"reactive calcific tendonitis", anyone???

[VictoriaL]

My mind is numb. I've spent hours looking for info on this and, although I've found a lot that I can use, I cannot locate anything on how long this is going to take to go away.

I've been in discomfort since February with the formation of calcium deposits in my rotator cuff, but for the past three weeks the pain has been incredible. Apparently the deposits are being reabsorbed and that is what causes the "excruciating pain" (as described so well in one document). I long for an entire night of just sleep.

Please, if anyone has suffered through this, tell me about how long this final phase is going to take. I realize that each person is different, but I need something to hope for. I would appreciate any advice!

[mbrogier]

I have never heard of this. (((Victoria))) Is it autoimmune or what? I hope you find some relief.

My doctor just put me on Celebrex for my horrendous joint pain. That stuff is amazing and not as rough on your stomach as ibuprofen. Three independent studies after the Vioxx lawsuit showed that there is no higher risk for clots or stroke from this type of drug than any other anti-inflammatory. I also take Ultram for inflammation.

If the pain is so severe that you can't sleep, I'd be wanting something really strong. Not getting sleep just makes your whole body hurt. :(

[gabbyh]

Vicci,

Just wondering if you saw this one in your research:

http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/abstract/340/20/1533

If you would like to see the complete study I can get it....also, what supplements are you taking?

~Gail

[gabbyh]

Vicci,

This is a Q & A from Vitamin Research which is a very good company:
(I take many of their products and we sell them at the company I work for)

Calcific Tendonitis
Question:

Dear Dr. Dean,

I have been diagnosed with calcific tendonitis in my right shoulder. After unsuccessful treatment with Relafen and later cortisone injections, my doctor is recommending orthoscopic surgery to break up the calcium.

Are there any non-invasive methods for breaking up this calcium? I have heard of some success with ultrasound.

Thanks,

Mr. R

Response:

Dear Mr. R,

One thing I learned as a flight surgeon in both the Army and the Navy is that there are no orthopedic emergencies. Although the surgery might be a last resort, here are some other suggestions.

First, try topical DMSO, available from a veterinarian, a feed store, or a health food store in most states.

Second, I recommend joint-building substances as in Nutri-Joint (and perhaps additional MSM) and a decalcifying chelator with EDTA, as in Oral ChelatoRx.

Third, anti-inflammatory nutrients like Turmeric and/or Boswellia Serrata and proteolytic enzymes as in Unizyme (VRP's version of Wobenzyme™.)

Fourth, a balanced multi-mineral supplement (as in Essential Minerals or Advanced Essential Minerals)--in addition to a multi-nutrient supplement like Optimum 6 and adequate essential fatty acids (i.e. Ethyl EPA, Hemp Oil, or Flax Seeds).

You might also contact physician-members of the American Academy of Orthopedic Medicine (AAOM) (http://www.iaomed.com). They are specialists in relief of joint pain and use a technique known as Prolotherapy.

Ward Dean MD

Copyright information

Hope some of this info helps!

~Gail

[Diane B.]

If this is the same as "frozen shoulder" like it sounds, a friend of mine had that and I did research online to find out more about it because she was in such pain (there's a lot online!... trying googling those words, in quotes).

The main thing her dr. had wanted to do about her shoulder, after trying a few meds, was to "break it" (can't remember the technical term). I guess it's effective, but it's a horribly painful procedure.

He didn't tell her (or seem to know) what I'd read online from a number of sources, which was that it will generally resolve after awhile --my best memory is 6 months or so, but not sure. And I think I remember that there were things she could do in the meantime.... don't know that they were things mentioned by Dr. Edell in the other post, but definitely worth finding out about.

There were also things discussed about how to keep it from happening again, etc.

P.S. Oh, and I'm pretty sure my friend had "prolotherapy," though it didn't seem to help her in particular.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prolotherapy


Good luck!

Diane B.

[jmarie]

Victoria,
I PM'ed you.

[VictoriaL]

Thanks everyone. I'm so happy-- I slept until 4:15 this morning! I know that it's going to be a loooong night when the painful wake-ups begin at 1 or 1:30...
But I did take 3 ibuprofen before bed, so I'm sure that was why. I avoid medications at all costs, but sometime they're just needed... :(

Anyway, this particular problem is when calcium deposite form in your tendons and rub against nerves and other such things, making use of the arm very painful. While the deposits are forming, they cause just a little discomfort. But when they begin to reabsorb into your body, that's where the real nasty pain begins. Moist heat helps, as does an anti-inflammatory.

I had this problem about 5 years ago, but then I wnet to an orthopedic surgeon and since I immobilized my shoulder while I was waiting for the apointment, it "froze" necessitating a lot of excruciatingly painful PT visits. This time I recognized the signs and refused to "not use" that arm. As a reault, at the end of the day my arm hurts terribly but at least I have motion in it and in the shoulder.

Gail, thanks tons for the info. I was searching on info about breaking up the deposits and coming up with nothing. I wonder if continuing to take the supplements after the problem has been resolved will prevent its recurrance? I guess there's only one way to find out.

And I've read about prolotherapy (thanks Diane). That may become a consideration if this doesn't go away soon!

I found an anti-inflammatory which my Dr prescribed for a back problem 2 years ago (lodine, I think the name is) and may give one of them a try this evening.

From everything that I've read, this problem should be over soon, but how soon is the real question. I hope-- tomorrow!

BTW, since I already knew what the problem was, I haven't gone to see the doctor. Maybe I should have. But at this point I doubt if I could get in to see him before the deposits (and, hopefully, pain) clears up.

[Diane B.]

If you're still looking for info about this condition, there are a load of links about it here:

http://tinyurl.com/qwljg



HTH,

Diane B.