Type 1 and Frozen Shoulders

[Ladybirdy75]

I am absolutely sure it is an autoimmune attack on your joints. I am equally sure it has nothing to do with high blood sugars or physical damage. It gets confused with rotator cuff injury but it ain't the same.

I am sure because I have had all the same elements of autoimmune disorders as you - exactly the same history. But I have three sisters, only one of whom has type 1, one has hypothyroidism, and one has nowt at all (lucky girl). ALL FOUR OF US have had frozen shoulder, with onset in our forties, no previous injury.

The good news is, mine is better with only very slight loss of range of motion in my left shoulder. For me the onset was in 2007, and it was painful for a couple of years, range of motion back by 2013 or so. Still improving on left because I do weights and dynamic stretching.

I completely AVOIDED all physiotherapy because I read at the time that some physios actually treat for encapsulated shoulder, which makes it worse. And that it is better NOT to treat a true frozen shoulder.

That worked for me.

I have had dupuytren's for years, in my hands AND my feet. My hands are still completely flexible, as are my feet (though 'walking on marbles' bugs me sometimes), again -stretch exercises.

I'd read that too RuthW and decided to leave well alone and just put up with it. However, I've just been referred to my local orthopaedic hospital so we'll see what they say. Had a letter cancelling my 17sep appt so now it's on 21st sep instead.

I just started levothyroxine yesterday for an underactive thyroid. It was low in May but we were keeping an eye on it and not treating it due to a recent heart attack but my recent re-test showed my thyroxin level had plummeted to almost nothing in the last 3 months. I'm on 25mg every other day for a week then one every day until re-testing in Oct and possible dose increase if levels haven't gone up.

I wish there was some good research on the links between frozen shoulders, dupuytrens, trigger finger, carpal tunnel, thyroid under activity and heart disease!!

 

[Ladybirdy75]

Thanks Led

Your physio's suggestion does make sense. According to that nhs link people with diabetes, tick, dupuytrens, tick, hypothyroidism, tick are more susceptible - oh well, gotta play the hand you're dealt!

Very true, bring out the inner prize fighter

 

[Ledzeptt]

@Ann1

That's a long time to lose the use of an arm; I'm sorry to read that.

 

[Ladybirdy75]

Yup! It is, I've really just learned to live with it but this last week has been simply awful at night, I've barely been getting any sleep. I've also just last week been diagnosed with an under active thyroid and started low dose thyroxine.........hmmmm wonder if there's a link there.

 

[ButtterflyLady]

This article by Dr Richard Bernstein covers frozen shoulder, and other musculoskeletal conditions often associated with T1:
http://www.diabetes-book.com/long-term-sequelae/

 

[RuthW]

This article by Dr Richard Bernstein covers frozen shoulder, and other musculoskeletal conditions often associated with T1:
http://www.diabetes-book.com/long-term-sequelae/

The link is not coming up for me, but given that it's Bernstein, does he even mention its association with other autoimmune disorders in people without diabetes? Or is it all blood sugar according to him?

 

[ButtterflyLady]

The link is not coming up for me, but given that it's Bernstein, does he even mention its association with other autoimmune disorders in people without diabetes? Or is it all blood sugar according to him?

Try this link to the pdf instead,
http://ec2-184-73-33-13.compute-1.a....com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/bernstein.pdf

I can't remember whether he mentions that. The article is not restricted to T1.

 

[Inky0605]

Hi guys.

My husbands had FS for 7 years in total.

His right shoulder has got to crisis point for us all lately because he's awake all night, moody and exhausted in the day and clearly getting increasingly worn down by it.

Historically I've tried hot/cold compresses, massages etc. he's had injections, done exercises etc but nothing has worked.

So this week I've decided to go all holistic with him and out of desperation he agreed (he's previously thought it all a bit airy fairy)

After a bit of an alarming reflexology experiment on Monday (he coincidently hypo'd and collapsed out of his chair) I decided aromatherapy was the was forward.

So last night I spent 40 mins massaging him from chest up, both shoulders, neck, head etc. I used 4 drops each of lavender and Rosemary with table spoon of olive oil and Hubby only woke once in the night!

No, I've not cured him. He says the joint pain is still there but the tension surrounding his shoulder has eased and he feels more fluid and loose. I'm sure it's the oils because I've massaged him before to no effect.

He looks really fresh faced this morning and I got a lovely kiss on the forehead as he left for work ️️️

Anyone else have any holistic tips for FS or anything else? I'd be interested to know as I'm thrilled with last nights effects

Xx

 

[Heathero]

Found ultrasound eased pain and relaxed shoulder. Also acupuncture.

