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Rotated Shoulder and Blade Pain

02/17/2011

Question:

Hello, My daughter is 23 – she was diagnosed with CF at 13. She has low weight – 115 pounds – should be 125. Has no real interest in food so eating is an issue. She is complaining of severe neck, left shoulder blade pain – has a rotated shoulder. It makes sense why – is there anyone in the CF community addressing body issues/pain in cf patients. She told us tonight her shoulder/neck is more uncomfortable than her much needed sinus surgery to remove polyps. Is there anyone in San Diego addressing whole body skeletal issues with CF? Your help is appreciated. Thank you.

Answer:

Chronic musculoskeletal pain is a major issue for those with CF and deserves attention. CF physicians, however, aren’t really equipped to adequately evaluate and treat those problems. They should, however, assure that they have peers to whom they can refer those with pain and musculoskeletal issues. While I don’t know professionals in San Diego, I would encourage your daughter to ask her CF team to whom they might refer her. This is also why we strongly encourage patients to maintain ties with a primary care physician, as they are often better equipped to treat or refer these problems.

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