What are the dangers of steroid shots? | Arthritis Information
After nothing would touch the recent pain, I called my GP and he said for me to stop in for a cortizone shot and he'd call in something else for breakthrough pain. I got the shot and decided to try and hold off until tomorrow for the other meds to try not to mask if the shot works or not.
Now my question is how often do you get shots? (remember I'm SO new to all of this!) and what are the long term dangers of steroids?
Just adding a note: is it weird that they gave me the shot in the hip instead of in the joint? Is it as effective or since its multiple joints (one much more than the rest) is the overall effect the same?my doctor offers them to me alot. the general shot in the butt does not do that much for me, but a shot for the knee or a particular joint helps. i have never had any adverse side effects except preds can make you alittle more emotional. i always take one if i am tired of fighting with the disease. sometimes it helps jump start your body. you just never know.Hi Sunam. Did you have the cortisone in a joint or trigger point? Some doctors say no more often than every 3-4 months in any one place. I've had many over the years in different joints.
The ones with the most potential for problems, for me, were the trigger point injections. We were having a very hard time controlling my pain, so I was coming in every 3 months for trigger point injections in my back, just to the left of my spine. He injected 3 shots in the places that were the worst pain. I did this for at least 2 years, and eventually they had to stop giving them to me. I began having Cushing's symptoms; moon face, hump on neck, and they can also cause serious damage to your bones.
Most doctors and patients will tell you that there is not as much chance for side effects in injections as with oral steroids. But I had so much in order to improve my quality of life, that the side effects kicked up very strong.
But it all depends on where the inj. is, how strong it is, and how often it is given. Most people say that one shot in a single joint every 3 months should not cause long. term problems. I hope you have success with them!
Be well, Nini
I just read that your shot was in the hip instead of joint. I really don't think that should hurt you at all. Just my opinion, but that's what I've seen. I have also not had much response to the ones in the hip.
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