A 63 year old man who just recently moved to the area comes in with complaints of having new onset of shoulder pain one day after cleaning his yard.
He never had similar pain before. The pain started in his right shoulder and then moved to the left side. It keeps him up at night but is not as bad during the day. He has trouble reaching into his cupboards. Over the last week he has noted difficulty getting up from his chair.
He denied complaints of jaw pain or scalp tenderness, but has some headaches that are not new. He has had no complaints of flu like symptoms, fever, or chills. He took 2 Of the 200 mg ibuprofens and felt some relief but nothing dramatic.
He was able to see his family doctor who after examination suggested that he should see an orthopedic surgeon for bursitis. The orthopedic surgeon agreed with the diagnosis and suggested steroid injection on both sides. He did better for a few days but the pain came right back.
At this time x-rays of shoulders and hips were obtained that were normal. MRI examination of both shoulders and they were unremarkable.
Being a scientist by profession, patient decided to investigate this on his own as severe shoulder pains and inability to sleep was making him very frustrated.
After extensive search and visiting different symptom checkers he came up with 2 possible diagnosis. On his follow up appointment with his physicians he brought up these possible causes. A series of blood tests were ordered and they were all negative.
A friend suggested that he see a specialist who confirmed one of the two diagnosis that he came up with. A medication was prescribed and patient had dramatic improvement in 3 days with complete resolution of all of his pain.
All of the following are true about this condition except:
a) You can become bedridden.
b) You almost always recover completely
c) Blood tests can confirm this diagnosis
d) It can cause significant joint pain and swelling
e) It only occurs in certain age group
f) Treatment can cause significant side-effects over time