Desperate for Relief... :(

Age : 23 Joined : 17 Apr 2008 Posts : 8

Hi everyone. Me again. I'm the friend from FireStorm's post:: http://christianmetalrealm.niceboard.com/prayer-requests-and-praise-reports-f5/possible-surgery-required-for-a-dear-friend-t6176.htm

I'm Robin. And... I need help.

Here's the deal. Three or so years ago, I messed up my left shoulder. Don't know how, I just remember that it hurt, and whenever someone tried to massage the knots out of my upper arm, it reduced me to tears. I was able to function more or less at 90-95% after that, so I ignored it.

In the last year or so, I've lost mobility in my entire left arm. Yes, I can still use it for some things, but I can't raise it very far in front of me, rotating it (like stretching) is a joke, and I can't pick up an empty glass, much less my honorary niece (Emi's daughter).

Two weeks ago, I was finally able to see a doctor. I applied for financial aide through the clinic since I don't have insurance. I pay 20% of the bill. They did an initial exam, drew some blood, and a few days ago, I went for X-rays. I'm still waiting for results on all of it. I wasn't even told to make a follow-up appointment.

The doctor wrote me prescriptions for Vicodin (500 mg), Naproxen (500 mg), and Robaxin (750 mg). I've been taking the Vicodin and Naproxen as I can, but I do still have to be able to work, and both put me in a weird fog. Tonight (4/24), I had a bad reaction to the Naproxen. You know, chest pain, shortness of breath, light headed. It passed, as I thought, but I won't take any more. The Vicodin does nothing but keep me awake longer than my normal insomnia does. And neither of them help. It's got me afraid to take the Robaxin.

On top of all of this... the pain is getting worse. It goes up my neck to just below my ear, down around my entire shoulder blade, down my arm, intensifying in my elbow and wrist, and making my fingers feel numb. It's affecting my ability to work, thus putting my job in jeopardy. I can't clean my house, so things are piling up (and good luck getting my roommate to help). Dressing, bathing, brushing my hair... it's all becoming a chore. Since I'm having to compensate with my right arm, that shoulder is starting to suffer soreness and cramping from bearing the brunt of it all.

I don't have the money for a REAL doctor, or insurance. If I had one or both, I know I'd get better treatment than this. As it goes, I'm counting on a few more months of this suffering before ANYTHING is done for me. I never expected this to happen when I graduated college in December and moved up here to Indy. I'm desperate for relief. As it is, my prayers are getting me no where. I spend more time praying for and helping Emi these days as it is...

Once again, I apologize for such a long post, and I'm sorry for unloading my burden on everyone here. It's just... FireStorm has dealt with so much of this lately, between me and news on Emi... and my family can't help me... I have no where else to go. I'm at the end of my rope. My next step is to give in, find a corner, curl up in it, and cry myself to death. So please...

Praying2

Joined : 12 Mar 2007 Posts : 929

Praying for all of you.

Joined : 07 Nov 2007 Posts : 2237

OK... first, let's deal with the short term stuff. I am not a doctor, and you should get a doctor to check out any and every bit of what I am saying here. I am only someone giving you my unschooled opinion on your situation.

First - your medication.

Vicodin is a narcotic related to Oxycodone and Heroin, but it doesn't have some of the dependency issues that those drugs do. However, it is potentially physiologically addictive, and you should be careful with it. It actually should not exacerbate your insomnia - in fact, it should make you drowsy (hence why you're in a fog).

Naproxen is sold over the counter as Aleve, and heart issues are a major possible side effect. It's an NSAID, related to ibuprofen, but is supposedly more powerful and longer-lasting. However, if you can't tolerate it, you may want to look at taking ibuprofen instead. HOWEVER - BE VERY CAREFUL. Your Vicodin script contains both hydrocodone and acetomenephin (aka Tylenol) and taking too much Tylenol can wreck your liver... bad. So avoid Tylenol or any other medicine containing acetomenephin. (I think I'm spelling that right).

Robaxin is a muscle relaxant that should help to control your muscle spasms. It's chemically related to Guafesin, the same stuff you take when you take Mucinex for your cold. It's fairly well tolerated, and is a central nervous system depressant. There is a minor risk for cardiovascular problems such as hypotension and brachycardia, but from what I can find on yon interwebs, not too much of a risk.

If you have questions about any of these, check with the pharmacy you got your medicine from. They may even be able to find you a replacement for the naproxen that won't carry the cardiovascular risks. And they'll do it for free.

As for your arm... my guess is that you've suffered some sort of rotator cuff injury that's never healed properly. There are nonsurgical treatments that may help, such as icing your shoulder down for 30 minutes, then 30 minutes off, then 30 minutes on, etc. If that doesn't take away the pain, try heat. Whatever helps it feel better.

Unfortunately, it sounds like you've waited a while, and my guess is that you're probably facing some sort of surgical option. It's a fairly common surgery, and I've yet to have found a hospital that won't work with you on the financial end, even if you can only pay a little bit every month. Most hospitals also have people whose primary job is to help people who can't afford medical help... afford medical help.

The good news is that surgery does wonders, and once you're through the healing process, you'll probably feel better both physically and emotionally.

Again - I'm not a doctor, so please, please, please check out all of this information with one.

In the meantime, you have my prayers.
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Man in Morph Age : 40 Joined : 08 Apr 2007 Posts : 7749

What a rough time for you and I pray for some relief.
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Play it LOUD!! Age : 51 Joined : 06 Jan 2007 Posts : 11093

Wow......

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Age : 40 Joined : 27 Jan 2007 Posts : 5304

You are not alone in these circumstances. We're standing with you. Praying

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Joined : 12 Mar 2007 Posts : 929

Still praying for this.

Age : 38 Joined : 12 Jul 2007 Posts : 239

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