steroid injection

noelynn
noelynn Member Posts: 8
edited 16. Dec 2011, 12:47 in Living with Arthritis archive
hi

saw my rheum consultant and i have been diagnosed with ra since the last tiime i was here. I have been put on arcoxia 90 mg daily and methotraxate 7.5mg weekly gradually rising to 15mg over six weeks. I also got a steroid jab and the rheumy nurse says it may only last 4 weeks. That was 3 1/2 weeks ago and I think its wearing off. Does anyone know if I could have another one before xmas or is it too soon

Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    That will be too soon, noelynn, they ration those to at least three monthly intervals as although they can be a very effective treatment they are not good for the rest of the body. Let's hope the increasing meth will help to bring things under better control for you, yes? I wish you well. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • salamander
    salamander Member Posts: 1,906
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    You should talk to your rheummy nurse as sometimes they don't give you the 'full' dose. I've been given a half-dose before now. There is a limit to how much they will give but it depends entirely on what you've had already.
  • noelynn
    noelynn Member Posts: 8
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    thanks for the replies. I thought it might be too early. The rheumy nurse did say to contact her if the pain gets bad, but since the injection and the other meds started I must admit this is the best I have felt in almost 6 months.
  • ironic
    ironic Member Posts: 2,361
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Noelynn,
    Well that is good news that the meds are already making a difference. Sorry the steroid jab did not last so long but hopefully you should continue to feel better and Christmas will be easier than you thought.

    Have a good xmas and a even better new year.
    Lv, I x
  • madwestie
    madwestie Member Posts: 383
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    noelynn i have 4 Depomedrone (systemic steriod) jabs a year and i have been told by the rheumy that i can have them when i need to but they have to be at least a month apart so it is worth asking if you can have another one (after all they can only say no). The injections do carry the same side effects as having steriod tablets so you do have to weigh up the risks against the benefits but you can always discuss this with the rheumy nurse.
    I hope the Meth kicks in soon for you.
    Tracey
  • julie47
    julie47 Member Posts: 6,041
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi noelynn

    I would have thought it was too early for another injection too. I was once told there should be atleast a 3-4 month gap between jabs.
    Then again advice from rhummy to rhummy I have noticed through the forum does differ. There is no harm in getting intouch with your nurse to seek her advice.
    Sorry it didn't last till after the christmas holidays, :sad: but your new meds do sound promising don't they x:-D

    Take care
    Love Juliepf x
  • prefabkid47
    prefabkid47 Member Posts: 1,316
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi noelynn
    I did have a steroid injection,but had no effect.Let's hope the methotrexate does the job,it does take some weeks to build up and take effect.I have been on methotrexate for several years (12.5 mg weekly) and has given good control and no side effects (do have bloods every 4-5 weeks).
    Ron
    ''Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy''. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
  • suzygirl
    suzygirl Member Posts: 2,005
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, I would contact your rheumy nurse for advice. They may consider giving you oral steroids for a while to tide you over.
  • noelynn
    noelynn Member Posts: 8
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi everyone

    Again thanks for the replies. I have an appt with my GP tomorrow for blood tests and I will mention to her, although I think the rheumy nurse is the best bet. She had said if the pain came back to contact her as there are things that can be done to help. I of course assumed she meant another jab. Things have really improved and so far no side effects with any of the meds I'm just a bit worried things will worsen over xmas but maybe its time I looked on the bright side. Thanks again and merry xmas.
  • sciqueen
    sciqueen Member Posts: 21
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi

    I thinks it too soon, but as everyone has already advised if you have any doubts give the rhuemy help line a call.

    I like the oral steroids as they last as long as you take them, if your careful and keep active, you can stop yourself from gaining weight.

    Good luck

    Sci x:-P

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