Hip injections: Hi there, has anybody... - Fibromyalgia Acti...

Fibromyalgia Action UK

59,451 members66,496 posts

Hip injections

Jenlouh profile image
31 Replies

Hi there, has anybody had to have a hip steroid injection before please? I am going to have one, but I'm so terrified I'm having panic attacks about it and can't settle. I have fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, sciatica, bursitis and some arthritic condition that keeps causing a lot of inflammation in my blood which they're investigating. They originally thought polymyalgia but said at 42 I'm too young.

If anyone has any experience of knows of any feedback from anyone I would really like to hear it please.

Many thanks,

Jenny

Written by
Jenlouh profile image
Jenlouh
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
31 Replies
Sorebones profile image
Sorebones

Not in my hip, but in my neck. Don't panic about it. It's not pleasant, I can't lie to you, but the relief that it should bring must make it worth doing. People have more than one, so they go back, again. If it was that bad they wouldn't go through it again, would they.

A couple of seconds of discomfort for pain relief? Well worth it for me. I am looking at more injections for my knee, and lower spine for Osteoarthritis. Definitely worth it for me 🐸

BlueMermaid3 profile image
BlueMermaid3

Hi there

I haven't had one in my hip, but have had one in my shoulder.

If you try to keep yourself as relaxed as possible and don't tense up, it makes life a lot easier.

It is very quick and done in minutes.

It's worth it for the pain relief.

Good luck and please try not to worry.

Wishing you much peace

Lu x

Volunteer Administrator

Mad_scientist_ profile image
Mad_scientist_

Likewise, I've not had one in my hip (was told I didn't have bursitis and started down the route to my fibro diagnosis) but I've had numerous in my shoulder and wrists. They can range from a very mild stinging sensation to quite painful, but they are over in a few seconds. Be prepared for it to be achey a while later, as that can happen due to the extra liquid being put into the joint) but that eases as the inflammation reduces. Plus if you're lucky you won't get the after ache. The injections usually contain some local anaesthetist so that you don't get an immediate flare of pain from the injection (I was told many years ago it was enough to get you home without feeling sore, but that was in the days when only hospitals did the injections).

Hope yours all goes well and you get the full benefits. There really is nothing to worry about :-)

Jenlouh profile image
Jenlouh

Thanks guys, that has put my mind at ease. Apparently I have to go into theatre and have it done along side an ultrasound scan and is into the Joint space. It was just the thought of the needle I think that scared me. It's true though, people wouldn't go back if it was that bad 😀.

Thankyou. I hope you all have a good weekend xx

BlueMermaid3 profile image
BlueMermaid3 in reply to Jenlouh

I forgot to say that they should give you a numbing spray first. Mine honestly didn't bother me, but then I'm ok with needles and prefer to watch mine being done.

The needle isn't as long as people make it out to be.

Tensed muscles are harder to inject than relaxed ones. That's why it's best to be as relaxed as you possibly can be.

Please try not to stress about it. It will be done before you know it.

Lu xx

Njh1975 profile image
Njh1975 in reply to Jenlouh

I've had one in my left hip back in March, it's really not that bad I didn't even realise then they said it was all over. Good luck

in reply to Jenlouh

me again-best way to have it I agree, under the image intensifier where hopefully the injection will hit right on the spot, I do sometimes have milder injections for tenis elbow and calcium crystal deposits and they are very painful but the "Biggy" injection in my muscle is now no more.

weathervane profile image
weathervane

Hi jenlouh

Ive had steroid injection a couple of times in hip for bursitis, it was done under xray the first time. It didnt hurt getting it done but did have to rest for couple of days afterward. It did work for about a year but bothered by it again now but as im not as active i can cope. It was definitely worth getting it done- good luck🌷🌷

bluebell99 profile image
bluebell99

I had mine done in the groin so I could put off having a replacement hip for a while. It is now 18 months on and still giving me relief.

The injection was done in the theatre under sterile conditions to prevent infection. You lie on your back and only the groin area is uncovered. It did make me yelp as it went in but it was only a second or two. You can see everything on a screen. Recovery was a bit achy for a couple of days but since then perfect. I will have it done again when necessary.

Go for it, you will be fine!

ryanbone10 profile image
ryanbone10

I have them done in both knees!

Yes, It's a little uncomfortable at first but well worth the results.

Go for it Jenlouh , It should make your life a little easier.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do! xx

rosewine profile image
rosewine

Had one just over a year ago in my hip. They need to find the most painful spot so they put the needle in the right place so they will probably press hard on your hip. I am going to be honest it hurt but the moment she knew she had for the "spot" she put some kind of numbing stuff the skin. She told me to keep absolutely still and I could feel the needle going which was unpleasant but fine.

I was told to take it easy the rest of the day and not do anything strenuous for the next couple of days which made me laugh as who does strenuous who has fibro. It gnawed for a day but that pain was much less than I had been having before so didn't bother me. I thought after a week it hadn't worked but suddenly realised I was having easier nights with it and I was able to walk much more freely than before. It didn't take the pain away completely but definately helped and the effect lasted quite well for at least 6 months. Gradually it has all come back and I must make an appt with my new doctor to see whether I can have another. I do sincerely hope it works for you. Good luck with it.x

peck profile image
peck

I think if I had all of your health problems I would try it.. maybe it will help.I hope so any way.Good luck and best wishes!! Peck.🐤

VonnyM profile image
VonnyM

I've had steroid hip injections. I've had also xray guided sacroiliac injections, piriformis and glute injections. Don't panic, don't be frightened, there's nothing to it, in two weeks time I'm going to have another series of injections as I fell down a flight of stairs and injured my back. Those injections are not as bad as going to the dentist.

Jenlouh profile image
Jenlouh in reply to VonnyM

Phew thank goodness for that. So grateful to hear your experience. Sorry to hear your having a rough time though ☹️.