 

[Kev68]

I saw a specialist (I use that term very loosely!) recently and he has put me forward for keyhole surgery (Arthroscopic release). I have been advised that this should be done within the next 3 months.

I just saw my GP today and showed him the letter I received from the specialist. At the time the specialist had advised that the procedure I was getting would not be MUA (manipulation under anaesthesia) so I was confused when the word manipulation was included in the report - the report said "arthroscopic release and manipulation".

He assured me that I would definitely be getting the keyhole surgery, and that it appeared they might also do some manipulation at the same time. I'm now a bit confused as I thought these were two completely separate procedures.

Has anyone any experience of this procedure?

I'm aware that there is about a 20- 30% chance of no improvement. I've been unable to get a clear answer from anyone as to whether or not it can actually make things worse - my right shoulder doesn't cause me much pain anymore but movement is very restrictive.

Here is a good link to some info on this procedure.

 

[jodysd6]

Just read through this thread and I have had a painful left shoulder since around June/July. Movement is somewhat restricted (awkward getting arms out of tops, can't scratch back, difficult to reach arm behind back and painful if I forget and reach up for something) but it doesn't seem as bad as some seem to have with frozen shoulder. It often aches and is a nagging pain but I think I've got used to it a bit and it's only if I suddenly do something I can get a pain that can bring tears to my eyes! I try to avoid painkillers and I saw gp at end of June who said to go back if no better in 2 weeks but I haven't gone back as not sure what could be done really, I am trying to exercise it and still swimming etc. I guess I'm just wondering if I should go back even though I can live with it at the moment!

 

[Heathero]

Since my first posting now have frozen shoulder on right arm after two hydrodilations loads of physio still less than 40% movement upwards sideways and non behind back. So fed up with pain in arms lack of comfort and poor sleep. Now waiting for operation on right arm still waiting was told 4-6 weeks for appointment just got one 3 months later. Feeling very old and tired but only 55 years.

 

[richyb]

I have both badly frozen shoulders. They came on about 25 years ago. I had the usual physio. A few years later I paid for private physio and accupuncture by Chinese lady. She improved me but could do no more. She said they were so bad there was no gap in the shoulder to swivel on.
Also now getting restricted movement in leg joints. Been type 1 for 50 years. I still work though.

 

[Heathero]

I have both badly frozen shoulders. They came on about 25 years ago. I had the usual physio. A few years later I paid for private physio and accupuncture by Chinese lady. She improved me but could do no more. She said they were so bad there was no gap in the shoulder to swivel on.
Also now getting restricted movement in leg joints. Been type 1 for 50 years. I still work though.

Yes I also paid privately first time for acupuncture, ultrasound and to see oustiopath resulted in reduced pain but can still not lift with left arm or raise above shoulder. Do you still suffer with pain?

 

[Heathero]

Yes I also paid privately first time for acupuncture, ultrasound and to see oustiopath resulted in reduced pain but can still not lift with left arm or raise above shoulder. Do you still suffer with pain?

Ps also type 1 50+ years using omnipod pump.

 

[Heathero]

I saw a specialist (I use that term very loosely!) recently and he has put me forward for keyhole surgery (Arthroscopic release). I have been advised that this should be done within the next 3 months.

I just saw my GP today and showed him the letter I received from the specialist. At the time the specialist had advised that the procedure I was getting would not be MUA (manipulation under anaesthesia) so I was confused when the word manipulation was included in the report - the report said "arthroscopic release and manipulation".

He assured me that I would definitely be getting the keyhole surgery, and that it appeared they might also do some manipulation at the same time. I'm now a bit confused as I thought these were two completely separate procedures.

Has anyone any experience of this procedure?

I'm aware that there is about a 20- 30% chance of no improvement. I've been unable to get a clear answer from anyone as to whether or not it can actually make things worse - my right shoulder doesn't cause me much pain anymore but movement is very restrictive.

Here is a good link to some info on this procedure.

Wondering if you had arthroscopic release yet?

 

[richyb]

Ps also type 1 50+ years using omnipod pump.

I do not get pain now it stopped after about 10 yrs or so. Think I am too badly gone to do anything with. My legs also quite bad as cannot get on my cycle unless I stand on a kerb

 

[richyb]

I do not get pain now it stopped after about 10 yrs or so. Think I am too badly gone to do anything with. My legs also quite bad as cannot get on my cycle unless I stand on a kerb

ps. getting a pump soon, next month an animas vibe

 

[Heathero]

ps. getting a pump soon, next month an animas vibe

Sorry to hear that however the hydrodilation is supposed to have a good outcome if pain has stopped it may not be too late. Best wishes. I've had diabetes since age 5.