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Rotator Cuff Steroid Injection

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tracy15454
tracy15454

Hi there, I have been suffering with a rotator cuff injury since lifting a heavy box at work in August 2015. After having physio, acupuncture (as it was giving me migraines ) I was advised to have a steroid injection which I did about three weeks ago. Since having it the pain got worse, then terrible aching and the last couple of days there has been some improvement. I was just wondering if those people who have had injections have had permanent relief or for extended periods?

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  • Docko
    Docko tracy15454

    Posted

    Hi Tracey, 6 weeks ago I had the cortisone injection & yesterday I revisited my GP & told him that the injection gave me no relief whatsoever. In saying that though I did have a little relief from pain but the Dr had mentioned that the injection doesn't work till 3-4 weeks. I found that after that period the pain appeared to have gotten worse more than prior to having the injection. I seem to be waking throughout the night due to constant pain. The Dr suggested I go see a Specialist which I refused as I suggested another alternative eg physio/acupuncture. You mentioned you had acupuncture, I get the impression it didn't work for you??? Can I ask are you able to raise your arm, if so how high. I have difficulty raising my arm when hanging my washing, trying to shave my armpits or trying to pull myself up on to my dump truck. I'm not actual sure as to what the rational the cortisone injection does, whether it just relieves pain &/or assists with the movement of the arm.
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    • tracy15454
      tracy15454 Docko

      Posted

      Thanks for replying. I had acupuncture to see if it would help with the shoulder but also with migraines I had started to suffer about 3 months after my injury, it causes a lot of tension in my neck and upper back. It did help with migraines but didn't help the shoulder. I had 8 sessions. I'm confused really as I was told the steroid injection would buy me a window in which I could do more physio, which hasn't worked in the past either. Mine really varies, at its worst I couldn't raise my arm without pain, changing gear in my car was awful, dressing over head, can't lie on my side to sleep, can't lie on my back to sleep. At its best which as I said in my original post is probably the last few days, it's much better pain and movement wise. It still aches a lot but I'm wondering if this is short lived relief .
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  • Docko
    Docko tracy15454

    Posted

    Then maybe I should reconsider as to taking my GPs advise & be referred to a Specialist??? Maybe he may consider an operation being a last resort???? I find it easier for me to sleep on my shoulder with 2 pillows then I place a cushion made of polystyrene microbeads helps as it prevents my shoulder from actually having very little pressure when sleeping on my side of the affected shoulder. The microbead cushion is gentle on the shoulder & neck area.
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    • tracy15454
      tracy15454 Docko

      Posted

      I would get referred, the longer you leave it the worse it could get it terms of long term repair. I have tried various cushions, the best I have found so far is a u shaped travel cushion as it supports my neck and stops the aching in that area. I then have to use a soft pillow to support my arm, but I still wake up several times in the night every night.
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  • don940
    don940 tracy15454

    Posted

    Hi Tracy

    If you have followed any of my posts I've had several setroid injection over several years, not good!!!

    From 2003 to 2008 working in a manufacturing inviroment after my inital injury when I finally retired I was getting about 7 steroid shots every 3 mo in both shoulders at varous tendon attachment points " trigger point injections".

    The pain control Dr said he didn't think it was a toxic level but an othro Dr finally said way to much, could soften tissue causing tears as mine did.

    It was only way to control pain without drugs. I must say ACE soft cold packs worked pretty good.

    I was plagued with a tear of the supraspinatus attachment or tendonitis on outside of left bicept for several years from over use. Treated with ice and injections resulting in complete release and destruction of left  supraspinatus.

    Eventually shoulder reversal surgery.

    Not to many injection!!!!

    Good luck Tracy

    Good luck tracy

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    • tracy15454
      tracy15454 don940

      Posted

      Thanks for replying. I wouldn't have another steroid injection, as my specialist said in 4-6 weeks there should be a 90% improvement if it's going to work. If not then they will refer me for an MRI. So in your experience steroid injection just gave short term relief? I have been told you can only have 3 in a year, so the amount you have had seems very high.
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  • ann20308
    ann20308 tracy15454

    Posted

    Hi I've had rotator cuff repair 3years ago but unfortunately it has returned sometimes they can fail so i had steroid injection about 8 weeks ago but that hasn't worked so now need to see an orthopaedic surgeon

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