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Major Pain issue after standard trigger point injections

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Posted 5/26/2012 2:41 AM (GMT 0)
Hello all,

I'm wondering if anyone has any idea what could have happened during my trigger point injections (or as a result of them) on Tuesday of this week. 

I had my standard injections, but ased the NP to give me some in my upper back (shoulder area) where the muscles have been giving me the devil for quite a while now.  They were all naturally very uncomfortable, but the one in my left shoulder was HORRIBLE.  It seems like she hit something strange because it felt like my back was being torn in half.  She also had quite a hard time getting the bleeding to stop at that site, which is also unusual for me.

Immediately after my "release", my hubby, daughter, and I "killed" a couple of hours so he could get in to see the gastro.  He was very sick and she did a direct admit to the hospital on him.  It was obviously a very long and tiring day....followed by a much longer day on Wednesday.  On Thursday, my aunt was taken to the ER here in town and I spent the evening with her to make sure all was well.  It was very late again when I came in and then I had to be up early this AM for the cleaning lady....so no rest is what I'm trying to say.

The problem is that the are where the injection was (left shoulder) is giving me fits!!  I've even had to do something I almost NEVER do, which is take additional breakthrough meds to help take the pain down from a 10 or the proverbial 10 plus!  I don't believe this is a good idea and keep a record of every med I swallow.  I am not shorting my med supply because this is some I had left over from a smaller dose, but the pain is getting worse and certainly not better.  I've done everything I can think of to get relief.  I have had my hubby slather biofreeze on.  I have added aspirin to my meds for increased blood flow and pain relief (I already take a small dose, but this was added for PAIN RELIEF).  It feels like this area of my back/shoulder is still being ripped apart and then I have to "give in" and do something for relief.

Any idea what could have happeed or what to do about this thing.  It has always given me problems, but never this bad!

Thank for any help, opinions, or suggestions. 

Posted 5/26/2012 2:57 AM (GMT 0)
It is hard to say what happened, but one thing you could do is google up some anatomy pages and try to figure out what she might have hit. Of course, nerves, veins, etc. are in slightly different places for all of us, but it might give you a lead.

One way or another, you should call her office on Monday or go in to your GP.
Posted 5/26/2012 3:59 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks cogito,

That's a good idea. I need some relief.

I appreciate it!
Posted 5/26/2012 4:51 AM (GMT 0)
Hi RetiredMom,

I've had that happen w/ trigger point injections - especially if it's in a new area.... it can be incredibly painful for a few days. That being said, I'd call by Monday if it's not feeling better by then. That would be almost a week. You should be seeing some improvement. But I think it probably was just a very painful area... combined w/ the extra stress and lack of rest.

I'm sorry you are hurting, though!

I hope your husband and aunt are feeling better.... is your husband home from the hospital?

Let us know how you are doing. --Tina
Posted 5/26/2012 9:33 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the info and the positive thoughts. Hubby is out of the hospital and feeling somewhat better...still not eating much, but feeling some better.

I had a MASSIVE muscle spasm in my left hand (never had that before today) early this morning. It made me think it is all part of the strange issue of this particular trigger point injection. My hand just seemed to have a mind of its own and stretched out like I was trying to reach across something. He tried to get the spasm to break, but we just had to wait it out. It was such a wierd experience.

I guess now I can honestly say I understand what a "real" muscle spasm looks like. I have them in many places, but never my hand before...not the whole hand and fingers like this (and only one hand).

The shoulder is somewhat better today...rest helped and we'll have to see how it goes on Tuesday (Monday is a holiday here).

Thanks again friends.
Posted 6/2/2012 10:01 PM (GMT 0)
I'm not going to be of much help to you, Retired Mom, as I have no solutions to suggest to you.

I just wanted you to know that I had epidural steroid injections in my lower back. I thought that I had had excruciating pain prior to the injections; but, boy, after I had them, I was having double the amount of pain. The doctor who gave them to me told me to NEVER have them again. I don't believe that he gave me any reason for his remark. He, by the way, gave me about five injections. It was the one he gave me in which he injected the steroid directly into the most affected area that created the REALLY severe pain. The increased pain lasted for about two weeks and then resolved itself.

...all to say: Maybe you, like I, just can't handle them, (for unknown reasons). Perhaps your body/my body cannot accept the steroid medication.

I have read your signature. Goodness gracious, Retired Mom, you must be in pain all of the time! I am so very sorry! It hurts just to read about all of your diagnoses.

I do hope that your husband recuperates quickly. I hope that your aunt, as well, recuperates quickly. You, most certainly, have had a lot of stress in your life recently. I am, for this, so very sorry.

I, most sincerely, wish you all the best. May you keep finding and using the inner strength that you possess and use.

TwoDimes

EDITED: Commonly reported side effects, conditions, and hospitalizations associated with Trigger Point Injections
Injection site pain 10

Pain 5

Pain worsened 4

Muscle spasms in neck and shoulders 2

Needle anxiety 2

brian fog if a nerve was hit. 1

internal pain and discomfort 1

Nerve pain (neuralgia) 1

pain relief in hips and thighs 1

Night cramps in legs and feet 1

Pain in hips 1

CREDIT: http://www.patientslikeme.com/treatments/show/7267-trigger-point-injections-side-effects-and-efficacy

Post Edited (TwoDimes) : 6/2/2012 4:09:59 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/3/2012 12:37 AM (GMT 0)
Hello new friend,

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my post.  I am feeling much better from the trigger point injections now, but am still in a great deal of pain in my muscles....spasms and what feels like tearing (I'm sure you understand).

My husband is also feeling much better.

Normally I respond quite well to the trigger point injections and to the RFA procedure, however, this was a new site and apparently one we need to work on in some new way.

I thank you again for your concern and for your kind words.  It's always nice to meet a new friend on HW.

 

Posted 6/3/2012 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
Very glad to hear that you and your husband are doing much better.

You are most welcome.

Nice to have "met" you, too.

Sincerely,

TwoDimes
Posted 6/3/2012 7:05 PM (GMT 0)
RM, glad to hear everyone is getting better at your place. Sounds like things were pretty crazy there for a few days. I too have done many, many trigger point injections over the years. The only time I really ever had a lot of pain during and afterwards was when the dr injected a spot that a muscle spasms was at. There were times that he could not get the needle to go in and boy those hurt, lol. Back when I was working I usually went at 7:30 for my appt and when he was finished went on to work. By the time 5:00 rolled around I was ready for home.

I hope everyone continues to improve at your place.......Susie
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