MRI tomorrow

[Venturous Randy]

For a while now, I have been having some issues with my right shoulder and now, my right hand. My shoulder problems has been limited range, especially behind my back and over my head. There are also times that it just hurts no matter how I try to lay when trying to sleep. I have had x-rays on my shoulder and I do have some osteoarthritis, spurs, tendinitis and just getting older. I did go through a series of physical therapy sessions at the VA, but did not have a lot of improvement. One area I do have a lot of discomfort is when trying to sleep. No matter how I try to lay with my arm, I am not comfortable. I do take Alleve sometimes and it does help. The one position that is the most comfortable is when my arms are outstretched when I am riding my bike.

The thing that has become the most aggravating is my right hand. I am at the point that when I try to make a fist, I have a gap of almost an inch between my fingertips and the heel of my hand. I have also lost most all of my grip, even in the working range that I have. If it were not for the throttle rocker on the bike, I don't think I could ride the bike very far at all. I asked the doctor if this may be carpel tunnel and he did not say for sure and this is why the MRI was ordered.

So, if I can get some good diagnosis of my problems, maybe I can get some fixes and be able to have a good riding season next year.

I appreciate any comments or suggestions.

RandyA

[Barrycuda]

For a while now, I have been having some issues with my right shoulder and now, my right hand. My shoulder problems has been limited range, especially behind my back and over my head. There are also times that it just hurts no matter how I try to lay when trying to sleep. I have had x-rays on my shoulder and I do have some osteoarthritis, spurs, tendinitis and just getting older. I did go through a series of physical therapy sessions at the VA, but did not have a lot of improvement. One area I do have a lot of discomfort is when trying to sleep. No matter how I try to lay with my arm, I am not comfortable. I do take Alleve sometimes and it does help. The one position that is the most comfortable is when my arms are outstretched when I am riding my bike.

The thing that has become the most aggravating is my right hand. I am at the point that when I try to make a fist, I have a gap of almost an inch between my fingertips and the heel of my hand. I have also lost most all of my grip, even in the working range that I have. If it were not for the throttle rocker on the bike, I don't think I could ride the bike very far at all. I asked the doctor if this may be carpel tunnel and he did not say for sure and this is why the MRI was ordered.

So, if I can get some good diagnosis of my problems, maybe I can get some fixes and be able to have a good riding season next year.

I appreciate any comments or suggestions.

RandyA

 

 

Randy...

I haven't of course diagnosed you and I won't here on the forum. From your basic description, you could have anything from an impingement from the shoulder and or from the nerve. Sometimes this occurs from various reasons, one little known reason is when people tend to sleep with there arm up and over the head. Depending the outcome of MRI, you should lean towards returning to physical therapy. I do not know your finances/insurance. If possible, see about a clinic that has some manual therapy experience. They can stretch, loosen, mobilize the affected areas. You may benefit from your own stretching, as well. People over 30 lose elasticity in muscles and joints get stiff over time. Injuries,inactivity, disease such as osteoarthritis etc play a part. Look to a physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant who has knowledge of stretching, and can provide you a daily stretch/ strengthening program. I do not want to bash any honest working therapist, however sometimes the VA just can't provide you what YOU need. I would also take contrast baths/ showers with 45-60 sec.intervals. As hot as you can stand then immediately as co,d as you can stand, back and forth. End with hot. Can also use hot packs, to allow blood flow and muscle relaxation, but watch the heat intensity. A good PT or PTA will be valuable in aiding in your recovery. Keep me posted. You can PM me any of the findings, or call ,email if you choose and I can try to help you out best I can. I am a licensed PTA in Florida who does have manual therapy experience and work with orthopedic patients.

However, understand I can not give you " treatment program or evaluate" you. Just some friendly suggestions and or a direction you may choose to follow up on. Feel well.

Barry

[DragonRider]

Randy, I had the same problem, but it was with both shoulders and arms, no hand strength, had to sleep sitting up with my arms elevated, it turned out to be 2 ruptured disks in my neck, had surgery to repair in 2000, still have some aches now and then, but way better than what I was. Hope its not as serious as mine was.

For a while now, I have been having some issues with my right shoulder and now, my right hand. My shoulder problems has been limited range, especially behind my back and over my head. There are also times that it just hurts no matter how I try to lay when trying to sleep. I have had x-rays on my shoulder and I do have some osteoarthritis, spurs, tendinitis and just getting older. I did go through a series of physical therapy sessions at the VA, but did not have a lot of improvement. One area I do have a lot of discomfort is when trying to sleep. No matter how I try to lay with my arm, I am not comfortable. I do take Alleve sometimes and it does help. The one position that is the most comfortable is when my arms are outstretched when I am riding my bike.

The thing that has become the most aggravating is my right hand. I am at the point that when I try to make a fist, I have a gap of almost an inch between my fingertips and the heel of my hand. I have also lost most all of my grip, even in the working range that I have. If it were not for the throttle rocker on the bike, I don't think I could ride the bike very far at all. I asked the doctor if this may be carpel tunnel and he did not say for sure and this is why the MRI was ordered.

So, if I can get some good diagnosis of my problems, maybe I can get some fixes and be able to have a good riding season next year.

I appreciate any comments or suggestions.

RandyA

[pmelah]

Randy i hope you get some good news from the MRI and its a simple fix with short healing time good luck and see you on the road one day soon

[OrlinEngh]

Hope you get good news and a easy fix, sounds like what I had a few years ago, went threw many sleepless nights, the Doc wanted to do some cutting I passed on that and I asked for excercises that may help I did those and seen a chiropracter and he was able to free things up from around the nerve, Still get alittle sore now and then but worked good for me.

Orlin

[Venturous Randy]

Well, I made it through the MRI and was extremely uncomfortable. They had my right arm pinned up tight against me and my shoulder felt like a railroad spike was driven into it. I never thought about taking a Loratab or something before I left the house.

The doctor's order did not include by right wrist, so that may be another time. After the technician explained how I would have to hold my arm straight out over my head and be up in that little tube, I could not have done that any way. My arm just won't go there.

We will see where this goes. I do appreciate the comments and suggestions.

RandyA

Edited January 24, 2013 by Venturous Randy

[Wrench]

The first MRI I had when my back started going south had me with both my arms over my head in a machine that was about 2 sizes too small for me. When they finally pried me out they had actually to help me raise my arms back up and bring them back to my sides. My back surgery didn't hurt as bad as that test did! I have a LOT of spurs in my neck too, and that's what's giving me my "tingling" during the night now. I'll tell you what my surgeon told me,,,,, "it just flat sucks gettin' old, don't it!!", and I told him it's not the age, but the miles and lack of maintenance. Good luck bro!!

[bongobobny]

Ain't it fun getting old Randy??? I'm thinking I see hip replacement in my future...