Loss of most of use of arm

Irishred

After my first 4 radiation treatments, I had major nerve and muscle spasms, due to the lenghth of time on the table and the position I was in.  I missed two weeks of rad treatments.  That was in late July.  I am not getting any motor control back in my left arm, I cant lift with it, and cant do the normal things a person can do with their arm.  Does anyone have any suggestions about what I should do?

Alpal

Google "Frozen Shoulder" and see if it applies. I had it and PT helped tremendously!

bluedasher

That doesn't sound like frozen shoulder to me - I had one years before BC. In frozen shoulder, your arm is pretty much stuck at your side. Even someone else can't flex it at the shoulder joint - if they try it is incredibly painful but it doesn't go anywhere. Once it starts to unfreeze by itself, PT can be helpful in speeding the process.

The shoulder joint has an exceptional range of movement and a variety of things can go wrong with that movement. I agree with Athena, you need to start by seing your primary care doctor.

Your primary care doctor might order X-rays of the shoulder to see if there are any issues with the bone structure of the joint. Depending on the problem, the doc might refer you to physical therapy for help in getting the strength and control back. Anti-inflamatory medications or a cortisone shot in the joint might also be used depending on the problem.

Your primary care doctor could also refer you to an orthopedic doctor (a specialist in bone and joint issues). If you have already seen your primary doctor and what he/she has done isn't working for you, ask for a referral. 

Irishred

I cant get in to see my  pcp until another 10 days, but will definitely ask him then.  No its not frozen shoulder,  I can move it, just cant do anything with it.