Seeking Guidance on Possible Shoulder Injury
Hello r/AskDocs, I’m a 32-year-old female dealing with persistent discomfort in my right shoulder that began in February 2025. As we enter September, I finally underwent an arthrogram MRI with contrast. I’ve been informed that it will take at least a week before I can expect results from a general physician. After that, I will need to schedule a consultation with a specialist, which could take several months to arrange. In the meantime, I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice from you all. Thank you very much for your help!
Answers (1)
9/5/2025, 9:50:32 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for reaching out about your shoulder discomfort. It sounds like you're going through a challenging time with the wait for your MRI results, and I’m glad to offer some support and guidance in the interim.
Main Points:
- Persistent shoulder discomfort can stem from various issues, including muscle strains, tendinitis, or joint-related problems.
- While waiting for results, it's important to focus on symptom management and gentle care.
Explanation:
Shoulder pain can be caused by many factors, such as overuse, injury, or underlying conditions like arthritis or rotator cuff tears. The fact that you’re experiencing persistent discomfort means monitoring your symptoms and taking steps to manage your pain effectively is important.
Actionable Next Steps:
-
Rest and Modify Activities: Avoid movements that worsen your shoulder pain. If certain activities exacerbate your symptoms, try to modify or eliminate them where possible.
-
Apply Ice or Heat: Use ice packs for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce inflammation, especially if there's swelling. Alternatively, try heat packs to relieve muscle tension, but only if it feels comforting.
-
Gentle Range of Motion Exercises: Start with gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises to maintain flexibility. Simple exercises like pendulum swings (letting your arm hang and gently swinging it) can help. Avoid any movements that aggravate your pain.
-
Pain Relief Options: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort. Always follow the dosage instructions on the OTC medication.
-
Keep a Symptom Diary: Note any changes in your shoulder pain, including when it worsens or improves with certain activities. This can be helpful for your physician or specialist later.
-
Prepare for Your Specialist Appointment: Once you receive your MRI results, list any questions or specific concerns to discuss with your specialist. This preparation can help maximize the value of your appointment.
While the wait for your results can be frustrating, taking these steps can help you manage your discomfort. Remember that listening to your body is crucial, so focus on what feels best for your shoulder.
If the pain worsens significantly, or if you notice symptoms like swelling, redness, or inability to use your arm, please consider reaching out for immediate evaluation. Take care!
Related Questions
Sore Throat and Tonsil Discomfort for Three Weeks
For the past two weeks, I have been experiencing significant pain in my tonsils. After consulting with urgent care, I underwent tests for both strep throat and mononucleosis, but the results were negative. The doctor advised me to be patient as the discomfort was expected to subside on its own. Unfortunately, my condition worsened, prompting me to return to urgent care three days later. During this visit, I was prescribed dexamethasone, a type of steroid, along with a ten-day course of amoxicillin. Remarkably, my symptoms began to diminish within hours. However, just three days later, I am starting to feel the throat and tonsil pain return. I am still on the amoxicillin regimen. What could be causing this resurgence of pain, and what steps should I take next?
Concerns About Persistent Cough: Is It Cardiac Related?
Greetings everyone, I’m a 20-year-old male weighing 320 pounds, which qualifies as overweight. Having dealt with asthma for the majority of my life—although it’s generally mild—I typically rely on a nebulizer during occasions of typical chest colds. For some context, I came down with a cold around January 9th. Being on a college campus frequently means exposure to a variety of illnesses, and I suspect I contracted bronchitis, given the lasting cough and breathlessness I experienced for a couple of weeks afterward. However, I believed I had fully recuperated and moved on. Recently, since about Monday, I have noticed a return of my breathlessness along with a persistent cough and a sensation of fluid in my chest and throat. I find myself coughing as I attempt to clear my throat. This comes and goes, but it tends to intensify in the mornings right after I wake up and at night when I try to sleep. Additionally, I spend time with friends who smoke on occasion, and I initially thought that secondhand smoke might be a contributing factor. My concern has grown, and I’m unsure what to think. So, I’m reaching out for guidance: could this be residual effects from my cold in January, or should I be concerned that this might indicate a more serious issue related to my heart?
Hernia Diagnosis Without Follow-Up: A Conflicting Situation
A 22-year-old male recently visited the emergency room due to discomfort in his lower abdomen. Upon examination, the medical team was indecisive about whether he was experiencing an oblique muscle problem or a hernia. Surprisingly, they opted against performing a CT scan or ultrasound and did not schedule any follow-up appointments. To the best of my knowledge, hernias typically do not resolve themselves with merely the use of ace bandages or over-the-counter pain medication; surgical intervention is usually necessary for proper treatment. Is there a specific rationale behind their reluctance to pursue further diagnostic testing or surgery?
Experiencing Wheezing During Deep Breaths
Greetings, everyone! I'm seeking your insights on a particular issue I'm facing: I experience a wheezing sound only when inhaling deeply. Interestingly, it's noticeable on one side, and it's audible to others as well. I've never used tobacco or any other substances, nor do I consume alcohol. My weight falls within a healthy range, and I do not have asthma. Additionally, my oxygen levels are normal, and I don’t struggle with breathing; this situation is more of an irritation than a serious problem. I’ve recorded the noise, but I’m unable to share it here; it honestly resembles the sound of a rubber chicken. I would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions! Thank you in advance!
Understanding Lymph Node Sensitivity
A 32-year-old female with a BMI of 28 poses a concern about potential lymph node activity. Over the past three months, she has noticed tender areas coinciding with her menstrual cycle. She has detected slight lumps, but is careful not to press deeply into the tissue to avoid further discomfort. Initially, in December, the sensitivity was localized to the left side of her breast. In January, she observed similar tenderness in her inner left thigh, and by February, both areas and the region above her armpit were affected. Additionally, she has been experiencing fluctuations in her hormonal balance lately. The discomfort in her left breast has persisted for most of this time since December. She wonders whether this is a typical response from lymph nodes due to hormonal changes or if it would be advisable to consult her general practitioner for further evaluation.