How was your experience with steroid injection?

[Goodwin69]

Hi all, hope yous are having a relatively good week, as you know I have been struggling for a while with sore feet and arms ( and other joints when really bad ) for a few months. Since February My joints have slowly deteriorated then the past 6 weeks I haven’t been able to work as it’s got that bad , now I know it is a slow process and actually not even sure if it’s R.A. i have though GP says I tick all the boxes , and as you know I’m awaiting rheumatologist appointment.

So last week I told yous if anti imflammatorys didn’t work then steroid injection was next , so I’m getting it tomorrow.

So probably like most of you I was hard working ( self employed cleaner) pretty fit , then boom my life’s totally changed can hardly do my own housework without going to bed after it , anyway I thought I’ll take a break from my business just now as I’m just not able to do it , can yous tell me your experience with steroid injection if I could return to my job or am I imagining it to be a miracle worker ...... sorry for long post 😪❤️

[Neonkittie17]

Hi, is this an injection to a specific joint or a general steroid injection (which is usually given into the upper buttock) you will be given? When the steroids are given into the joint area they tend to work very well and for much longer than a general steroid which boosts the whole body.

Everyone is different as to how long they last but from my own experiences the injections into the joints give movement and relief and dampen down the arthritis swelling in my knee for 7- 8 months but for some people much less. As to the general ones, they work very quickly once given for me, but don’t last more than a week or so. I only really have my knee done now, as my RA is under control from medication.

The steroid shots are meant to be an interim measure to dampen down the flame as such. I do hope yours brings relief but it is very individual, so no one could say how long it will last for. I hope it enables you to be able to move more. Good luck.

[Goodwin69 in reply to Neonkittie17]

Thankyou , yea it’s the one in the butt 😣 also forgot to ask did you still need to take pain relief, sorry for all the questions x

[Neonkittie17 in reply to Goodwin69]

Hi Goodwin, I recall I took less painkillers during the couple of weeks the steroid injection worked for me but as I said, the general steroid injections don’t tend to last too long for me so it was gradually wearing off after a few days. It is good to get the inflammation down but these injections don’t ever last as long as we would like them to. The general ones do work instantly for many people including myself and I needed to try get huge inflammation down given that I was newly diagnosed and RA meds not started to work. I could walk normally by time I was walking from the clinic down the corridor at the hospital and you do feel a different person and it’s wonderful .. but for many it is short lived. Enjoy whatever freedom it gives and for how long but it isn’t a long term solution. I do hope it helps for now and do hope you can get your arthritis under control soon. 🙏 x

[Goodwin69 in reply to Neonkittie17]

Thankyou , I’ll let you know how I get on x

[Neonkittie17 in reply to Goodwin69]

I hope it works very well for you 💗

[springcross]

Hi Goodwin. I had one in the buttock when I was first diagnosed and at that time, I was in hell of a mess with pain and swelling of my hands. I had the depo-medrone injection and by the time I got home, I felt like I'd been given a magic potion. It was absolutely wonderful. But the next one I had a few months later did absolutely nothing. Of course, we are all different and what suits or works for one may not work as well or suit another. I hope it works extremely well for you. Let us know how it goes. All the best. xx

[Goodwin69 in reply to springcross]

Thankyou, will do x

[Boxerlady in reply to Goodwin69]

My first one worked well too and tided me over until the Dmards kicked in. 🤞that it works for you too

[Goodwin69 in reply to Boxerlady]

Thankyou ❤️

[LinaM in reply to springcross]

My experience was exactly the same as springcross .... never felt so full of energy and free of pain for years . Lasted for five months and I lost weight because I was so energetic ! Made me realise just how ill I had been. Unfortunately second time did absolutely nothing for me . Wishing you the best 😊

[Rashford20]

They’ve been a game changer for me, had about 5 or so now. The ones in the bum are grand, had one in the elbow that was OK and one in the wrist that was agony and I was near sick afterwards. They’ve definitely made me feel a lot better though.

[Deniseelk]

Do let us know how you get on. I realise it is today that you are getting your depo medrone shot and I truly hope it gives the interim relief you need. I unfortunately found my one ( at the beginning of my journey where like you I just couldn’t function day to day let alone work) didn’t do a thing for me. My Rheumatologist wanted to start medication swiftly. I started on Hydroxychloroquine then added Methotrexate ( I couldn’t tolerate it but tried for 6 months and he agreed it wasn’t working anyway) he suggested Sulphasalazine but I refused as at that time had picked up on a lot of negatives about it and after my methotrexate experience just couldn’t do that to myself again so started Benepali and have found this to be my saviour ( long may it work 🤞). I have very much shortened my journey and there have been several hurdles and blips and flares along the way. Don’t even talk to me about the horrendous fatigue! A few steroid shots ( into fingers) too and physiotherapy and compression stockings, pain medication sometimes, afternoon naps, cancelled plans, few tears, various xrays, ultrasounds, mri’s but I suspect this will be very similar to many RA sufferers. However, everyone’s experience of what does and doesn’t work ( even at different points in our journeys) will vary but be positive that there are a lot of choices available to us out there and with support of your Rheumatology team and talking honestly with them you will find your routine and start to get a hold of this disease and get stronger and start to be able to get back to doing a few normal things again. It will take time but be good to yourself on this journey and do ask for help. Don’t suffer on. Best of luck today 🤞.

