question about medcation for pain in shoulder

[maggie471]

I will be 50 years old on the 25 of Nov.  I am female and in a world of pain.  My left shoulder has decided it no longer likes me.  ( sense of humor always!)
My doctor thought I had frozen shoulder.  My x-ray showed nothing.  The pain is so bad I have screamed from it.  And I have to say I am a very tuff lady when it comes to pain.  I was sent for an MRI.  I am not very medical versed.  However, the jest of it is that my router cuff is torn,  muscles on both the front and back are torned.  I have bone spurs which are doing alot of damage everytime I move my are.  I hit my funny bone last Thursday.  I hit the floor.  I go into see my surgeion on Tuesday.  I am almost out of the hydrocodon for pain.  They also gave me diazepam.  I have never taken it before.  Will this help with the pain?  Please let me know.  Thanks

[Tuckamore]

Hello Maggie,

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. I am glad you found us and took the time to post... but very sorry to hear about your shoulder. The pain sounds excruciating and my heart goes out to you!

Femmy offered you correct information about the Diazepam (Valium). I too have been on it for several years but due to the concerns I have about taking it regularly I use it only when I have an extreme flare. I often go weeks without taking it.....even though I admit I could benefit from it more often.  When used correctly and sporadically it can be a safe medication.  If I didn't obtain another RX I would have no withdrawal but would have nothing when those extreme flares occurred....that's my rational for the way I take it.  So by all means take it as ordered but be cautious. Yes it should help ease your pain but only the spasms... as it is not an actual narcotic.

I hope you will let us know how your surgery consult goes. I would also encourage you to contact your physician to determine how you will control your pain until your surgery. Post-op your surgeon should be able to offer you pain control.

Best of luck. It sounds like you may have a painful road ahead of you. I'll look forward to hearing from you again soon.

Take Care,
~Tuck

[femmy29]

Hi Maggie,

A warm welcome!  It sounds like your shoulder is causing tremendous pain.  I hope the hydrocodone is helping with the pain while you are waiting to find out what is going on.  

The diazepam is generic for Valium.  I am also taking diazepam and I have been on it for over 6 years.  It is a benzodiazepine and is in the same family as xanax and ativan if you ever heard of those before.  It's first line use is for relief from panic attacks and anxiety but it is also known to possess powerful muscle relaxant properties superior to actual muscle relaxant medications such as flexeril or soma.  Getting the muscles in your shoulder to relax can provide some additional relief from the pain.  I am RX'd it for both anxiety and muscle spasms.    

There is one major drawback of the diazepam.  When taken long term, the body becomes dependant on it and withdrawal can be difficult.  So if your doctor recommends this medication long term, just remember that if you want to stop taking it, you need to tell your doctor first so that he can help you taper.  Cold turkey is not adviseable and can be dangerous.  

I really hope both the hydrocodone and diazepam help with your pain and that the doctors find out what is going on so you can feel better!

femmy