Shoulder injury from infancy

[SonnySun]

My wife suffers from extreme debilitating pain at times due to an injury she suffered as a newborn.  Her shoulder is dislocated (bone is pops out above the shoulder). Her Kaiser doctor called it Shoulder Dystocia. The pain has gotten so bad that she can't sleep comfortably on her back or stomach and has tension all over her back. It's been very difficult for her to even get through a work day without intense pain on her back and arms. To compound everything she's had tendonitis that developed during her college days.

Reason why I am writing this is so we are able to get multiple opinions from orthopedic surgeons on what our options are to lessen her pain.

We are aware of the medications that are available such as Ibuprofen and Vicodin. However, we are weary of using those as longterm Iburprofen has serious side effects so we "save" that for the really really bad days.

Any comments, suggestions, or advice to see certain specialists is welcome. We are hoping that some sort of surgery is possible that would allow her to eventual normal use of her arm and lessen the pain. It is getting difficult day-to-day as she is only 32 years old and a healthy adult female.

Thank you all

[katie66]

If you and your wife are open to surgical procedures after all else fails, maybe they can perform surgery on either her nerves or muscles.  Perhaps they can do both.
I haven't had anything done to mine.  Heat helps as does OTC medicine...slept using a heating pad last night and plan on doing the same tonight.  So, as long as it's bearable, tolerable, and sporadic, then surgery is out of the question for me.  Hope this helps.

[katie66]

I would think a shoulder replacememt surgery is a bit too invasive.  They will probably try more conservative treatments before going down a far more invasive procedure like surgery and especially a shoulder replacement surgery. If she's in her early 30s, they might do cortisone shots and a less invasive procedure first.  Shoulder replacement procedures are invasive and may not yield the results that either you or she are wanting or expecting.  The life of these replacement prostheses may not be too long and then she'll have to have another one in 20 years or so.  See if her physician will send her to either an orthpedist who specializes in shoulders first.  Then, if it's a nerve problem...see if she can get a referral to a neurologist or neurosurgeon.  If it's shoulder dystocia as you say, a shoulder replacement surgery may not help.  It could be a nerve problem which can only be taken care of by a neurologist/neurosurgeon. In my experience, the pain got worse with age.  Last night it was unbearable.  So, I know she is in much pain.  Mine is a burning pain and a boring pain that hurts to the bone and radiates down to the fingers.  Is that how hers is??  Hope this helps.  Good luck!!  

[katie66]

Well, maybe I can help.  I am 48 years old. Obviously when I was born, ultrasounds were virtually unheard of in obstetrics...or at least around my small town.
I was 12 lbs and 5 oz. when I was born.  OB/GYN did not perform a C-Section.  As a result, I got hung during delivery.  Doctor had to break my arm to deliver me.  If they had not, my mom and I would have died.  They bandaged/casted the wrong arm.  I was sent home a week later without any reduction in my right arm.  I also had shoulder dystocia.  
With all the stretching in my neck region, they did some nerve damage.  I was diagnosed w/ Brachial Plexus Palsy about eight years ago.
My injury may sound like hers so here's my experience.  If I use my laptop or sleep in a wrong position, my neck hurts and the pain radiates down to the hand.  My neck and arm will burn which radiates down to the fingers.  It will sometimes hurt to the bone.  I can't use my right arm, fingers, and wrist like I can my left side.  I can't turn my right arm and wrist over.  My right side is smaller and shorter than my left...which resulted in scoliosis.  
I didn't read your entire post and I hope this helps.  See your family physician and get a referral to a neurosurgeon/neurologist.  Hope this helps!!