Results

[Nin123]

Hi everyone, I have finally had the results of my MRI it states I have spondylitis in my neck and spine, plus 2 bulging discs, I was given an injection of a steroid which I must admit has done wonders for my pain, does anyone know how long these injections last before I will need another?

I also have been diagnosed with osteo arthritis in my hands, and spine, which was causing me great pain, until I had the steroid injection I could barely walk, I am also on a Brutan Patch 10mg and tramadol.

Does anyone know how long it will be before I am back to square one ?

[stix]

3 to 6 months I was told, but mine was not very successful.

You are limited to so many over a period of time, so don't rush having another one until your desperate again.

[Nin123 in reply to stix]

Thanks for that I will wait and see how it goes, I am hoping it lasts for at least two or three months,ad I won't ask for anymore until I really need it, I had a letter from the specialist clinic yesterday making my appointment for next May, so perhaps they think the steroid injection will last at least until then, I am keeping my fingers crossed

[Nin123 in reply to stix]

I saw my GP on Wednesday and she answered with the same thing(how long is a piece of string) about my steroid injection, but on a brighter note she said I can have one every 3 months if need be and she also said she can give my Butan patch a boost from 10 ml to 20 ml if needed also, the steroid injection is working off and on at the moment, one time I can be pain free and another the pain returns, it all depends on what I do, if I over do it then I feel the pain but if I go about my daily chores without to much excursion then I am fine

[RAYJAYC]

That's a "how long is a piece of string?" question I'm afraid! Some folks get relief for months whilst some only get it for days; the pain specialists don't know why some benefit more than others either so unfortunately you'll have to wait & see.

I hope I haven't spoilt your current euphoria........

RJC

[Nin123 in reply to RAYJAYC]

Thank you for being honest, I have heard so many different stories about how long the steroid injection lasts, some for more than a year and some for a lot less, all I can say is mine started to work for me the day after, I am so pleased at the moment to be out of the horrendous pain I was in before hand and I will just have to wait and see ( to be continued, watch this space)

[SassyZee]

I've had bulging disc and still do mine never got better just worse. I've had two fusions in my neck and need another one I'm putting off. Got bulging disc from T11 - L 5, with permanent nerve damage at L5 thanks to my incompetent pain Dr. he won't be touching my back again. An as soon as I can find a new pain Dr. I will leave that one. He never leaves my medication the same he changes the mg every month.

[Nin123 in reply to SassyZee]

I am so sorry to hear about your suffering, I thought mine was bad enough but I certainly wouldn't want what you have to put up with I hope things get better for you over time

[johnsmith]

Steroids reduce inflammation. Reduction of inflammation reduces pressure on tissue and nerves. Hence removal of pain. Unfortunately you still have the cause that still exists. This needs to be tackled. You need to see an Alexander Teacher for help to improve your posture. Improving your posture and muscle control will reduce stresses on the body which in turn will reduce pain and discomfort.

Note: Steroid injections damages ligament tissue structures. This is a known side effect. Damage to ligament tissue will cause long term problems.

Hope this helps.

[Nin123 in reply to johnsmith]

Thank you for your input I really hope the steroid injection lasts for a while, I could do without this terrible pain forever, but I am not deluding myself I know it just deals with the pain for now and not the cause, that will certainly have to be dealt with at a later time

[CtKathleenUSA]

Hi, I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis 20 years ago. Have you seen a rheumatologist? Many rheumatologists do not have experience with spondylopathies. It's worth the trouble to find a good one. There are many medications that can help keep the inflammation down. NSAIDS, DMARDS, Biologics, etc. And there are many options for pain reduction: exercise (swimming and yoga are excellent for AS), nerve pain medication, massage, and much more. Please read up on spondylitis. It is a progressive disease. It can also affect much more than the spine. There are some good non-profit organizations dedicated to education and research. You will find lists of potential complications that can include digestion, foot pain, peripheral joints, eyesight, etc. Everyone is different. Many people are minimally effected. I hope that it has a very small role in your future.

I have always found that whichever part of my back the disease is attacking, it will always pass. I have good days and less productive days. It helps me very much to stay flexible, keep stresses low, try for a good night's sleep and limit my risks of infection.

Take care of yourself!

[Nin123]

Thank you for submitting this post about spondylitis I have found it very useful, I am seeing a rheumatologist at the moment and he has given me a steroid injection which has helped curve my pain, I don't know how long it will be before I need another one but I am living from day to day.

[Littlemole43]

Everyone is different and they don't always work unfortunately . so I hope they give you some sort of relief .

[CtKathleenUSA]

I really hope the injections work for you. A friend has been having injections nearly 20 years and swears by them. Some she gets every 6 months, another once a year.