Corticosteroid injections

woodbine

(I have already posted this on a thread about fibromyallgis, but thought that as it's not really about fibro, it might be best to put it in a different thread - hope that's OK.)

I went to see my GP for the results of my elbow xray this morning. He told me that the bones of the joint are fine and that the pain is soft tissue related. He was non-commital about fibromyalgia.

He then said that he would give me a cortisone injection into the soft tissue, and proceeded to do so there and then. He said that as it was into the soft tissue, not the joint, I wouldn't need any anaesthetic. The injection was pretty uncomfortable, but not agonizing.

My mum had a cortizone injection in her hip a few weeks ago and was told that she'd get the best results from resting it completely for at least 2-3 days. My GP is notorious for avoiding signing any one off work if at all possible, and he told me that I should take painkillers and return to work. (Mainly computing, but involving lifting some files and sorting leaflets). I've been to work, but after 3 hrs it was too painful, so I've come home! I'm also feeling a bit light headed - don't know if that's the injeciton or the painkillers though.

Has anyone else had one of these injections into the soft tissue/ around the nerve? Do you know if this is the usual advice (to carry on as normal), or is it just my doctor (Would also like to know how long it's likely to be sore for.)

Naomi

frogmorton

Hi Naomi

I think the idea of resting is to keep the steroid in the area you need it for as long as possible to give it the best chance to work. I too have been told to rest for mine (they dont work for me anyway ).

Do your best to rest if you can - can you pull a sickie? Just a day off or ask if you can do as little as poss physical for a day or so?

Love

Toni xx

PS when it works I hear it is wonderful Cross fingers for you

woodbon

Hi I had my hip injected a few years ago and my GP told me to rest for 24 hours or more and let the steriod stay in the right place. As Toni said, its the best way to get a good result. It really helped me, but I did have a few days of 'steriod flare' when it got worse, and then it went away. Luckily the doc warned me, so I diidn't worry. I had mine done at a week-end, gives you time, but I don't see why you shouldn't take a couple of days off, you don;t need a sick note from the doctor for that.

Good luck, love Sue

dreamdaisy

I don't know if the advice would vary according to where the injection is placed: into a joint I was told 48 hours bed rest, as the joints concerned were my knees, which take a bit of punishment. The depo in my behind came with no advice whatsoever, so I just carried on. The net result? Both sorts worked for three days tops, then things reverted to the usual. I hope yours settles - take some rest for now, give things a chance to settle. DD