Joint injections

[sjhewitt42]

Hi some of you may know I’m suffering really bad with my shoulders and neck and I called the hospital last week for a steroid injection into my shoulder. I’ve had these before but can’t remember whether I can drive after and also I have to go to work afterwards. I know it’s sore when it wears off but has any one got any advice? I also have a wedding to go to on Saturday but needed it doing before I go on holiday on Monday. Thanks for your help. xxx Sarah xxx

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Arthritis Research leaflet says, ' You may want to arrange transport home after your injection, especially if its mixed with LA because numbness might make it difficult to drive'. '"rest it or avoid strenuous exercise for 1-2 days, but not too long.'

[hawker955]

Hello,

I'vehad this a few times for rotator cuff inflammation and I was able to drive afterwards each time. There was no discomfort afterwards.

I hope the same happens for you...

[nomoreheels]

I've had injections in to my shoulder & told I can drive if I feel ok to. Never had to because my h comes to my appointments with me but have felt as though I'd be in control & able to drive. I suppose it's all down to how you feel on the day.

I hope it works quickly for you, it can take a few days to, & you have relief for the wedding & your hols. If you have a steroid flare don't worry it will pass.

[sjhewitt42]

Thanks for your responses.. I know my husband came last time and I had a flare the next day but if it means I can play with the children on holiday it has to be worth it. I have to go to work afterwards as I’ve loads to do before I break up. Thanks again. Sarah xxx

[helixhelix]

Try to rest the shoulder as much as you can tho'. The more you move it around the less time the steroid has to work at the site of the pain. Bad timing I know, but do what you can to stay quiet for first 24 hours. Maybe stick arm in sling while you're at work so you don't do too much?

[sjhewitt42 in reply to helixhelix]

I thought that was the case as I’ve had them in other joints and had to keep the joint still to allow the steroid to work. I’m an accountant so at a computer all day and need to use both hands. A better employer would have let me have the day off. Lol xxx

[jackiestu]

I've driven home after having injections in both shoulders, I got some relief for about three months, was told I could ring again if needed to have them done again.

it;s now over six months since I had them done and the pain is quite bad especially at night as when my shoulders touch the mattress the pain is unbearable. I rang up as suggested and was informed that I would have to wait at least six weeks for an appointment for the pain clinic. I was and still am furious that someone in so much pain has to wait this long. Sorry about the rant.

[sjhewitt42 in reply to jackiestu]

Hi

That’s disgusting to leave you that long.. do you not have a Rhumatology helpline number? Mine are not great for getting back to you but I usually get what I need in the end. I would just keep calling them.. I brought a shoulder/neck warmer from Lidl this week for £15 it’s basically a cape shaped electric blanket and it’s help a little especially in bed. I’ve also used tiger balm, etorocoxib the anti inflammatory, paracetamol, codeine and oramorph when it’s really unbearable. Shoulder and neck pain is so debilitating and it spreads. Hope you get sorted soon. xx Sarah

[mamainacrowd]

Reading the replies as my situation is very similar. My youngest is getting married on Saturday and hubby and I taking a long trip after. I am passing on the shots until I get where I'm going. I have a neck/shoulder heating pad by Sunbeam. The heat feels so good each evening. Hope you find answers and can enjoy your special occasions!

[sjhewitt42 in reply to mamainacrowd]

Thanks and I hope you enjoy your wedding too. xxxx

[jackiestu in reply to mamainacrowd]

Thanks for your replies, at my last appointment I was told to ring the consultant’s secretary to arrange another appointment he also told me if the pain returned he would always fit me in at the end of clinic I did as he suggested but was informed that this wasn’t the case and six weeks was the earliest that I could be seen. I have in the past rang the helpline but apparently due shortages in staff this service had been suspended . Thanks for the suggestions of things to try I take pain relief just before I go to bed and have also invested in a memory foam topper but as soon as my shoulders come into contact with the mattress they become very painful. Good luck with the injections hope you get good results .

[sjhewitt42]

Maybe your GP could contact them? I know we don’t like to hassle people but sometime it’s a case of he who shouts loudest. Hope you get sorted soon and the pain gets under control xxxx Sarah

[jackiestu in reply to sjhewitt42]

Thanks Sarah, I mentioned the problem I was having to my GP and their suggestion was stronger pain relief or to try ringing again just feel very let down at the moment as it only takes a few minutes to give the injection but hey you can’t beat the system . Xxx