She can't have surgery because she has pulmonary fibrosis. I don't know what to add other than we have contacted the orthopedic department at Mayo...She is going to PT twice a month....I caregive part time and an agency does the rest. She lives in her own home and uses a walker...
I feel powerless and ignorant to what other options we have. She was crying this morning...she said she can't take it anymore..and she's not a complainer....I feel helpless watching this happen. Thanks for listening
My mother has a torn rotator cuff and they don't want to do surgery because she might not make it. I have mixed feelings because she is in a lot of pain sometimes.
Any comments on that?
The other idea would be a TENS unit, where an electrical impulse is sent to an area to confuse the brain about sending pain signals. Here's what I found online about TENS for the shoulder: TENS is a type of physiotherapy where small electrical pads (electrodes) are stuck to the skin over your shoulder. The TENS machine delivers small pulses of electricity through the electrodes, which numb the nerve endings and control your pain. So definitely check those two options out. Good luck to you and your mom.
The other things she needs is to be really comfortable in bed and when she is sitting. A Craftmatic bed is ideal with a really soft mattress . Have the head elevated to what is comfortable for her. Get three really soft pillows and put two upright making an inverted V. Put the other one across the top so there is a kind of nest for her to snuggle in. Raising the foot of the bed may help to balance her. This works well with a hospital bed too with a foam mattress.
Does she have a comfortable well padded recliner preferably an electric one so it helps her get up easily and saves her arms. Again a very soft pillow or cushion for her head. If she is most comfortable in the recliner encourage her to sleep there too. Cover her with something light and warm such as a soft down comforter. It will make her feel cosseted and really comfortable which will go a long way to easing the pain. Ibuprophin is very good for the pain unless it is contra indicated along with something in the narcotic line and or a muscle relaxant. I prefer the Advil brand of ibuprofen because any generic gives me heartburn. I personally can no longer take it because I am on blood thinners.
Keep the shoulders warm again with something warm but soft and light. it may take some experimentation till you get everything right for her but I think it will help. if someone is coming in frequently have a commode by the bed or chair so she does not have to walk far
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