Mom uses a walker and has a torn Rotor cuff. Doctors won't give her prescription pain meds cause she has kidney disease. I think stage four. She also has congestive heart failure I believe. She takes blood pressure meds plus other meds.
The specialist said try physical therapy, a shot maybe later and other things. Last resort is surgery. Strong over counter pain pills does nothing. She has moist. heating pad. Tried icy hot twice. Just made pain worse. Prescription cream made her dizy.
Barbara
So I hope this is consoling - it does eventually go. Seems like forever while it lasts, but it does slowly slowly heal.
Ask her doctor if she can have one of the anti-inflammatory ointments or gels - you can get them with ibuprofen in, though I think the diclofenac one might have been withdrawn in the States? Ask, anyway. They help a bit, but nothing can really penetrate torn cartilage I'm afraid. And remember the old chestnut about the patient and the doctor…
Patient: It hurts when I do *that.*
Doctor: Well don't do that, then.
Her PT will know what's best so you don't have to worry about her making it worse; but short of surgery (not fun, not a good idea unless it's a dramatic tear) only time will really do the trick. That, and sympathy.
Now I understand why your mom is in so much pain! How old is she, Barbara? Can this kind of surgery be done under a local ? Does she have dementia?