[Goodwin69 in reply to Deniseelk]

Hi Deniseelk, thankyou for replying, honestly at the end of my tether I now can’t get it till Monday as the doctor isn’t in until then , and apparently no one else is available , I know Monday isn’t the end of the world but I persevered with anti imflammatorys all week knowing they were not Working . I know it’s all trial and error but I feel as though it’s all in my head some days then the pain killers wear off and I think no I’m not imagining it , I just wish I had been referred in February when it all started , sorry in advance for moaning x

[Deniseelk in reply to Goodwin69]

Oh god.... so sorry! Ok, have faith... what anti-inflammatory are you on / what mg’s and how frequently? Do you suffer more in the evening / overnight or during day when “ using” your body? Are you also taking paracetamol every 4 hours ( up to daily max)? Don’t underestimate what a great pain killer that can be but has to “build up” in effect in the system to be effective! Re-think if there is anything you can do differently? Hot bath / more rests / day of no heavy work / light exercise to keep body moving / compression stocking on bad joints / ice swollen joints / bit of yoga or meditation and breathe to put your mind in a good space. Meet a friend for a cuppa / distraction and a giggle? Sit in sun in garden for Vit D top up? Sometimes how we take our meds can make a difference. These depo medrone injections do need a skilled medic to do them and the GP / specialist has to ensure they have the correct needle, etc! Hope you find a little peace today... do things that make you happy!

[springcross in reply to Deniseelk]

Really agree about Paracetamol, I don't know what I would have done without it prior to diagnosis.

[Goodwin69 in reply to Deniseelk]

Hi , I’m on Etoricoxib 90 mg one a day , pain relief I go between 8/500 and 30/500 co codamol every 4 hours if really bad I take 2 dehydracodeine .

The worst for me is the morning I sometimes have to take pain relief before coming down stairs , then I take my dog a slow walk😀 and honestly I can just about hoover after that then boom have to lie down , by that time more pain killers needed as I can hardly move , I would say I’m better late afternoon and evening so I potter about , I sometimes use hot pads or sit in the bath , as much as the pain is awful it’s the unwell feeling I hate , I feel upset a lot ( not every day) it’s like I can feel the feeling coming on during the night and when morning comes I cannot move at all and the tears start , I honestly love speaking to you all because when I say all this at GP they say mmm mmm , I know they are busy but surely everyone’s story is relevant, i mean the change in my life the past few months is unreal as I’m sure you know , as for meeting my friends I feel I’m cancelling a lot .. oh god bet you wish you hadn’t asked 😂❤️

[Deniseelk in reply to Goodwin69]

Totally remember those painful, seized, stiff mornings... going downstairs that first time each morning was a killer! Mine would last til 1pm when at it’s worst but gradually, gradually as the meds took hold this would get easier and for less time and going downstairs was slightly easier. What helped me is to stay in bed ( nice and warm on joints) and gently easy and moved joints. I would use this time to do laptop work or message my friends, catch up with the news etc. Whenever I woke in the night ( many times) I would stretch and exercise all my stiff joints which I believe helped a little come the morning. Sounds like you are pretty full on with the pain relief but that doesn’t necessarily help the stiffness! Hold firm for Monday and try to have a zen weekend and put your thoughts in a good space for Monday. So sorry but have been there and totally get it! Things WILL ease... but we wished someone could just tell us exactly when.

[Goodwin69 in reply to Deniseelk]

Thanks so much ❤️❤️

[Deniseelk in reply to Goodwin69]

Wondering if you did get your steroid shot today and how it went?

[Goodwin69 in reply to Deniseelk]

Hi, thanks for asking , got it this morning at 8am , unfortunately I don’t feel any difference as yet , GP said it could take a week to hit full potential but tbh i think I was expecting miracles , on a plus he said he’d try and speed up rhymatologist appointment .

[bubblyalex in reply to Goodwin69]

Keeping my fingers crossed you wake up tomorrow and see a difference 🤞🏻

[Goodwin69 in reply to bubblyalex]

Thankyou🤞

[Deniseelk in reply to Goodwin69]

I would suspect as it’s subcutaneous it takes some hours at least to work through the body then gets to work on your inflammation. If your inflammation has really set in ( very active or maybe been there for some time) it can take sometime to start making improvements. Take it easy and let the steroid work. I always watch the improvements by noting day by day what I am able to do .... lift a cup of tea with my right hand, tie my shoelaces, pull open my car boot, wash my hair easier, etc. I find when my inflammation calms down then the associated pain lessens. Maybe start a daily diary as sometimes these small daily improvements are easy to miss but when you re-cap over a few weeks you can see the benefits. The diary may be useful when you do get your Rheumatology appointment. I always take photos incase I need to show my Rheumatologist ( swollen joints, lumps, rashes, fingers changing shape, etc). Hope it kicks in very quickly for you.

