Ok, a little history first… so I made it through the 2 months of solid, no breaks heavy to medium bleeding, and now SURPRISE…bleeding as stopped, and my shoulder is stuck. What the @#%)!!! Sure, I will also try to stop crying about how I feel lost without two strong, athletic, working arms….IF someone can tell me that this too will pass. Now I struggle with the pain which prevents me from a good nights sleep, thus as I am two months into this shoulder thing I am now sleep deprived. I have heard that this “condition” can last THREE years, and is most common in menopausal women. Imagine that, another thing no one seemed to mention about what may happen when you graduate from PERI-M and reach 50. Is this really that common??! Way to much fun I tell you. Sigh….trying to keep myself emotionally and physically together. Dayna

Danya


Welcome to My World!! I have a frozen shoulder ...........I know exactly what you are saying, sleep deprived........ach and no movement. I've suffered with this since December & have been going for therapy twice a week.Continual massages and it isn't getting better .......grrrrrrr. I've had an Ultra Sound, and it shows inflamed and now waiting for a MRI. I asked for sleeping pills with this meno crap ..........I thought I couldn't sleep but it was my frozen shoulder.

Oh girl, I know the pain.......my husband has to help be bath and dress..............NO MOVEMENT. I'm now on more medication and the Dr. feels its a build up on calcium...........so guess what???? SURGERY!!

Danya...........I never never heard of it before, Dr. asks what did you do.....I said nothing. Woke up and Wow

Oh...........how I understand. Are you taking anything for it??

Shannon

Shannon

Wow Shannon…you are much farther into the medical treatment program then I am. Only taking Advil liqui-gel at bedtime occasionally, since “giving in” to minimally moving my shoulder, with lots of pillows positioning around me to minimize the pain. This state of “Frozen” shoulder seemed to have been building over the last 6 months for me, as they call it the “freezing” stage, to now frozen, and then hopefully to the “thawing” stage. Quite crazy I agree!

At least you have an understanding and caring partner. Mine is less then supportive, 11 years younger, and thinks this PERI-M or MEMO thing is ridiculous---all in my head. Makes one want to be SINGLE!

I am on my own with this one, so I have been researching online and find that it is highly recommended to get multiple tests done, along with second opinion before getting “last resort” shoulder surgery….what kind surgery are you getting done, and what is your diagnosis after the MRI

In addition, I have begun taking supplements which contain “Hyaluronic Acid”, which I hear is key to maintaining good joint health…yet, I have only just started so no results as of yet to speak of.

I am getting health insurance next month, so I will have MANY test done to really find what is going on, however, my sources have noted that there is not a specific cause, only that it is extremely painful, potentially debilitating, and has a lengthy recovery period…sigh….

Sooooo depressed over this! Hope your tests go well. Dayna

Dayna,

So sorry to hear about your pain! You are right that frozen shoulder is a common condition of menopausal women. I've been struggling with shoulder problems for about 6 years. It began with the usual aches and stiffness, and my gyno had no clue what was causing it. Both shoulders bothered me, but the right side was worse. I saw two rheumatologists and did the usual tests, and luckily there was no sign or arthritis or muscle damage -- so the "diagnosis" was fibromyalgia. I began seeing a chiropractor who specializes in active release technique (a form of myofascial release). It helped a little, but I still experienced a gradual worsening of loss of motion. I guess I was already going down that road and nothing could prevent it. So, I went through 8 months of physical therapy, and gradually got back my range of motion. My right shoulder is much better, but still stiff at times with lots of bone crunching and stiff joints (rotator cuff area).

My PT said that lots of people have shoulder issues, because it is one of the most unstable joints in the body. Add that to menopause, with the loss of muscle mass and hormonal fluctuations that wreak all kinds of havoc, and it almost seems to be unpreventable, even among the healthiest, most athletic women (which I definitely am not).

I also read that frozen shoulder can last for years, and can heal spontaneously without intervention. It will just go through its stages, as you mentioned. But that's little comfort in the meantime, because it hugely impacts everything you do in daily life, big or small -- things like putting on clothes, bathing yourself, styling your hair, chopping veggies, all housework, etc.

The tendency with pain is that it makes you move less. But it is important to try to move the joint as much as you can to get the blood flowing and to promote healing. I was SO afraid when my PT made me do certain exercises, because my shoulder was so weak, and I hated to increase the pain. But now I see that it did help me overall. Have you considered PT?

Sorry to hear your partner isn't supportive of you. Get those tests done, and best of luck. A good diagnosis is essential. Could this be tendonitis instead of a full-blown frozen shoulder?

