Steroid Injections!
Posted , 13 users are following.
Hi folks, it's the preverbial bad penny here again, I haven't been on for a few days, or is it weeks not sure time seems to pass by without relevance these days.
My question here is has anyone had steroid injections as my doctor seems to think this is the next step for me, I have managed to avoid them for several years now, by changing the subject anytime they were mentioned or cancelling appointments for them......But the pain is driving me doo lally and along with that I am getting depressed as I can't do the things I used to, which seems to go with the territory so the doctor says, also a friend of mine who's husband had severe R.A., said depression and RA go hand in hand at some point.
Back to the topic, should I bite the bullet and have the steroid injection or not? I mean I am in pain just now but is the pain of the injection going to outway the pain I'm in just now?
Sorry to ramble & thank you for reading and perhaps offering some advice.
Tricia x
0 likes, 27 replies
JW89 Tricia55
Posted
I'm still on the unconfirmed side of RA - had many of the classic symptoms apart from swelling and redness, but all tests came back negative. My Rheumy was very good and agreed to give me a intramuscular steriod shot (into my behind) for general inflammation on the basis that, if it worked, then clearly there was inflammation going on that the tests weren't picking up and he would feel more comfortable to get me started on longer-term drugs in a couple of months time. Well, the steroid shot (which wasn't the least bit painful) has been fantastic! I'd say 80-90% of my various aches and pains have gone. It is SO nice to get out of bed in the morning without wincing! I'd say go for the steroid shot!
If you are referring to a shot directly into a joint... I had one several years ago for a frozen shoulder. Hurt like hell, but it was SO worth it. A few minutes of pain was easy outweighed by the advantage of having my shoulder released and all pain gone for months.
Tricia55 JW89
Posted
I have a needle phobia and I think that is why I'm so scared of having this injection, but I just keep thinking it would be wonderful to have one day totally pain free I haven't had that for at least 20 odd years now.
Tricia x
constance.de Tricia55
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Constance
Littledog JW89
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Tricia55 Littledog
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JW89 Littledog
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constance.de Tricia55
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Good luck!
Constance 💐
Tricia55 constance.de
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Thank you so much for your response, I guess I'm just a coward when it comes to pain and with me having a really severe needle phobia it's making the decision even more awkward.
Tricia x
Buckeyes Tricia55
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Tricia55 Buckeyes
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Thank you so much for your response, I guess your right even if it's just one day of being pain free it has to be worth it. So yes, I think I have to bite the bullet as you say.
Tricia x
deborah67573 Tricia55
Posted
Sorry to hear of your pain. I have had RA since I was 30... 17 years ago. Have experienced most of the medications along the way. Finally secured enbrel which is thankfully working. Unfortunately too late for my poor knees. Currently chair bound. Had one total knee replacement in july and next one due in November. Never dreamed of this at 47.
For 8 yrs I was having many steroids in my behind and also in my knee joints as they drained them. At the time I was grateful for the relief from pain.
However as a result of seeing an orthopedic dr I now understand that too many steroids in the joint can actually destroy tissue and cartilage. Lots of reports out there now on subject.
I'll never know whether over use of steroids resulted in my knees going but it has made me wonder.
Stetoids great pain relief but like everything else. ...everything in moderation. Id just like to see free biologics treatment for all RA sufferers from diagnosis.
Good luck and hope you're feeling better soon.
Deborah
Tricia55 deborah67573
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I too was in my late 30's early 40's when I was diagnosed with RA, at first I thought as my mind would...."I'm going to beat this", Hahahaha, how wrong was I. Over the years I have spent thousands on Homeopathy and other remedies, which in the long term did manage to keep it at bay in some ways, then I thought this is rediculous. I am kind of like you, in that it takes such an effort to actually get out of the house these days, I need to get up at least 3 hours before I need to leave the house in order to actually get out. So scared about the injection.
Tricia x
Guest Tricia55
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Tricia55 Guest
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Thank you for your response, Yes I think I need to just go for this as I really am getting fed up being in pain.....Tricia x
mickyphillips Tricia55
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Tricia55 mickyphillips
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Thank you for your response, having had RA for more years than I care to remember now, I am so fed up being in pain, I would just love to wake up one morning and not be in pain.
I think my doctor is wanting to do the injection into the joint, which having a needle phobia doesn't make me any more relaxed about it.
Tricia x
Guest Tricia55
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Tricia55 Guest
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