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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Aibu in thinking this pain is permanent?

47 replies

linnyb71 · 14/02/2021 17:31

Hi all.don't know if this is the right place for this but im desperate need of a hand hold and some sympathy i guess so please be gentle with me.I am in a lot of pain with a trapped nerve in my right shoulder.up until about 3 days ago i was coping okay and pain was at a manageable level.however now its awful.its bearable when sitting or laying down and walking and standing ease it too .the problem is when i try to get up from a sitting or laying down position.i get excruciating pain shooting down my arm and leg then the muscles in my hand and foot clench up into claws and i cant bend them.this lasts for about 1 to 2 minutes wach time it happens.its getting so that im afraid to sit or lay down because i know its going to be agony when i stand up again..i spent most of today standing in my kitchen but i cant go on like this.got a telephone appointment with the doctor on tuesday but i am nearly at my wits end with the pain.what if there is nothing he can do?will i just be like this forever?any help or suggestions to relieve the awful muscle cramps much appreciated.

OP posts:
Lexjo · 14/02/2021 17:34

It won't be like this forever. Call the dr's early tomorrow and tell them it's an emergency. You need to see someone immediately. Don't back down. No more Mrs Nice Linnyb71!

At the very worst, they'll give you some decent painkillers to help with the pain. You will get this fixed. Be strong on the phone tomorrow, this will get sorted xx

Original poster
linnyb71 · 14/02/2021 17:35

Forgot to mention im getting a tingling sensation like pins and needles in my arm and hand a lot too.

OP posts:
LunaHeather · 14/02/2021 17:35

It won't be permanent
What painkillers have you had?

Can you move the appointment to Monday to get a prescription, possibly for a muscle relaxant?

LunaHeather · 14/02/2021 17:36

X post
Mention the pins and needles on the phone

Have you got a local out of hours by any chance?

Original poster
linnyb71 · 14/02/2021 17:39

Thanks Lexjo.I will do that.Think i scared my daughter earlier when the cramps came on suddenly. I screamed and squeezed her hand so hard .Thankyou for the kind words.much appreciated. Xx

OP posts:
seashells11 · 14/02/2021 17:44

No it definitely won't be forever. Sounds exactly like what I had. I too thought it'd never go, I was in absolute agony. But nothing at all now apart from a few twinges. You'll soon be better Op I'm sure. Flowers

Original poster
linnyb71 · 14/02/2021 17:44

Hi LunaHeather.Im gonna ring first thing in the morning and tell them its getting worse.I need something for the cramps .its hard to describe the pain.it takes my breath away.im gonna tell them its getting ridiculous that im scared to sit down or go to bed. Not sure about the out of hours but if i get any more attacks tonight im gonna call the NHS number.xx

OP posts:
Original poster
linnyb71 · 14/02/2021 17:47

Hi seashells 11.Did the doc give you anything for the pain or did it go away by itself?How long did your symptoms last?I am glad you are feeling better. Xx

OP posts:
Original poster
linnyb71 · 14/02/2021 17:53

Went to the pharmacy yesterday as the pain appeared to be getting worse and he recommended ibuprofen or cocodamol.i bought both..been taking the ibuprofen but it is not doing anything for the pain from the cramping. I will try the cocodamol instead see if that helps.

OP posts:
ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 14/02/2021 17:55

I have had this. In my case it was caused by bulging discs in my neck. You can tell which discs by which fingers are affected.

Physio can help as sometimes it can be muscle spasms especially in your shoulder blade and armpit area squeezing the nerves to your arm.

I took amitriptyline for sometime and it did stop the worst of the nerve pain. Over time the discs dry and shrink back (one of the benefits of aging) and the pain stops.

The chances are that it is muscular but even if it isn’t it will be treatable

DogsSausages · 14/02/2021 17:57

A painkiller specifically for nerve pain and a muscle relaxant worked for me. I had a steroid injection but it didnt help. Can you support your bad arm in a sling to take a bit of weight off your shoulder, I had pins and needles in my little finger.

