Shoulder problems post BMX?

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CLmommy
CLmommy Member Posts: 10
edited June 2018 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Hello,

I'm 7 weeks post BMX and been dealing with shoulder problems for the last 3 weeks. They started out of nowhere and were excruciating. The Orthopedic surgeon labeled it bursitis with impingement and gave me a steroid injection 2 weeks ago which helped a little bit, but pain persists. I don't feel comfortable driving because of the sharp pain which comes from upper and cross body movements. I am so wanting to get back to "normalcy", but it seems actually my shoulder of all things thats standing in my way the most. I do have TEs in but neither the ortho nor my PS thinks it's related to those.

I'm extremely thankful that my pathology showed no cancer (my BMX was preventative due to a strong family history) and am humbled by what many others on this site are going through/have gone through. I'm just curious if others are having or have had shoulder problems post MX too??

Thanks

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  • Billb464
    Billb464 Member Posts: 62
    edited June 2018

    I didn't have a mx, but my lumpectomy was more than a small lump removal since we wanted to get clean margins, and I am already a A cup. But, the reconstruction part of my surgery did cause some shoulder tightness. If I reach across and back (like front seat to back seat for something) I get twinges and pain. I would suggest going to a PT that deals with breast surgery/cancer. I have one somewhat close to me(1 hour) and I have gone 8 times. They can give u exercises and they can help massage the area. This week was my last one:( my area of concern was reaching and full range of motion, plus lymphodema. Hope this helps

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  • CLmommy
    CLmommy Member Posts: 10
    edited June 2018

    Thanks Billb for your response! I hope your shoulder is feeling better! Ihad been in PT with a breast/cancer specialist but we had to stop because the shoulder is so reactive :( I started it pre-shoulder flare since my movement was still restricted at 3-4 weeks op. I agree, the massaging is so helpful. I miss that right now!

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  • 2002chickadee
    2002chickadee Member Posts: 129
    edited June 2018

    I had unilateral MX and an old shoulder injury (not specific, maybe tendonitis/overuse) flared up a lot, actually even before surgery I think from all the anxiety reflecting itself in how I carried my body. I'm about 4 months post-surgery and have been doing exercises since 4 weeks post. Shoulder is finally getting a little better. I'm very sympathetic as I also had the question at time of why my shoulder was the most painful thing in all of it! I hate to say it but perhaps time and waiting and resting is next until you can get back to the exercises? For me, stretching is equally important to strengthening. Very best of luck.

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  • CLmommy
    CLmommy Member Posts: 10
    edited June 2018

    Thanks 2002chickadee! Appreciate the encouragement. And to know others have experienced this. Ultrasound didn't show any tears today (I don't know how I could've torn anything!!) so back to stretching and trying to find a way to build strength. Much appreciation to both of you for reaponding

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  • 06elise
    06elise Member Posts: 70
    edited June 2018

    Hi CLmommy.

    Just thought I'd chime in, since I also ran into shoulder issues after a BMX. Mine turned out to be a little bit of everything (a little arthritis, a little bursitis, a little tendonitis) combined with a lot of ligament damage. I was just glad it wasn't a metastasis!!

    The end result was what they called a frozen shoulder: fused ligaments in my left shoulder. They claim it occurs when you have an injury and then baby the muscles (favor the shoulder) until it "heals" into a fixed position... but I know that wasn't my case, since I was still doing post-surgical exercises 2-3 times weekly when it started.

    In either case, you're definitely on the right track! Exercise is the key! Just be aware which pains are the kind you should "push through" and the kind you should avoid

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2018

    I ended up with a frozen shoulder on the right side after my BMX. I had a frozen shoulder on the left side 6 years ago, unrelated. It was due to injury. I did nearly a year of PT with it but ended up with surgery to release it. So I feared it would flare up again after my BMX. I was quite surprised that my right started freezing up. I started PT with the same therapist would did my left shoulder. I did about 8 weeks up until my fat-grafting surgery. I was supposed to call and make appointments to start again after my PS released me. But I haven't yet. I'm just so done with appointments! I have been doing the home exercises they gave me. It's getting better. But if it doesn't get much better soon I will call. My deductible resets Sept. 1st. So if I have to have PT I want to get it over and done before Aug. 31st.

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  • CLmommy
    CLmommy Member Posts: 10
    edited June 2018

    I've heard frozen shoulder is common post MX. Sorry to hear you've both struggled with it. Thanks for sharing your journeys with me! Hope everyone's shoulders are back to "normal" soon. I'm due for another injection (ultrasound guided) into the space between the joints in 2 weeks. Really hoping that gives some relief! That and having my expanders out in 4.5 weeks. Fingers crossed! Best wishes to everyone. Thanks again!

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