Has anyone had a steroid injection in wrist? I haven’t been able to bend my wrist last couple of weeks. Had an injection yesterday and it’s so painful what have they done to me!?
And to top it off been on MTX 15mg no side effects last few weeks and have increased to 20mg and the nausea is awful today!
Feel terrible with both whammy’s been in bed all day 😢
Sorry to hear you are having a rough time. I have had steroid injections in fingers and found that it got increasingly worse for first 3 days then very gradually improved over the coming weeks. I have heard from others posting on here that the key is to rest the joint for a few days after the injection to allow the steroid to work ( this has never been explained to me before)! Are you on oral Methotrexate? Why did your Rheumatologist suggest an increase? Could you not stay at 15mg for now and let the steroid injection do it’s work and review again in a few months? I used to be on it. Is it worth trying to stage your increase and could you ask your Rheumatologist if you could alternate between 15mg and 20 mg for a few weeks for your body to accept the increase???? Are you taking the maximum Folic Acid you can? Could you swap to injections which I have heard is less likely to cause nausea and stay at 15mg? I used to take mine just before bedtime to try to sleep off the worse if the nausea. I am sure you know all this but just suggesting a few things to discuss with your RA team. Hope the injection works for you.
Thank you Denise for your reply! Everything you have said is good to read.
I was on oral methotrexate 15mg and no side effects and then asked to go over to Injections 15mg which were fine for couple weeks. My consultant yesterday said to increase because it’s the controlling dose.
My wrist has been so painful last few weeks and having It injected yesterday it’s so much worse. So hard to rest when your on your own and still have to do things with your hands. I have the most skinniest of wrists it’s just so painful.
I feel terrible I just hope I’m better for work on Monday. 🙏🏻
Yes taking Folic acid will have it every day now. Rheumy nurse said 5mg tablet a week is enough but I’m not sure.
That’s very interesting as I have always read that with injections a lower dose will have same effect ( as higher on oral) so if you went from 15mg oral to 15mg injection that could be like jumping to 20mg equivalent oral then jumping again in a couple of weeks.... I think it’s too much of a quick jump up but please others with direct experience add your thoughts. Also, I took 5mg Folic Acid 6 days a week ( just not Methotrexate day as it can dampen the effect on the day). It sounds like you have a few bits you can “ tweak” to aid the nausea. I know it is so hard when on your own to “ rest” but you really must to make it kick in and work. Only do what you really have to, other things can wait. Do you have a close friend or really kind neighbour you can call on to do a few things for you? I am sure they would be very willing to help you!
Aww Denise thank you so kind of you with your thoughts.
I think it’s been too much for me, the steroid injection on Methotrexate day hasn’t helped either.
My son is off on holiday tomorrow he’s busy and I don’t want him running around for me he knows I’m not well. I’m fortunate he’s grown up and I don’t have small children to look after. I know some people do and my heart goes out to them.
It’s been hard today I’ve overdid it with some things but I’m staying in bed with light food and plenty of water.
Grateful to you for being there x
Oh you are having a bad time. I wonder if your son would feel worse for you not asking for a little help? I am sure him visiting you would cheer you up too? Do things that make you happy... read a good book, watch a lovely movie..... organise that pile of paperwork sat there.... get up to date on your laptop work.... send a message to an old friend, etc???? I always like to have a nice shower and rub in my favourite body cream so I at least smell nice whilst sat around in my PJ’s! In fact I might go and do that now 😘. Hope you are much improved tomorrow.
That is so true! I’ve opened a box of continental Thornton’s not the best feel good to do, but it’s self care in a last resort way 😬
Enjoy your luxurious pamper you deserve it thank you!
My son has a 3am plane the chocolates are taking his place😍.
I feel only RA sufferers understand, because I still look ok it’s hard for people to understand.
Love & Light!
My experience with steroid injections is that it always get worse for a day or 2 and then I get a lot of relief. I really hope the same is true for you.
Hi, I had a steroid injection into my wrist. It took nearly 2 weeks to work and then gave me full movement back with no pain. I have skinny wrists too and please be careful over the next few days/weeks with banging it - I'm clumsy and the steroid has made it very susceptible to easy bruising etc as there's no fat there. I've just gone onto 20mg methotrexate injections and take 5mg folic acid 6 days a week - the nausea is doable so far. Try to rest and hope you feel better soon x
Thank you Dobcross we could be twins!
My wrists feels like it’s been run over by a truck! But good to hear that you have recovered and it’s doing good.
I couldn’t bend it any more it was too painful so fingers crossed this will work.
The nausea is ok but bit of a shock because 15mg MTX didn’t cause that at all so I think maybe it wouldn’t have worked as well as 20mg. The consultant said take it on a Friday because it can cause nausea so I’ve got weekend to get through it. I know what he means know it’s like Morning Sickness all over again horrible!
