Steroid injection

[EmmaMac]

Does anyone on here have any experience of having steroid injections? I was diagnosed earlier in the year with a connective tissue disease (told it was showing signs of Lupus) and Raynaud’s phenomenon. Despite being put on various meds, I seemed to get worse rather than better and developed depression as a result. When I went to see the consultant 3 weeks ago and gave her my symptoms (particularly my concern that it was all ‘in my head’) she decided to give me a steroid injection. Within a couple of days I felt as if I had been lifted out of a black hole! My pains haven’t gone completely and I still have the Raynauds but I’ve not felt as good as this in ages! I can walk up hills without pains in my calf. I’m not back at the hospital until December but what I want to know is, how long will this injection last and are there any negative reasons not to have it?

[PMRpro]

An improvement in mood is very common with pred. I assume you were given Depot-Medrol? They last up to several weeks but everyone is different and for some people they wear off sooner.

Corticosteroids are used as the main means of managing polymyalgia rheumatica (nothing else works), usually oral pred is used but a few years ago the recommendations also suggested the use of depot injections to manage it. PMR lasts for up to several years so obviously many rheumatologists see no reason why repeated depotmedrol injections shouldn't be used to manage a rheumatological condition. I do know at least 3 people who have been managed like that - different illness, but similar concept.

[DRunnerchick]

I have had two kenalog (a steroid) injections. Standard care is usually no more often than once every three months, but usually aren't 1st line or routine care because of side effect profile (higher incidence of infection, decreased bone density etc.) although, as PMRpro stated above they do sometimes use it for PMR flares. I know someone with PMR who was managed with both injections and oral steroids for about 6 years and was finally weaned off and switched to plaquenil.

Steroid injections certainly improve energy, lessen pain, and enable rehab work to happen. The first one I had, I felt like I could do cartwheels off the roof (from frozen shoulder) in just a day! It was like a golden elixir. This last one has been good but not quite as magical. But, it's in a different joint too. I'm a little impatient! I hope yours lasts a good long time.

D🏃🏽‍♀️

[Josieswolf]

Hi I have had a few of these and yes you feel great but don’t overdo it. The injection will last about three months and you do come back to earth with a bit of a bump just how much you do when you are feeling amazing will tell on you. There are the usual side effects when using steroids. Possible effects on your bones, depression and sleeping problems increasing appetite.

I am pleased you’re feeling better but this is just a quick fix and you can only have a max of three a year. It may be your meds need to be looked at and changed. Good luck sending you hugs xx

[Sara_A]

They usually say about 3 months but it does vary, i think when I first had them they lasted about that long but then I’ve had others that don’t help at all or some that have needed topping up etc.

It’s really good that it has helped for you and it may well last a lot longer.

They are not usually given anymore than 3 months apart and generally aren’t routinely given that often. I think if u were needing them frequently or looking like u did then they would prob put u on oral steroids. I have been on these about 9-10 yrs non stop at a low maintenance dose and usually have to have them upped 4-5 times a yr with a flare up. I also have had a few depo steroid injections as a booster to try give me a bit of a kick when I’m flaring.

I think at this stage I wouldn’t worry too much about having it it’s more long term steroid use that causes problems.