Steroid injection refused

nanarose

Hi, I wonder if anyone else has had the same problem?

My Rheumy nurse wanted to give me a steroid injection for my swollen and sore joints, but after speaking to the Rheumy doc, I was told that I couldn't have one as I have Psoriatic Arthritis and it might make my psoriasis worse.

I explained that I knew all about that, but could cope better with a flare up of psoriasis, if it happened, than the present pain I'm in from the arthritis.
No good, I wasn't allowed to get the injection, as the doc said the Dermatologist didn't want his patients being given the jab, much to the chagrin of my nurse, who is wonderful and sympathetic.

The thing is, I'm not even currently under the supervision of the Dermatologist, who was pretty useless anyway.

Has anyone else who has PA managed to get an injection, and if so, did it help with the arthritis pain, and did it affect your psoriasis?

I would be interested to hear of anyone's experiences. I guess I will just have to keep popping the pain pills....

dreamdaisy

I have very mild psoriasis and I have had steroid injections and depo once or twice. They never did much tho: I take daily oral steroids to help me with my PA, and occasionally my skin flares. The dermatologist I saw definitely didn't want me to be on steroids in any form, but as I have only seen her once and I spend the rest of my life in rheumatology I ignore her! If you want one, you have one: you know it might make the skin flare but surely it's better to feel 'better', fake tho it is. I wish you well. DD

shiningstar

I do not have psoraisis but I do know that a steroid injection can make a huge difference to you in the short term. If they will not let you have the injection could you have a short course of prednisolone maybe! Sorry not much help but remember its your body and no one knows how you feel but you - it can sometimes be difficult to make people listen but persevere .

Love SS

dreamdaisy

Jabs are not guaranteed - SS has made a good point, oral prednislaone may be enough: you can control the dosage and it might not trigger an outbreak of P. I am currently on 15mg per day: it's supposed to be 12.5 but I cannot function on that. Not really functioning on 15 either at the mo! I just don't function. DD

dorcas

Hi nanarose


I have PA but not the psoriasis. I've had both joint and intramuscular steroid injections lots of times over the years and some injections have been more effective than others.

It's very frustrating for you to be refused steroids...especially as you don't even see the dermatologist. :roll: but I guess your rheummy has particular concerns if he administers steroids it will trigger a massive flare of the psoriasis.
Perhaps though it would have been useful for you to have had it better explained and to have had the opportunity of contacting your dermatologist to ask his opinion and be part of the decision making.

Why not chat it over with your GP? he could speak to both consultants to see if there is any leeway . :?:

did the rheummy offer you any other alternatives?

Iris x

nanarose

Thanks for the posts everyone, your feedback is much appreciated.

No, I wasn't offered anything else, and the Doc seemed dead set against giving me the jab, worst luck.
Maybe she and the Dermatologist have had words on the subject, and she is now inflexible. I don't think they have that many PA patients as the nurse didn't seem to know how steroids might affect me.

I don't even see the skin doc now, as I found the last one to be hopeless, and I seemed to know as much as him on my condition....or so it seemed. :shock:

I might do a little more research and see if I can find out any more. Shame, as the thought of even having a little less pain, and a bit more of a normal life was quite heartening.
Never mind, I'm sure things will get better, eventually....I try to be as positive as I can

trisher

Nanarose

I have PsA also RA and OA.

I have been given Depo Medrone injections during this past year. I know they say only 3 in a year but I have had more than that.

I had to go to see the Rheumatlogist last week and had another Depo Medrone. The Consultant has also put me back on Prednisolone.

He told me he would be writing to my GP so they can give me further prescriptions.
until they can try to sort out the problems I have developed.

Love Trish xx

I also do not have the skin problems either.

nanarose

Thanks for your experiences; unfortunately I do have active psoriasis, so perhaps it's different.

Nevertheless, I shall ask my Rheumy at my next appointment, as I do feel that it's my body and I have to deal with the pain, not her.