My Orthopedic Doctor had to go on a leave of absence. Before he left I was scheduled to have shoulder surgery by him. The new Doctor assigned to me will not perform the shoulder surgery without a first giving me a steroid shot, My Doctor had advised me that the steroid injection would only be a temporary solution and it would just postphone the surgery I need in the end. What should I do, since I am refusing to have the steroid injection.
I would agree with the original doctor I am on my 4 th sgoulder surgery and counting I had a capsule release for frozen shoulder and I can tell you the shot is pointless... It won't help at all. If you have to wait for the other doctor or request another one I would. Just confirming this is a capsule release?? And if so how long have you had your symptoms??
Yes it is a capsule realse for frozen shoulder. I have been dealing with the pain for 2yrs. I tried alot of therapy and accupuncture, without any success. Although, now this Dr. refuses to perform the surgery that was ordered by my original Dr. and of course I am refusing the shot. He said he wants to test it on me to rule it out..at this point I feel as if I am being utiized for tesing purposes. Thx
Thats a tricky one. Can you get a second opinion? If not there is support in the literature for your position (i.e. the effects are temporary at best). Has he said why he is refusing the surgery? What is it exactly he is trying to rule out? The literature seems clear, with a diagbosis of adhesive capsulitis, that the shot alievieates pain by reducing swelling but it rarely solves the underlying problem.
There are references in this very readable review (downloadable) of the procedure which mentions the efficacy of steroidal injections. I suggest you get him to explain his reasoning with references to the widespread literature on the subject.
Sedeek S, Chye Andrew TH. Adhesive capsulitis: is arthroscopic capsular release necessary? Current review. OA Orthopaedics 2013