Profiles

Here, you can find any of the interviews on this site.



Patricia

In January 2013, Patricia dislocated her right shoulder after she fell down some steps. In A&E, they relocated her shoulder and she was told that the dislocation could have damaged the nerves that are situated under the shoulder. Indeed, she started having problems moving her arm, hand, and wrist and fingers. On the 23 June 2014, she had subacromial decompression surgery, but feels surgery has not worked for her, as her mobility has not improved and she continues having pain. At her post-op follow up appointment she was told it is early days and was referred for more physiotherapy. The consultant will revise her situation in three months time.

  • Background

    Patricia is married and has three adult children. Retired social worker. Ethnic background: British.

  • Age at interview 69
  • Sex/Gender Female

    • Alan

    For about twenty years, Alan experienced recurrent shoulder pain that has been treated with steroid injections and physiotherapy. Recently, the pain became severe when he did any rotatory movement, or when lifting his arm. At his assessment meeting with the consultant, he was given the option to continue having steroid injections or to have surgery. He opted to have sub-acromial decompression surgery. The operation went well and he has regained much of the movement and flexibility in his arm and shoulder.

  • Background

    Alan is married and has two adult children. He is a librarian and works full-time. Ethnic background: White British.

  • Age at interview 63
  • Sex/Gender Male

    • Rosemary

    Rosemary had restricted movement and pain in her shoulder, and was told that surgery was the best option. The operation went well but her recovery took a lot longer than she'd expected. Since surgery, she has had lots of bruising on her shoulder and chest.

  • Background

    Rosemary is widowed with four adult children. She works full-time as a textile teacher. Ethnic background: White British.

  • Age at interview 62
  • Sex/Gender Female

    • Jenny

    For several years, Jenny complained of pain and lack of shoulder movement. She was given cortisone injections but there was no improvement. She had shoulder surgery but she is still having shoulder pain. Pain is affecting her everyday life in many ways including sleep and overall mobility. She has arthritis and has had problems with her knees, hips and back. Before her shoulder surgery, she was already on long-term painkillers for her other health issues.

  • Background

    Jenny is divorced and has three children, aged 39, 37 and 34 years old. She works full-time as a support worker. Ethnic background: White British.

  • Age at interview 64
  • Sex/Gender Female