Anyone had cortizone injections?

[pjlippert]

Hi there,

So, I'm scheduled to have cortisone injections next week. I've had pretty much chronic pain in both my right hip & knee for probably 10 years. I know, I'm a total glutten for punishment. It's gotten worse over the past few years since I turned 40 (almost four years ago) and totally flares just before my period starts. I've had my hormone levels checked and I am just on the very, very cusp of pre-menopause. I'll ask my D.O. about it when I go in on Tuesday for the shots.

What can I expect? Who has had them done? How were your results? I figure that the temporary pain from the injection will be worth some relief.

Thanks!
Pam

 

[ImFiddY]

I had a couple of cortisone injections in my knee to see if it would help the pain. The injection itself did not hurt but it did not help. I had to have surgery. I had level 3 out of 4 arthritis in the knee, a meniscus tear and a floating bone fragment. After the surgery I got this chicken fat type of injections in my knee and it helped lubricate it but it only lasted a year and the injections were over $200 each.

If you have good insurance and the cortisone does not help, ask about the chicken fat stuff ( I cannot remember the actual name of it ).

 

[kariev]

as a physical therapist i have mixed feelings about cortizone shots. first, everyone responds different to them. For some it works and for others it doesn't do anything. I think that doing 1 or 2 shots is ok to initially get any inflammation down but consistantly getting shots weakens ligaments surrounding the joint. Pain experienced during the shot varies from person to person and from doctor to doctor based on technique. Good luck! Hopefully one will do the trick

 

[jonahnah]

ITA w/ Karie's post. I had one shot in my shoulder that blissfully relieved the pain of bursitis for a couple of months, then it returned when I overstressed the shoulder while working out. It's not debilitating pain, but it affects what I can do. (I'm sure I need to see a P/T, which is on my to do list. )

However, my DH was substantially relieved of pain from a herniated disc in his lower spine w/ 2 cortisone shots. They brought down the inflammation, reducing his constant pain to near zero. He still has to watch what he does w/ exercise, but he's able to workout again which is a HUGE improvement.

 

[upnorthchick]

I've had 2 cortisone shots in my lower spine for a bulged disc & snyovial cyst at my L4-L5. The actual cortisone shots didn't hurt-I did feel some pressure down my leg though but apparenlty that's a good thing. There is an initial sting when they put the numbing stuff in before the actual shot. My first shot went well; I was given an anti-anxiety pill before the shot and had to have my DH drive me home after the shot. It worked really well; for about 3 months. Then I either strained my back or was stressed out or I had PMS, hard to say, and the pain came back. Went in for my 2nd shot in September. For the second shot, I didn't think I needed the pill as I wasn't sure it helped the first time. I was wrong!! Just knowing what they were doing was enough for me to feel queasy and faint. That little pill helped me not care what they were doing to my back! Without the little pill I was very aware of what was happening. It didn't hurt but I was aware. The second shot didn't work as well but I'm not sure if it was because I need a different solution for my pain or if the doctor didn't aim/apply the shot correctly.

Sorry to ramble on! Good luck with your shots. When they work, they work great! After my first shot I was able to keep up with everyone during the Cathe RT!!

 

[jcm]

I just had one in my shoulder right before Christmas. Mine didn't really hurt at all - but I've had two kids naturally so that puts pain in a different perspective!! I did have occasional burning pain at the injection spot a few days later. Unfortunately my shot gave no relief to the shoulder pain. I've done physical therapy, had a MRI, the shot... now it's on to see a shoulder specialist in March. I figure it's worth a try.

 

[pjlippert]

Thank you very much gals!! I will let you know how it goes on Tuesday. I'm a little nervous, but just visualizing the relief I'll feel.

Kari, I will also take your advice and find a good physical therapist. I think I'd prefer a female since the hip/groin area is kind of personal, place, ya know? Hopefully our insurance will cover it!

Thanks again, gals!

Pam

 

[Jennifit]

I used to get them when I ran in college. The shots didn't hurt...and, I am a wuss! They work, temporarily. Good luck!