Rotator Cuff Tendonitis or Subacromial Bursitis

A couple of months ago, I noticed my shoulder was uncomfortable due to a slight pain when I moved my arm in certain directions.  I thought it was nothing and I just ignored it.  This last week, I noticed the pain was more persistent and occuring more frequently.  I decided it was time to visit my doctor.

I was able to see the physician's assistant on Tuesday morning.  After a thorough exam of my righ shoulder and the movements that caused me pain, she determined I have rotator cuff tendonitis or subacromial bursitis.  The treatment for both conditions is the same, so it really doesn't matter which I actually have.

 

I was scared I was going to have to get a shot in my shoulder, like my mother did when she was diagnosed with tendonitis in her shoulder.  Luckily, I was told ibuprofen and rest should be sufficient.  I'm hoping to be recovered in a couple of weeks.

I've been trying to refrain from using my right arm too much, but that's really hard since I'm right-handed.  Styling my hair is pretty difficult, but I manage.  Sleeping is also a slight challenge since I prefer to sleep on my right side.  I'm trying to sleep on my back and left side but it's just not the same.

Julie, the PA, asked me if I remembered injuring my shoulder a couple of months ago.  At the time, I couldn't remember straining or injuring myself around the time the pain started.  After I left the doctor's office, I thought of what most likely caused the injury - vacation.

Justin and I took a cruise the week of Thanksgiving.  When we exited the ship, we decided to carry our own luggage instead of waiting for the ship's staff to remove it.  We did this so we could exit the ship first.  My suitcase was heavy and I was determined to haul it off that ship so I could make it to Thanksgiving lunch with my family. I imagine that's when my shoulder was injured, but I don't really remember.

Fingers-crossed everything is healed in a couple of weeks!