Hi,

I just wanted to mention that my back pain issues always seem to flair up when my estrogen is low. I try to cut back on my estrogen during menstruation to help decrease the heavy flow. Cutting back works to decrease flow but then my back acts up. I have been noticing that once I get back on my good dose of estradiol my aches and pains seem to go away.

I do not know your thoughts on hormones but doing a trial of a good dose of estradiol to get your level up over 100 may provide some relief.

Kathy

Hello all

My left shoulder "froze" in 2004 and hate to say but it still is causing me problems. While I now have full range of motion, the shoulder, arm and upper back hurt every day. When it was diagnosed in '04, it was after have gone to the Dr. a number of times complaining of sore shoulder. Not at any point did any Dr. tell me that this could be leading to possibly a "frozen shoulder. It still makes me angry that I could of been warned that it might be the cause and give me exercises or something to keep it from totally freezing. Before it was decided I had even gone and got a MRI (paid myself because it was not covered by medical), and nothing showed on that test.

Anyways, having the frozen shoulder was the most pain I had ever had in my life. It was very, very painful, especially at night when in bed. It did not matter how you laid on the bed, it just plain hurt so bad. I spent many nights just sitting up on the edge of the bed rocking myself and crying. No pills took the pain away. I tried every remedy that I could think of. Some worked temporarily. I did have physio for a while, but all I could do was wait for it to start the Thaw Phase.

In the meantime, my right shoulder has started acting up. It was sore in all the same places as the left side, but has never developed into a Frozen Shoulder. In the late Fall of 2006 and into the Spring of 2007 I had work done by a Massage Therapist two times a week, and guess what.....both shoulder still hurt every day. So I don't know what the answer is for treating this problem.

My heart goes out to all of you suffering with shoulder problems because I know how you are feeling.

Thank you so much Ladies,

It is reassuring to know that I am not alone in this discomfort completely, and that some of you are having success in your healing. It is now 3:30 AM here on the west coast. And after sitting in bed crying, as I am unable to sleep due to the discomfort of lack of painless positions, I find myself at a loss for purpose and reason. How can I, an independent, healthy, attractive and athletic woman be absolutely unable to cope with this situation?

I feel like my will to survive this is being s*cked out of me. As every day passes by, I become more and more sleep deprived and want to give up the fight…and get out of this ridiculous game. Yet in spite of this weakness, I am NOT ready to quit until I know there is nothing that can be done to diagnose and repair whatever is causing this state of “frozenness”. I am preparing to join a new company for the next week, and then must travel for two weeks on business. When I return I will find a new doctor and get this situation evaluated. Without insurance until then, the waiting and wondering is exhausting me beyond words.

I tend to be very conservative with the medical approach; however, if I could I would raise my arms above my head on this one and surrender. I need help, that is what is screaming loud and clear inside of me. I want someone to hold me and tell me everything is going to be all right. I need sleep. I need faith. I am disgusted that I am transitioning from being a nurturing caretaker to others, and myself…. to being a needy, frightened, dependent thinking FEMME! Most of all I miss knowing that I can handle everything that comes my way, and have my peace of mind. I feel like I am floating alone in some emotional vortex in space. Yea….I have abandonment issues….a little humor would be a really good thing too. Lol…I am really a very competent Amazon on my good days.

Any other experiences and suggestions on how to live through, and heal on this unpredictable PERI-M circus ride with a shoulder that has decided to freeze?

Dayna

Hi - my Hubby recently had a similar shoulder problem. He was given a steroid jab. Is that a possibility to help with your pain?

I never went to the doctor. I've got no insurance and no extra $$$. My shoulder was beyond achy and sore around my periods for about a year. Heat. Advil and minor stretching seemed to help. Then...I got startled at work. One simple practical joke with the intention of scaring me and my shoulder hurt everyday for months and months. Heat and stretching seemed to aggravate it. The pain woke me up at night. I couldn't use it AT ALL. It lasted so long, I was never going to get better! Then just like it appeared, it just began to hurt less and less. The healing sped up and now it still cracks and pops a lot, but other than that it doesn't hurt. My strength has been slow returning from favoring it for over a year, but I know it's getting better. Hang in there.

dayna, you didn't say whether you could trace the sudden "frozenness" to any acute injury. usually frozen shoulder comes on gradually, via repetitive motion and age-related/menopausal stiffness and muscle tension. sometimes it is even a delayed reaction to overstressing your muscles. in my case, i think it could be related to a lot of house painting i did -- but my symptoms didn't occur until over 6 months later. my friend has tendonitis, resulting from overuse in housework. she can hardly move at all too. have you tried icing it? ice is good for the acute stage of pain -- heat is better after the acute stage has passed and you are experiencing more stiffness than actual pain. your sleep deprivation is only aggravating your symptoms, as you know. when you are tired, you are much less able to cope. no luck with something like advil p.m.?

