cortisone shots

[ratoncita]

Anyone have experience and/or advice?

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee]

I am sure people (edit: not kids as I said before) on here will have had them for other conditions but will not typically given for fibro.

[Dinkie]

For what reason would you be using the cortisone for. Generally for inflammation so probably wouldn't help for fibro. I've had one into shoulder joint for inflammation but the side effects of worse fatigue and insomnia made me think I wouldn't bother again. Could just be me, as I do not react well to any prescription meds.

[ratoncita in reply to Dinkie]

How about for arthritis?

[Dinkie in reply to ratoncita]

That's why I had it and although it worked for a short time I wouldn't repeat it. I was advised that it should only be done every 4 months or so because of the risk to tendons (what the risk was I have no idea). I was told no lifting for a few days after the injection. Think it is commonly used for shoulders and knees. If surgery is planned in the near future then cortisone usually isn't used.

[Blue-52]

had them for neck and spinal nerve damage, caused me more problems, and apparently long term, can rot your bones.

[ratoncita in reply to Blue-52]

Oh lovely!

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee in reply to Blue-52]

But if used a directed can be life changing for the better.

[Blue-52 in reply to desquinn]

I had a trainee, on my last one, admittedly he had a senior person who was supposed to be guiding the injections, into my neck and spine, some how it was guided wrong, it hit a nerve, which immediately sent excruciating pain down my arm and neck, which lasted for a month, never went back. So for others desquinn it may help, but won’t have it again.

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee in reply to Blue-52]

Can appreciate that being traumatic. But you would not blame the hammer for the tradesman hitting your hands rather than the nail you where holding.

[Marky-Burgh]

I have them in my knees, every 5-6 months. They certainly help me my reducing inflammation and pain, therefore enabling me to be more mobile. I've not had any bad reactions, bar a little bruising. I have arthritis and ligament damage and of course Fibro makes the pain so much worse, so it works for me

[redkite55]

Hi, I had a cortisone injection in my knee about 15 years ago. I didn't know I was having one so had driven to the hospital to see the specialist who thought it was a good idea. I had to ring my husband so he could get a lift to come and pick me up as I couldn't even bend my knee. This went on for four days and I also had 18 nose bleeds that week, apparently I am allergic to cortisone. My mum and aunt had them in their shoulders though and had no pain afterwards, although I am not sure they will work just for fibro, mine was for arthritis.

[Ontherun81]

Hi,

I've had one in a shattered shoulder for arthritis, which was extremely painful and never worked. I've had them in my heels for Plantar Faciitis which was excruciating (never again!)had quite a few side effects too. Plus I had a course of 4 over nearly a year, (by a GP that wasn't supposed to be doing them) and they did nothing for chronic Bursitis on right hip. It's trial and error, they're not pleasant injections, but might work for you. They helped with the Plantar Faciitis, but couldn't go through the pain and side effects again.

Good Luck with yours if you have them😊

[AgedCrone]

Do look on the NRAS site…steroid pills/injections do ease inflammation for RA but apart from exceptional cases long term use is best voided ……one side effect can lead to osteoporosis…which is definitely to be avoided.

[Astonvilla68]

if you were talking about steroid injections that is. What I have learnt is it’s okay to have the odd one but if you have too many body can stop producing natural steroids and can then be a problem. If Purity gland stops producing natural steroids itself if steroid use is overused also there’s a risk of osteoporosis..

[Lovecavatese]

hi there I had a caudal epidural only once, for lumbar, my bladder just leaked for days. I’ve also had free hand ones from neck to lumbar. This helped for a week. I am aware now they are not good for you. Don’t see the point anymore. Some people are ok with them. Everyone is different. Take care

[jojotom]

I had one for hip bursitis over a year ago I had a local anaesthetic never felt anything and it was a great help had no issues since

[Frenchi88]

I had it ONCE in my hand and believe me I would never have it again. It was the most excruciating pain I've ever had. I drove home in such pain I was sobbing like a baby. Changing gear was such agony (not being told I shouldn't drive by anyone)I had no advice beforehand , no aftercare advice ie: how I shouldn't have driven or how I should have rested after the injection etc

I went to Dr's for which I thought was different treatment for my other hand but once I arrived and found out what he intended to do I refused and walked out.

I am due one in my foot but am going to have a general anaesthetic for this one and I guess this time I'll be well advised.

But saying all this I have friends who have had one in her shoulder and another in her knees and they sailed through the actual injection AND it helped one and to this day she's had no problem since so I think its swings and rounaldabouts really. If I wasn't going to be put out for this one in my foot I wouldn't be having it done.

So you may be lucky and it may help for a while or forever.

Good Luck

F🤗

[Tabbyxx]

I get them in my hips every 3-4 months for bursitis they help with my mobility…. Doesn’t do anything for fibromyalgia which I also have though… hope this helps as I haven’t had any problems

[AgedCrone in reply to Tabbyxx]

I don,t know how old you are or how long you have been having steroid injections so regularly, but if I were you, I would ask my doctor for a Dexa scan to check your bone density. l had a few Depomedrone injections when I was was first diagnosed with RA. They did work amazingly well…& luckily had a very aware Consultant who switched me off them & I am now 27 yrs diagnosed & I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis….99% not likely caused by those few steroid injections. But believe me…don’t get sucked in …so unless your doctor says there is no alternative…try something else.

[Tabbyxx in reply to AgedCrone]

Hi Agedcrone thanks for your reply. I’m 59 and have been getting them for about 4years … not into my bone but the bursae … I try to go 4 monthly but sometimes last only 3 because of the pain I cannot sleep ,.walk or even function

[AgedCrone in reply to Tabbyxx]

It doesn’t matter where/how cortisone enters your body…it is possible it can damage your bones however you have it…& it can lead to osteoporosis….a very painful bone condition to be avoided at all costs

Please do ask your doctor or nurse about getting an exploratory scan.

If it shows any signs of bone problems you can be prescribed drugs called Biophosphonates to help keep them healthy. It really is important…because OP can be very painful & debilitating. I had no symptoms of OP, but then I had a fall & fractured two vertebrae….. & was then diagnosed ….& believe me, it is ,very,very painful.

[Tabbyxx in reply to AgedCrone]

I will certainly ask my gp and thanks for your advice .

[Smilesalot]

I'm due one on the 17 th June morning.In. my hip right side for osteoarthritis and spurs.

I'm desperate to have it done due to the pain I'm in and my very poor mobility all over.

I need to be able to walk better after physio.

I know it's a wing and and a prayer and I saved up to pay for it myself. The differing views have helped but not changed my mind.

I'm sorry for all those who suffered hugs to all Dawn 🤗

[AgedCrone in reply to Smilesalot]

Do you mean you are paying to have a steroid injection? Does your doctor treating you for Fibro know you are having this treatment? If not…do run it past him/her…I know nothing about Fibro..so don’t know whether steroids are regulary used.

[Smilesalot in reply to AgedCrone]

Thanks for caring ❤ aged Crone. I did mention it to my Gp yesterday plus I'm down for it in a year or two on the NHS. Hugs Dawn

[Smilesalot in reply to Smilesalot]

I m also a crone😉 and thrilled about it.Hugs Dawn xxx

[ratoncita]

Thanks everybody for your input. I guess it’s a case of, take your chances. 😏