I have just been told that it appears that my right shoulder rotator cup 'cuff] may be torn and will require an operation. I am now taking Darvocet n-100 1 tablet every 4-6 hours as needed and Naproxen 500 mg tab. My shoulder hurts to the point that the meds are not working. I have been taking them for 4 days with no change in the pain level. I have a follow up appointment in 2 weeks. The doctor will let me know for sure then. I am wondering as much as it hurts if I should try to see him sooner. Is there someplace that I can find out just what a rotator cup 'cuff] is? I know that it's in my shoulder but I am trying to find out what has torn and what they will do to repair it.

Answer

Now, if we may, let us tell you what help we can provide: we do research on virtually all medical and scientific journals about the use of foods, vitamins and herbs instead of drugs for health. We don't sell anything, so we can tell the truth. When we do these research jobs, we come upon standard medical observations and treatments also. We report it all, and without charge. We will do such research for you if you request it. We should add that we do not treat or diagnose, only a physician is permitted to do that.

Now you told us that you are taking Darvocet (presumably mostly darvon, a powerful pain killer and a somewhat dangerous one.) Short-term, we can appreciate the doctor's prescription. We cannot comment further on that.

As to Naproxen, it is a spin-off of aspirin, the group of spin-offs called NSAIDs.* The group also includes ibuprofen, Celebrex and Vioxx, and others. They were developed by drug companies to make much more money than they could on aspirin. To a great extent, they really are slightly modified aspirin.

Our research indicates that aspirin is superior to all its spin-offs. But we cannot prescribe, as we indicated.
Now you wrote that the pain is as bad as ever. And that your next appointment is for two weeks. Our suggestion is that you call the physician and tell him just what you are experiencing. He may push up (perhaps even SHOULD push up) the appointment.

You also asked what they will do to repair it. For that we suggest that you ask us to do a complete investigation which may or may not be revealing. Again, no charge. However, it could take up to 3 days.

We hope we have been somewhat helpful and are eager to do more. Please let us know.

*Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug. The spinoffs are sometimes deliberately prescribed when the patient suffers stomach distress from aspirin which could lead to ulcers. Sometimes they are prescribed out of ignorance.