Hope you are well thank you ! XX
Hey
Really sorry to hear your struggling with your wrists. Mine have been so swollen too. I’ve had loads of steroid injections into the wrist joint and I find sometimes they work and others not but can be more painful before I get some relief. I really hope you get some relief in the next day or two. I had a depo steroid injection on Thursday and it’s helped my wrists no end.
I totally understand the mtx side effects....I’ve got to take 15mg tonight and I feel sick already.
Really hope your ok and feel better tomorrow xx
Sorry to hear that you’re suffering. Steroid injections, for me anyway, have always felt painful for 2/3 days afterwards and then the pain fades.
With the MTX, I found drinking lots of water helped with the feelings of nausea and you’re right, taking before bed helps.
Hope you begin to feel better soon x
You don't mention Wrist Splints. When I had a steroid injection in my wrist, the Physio put my splint on and suspended my arm with a bandage. It worked great. It's all about keeping the steroid in the joint for as long as possible for maximum benefit.
Ask your physio or OT for wrist splints. My wrist aches if I have overdone it and I wear the splints in bed to stabilise the joints. BLISS. And a better night's sleep.
And if you get another steroid injection you know to wear them for 24 hrs for maximum effect.
Hi, I had a wrist steroid injection too, I'd previously had ones in my ankle and arm which were all fine, but the wrist one was so painful , I passed out with my rhuemy nurse, she said it was shock! I had a wrist splint which I wore for a few days.
Hope you get on okay.
I totally relate I think the after effects are worse as well!
I’ve stopped feeling sorry for myself today and am grateful for my left wrist which I can use, but it’s not as easy to rest your wrist unless I had a full time maid and chauffeur 🙄
Hi Azzure. I have has steroid injections in my wrists years ago and they were helpful for ma after a few days. I have skinny wrists too. Like bony twigs. Lol. Not funny I know. Hope they work for you.
I was offered no splint in fact it was done and off I went. I don’t expect them to be all over me, but I get the feeling some medical staff have just become hardened over the years and it shows. I felt very alone.
My wrists are bony and like twigs and at the back of my mind I’m thinking with RA how long are they going to last me!
Try not to worry. I have had RA since 2005 and my wrists are still intact so far despite the damage. If I have breakthrough inflammation anywhere, I take a Naproxen and that helps a bit. There are lots of wrist supports available. If you can ask to be referred to an occupational therapist for consideration of your individual needs, I think you would benefit. I certainly did.
That is really helpful and I feel Naproxen helps also thank you. And I will ask to get referred to an OT. Glad you are still good!
I don't do well with wrist splints although that's just me. I know they are really helpful for many. I usually use an elasticated bandage if necessary wound tightly enough to give support but not too tight to cut off my circulation.
I don’t think I would but I am willing to try. I also use a sports bandage to give my wrist support and not too tight as it can feel worse from it 😩
I’m hoping tomorrow I will feel better, I’ve never had it like this in my wrists. Only my fingers and feet have caused me problems over the last 3 years I suppose I’ve got off lightly, or there is more to come.
I have a pair of Isotoner fingerless support gloves which were supplied by occupational therapy. Mine are extra small and I find them comfortable and give me comfortable support. I know you can buy them from Amazon but they are about 27.00to buy so not cheap. They are a buff/nude colour.
Thank you Peabody x
Sorry I know this says I'm Peabody but I'm really biofreak and I've had to use my husband's account because my phone's gone wonky so I'm using his iPad.
I've had steroid injections in my left wrist, left and right shoulders, in my right elbow and in my spine. I must say they all worked, some longer than others. The one I had in my elbow about 7 years ago was the most painful but it did the trick
no more pain, but I cannot completely straighten my arm. I thought I had brocken my wrist but it was the arthritis. It was not too painfull as the original pain blocked it out.
Like others have said, when I had my thumb injected with steroids, the pain increased for several days before improving. I don't know why they don't tell people this ?
I’ve had steroid injections in my wrists, SO painful but great if they work for you. If you’re going to struggle with nausea on 20mg why don’t you consider injecting instead. Bypasses you’re stomach so no nausea.
Good luck!
Hi thank you yes I think it gets worse before it gets better having the steroid injection.
I was on 15mg oral tablets then changed to 15mg injection but only once I injected last week with 15mg and I seemed to be fine.
Because I increased to 20mg injection this week that’s when the nausea started, so it’s definitely going up to 20mg has caused it.
I’m going to give it another go this week and fingers crossed it will be bearable 😩
Fingers crossed for you, it can take a few weeks for your body to get used to an increase. I’m on 25mg and I still feel “off” the day after I inject, not bad but enough to make me keep my diary clear for that day every week.
Thank you NanaFifi your so helpful !
Yes I’m hoping I will be able to tolerate the 20mg because consultant has made this increase. I take it on a Friday because I work full time and now I know why consultant said to do that. I hope after a few weeks I will get used to it 👍🙏🏻
Not a good day!!!!!!!
Is the steroid injection wearing off
Whether or not I should take MXT today
Ultrasound US examination / injection
Steroid injection 