I wish you all the very best. I will remember what you wrote 😀

Many thanks

VonnyM profile image
VonnyM

😆

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor

Hi Jenlouh

I have not had anything like this myself but I wanted to genuinely wish you all the best of luck. I can see that you have had some wonderful and encouraging replies as well.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

Thunder1 profile image
Thunder1

Hi there yes I Have had a few in each side of hips it's ok no problem didn't work for me though. Hope it works for you we are all different I'm sure it will. Good luck to you take care. ☇

Heliboy911 profile image
Heliboy911

I know how you feel I have been having big problems with my breathing just brushing my teeth leaves me breathless and walking is a marathon task I had a chest stress echo at the chest clinic hospital and they told me they had found damage to my heart and now I have to go for a test on my heart on 18th July where they put liquid into your artery to see what is going on in your heart .I have a huge phobia of needles and I asked the nurse if I would be awake for it and she said no but we can give you a bit of sedation. I am scared to death I have served in the army for over 9 years and been deployed to conflict zones, seen some horrific sites but show me a needle and I am like a 2 year old.

All the best for your injections !

Hello Jenlouh from Nurse Gladys Emanuel (open all hours) I used to have steroid injections when fibro reared its ugly head, I had "Kenalog" injected into big muscles in my bum which circulated quickly and eased pain , gave me energy, better mobility and helped me stay in work longer, however steroids do thin your bones and so cannot be given for a long time unless a low oral dose replaces it. I now have osteoporosis and so steroids are out for me BUT I know a lot of RA and OA sufferers do have prednisolone on a low dose orally. They are given for other illnesses too.

AlegnaB profile image
AlegnaB

Yes .. have had both my hips injected with steroids. Ultrasound scan found tendons on both hips to be badly inflamed. Had local anaesthetic injected first and then the steroid. As one would expect they hurt but I got instant relief...but alas...that was from the anaesthetic. The pain worsened for a day or two and then came the relief. Please try not to panic and think of it as something positive that in the long run will help enormously! I am having my second lot soon. (every three months).

looneysue profile image
looneysue

Hi jen

I have a fear of needles and have had steroid injections in my shoulders. However I have since discovered Lidnocaine infusions. This is we're they put a cannula in your hand and lidnocane is released into your body over a period of time depending on the dosage. I find this eases the pain of Fibro and OA. I cope better with this rather than injections in different areas of my body. This maybe an option for you.

Good luck.

Looney sue.

Jenlouh profile image
Jenlouh in reply to looneysue

Wow thanks, that sounds really interesting. Il ask about that. Really appreciate your feedback.

Sending best wishes

Jen 🌞

Kerryjess profile image
Kerryjess

I've had one done and am waiting fir a second one. It was sore but bearable. I have a cyst at the head of my femur and am waiting for a hip replacement ( they say I won't have my pre-op assessment done until Nov this year so I'm hoping they don't make me wait much longer after that for the op- I will have waited a year by that time!)

The injection was done under guided X-ray but with no anaesthetic. I had relief for about 7/8 weeks. As someone else said, try to relax and don't tense up. I've had a cortisone injection done in my shoulder twice (by my GP) and it was ok, though the second one hasn't given me relief.

Ask tout Dr about the possibility of taking something to calm you down before getting the injection. Once I had to get an MRI and I was so stressed out because my first one was in an old machine where I was really squeezed in and I felt so claustrophobic my Dr gave me Diazepam or something similar to ease the panic attack and it helped I really hope you go ahead and that it gives you relief xx

Pennie1 profile image
Pennie1

Hi, I've had it done by my GP in her examination room, I was not given anything to spray on the area and she just injected it in without ultrasound or X-ray, it was a little painful going in. I was told to stay off it for the next 12 hours to allow it to settle, it works brilliantly and i will highly recommend getting it done 😀 Xx

Lesley61 profile image
Lesley61

I am 55 iv had it done I was so scared of having it done the doctor was so nice talked to me all the Time I never felt a think to be honest good luck let us know how you get on x

Jenlouh profile image
Jenlouh in reply to Lesley61

Aww thanks Lesley. That's put my mind at ease. I think sometimes the before bit is worse than the actual procedure. It's fear really of the Unknown. Plus coming off of prednisalone I seem to be anxious about everything at the moment. Hope your getting on ok.

Thanks and best wishes

Lesley61 profile image
Lesley61 in reply to Jenlouh

I am sure you will be fine it was the doctor that put me at ease he was so nice to me but I never felt it and I was scared all the best to you x

Jenlouh profile image
Jenlouh in reply to Lesley61

Thanks Lesley. I'm having it done on the 29th July. Will keep you posted. Hope all is good with you. X

Lesley61 profile image
Lesley61

Yes let us know how you go on x

lauraa profile image
lauraa

I have had these injections they are pretty straightforward, I went in as a day case, down to theatre had the injection and was home an hour later. I chose to have general anasthetic sleep for mine.

Jenlouh profile image
Jenlouh in reply to lauraa

Ok Thankyou, I don't think I have the option of general anaesthetic unfortunately, which is the main problem for me. It's on Friday, so will let you know how I get on. I am terrified.

You may also like...

Hip injections?

giving me a hip injection for the pain I had a lidocaine infusion but it didn't help whatsoever...

Hips

diagnosed with fybro I was wondering if anyone else has Pain in hips to a point of climbing the...

AWARDED PIP HIP HIP HURRAY

Notified in the last half hour that I have been awarded PIP, very quick as assessment was last...

Hip giving way !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Three times today my left hip completely gave way ! I have pain in both my hips but this has never...

Painful wrist, and hip?

and mention my hip and wrist each time. I was told that my hip was probably bursitis, and to wear a