Cortison Injection - Do it? or Say NO?

I had one done in my left shoulder for bursitis a long time ago and it got rid of 95% of the issue. To this day I only have occasional, minor issues that only occur if I sleep on it wrong or something like that. I personally would do it again in a heartbeat if the problem came up again.

I had bursitis in my left shoulder 13 yrs ago, finally got in to see ortho in 3 months, he withdrew fluid from the sac and it felt better, 2 yrs later got bursitis in right shoulder. The pcp gave me a shot of cortisone, days later I got Shingles. Between those few days I lost my insurance. I was in terrible pain, burning & itching. They didn't know what brought it on. I read awhile later that steroids can bring on Shingles. I was told you only get Shingles 1x, I have had them more than a dozen times.

The steroids can also destroy your bones. Most drs. don't admit to that, but it is true. I have been going to ortho for my shoulders, knees, hands, & back. He wants to give me steroids so badly, and I refuse. I told him my reasons and he smiles. He even said to me I can't guantee you wouldn't get Shingles again, but you know how the pain is, You could deal w/ it. What kind of stupid logic is that?    I am not having the steroids again. My DM also got Shingles after a steroid shot, and hers came back several times, also                    I have had the 'lube' shots in my knees to hopefully build up the cartilage, so far, nothing.

You have to make the decision, but this is my view on those shots. I wish you good luck.

God bless.  Alice.

I have had 3.  The frist made me worse, back pain increased tremendiously.. the second didnt really do anything either way just brought me back to statis quo before the first injection and I just had the 3rd a week ago monday...this one has made me worse...again back pain got worse.. I wont be getting the 4th I think altho I know several people that didnt have any luck with the first 3 and got the 4th and bam! It worked.

I really think it us up to the indivual and what the problem is that they are having.  I have also know several people that the 1st or 2nd worked.  I do think that it is worth a try because at the end of the day if it works you are one of the lucky ones and wont be traveling down the road of even worse options...  Also another thing to consider is what other options you have if you dont try the shots.

Hoping things work well for you

Lara

I just recently had cortisone in the right shoulder for bursitis. At the time my doc told me that it was going to either start working right away or I would hurt like crazy for a few days before something happened (either good or bad) changed. Well, I fell into that second category. I got the shot, by late that night I was starting to hurt. Went to sleep, got up the next day thinking "What have I done? This is worse than when I went in!" I was absolutely miserable.

After about 3 almost 4 days, as soon as it stopped hurting from the injection, it has really helped. I work on a computer all night and previously within an hour of starting work I'd be chewing on the breakthrough meds I have. It's been just about a week now and it's made a huge difference. I'm still somewhat sore at the end of a shift, but it's not nearly what it was beforehand. I would previously be on the verge of tears - now, by the time I'm off work I'm just grumbling a little bit. Barely enough to warrant eating ibuprofen.

You know what the worst case scenarios are, and you now know some of the best case scenarios. I can't say that you SHOULD try it, but at least you now know what the stories are from both sides and you can make a judgment call for yourself.

JR...I'm glad that you're at least feeling more confident about making a decision. Frequently, trying to sort it all out is the worst for me. I will admit that there have been times that I've literally had to sit down and write pros and cons lists so that I can see which has more points. lol