Original poster
linnyb71 · 14/02/2021 18:01

Hi Chaz.Thankyou for your advice.Im glad you are feeling better.It gives me hope.Im pretty sure its muscular due to the awful cramping in my foot and hand.My daughter said it looked like i had a lobsters claw instead of a hand when it happened earlier.

OP posts:
GeidiPrimes · 14/02/2021 18:01

Hi OP, when you have pain caused by pressure on a nerve, pain-killers don't usually work. Gabapentin or pregablin does though - I was prescribed it for sciatic nerve pain.

It's likely that your GP will refer you to a physio who may well help you resolve the pain. If they can't, the next action should be an MRI to determine where the pressure/damage. Then you should be offered steroid injections and if they don't work, surgery's usually successful in relieving pain, (in my case it was, and I've read a number of success stories on here too).

In the meantime, do you have a TENS machine to use on your shoulder? If not, it might be worth buying one off amazon. Pain-killers should take the edge off a bit.

GeidiPrimes · 14/02/2021 18:05

^^Forgot about amitriptyline (it gave me a very dry mouth)

Original poster
linnyb71 · 14/02/2021 18:06

Hi dogs sausages.The pharmacist said about a steroid injection but warned it is very painful and may not work.The sling is a good idea as earlier all i did was go to pick my keys up off the stairs and automatically used my right arm without thinking as i am right handed and it set the cramps off again.x

OP posts:
cookiesncurls · 14/02/2021 18:06

Going to see an osteopath will be helpful!

ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 14/02/2021 18:08

A painkiller with codeine in it can be a bit more effective but the over the counter ones are not very strong. Ideally you only take them for 3 days.
If you have a wheat bag or hot water bottle that can help a bit. Also keep gently mobile so you don’t stiffen up.

Original poster
linnyb71 · 14/02/2021 18:10

Thankyou Geidiprimes.That is great advice.I will ask the doc about physio tomorrow. All i know is i just want the pain to stop and your story gives me hope.Much appreciated. Xxx

OP posts:
LunaHeather · 14/02/2021 18:12

@linnyb71

Went to the pharmacy yesterday as the pain appeared to be getting worse and he recommended ibuprofen or cocodamol.i bought both..been taking the ibuprofen but it is not doing anything for the pain from the cramping. I will try the cocodamol instead see if that helps.
Okay, that's good.

Have you got any epsom salts in the house? I appreciate you won't want to get in the bath but you could do a foot bath. If no salts then just do a hot foot bath, it might help and it won't help.

A good muscle relaxant or painkiller for nerve pain must be tried before steroid injections. Just saying in case you have a bonkers GP.

Original poster
linnyb71 · 14/02/2021 18:12

Hi Chaz i have one of those wheat bag things you warm up in the microwave. I had forgotten i still had it.will give it a try.many thanks.xx

OP posts:
LunaHeather · 14/02/2021 18:13

*it might help and it won't hurt, that should say!

fairydustandpixies · 14/02/2021 18:13

So sorry you have this. I wrote an almost similar post earlier today. You're not alone OP.

Original poster
linnyb71 · 14/02/2021 18:22

Hi Luna.No epsom salts but i did manage to have a hot shower earlier which eased it a bit.Defintely do not want injections unless i can avoid it.Not syre if my GP is bonkers or not.I dont know him that well lol.xx

OP posts:
Original poster
linnyb71 · 14/02/2021 18:24

Hi fairydust and pixies.Aww bless you.Its awful isnt it?Have you seen a doctor?much love to you.Really appreciate your message.hope you feel better soon.xx

OP posts:
fairydustandpixies · 14/02/2021 18:35

Bah - I can't find out to link but I posted under general health today with the title "I hurt everywhere"!

Keep being persistent with with your GP. Nag, nag and nag again! You must keep pursuing every option. I have a telephone appointment with a surgeon later this week and I can't wait! My problems have got worse year on year. Don't give up OP!!!