Calcific tendonitis (shoulder)

misterchicken · 06-22-2005, 09:24 AM

I have calcific tendonitis in my left shoulder (xrays showed calcium deposits)...I have had pain for years but in the past year or so, it has gotten much, much worse. I was sent to a physiatrist who sent me to PT (no luck), and gave me a few cortisone shots (he even said because it is actually a deposit there and not just inflammation, it would be a long shot). The shots would help for about 2 weeks, I think they were just reducing some of the swelling from chronic irritation.
I have read up a lot on this, and it seems to me that there are phases of pain and no pain (re-absorption, mending)...however I am really not experiencing any resting times anymore. It pretty much hurts all of the time, especially at night/waking. Making me VERY cranky! Simplest things (putting on deodorant, hooking bra, etc) are truly painful. Sometimes I will just make some simple movement and it's like someone speared my shoulder with a hot iron poker! It sometimes now sends pain down my arm, not like nerve pain, but a warm, sore muscle pain, and my upper arm is sore alot now also. Have not seen much about this on CT sites, but Im a 39 yo female and seems that I fall into line with calcific tendonitis. I am not whining about not being able to golf or kayak or do yoga anymore, but I am whining about the fact that the Doctor has pretty much just shrugged at this point. My PCP has given me Ultram to take but it certainly doesn't help. Does anyone have any good advice for how to alleviate some of this pain, or any info about C.T., etc.? I have read up on 'needling', but Im sure I'll have to push Dr. in this direction if necessary. Plus the whole concept is a little ghastly (however I'd do it!). I'm just getting fed up with chronic pain and having to 'lift' my elbow with my other hand to move my arm! I know it's nothing compared to severe chronic pain, but would appreciate any input, eps. from others who have this. Thanks a bunch!

bsktballin33 · 07-02-2005, 11:09 PM

I can definitely relate to what you are going through. I am 19 and developed myositis ossificans in my right quad after a severe injury. It's basically the same thing that you have (calcification deposits forming within the muscle). I've had this problem for about 4 years. I had surgery about two years ago to remove the deposits and scar tissue and everything in there but as soon as I started running or doing anything active it all came back again. I've had several different types of treatments and sadly nothing has worked for me. I'm to the point now where I experience the "mending period" so I'm not in constant agony anymore. I do have to take two different pain killers everyday though and I can usually tell when they are wearing off. I've tried about 7 different kinds of medicine so it takes a while to find one that works well for you. There's also some kind of medicine that's supposed to help dissolve the deposites if they don't on their own..that worked a little bit for me so maybe mention that to your doctor. Good luck and I feel your pain.

jfsprincess · 07-14-2005, 03:10 AM

I have Tendonitis of shoulder. I've had 3 surgeries in 6 months. The last surgery was to remove the tendonitis and part of the bone. I am on my way back to the doctor tomorrow because the pain is once again beginning to shoot down the arm to the wrist. This pain is a tired, very hurtful pain. I have been on Ultracets and have up'd the dose in the past week. I wish I new what the cure was. I have lost a lot of movement and have gotten use to not doing anything above my head.