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Shoulder Steroid Injection Side Effect?

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Posted 2/28/2016 11:13 PM (GMT 0)
I got a steroid injection for my R shoulder Feb. 1. Since then, the MRI came back showing a supraspinatus tear or tendinopathy, a slitlike labrum tear, and bursitis. I am waiting to see a shoulder specialist (ortho surgeon) March 15. The shot has helped tremendously with removing the inflammation so that I can do my Physical Therapy exercises. For the past week or week and a half, I have noticed some swelling in my lower jaw and neck. Is this steroid puffiness like you would get with prednisone? Is it possible? I am 48, extremely healthy with clean eating, and fit. I just don't see that I could have aged with jowls and more neck fat that suddenly. Plus, it is a little swollen to the touch. I also have a little puffy patch at my collar bone, which my therapist just says is my muscle imbalance as I work to squeeze my shoulder blades together, etc. Has anyone heard of this? If so, when does it subside?
Many Thanks in advance,
Glow
Posted 2/29/2016 1:20 AM (GMT 0)
Hi glow and welcome to the forum. I'm trying to decide if there could be any relationship between the injection and your swelling but I really can't see it. Its a local injection site which brings me to the question is the injection site sore or swollen and red? There's a gland under your jaw bone that can sometimes swell if you have a infection though usually. I would certainly talk to your Dr about this and see if he has any clues.
Posted 2/29/2016 3:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Vickie,

No, I do not have any sort of swelling or redness at the injection site.
Posted 2/29/2016 3:45 PM (GMT 0)
Does not sound like a reaction to me, you can look up reactions on www.drugs.com

I agree with Vickie, on a possible infection such as strep throat and you should contact your pcp (primary doctor) to get this under control before surgery. No Doctor will do surgery if your feeling unwell or sick.
Now could be that the injection lowered your immunity and you got sick or picked up a bug, this does happen, I've gotten sick after injections, at this time of year the flu is going crazy in area's...just remember that products like theraflu have tylenol in it, just in case your taking norco or a pain med with tylenol...

Also could be inflammatory arthritis and you could ask your pcp about that and get bloodwork done...

I have gotten red face from site injections, due to the steroid in the injection.

Prayers on your meeting with the surgeon and keep us posted.
Posted 2/29/2016 7:29 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry, Charteux, were you addressing my post? I am not sick at all--no infection or anything. I have noticed swelling in my face,neck, and collar bone after my steroid shot in my R shoulder, about 3 weeks after the shot. I believe this to be a side effect of the injection and my question is when does it subside?

Thank You,
Glow
Posted 2/29/2016 8:37 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, Glow, trying to help you out.
If you feel its a reaction you must report it to your doctor asap (as soon as possible).)
Glow there are two compenents in a steroid injection, the steroid and a dye, you might be allergic to the dye part...but you need to report any and all reactions because if your given this injection again the reaction could cause you your life...
Posted 2/29/2016 8:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hmmm don't know about any dye in the injection with the steroid. I think there is a lidocaine agent with it....I have never had a reaction to lidocaine at all. Not planning on getting another shot. I am seeing a specialist in 2 weeks and await his advice on either continued PT and/or surgery. I have to have nerve transposition surgery in both elbows first so everything is getting scheduled out. I will speak to my gcp about my neck swelling. I do have osteoarthritis but no inflammation/no rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis at all in my body. I had a ton of bloodwork done recently when I was trying to figure out my nerve problem.
Posted 2/29/2016 9:03 PM (GMT 0)
Also, I just don't feel sick at all. But I will ask pcp. Oh! Like you, I also got flushed faced right after my injection---like a day or two after. But then it went away. Thank You for your insights.
Glow
Posted 2/29/2016 9:33 PM (GMT 0)
I didn't notice any results like your swelling when I got a steroid injection in my hip. Of course swelling in the hip area would be hard to recognize in most women!

Swelling immediately around the injection site I would understand -- but as far away as the jaw it's probably unrelated.

The kind of puffiness commonly associated with prednisone occurs all over the body when you are taking prednisone systemically -- that is, orally or by IV. It really shouldn't come into play at all from an injection.

I would caution you on doing too much PT too soon -- the prednisone sometimes takes the pain away but you can harm yourself if you don't give the inflammation time to calm down.
Posted 2/29/2016 9:39 PM (GMT 0)
No worries, there, Lynnwood. I gave my shoulder plenty of time after injection before I started PT. The PT exercises actually make it feel better because it feels more stabilized. I do think the steroid injection is connected to my facial/neck swelling. The shoulder is not that far away from the face/neck; I don't think it is a far-fetched idea. Also, it is puffier on same side as same shoulder injected. But, like I said, I'll ask my doctor and see what she says.
Posted 3/1/2016 5:20 AM (GMT 0)
They do have a dye and dye free injectible steroids.....but the doctor that did it should b notified of the reaction. To avoid future reactions, because even after surgery you might need a steroid injection. I had knee surgery last year and had an injection at the 3 mnth point because my recovery was slower than expected...
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