[Deniseelk in reply to Goodwin69]

Any improvements? Even small and going in the right direction?

[Goodwin69 in reply to Deniseelk]

Hi , thanks for asking I was actually just going to update , it’s not been the miracle I was expecting, got it on Monday and on Wednesday I began to feel a bit of improvement so much so went to meet my sister , I don’t have as bad flues feelings which I was struggling with , the throbbing in my hands has eased , if anything my ankles and elbows are still sore but they were always my worst.

My worry is still my work as I’m just not able to do it and I phoned rhymatology yesterday and was told 50 weeks 😔

[Deniseelk in reply to Goodwin69]

I know to you it’s not that miracle result but just think within 3 days you are seeing improvements and I think that is very encouraging. I would say to let the steroid do it’s thing and not overdo things. Maybe keep a daily diary to log improvements. I suspect without the steroid you would not see an improvement and possibly matters worsen? Not sure what you meant by Rheumatology saying “ 50 weeks”? Could you set yourself a target date to touch base with your work to see how you are doing then and if there is any work you can do for them? Short hours? Mix of work from home v office? Trial week to see how you go? Reduce down your work load for a set period to allow you to recover and get the inflammation under control? It sounds a little like your Rheumatology department are being somewhat negative. I think you need to drive some targets forward with them and maybe see if you can get an appointment with them for a review and discuss next stage regarding medication increase or change to allow you to get it under control quicker! I know how each day in pain and not able to even carry out simple daily tasks can certainly “ fog” ones clear thinking but something to aim for my help you sooner?

[Goodwin69 in reply to Deniseelk]

Hi Deniseelk, thankyou for replying, sorry I ment it’s a 50 weeks wait to see rheumatologist, I was referred 4 weeks ago , so haven’t been diognosed yet 😔 I foned to go on cancellation list and that was the update they gave me , as for my work I tried to go back a couple of times in the past weeks with no joy as I’m a cleaner and it’s very hard work but that can be changed in the future once I know what I’m dealing with , really bad night last night my feet are so sore 😞. Hope you are doing ok yourself x

[Suzy-P]

When I had my first one back in 2016 it was virtually instantaneous - I hobbled across the road to the hospital and walked back almost normally. Made a tremendous difference to my life. I had another one a few months afterwards and in that time methotrexate had a chance to kick in and I haven’t needed one since. My only problem with the steroid injections is I found it hard to sleep as I felt so hyped up - but a small price to pay for the pain relief. Truly hope it works for you as it can be a game changer.

[Goodwin69 in reply to Suzy-P]

Thankyou ❤️

[essexgirl]

Hiya , steroid injection is fine , it works better than tablets as you get 100% as with tablets you only digest 75% , when they put it in I just used to think this will make things better for now & no more pain lol , I had mine in my hands , good luck hope is all good after

[Goodwin69 in reply to essexgirl]

Thankyou ❤️

[magliona]

Hi

I developed arthritis when I was 28 and am now 62.i used to run ,play badminton all sorts of sports but since developing R.A. things have changed. I’ve been to hell and back with pain but have tried to be positive throughout. I have been where you are at but it will get better. At the moment because you are in pain it will be hard for you to see anything clearly but hopefully when you have your injection things will look better at least for a short time. A word of advice if it does work for you just take it easy as you feel like you could tackle the world and could overdo it. Although things for me have changed for me most of my friends know I have R.A. and they work within my boundaries and with regards activities I do things that I can do. Life changes but it can be very positive.

[Goodwin69]

Hi magliona , thankyou so much for replying, I know I’m actually expecting miracles , I’m just so fed up the pain in my feet / heels/ ankles is bringing me down , I just said to my husband I feel as if something is missing it’s the feeling I have can you relate to this at all ? X

[magliona]

Of course I can but I can assure you things will get better. I’ve cried, laughed had all emotions under the sun. When my son was born I couldn’t hold him as like you everything ached. My husband at times would put me over his shoulder and take me upstairs which we would both laugh about because if I didn’t I would spend my life crying. At times my body felt like an old women’s but I knew it would be sorted out. Build a good relationship with your consultant and nurses and don’t be scared to ask for help. Listen to your body and work within your limits. Outwardly many people think I look fine but I still ask for help packing bags at supermarkets etc. Get a disability badge for your car, try to get dla. All this helps. I do reformer Pilates to keep flexibility but any form of excersize which is gentle will help for you in the future. Wrist splints help with pain , good shoes, I wear sketchers, this all helps. I hope this helps. A good cry now and again is good.

[Goodwin69 in reply to magliona]

Thankyou so much, I’m especially laughing at your husband carrying you , my husband has been great but draws the line at that 😂, take care and I’ll tell you how I get on ❤️

[Knit12]

Sorry the general one in the butt does very little for me and it is the same one I used to get for hay fever over 30 years ago. The one in the actual joint is much better. I had one in the palm of my hand about 6 weeks ago (hurt like hell at the time) but it was worth it, for the first time in months I had movement

[Goodwin69 in reply to Knit12]

🤞🤞