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Rotator cuff update
A small win… I played yesterday for the first time in weeks.
Was diagnosed with a rotator cuff tear in November, based on a quick examination (no MRI or anything). But a few days ago, just out of the blue, my right arm/shoulder suddenly got better—far less pain, much better range of motion. After a year of suffering.
The thing is, I stopped taking my statin Jan 1, because I suspected it was exacerbating the pain.
Your doctor will tell you the risk of musculoskeletal side effects from statins is negligible, don’t worry about it. But I personally know people, including my mom, who were not only affected, but actually crippled by the stuff. I’m convinced that statins cut several years off my mom’s life.
So, if you are experiencing similar symptoms and you are taking a statin, give it a thought. (This is not medical advice—I have to say that, right?) There are alternatives. I’m seeing my doctor soon to discuss.
Of course I could be completely wrong and I’m headed for surgery. We’ll see.
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11 Replies
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@punder So happy to hear your arm seems better after the rest and going off the statins. That’s a fantastic win!
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Yes, glad to hear you are going to ask your doctor. You are on them for a reason, and note there are different statins, one might give you side effects and another might not but all will help your cardiovascular health. Been on atorvastatin for 12 years since my heart attack, doing fine. My wife did have to switch statins because her liver numbers were going up, but found a good one. Her recent heart calcium score was zero ! Note I do not work for a drug company, lol.
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Hey @punder ! happy to hear that your shoulder is getting better!
i have to say, it took about a year for mine to feel much less painful too, with continuous attention. Make sure you continue to warm up and stretch all the time, as you can get flare ups. Also, remember to take frequent breaks. 😉
best wishes
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Thanks y’all. Confirmed, my doctor now thinks I had myalgia caused by rosuvastatin (Crestor) and has agreed I should stay off cholesterol meds for the next few months to see what happens, and if my cholesterol shoots up, I should go on a much lower dose of a different drug. So NOT a conspiracy theory. 😃 I’m playing again and feeling better every day.
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Punder-
Great news, man!
I tore mine up about 20 years ago- what an ordeal. My wife is goin’ thru it now- injured it the last month or so.
Glad that you’re playin’ again—- and good to “hear” from you.👍
Mark J
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Thanks Mark! Yeah, good to hear from you dude.
After so long off I decided to go seriously back to fundamentals, doing only two things each day: working through “Guitar Chords and Accompaniment” by Yoichi Arakawa, a verrrry basic but methodical, old-school book; and learning the notes on the fretboard using a repetitive technique I saw on YT. After several days of repeating the same exercise over and over, I’m seeing definite improvement getting to that dang open B7, always a weak point for me. Fretboard… well, it’s a process! 😆 Planning on starting back with the daily challenges on Monday. Baby steps, but absolutely necessary.
Still have pain but it’s manageable. I also have “winged scapula” on the same side as my hurty shoulder, so my PT has started concentrating on that. Still… it’s a serious win to play again, even if I have to break it up into 5-minute bites. You know, I hardly know anyone my age who isn’t “broken” in some way. That’s life!
Good luck to your wife! Rotator cuff? Who designed the darn thing, anyway? I’d like to have a word. 🤨
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Punder-
It’s all gonna come rushin’ back to you.
In the meantime, I hope your shortened sessions still give you enough time to get lost in the music- even for just a few minutes- and take your mind off all that. Cool little vacation(s) so to speak🙂.
Carry on. Be well. Your guitar journey is waiting patiently.
Mark J
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Thanks man!
Can you imagine, in the Year of Our Lord 2022, an Internet forum WITHOUT A LIKE BUTTON? Yeah. No, neither can I.
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Great news and great plan !!
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Hope everything goes well for you. Happy you’re playing again! 🙂
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Thanks all!
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