• Registered: Sun, 28 Nov 2010
  • Posts: 139

Topic: Can't move arm

On top of everything else now my husband is unable to move his right arm.  We've been back and forth with hospice and can't figure out what it is.  The pain meds (methadone, oxy, ibprofen and neurontin) aren't touching the pain. Today they want to try a muscle relaxer.    Tried to get in to the oncologist but they are done with him since he's on hospice.  Guess the cant bill enough for hospice patients !!!   He doesn't want to go to the er but that's the next step.    Anyone else ever have this shoulder arm pain???  Could it be the bone mets??

  • Lainy
  • Lainy
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  • From: Phoenix AZ
  • Registered: Fri, 13 Jan 2006
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Re: Can't move arm

Dang! Teddy never had anything like that but I think I have mentioned before that he was in a lot of pain and Hospice did what ever they could and someone in Hospice was in touch with his ONC through the whole thing. They gave him Morphine (75mg long lasting) every 12 hours and a breakthrough of 50mg every hour. It worked for him. He would probably need a scan to determine if it is bone mets. I would get him in to ER ASAP! There comes a time when our boys need to listen to us, its hard but has to be done. I sure hope they can get this under control!

Teddy ~In our hearts forever~ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING
Any suggestion I offer is intended as friendly advice based solely on my own experience. Please consult your doctor for professional guidance.
  • Gavin
  • Gavin
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  • From: Scotland - Dundee
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Re: Can't move arm

Hi Peony,

Sorry to hear this news about your husbands shoulder and arm. I've no personal experience of this as this never happened to my dad. And off the top of my head, I can't seen to remember reading or hearing about this happening to anyone else here. I do agree with Lainy in that taking your husband to the ER is the best option right now. I hope you can get him in there and that they get this sorted now. Please let us know how he gets on here.

Hugs,

Gavin

  • From: France
  • Registered: Mon, 23 Apr 2012
  • Posts: 41

Re: Can't move arm

Peony,
I am not sure if my situation is or was similar to your dads, but my I had immense pain in both arms and although my right arm is now 95% ok my left is still painful and lacks a lot of mobility.  I have been told this is likely to be due to nerve damage inadvertently caused during the resection, specifically the phrenic nerve.  It may be worth checking out.  Take care xx

.... because I can ....
  • Registered: Fri, 12 May 2006
  • Posts: 8,174

Re: Can't move arm

Peony......Is it possible to have a pain specialist involved?
Hugs,
Marion

THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED NOR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
  • Registered: Fri, 15 Oct 2010
  • Posts: 1,738

Re: Can't move arm

Hi,
sorry, I do not know the answer to your problem.
God bless.

Please know that my personal opinion is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If  provided, information are for educational purposes.Consult doctor is a MUST for changing of treatment plans.
  • Registered: Sun, 28 Nov 2010
  • Posts: 139

Re: Can't move arm

thanks everyone,  we're in the hospital and had  2 cat scans.  hopefully the mystery will be solved tomorrow.

  • Lainy
  • Lainy
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Re: Can't move arm

Peony, best move you could have made. I will be looking to see how the mystery ends tomorrow!

Teddy ~In our hearts forever~ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING
Any suggestion I offer is intended as friendly advice based solely on my own experience. Please consult your doctor for professional guidance.
  • Registered: Fri, 12 May 2006
  • Posts: 8,174

Re: Can't move arm

Peony.....hope the answer lies within the test results.
Please, keep us posted.
Hugs,
Marion

THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED NOR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
  • Registered: Sun, 28 Nov 2010
  • Posts: 139

Re: Can't move arm

The cat scans showed multiple fractures in the scapula caused by new tumors.  Unfortunately radiation to shrink the tumors would be too dangerous so the only resolution is to increase the pain meds and imobilize the arm.

Dan is home now and resting.  He is definately declining. So, starting next week I will be on family medical leave from work.  This will be the first time in over 30 years that I haven't worked everyday of the week.  It will be strange but I need to spend time with him.

  • Lainy
  • Lainy
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Re: Can't move arm

Peony, omGosh, I have never heard of this! Have you thought yet about bringing in some Palliative care? It does not mean the end but they can be of so much help especially when it comes to pain control. Of course you want to be with him, work can wait. It doesn't matter if its a month or years, make this your 'special moments' time or as Teddy used to say, "our Honeymoon." No wonder Dan was in so much pain. My heart goes out to you both and I have you in my prayers. Be strong.

Teddy ~In our hearts forever~ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING
Any suggestion I offer is intended as friendly advice based solely on my own experience. Please consult your doctor for professional guidance.
  • Registered: Fri, 12 May 2006
  • Posts: 8,174

Re: Can't move arm

Peony......Our JeffG had spoken extensively of bone mets -you might want to look at some of his postings.  Possibly there is something hidden in his threads that could be of benefit to Dan. 
http://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/punbb … hp?id=1527
http://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/punbb … hp?id=4471
My heart is with you.
Hugs,
Marion

THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED NOR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
  • Registered: Sun, 28 Nov 2010
  • Posts: 139

Re: Can't move arm

Thanks ladies.  Lainy we called hospice in about 2 weeks ago. They are great so far. It's such a relief to have someone to reach out to 24/7.  The nurse that is assigned to us is incredible.  They've made adjustment to his medications that have already helped to reduce his pain.
Fractures are very common with bone mets.  He has several rib fractures. The one in his shoulder blade is unusual.

Marion, I remember reading some of Jeff's entries on mets.  I will take another look at the links for anything that may help.   

Best, Laurie

  • Lainy
  • Lainy
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Re: Can't move arm

Laurie, thanks for reminding me about Hospice, I forgot, chalk it up to age and Prednisone. If you ever need me please feel free to e mail me anytime! I had Hospice in the home for 4 months and they were great! I just wish I could take all this CC away from everyone!

Teddy ~In our hearts forever~ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING
Any suggestion I offer is intended as friendly advice based solely on my own experience. Please consult your doctor for professional guidance.