands for osteoarthritis.

I saw the consultant at a Ramsay Hospital in my area in December. He sent me for x-rays and an MRI scan in January 2022. Saw him again in February 2022 with the results and he listed me for surgery.

I was originally down to have the surgery in April but I delayed it until June because I had to have my gall bladder removed in April.

I had the operation two weeks ago. the surgeon repaired injuries to the tendons in my rotator cuff and also he excised excess bone from two of the shoulder joints. These bone spurs had caused the tears in the tendons.

The surgery, appointments with the surgeon, x-rays and scans were all done by the private hospital but on the NHS. You receive much better treatment and generally there are very small waiting lists.

I've now had 6 joint surgeries and one gall bladder operation in the last 4 years. All done in private hospitals but on the NHS.

Push your GP to refer you to a consultant. You have the right to choose which consultant.

However the operation for rotator cuff repair is much more painful than I expected and you have to wear a sling for at least 4 weeks. Full recovery can take up to a year. If you are constantly falling then you may cause even more damage if you fall during the recovery period.

What will happen if I do nothing about my rotator cuff problem?
I am convinced that I have torn a tendon but my GP does not appear to believe me just telling me to do specific exercises
I am in considerable pain but don't know whether to admit for a second opinion

There are 4 tendons in your rotator cuff. It's quite possible that you have torn one or more of them.

If you do nothing then the tendons will become weaker and possibly tear completely away from the bone. You would be left with very little movement and considerable pain.

Tell your GP that you want to be referred to a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon. If he won't then ask to see another GP within the practice.