So, PT, huh? I can do that. I was secretly freaking out thinking about worse options (i.e. surgery).

I've been toying with the idea of calling the PCP for the last week or so. I just have some issues giving in to calling the doc. It is kind of a relief to know this is consistent with the shoulder injury so I know I'm calling the right dude.

Yeah, ya' stubborn cuss, get to it already!

Seriously, Holl, that's how we handle my situation, I can't say for sure about yours, but let's hope for the least of the worst!

Holly

I had the same problem a while back and it was the result of an injury while I was in high school on the gymnastics team! I dislocated my left shoulder. It got so bad that I could not reach up and behind me in the airplane to reach any of the instruments or move the trim tab settings! Now that's bad!!! Laugh all you want, but if one cannot reach the trim tab, then it makes it more difficult to fly the airplane!!!

I finally saw the ortho doc. He did an MRI and I don't remember exactly what he called it, but I he gave me a cortisone shot in the shoulder joint and, after the inital pain wore off, it was able to function just fine! I ended up having another shot about 6 months later and haven't had a problem since.

But my arm would go numb from the shoulder down exactly like you are explaining. Just like this...it was so painful...just my experience with this and long before I was dx'd with MS so I know it wasn't due to that. That's probably why you had some relief with IVSM.

Anyway, I bypassed the PCP and went straight to an ortho doc!!!

Man I can't tell you guys how thankful I am that you can identify with my pain. Not that it is good that anyone has had to deal with this, just that I am so relieved to know what to do. Now, I just have to get up the courage to call for an appt.

To start out with the first step of evaluation I would recommend talking to your PCP and have him check it out. I would even ask for a referral to and Orthopeadic specialist and, of course, see your neuro about this as it does sound centered around nerve activity.

You've gotten good advice and support on this thread so you're now obligated to let us know what happens with you.

Sounds similar to an MS symptom that I expereinced in 2002. A couple of weeks after my first exacerbation, my stroke-like incident, I had a similar experence with my left foot.

It would tighten up. I called it a cramp at the time, but it wasn't really, because it didn't hurt. I just couldn't walk or move it, or anything, until the tightness passed.

I noticed that it tended to happen when I got up from a reclining or a seated position, and that, if I stretched it slowly prior to moving into an upright position, I could avoid it.

I initially went to my PCP, who just said, "I don't know what it is. It is not another stroke. But, it sounds like something sensory is going on." I wish that I would've contacted my neuro, but, that early in my Neurological troubles, I didn't have a clue when it was appropriate to do that. After a couple of weeks, the symptom disappeared on its own.

~ Faith

The cramp/spasm you describe can be an MS thing, i think they refer to this type of spasm as clonus (not sure about that though). I get this type of intermittent spasm in my hand, any kind of activity that require a thumb and index finger type of grip ( like holding a pen or pencil) for more than a couple of minutes, will cause my hand to lock up completely. The spasm is so intense that it hurts like H*** and i just have to stop trying to use my hand so that it eventually eases off- the trouble is that for some time afterwards any attempt to use my hand at all will just instantly bing on the spasm again. I tried baclofen but it did not really help, i was told if were in different muscle groups it may be possible to have a botox shot but it would mean i lost too much dexterity if they used it for my hand. Eventually my GP suggested that i try a magnesium supplement and that has actually reduced the frequency of the spasms. My PCP did also give me some diazepam in for times when i still have severe spasms

When's the last time you had that shoulder scanned? Maybe check in with the PCP and ask if you should have that done again. I know, I hate that too, but let's see what's going on in there. Then maybe a pain clinic.

Never know lil sis. You find a good pain doc, and a couple shots well put would save you months of PT.

Just another option and another free opinion.

Let us know what you do and what you hear, okay?

My best friend had the same thing, but she had surgery in December to repair it. She's been in PT since and doing much better

I could have written this reply myself Nappy. Seriously Holly, there have been times when I didn't know if my arm numbness was caused by MS, the old rotator cuff injury or from a developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Like you, mine comes and goes which seems to rule out MS.

I don't actually know what a PCP is..... but I'm assuming it means Primary Care Provider which would translate to GP in Australia.

I too suggest he/she should be your first port of call and often as not, a bit of physio will be all it takes to improve your symptoms. If not, then they're the right person to refer you on to the appropriate specialist.

Good luck Holly. Let us know how you get on.