My mom has bone on bone arthritis in both shoulders. Docs have tried several pain meds, nothing is helping...what should I do?

Another idea is the artificial synovial fluid they can inject to cushion the joints. You hear about it most in the knees, but it looks like they can also inject it into shoulders.

My mother has bone on bone arthritis in both shoulders. The orthopedic surgeon said injections wouldn't help her, at this point. I rub a bit of (RX) Voltaren on each shoulder and, then, put a microwaveable heated pad around her. PT helped for awhile but its so painful and the rubbing sound is very noticeable. She, also, sees a pain management doctor for RX pain pills (there are a multitude of issues due to cancer in her bones.) She is never left alone, at this point, to avoid falls.

Is medical marijuana legal in your state? Do some research on that. I haven't used it, but I know people that do and they are pain free.

I agree with the person who mentioned the artificial synovial fluid. I would find out if they can do this for her shoulder. Seems like that would cushion between the bones.
My mother has a torn rotator cuff and they don't want to do surgery because she might not make it. I have mixed feelings because she is in a lot of pain sometimes.
Any comments on that?

Lovingmom have you talked to the orthopods about doing minimally invasive surgery with less anesthesia? They can do so much now with very small incisions. But you have to find surgeons with lots of experience. If your current docs can't do that, but others can, they won't necessarily tell you that. I don't know if that kind of surgery can be done with less anesthesia, I guess I'm just advocating that you check around with any teaching hospitals in your area to see if it's a possibility.

The other idea would be a TENS unit, where an electrical impulse is sent to an area to confuse the brain about sending pain signals. Here's what I found online about TENS for the shoulder: TENS is a type of physiotherapy where small electrical pads (electrodes) are stuck to the skin over your shoulder. The TENS machine delivers small pulses of electricity through the electrodes, which numb the nerve endings and control your pain. So definitely check those two options out. Good luck to you and your mom.

This a very painful and difficult problem for your Mom. Have they tried steroid injections? Moist heat may give her some relief. Wring out a cloth in water as hot as you can bear and gently drape on her shoulders. You can cover with another towel to keep the heat longer. Soaking in a hot bath may help too under supervision. She probably would benefit from more PT too. Can you go with her and have them show you how to help with her exercises. She should do a little something every day. Does she have a walker with wheels on the front? That will be easier on the shoulders than lifting it.
The other things she needs is to be really comfortable in bed and when she is sitting. A Craftmatic bed is ideal with a really soft mattress . Have the head elevated to what is comfortable for her. Get three really soft pillows and put two upright making an inverted V. Put the other one across the top so there is a kind of nest for her to snuggle in. Raising the foot of the bed may help to balance her. This works well with a hospital bed too with a foam mattress.
Does she have a comfortable well padded recliner preferably an electric one so it helps her get up easily and saves her arms. Again a very soft pillow or cushion for her head. If she is most comfortable in the recliner encourage her to sleep there too. Cover her with something light and warm such as a soft down comforter. It will make her feel cosseted and really comfortable which will go a long way to easing the pain. Ibuprophin is very good for the pain unless it is contra indicated along with something in the narcotic line and or a muscle relaxant. I prefer the Advil brand of ibuprofen because any generic gives me heartburn. I personally can no longer take it because I am on blood thinners.
Keep the shoulders warm again with something warm but soft and light. it may take some experimentation till you get everything right for her but I think it will help. if someone is coming in frequently have a commode by the bed or chair so she does not have to walk far

my lumbar verts are all worn out. im going to install stainless steel water pump bearings to replace them. yea im gonna have 4 grease fittings in my spine. the AMA is still stuck in the dark ages .. losers!!

Going to PT twice a month will not compensate for using a walker all day every day. I would suggest an OT evaluation in the home. At some point she will need nursing home care and this should be discussed with her MD.

Just another thought, the walker could be really hurting her shoulders too. I have to use crutches every now and then if I really over do my ankle, the crutches kill my shoulders and underarms, would think her shoulders would hurt from a walk, perhaps, some padding on hands of walker, or adjustments to her height could ease it too.

Some very interesting and helpful answers. Thank you. Mom can't tolerate ibuprofen because it hurts her tummy....i'm sure it could have been the answer we're looking for...thanks Blannie about the synovial fluid injection info....I will ask her doc about that...she has had numerous cortisone injections which bring temporary relief. IF ONLY she could have surgery. A friend and I have been praying for answers. Thank you all for your feedback.