Hi Ladies,

Yes Margaret5, 9 months ago I did have an impacting event (acute injury) that may have aggravated this frozen condition. I took a direct hit to my left clavicle by a golf ball, (from a 6’-6” stocky business man who was less then apologetic), which lacerated the skin and bruised the bone, to which the impact radiated through my whole body, and feeling like a gunshot wound. I walked into the emergency room with my sister’s support, and thousands of dollars later, with no insurance, and no noted broken bones via x-rays and a Tetanus shot, was glued up and on my way home in a sling. The pain was tolerable with medicine.

Ever since that event, moving my left shoulder became more painful and range of motion diminished. Only in the last couple months however has this frozen state occurred. Who would have ever guessed, as no one ever indicated such a horrible possibility? I am now sincerely concerned that nerves or vessels under the impact zone are at cause here, which in combination with my hormonal fluctuations has exasperated the problem with aging, etc. I realize that I am overly sensitive these day, and just take one day at a time; researching way too much online (obviously in an effort to scare the heck out of myself), and wait patiently for the day my insurance is activated, and pray that the medical profession can shed some light on this mystery.

One thing for certain…I must have FULL range of motion to function independently and PEACEFULL sleep is absolutely essential to keep me healthy, and reduce my daily stress responses. Ahhhh….I must also know that everything will be alright. Thanks for listening and responding with your thoughts.

Dayna

Hi Dayna

One of the things that helped me at night was to roll up a towel and put it under your shoulder. It should hold it up enough so that you can get some sleep. Also one product that temporarily took the pain away was a spray called Deep Cold, it is a menthol based pain reliever spray. You might also want to try using Tylenol and Advil together. The Tylenol will relieve the pain and the Advil will work on the inflammation. This combination was suggested to me by my Dr. recently when I fractured two vertebrae on my spine and had asked her for a pain reliever. She refused ( the nerve of her) but did suggest the above combination...and it has been working for me. Another thing I tried was Trigger Point Therapy. My sister did this for me and I think it did help. You can Google it for more information. You can also get massages because all the other muscles around the shoulder area will start to work overtime and just adds to the existing problem.

Your words echo how I felt when I was going through the worst of it. I remember telling my husband that I just wanted him to hold me and tell me that everything was going to be ok.

I totally understand how you are feeling when you describe how going from a healthy, confident, strong woman to having the rug pulled from under you and feeling so much pain and wondering how you are going to handle it. . But you know what...you will handle it and get through it. Sometimes you have to take it hour by hour.

Keep us posted on how you are doing.

Take care.

Hi,

I had frozen shoulder two years ago. I agree that it is an extremely painful condition and one that does not resolve easily or entirely.

My brother, who is a physical therapy technician, gave me a series of exercises to do which over time finally alleviated the pain. What I found,though, is that I had to endure tremendous pain from doing the exercises to realize any benefit. It hurt like heck!

Even though the pain is behind me, I have lost strength and have not regained total range of motion in that shoulder.

I have read that this is related to autoimmune disorders. Did anyone see this?

Colleen

Dear Danya;

Danya..........I know your pain very well. As, I mentioned I've been living with this for sometime.......... and I don't think anyone understand the pain a shoulder can give............what's even worse we look fine sleep deprived!!

I do therapy twice a week................ I truly believe you need to get a coristone shot which helps with the inflammation.......advil and whatever will perhaps/maybe help you sleep. That's isn't the answer. I started with anti-flamatory pills, which are very hard on your stomach ........they DIDN'T WORK. The I had 2 coristone shots..........which gave me some relief and least I could get some sleep Sleep is important is the healing process............I know all too well, sitting on the bed crying with pain. Been there done that. I surround myself with pillows and use a ice pack at nite which helps with the inflamation and heat in the day for circulation. This is what my therapist suggested.......... you can't get your range of motion back if you are in constant pain, you are rehurting the same area, you need to calm the inflamation in order to make progess.

Saying that........... a frozen shoulder with therapy is around 6 months, if no great movement or if you are still in pain. There is more going on.............. this is the stage where I am at I'm taking Cellebrix and a non-addictive sleeping pill which is helping me get my rest. I can now deal with each day........... still waiting for surgery. It could be a rip in the rotator cuff.......if that's the case........ only SURGERY can fix it.

If you want you can pm personally ........... I'm be happy to talk with you (by phone) ........I know and understand your pain.

Take care.........remember I'm here for you. Going for a treatment today....it helps!!

