Re: re: left shoulder/ P.

April 10, 2000

Yes, , an MRI would be a good idea. HE says you aren't in bad shape,

but what do you say? You said you agree, but pain that he dismisses isn't

good. You shouldn't have to live with the pain. An x-ray won't give you the

answers you need, so don't go for that if he offers.

In my case, it took over two and a half years to get them to give me my darn

MRI. I had a shot of cortisone which only worked for a few months, I was

also sent to several excruciatingly painful PT sessions. I really thought it

was torn, but the docs didn't think so. It was. I'm thinking I might have an

MRI on the left to see what the story is there. I feel the same kind of

problem in my knees that I do in my shoulders (if that makes any sense

whatsoever). When I tell this to the docs, they look at me as though I am

crazy (and maybe I am, but what does that have to do with my shoulders and

knees?).

There is a very strong association between torn rotator cuffs and RA and

other rheumatic diseases. The ligaments and muscles and tendons are

effected, too. In fact, I recently read somewhere (and I'm looking around to

see if I bookmarked the source) that perhaps as many as 50% of people going

to a rheumatic disease clinic had shoulder problems. I think it was Dr.

Graham (a lupus expert in London) who said that, but I'll check

around. Don't hold Dr. to that!

Why don't doctors seem to be aware of the connection, and why wouldn't your

doctor suggest an MRI? I really don't know. I had more than one say that he

didn't think that my systemic problems could have anything to do with it!!!!

MRIs are expensive. I hope that has nothing to do with their decision, but

it just might.

Hope you get some pain relief soon, .

----- Original Message -----

From: <linda@...>

< onelist>

Sent: Sunday, April 09, 2000 10:23 PM

Subject: [ ] re: left shoulder

> ,

>

> If we had talked about shoulder pain before, it went right past me. I

have not had an MRI

> done on the shoulder. I think it would be a good idea to ask about one.

Why wouldn't my

> doctor suggest it? I have told him before how bad it hurts and that I

can't lay on that side at

> all. He says I'm not in bad shape, which I'm not and I am thankful for

that, however, that

> doesn't mean he shouldn't deal with the pain I do have. Doctors!!!

>

> By the way, I remember that there have been some messages in the past

regarding what has

> triggered the RA for different people, can anyone send me some info? I

believe that the car

> accident I was in is a factor. I am looking for info I can give to my

doctor or my attorney so

> that they can at least be aware of this, even though there may be no way

to prove it.

>

> P

April 12, 2000

, I haven't been following this loop very closely, but just wanted to

add that when I had my shoulder replaced, it was confirmed what the MRI

showed, a torn rotator cuff. Just thought I'd through my 2 cents in to what

you were saying.

Kim

----- Original Message -----

From: " Matsumura " <Matsumura_Clan@...>

< egroups>

Sent: Monday, April 10, 2000 3:35 PM

Subject: Re: [ ] re: left shoulder/ P.