(((HUGS))) gentle one though
Shannon

Hi Ladies,

I greatly appreciate all the advice, and certainly will apply upon doctor’s findings. Today, after giving myself a back massage with “the miracle ball”, I headed out into the world to do a few tasks. What a challenge even the littlest things are. Trying to keep a good attitude, while attempting to carry the groceries while my shoulder aches, standing in the dressing room trying on a new business outfit with a shirt that I can’t get off, and then other regular house chores that become a slow and systematic plan of how to reach somehow…etc…etc. I know I don’t have to tell you how absolutely freaked out I am getting as each day passes, and my range of motion diminishes a bit more. My gosh this is quite the test of ones will to survive when no one else is willing to assist you! So…you find a way…that’s all.

Strange coincidence….in an effort to put a halt to my non-stop 60 days of menstrual bleeding four months ago, I removed any and products that contained SOY, (soy milk, supplements, crackers, bread, soup….you name it and soy was on the ingredient list….it seemed like I tossed most of the stuff in my kitchen), as I heard soy may have been aiding in an over production of estrogen in my system, which thickened my uterine lining with blood. My period did end finally. What a relief!!!! That was about the same time that my shoulder condition worsened and my joints in general started to sound like I was completely unstable. At that time, I also stopped going to the gym and doing yoga due to my shoulder pain, and out of fear that I would hurt something else. I am a power walker, which I will always do even if in moderation. I too believed that I needed a bit of rest and rehabilitation. I am getting bored with the lack of action in this rest state. Oh the glorious moment when I can do a "downward facing dog" in Yoga class again!!!

I am certain that the many blood tests I will have done when I visit my new GYN will be quite revealing as to what is out of balance, especially hormonally. I believe that diet, exercise, lots of water, rest, etc is mandatory. Yet, that said and I may be estrogen depleted now….go figure! I may also be in my last lap to menopause, as my period is very late. So many “what if’s”. Sigh......

Thanks everyone for the hugs and caring thoughts. I reciprocate, especially to those who are currently trying to survive this difficult test.

Dayna

Hi there, I can so relate to what you're talking about. Last September, I noticed my shoulder was getting worse and worse. It had been getting sore and stiff, but now I could hardly lift it above my head. I went to the Dr. and he called in rotator cuff syndrome. He said a lot of Drs. don't recommend excersice and will just wait until it's totally frozen and then prescribe therapy or surgery. He said he didn't think that was fair, so he gave me a couple of really simple excercises to do daily. He said to take my thumb and reach back and try and get down my spine as far as I could and hold for 30 seconds. Then reach back and reach up my spine as far as I could and hold for 30 seconds. I did this every day while in the shower. The soap kind of helps with the being able to slide the thumb up or down. At first I had to use my other hand to even move my arm into position to do the excercise and could barely get anywhere up or down. After doing this daily for months, it has improved tremendously and now I can reach more than 1/2 way up my back and quite a ways down my back with my thumb. Another good one is to interlock your fingers, hold them out in front of you and pull for 10 seconds and put you hands in the praying position and push. Do this for 10 seconds 3x pushing 3X pulling. It's a slow process, but I'm much better now.

Now if I could only figure out this horrible pain/burning I've got in my chest, and throat. It seems I get over worrying about 1 symptom and there's another to take it's place...LOL! HTH someone!!

Why should you have to deal with this for three years? If you are not making good progress with physical therapy in 2-3 months, ask about having your shoulder manipulated under anesthesia. No cutting, they just break up the stuff freezing the shoulder (scar tissue etc), then it's back to PT to keep the range and get your strength back. I would sure be getting a second opinion. Good luck. Sorry you are going through this.

Greetings Dayna,
Have just found this great site and cannot believe so many people are suffering the same symptoms as me. I thought I was the only one falling to pieces. I live in Ireland and we do not have much support for us "wise women" of the menopause.
Just when I thought life was good again, no bleeding, children leaving the nest and me finally finding myself, along came severe pain in both shoulders and stiff aching fingers and thumbs. This has been constant 24/7 for over four months and I cannot sleep, I just take naps during the day.
Went to my doctor who ran a huge batch of tests, these showed up two anti body positives which have to be further investigated and I now will have to have further blood workups done. She suspected fibromyalgia and prescribed amitriptyline. I took one tablet going to bed and turned into a zombie overnight.
When I finally woke from my slumbers I checked the product on the web and discovered it is usually given to depressed people. I am not depressed and I certainly don't want to be zonked all the time.
Has anyone else used this medication, and to what effect? It did nothing for my pains, so I am returning it to the pharmacist asap.
Does anyone know how long these pains will continue?
It is great to be able to talk to people who have the same fears as myself, it is good not to feel alone.
Batsheba