OT Cortisone shots

I had a cortisone shot today for some shoulder pain I have had for the past year or so...It had started to get pretty painful for everyday activities so my dr. referred me to an orthopedic surgeon...He took x-rays to make sure I didn't have any bone spurs and the xrays showed no bone spurs...So, right now I don't know if it is tendonitis, bursitis, or a torn rotator cuff...My question is for any of you who has experience this type of thing...How long does a cortisone shot typically last and if the pain returns what are my chances of having surgery...Like I said in my subject, I know this is REALLY off-topic, but you all here always give awesome opinions/info...Thanks for anyone who can give me an opinion...

For a time my father was getting cortizone shots in his knees. I think they'd last 6-8 weeks. There is a limit to how many you can get per time period.

I hope the shot helps you! I remember Dad saying they were painful...

Oh yes! You can cause further damage after the shot! My dad's doctor reprimanded him for walking to work after his injections. The doc said that even though the pain is gone, the problem can still exist. You'll want to find the root cause of the problem and treat it. Has your doctor suggested physical therapy? Something to strengthen your shoulder?

Hi! I had a shoulder injury when I worked corrections. I am not sure what exactly caused the injury because in one incident I deflected a 200+ pound couch, got punched a few times, and ended up under a pig pile of officer while I had my arm completely outstretched holding the offending inmate at bay. First I had physical therapy and it got worse. Then I went to a specialist who did more x-rays. It appeared I had a hairline fracture but he couldn't be certain. I couldn't lift my arm above my waist. I had to have a cortizone shot and it was.... an experience. The needle was HUGE. I didn't really feel pain but I could feel it scraping the bone and that made me want to vomit. They had a nurse holding me so that I couldn't flinch and do more damage to myself. I was in tears from fear that I would inadvertantly jump. My shoulder felt MUCH WORSE that day and the next. I drove a stick shift at the time and had to trade cars with my parents because I just could not shift my car. I continued with p/t. Ultimatlely the pain post corizone shot was worth it because my shoulder started to show marked improvement. I had to finally accept some Darovocet for pain because it was a CD friendly pain pill and I could finally get some sleep. Getting comfortable to sleep is so hard with a shoulder injury. One shot did it for me.

Just a little tip even though I don't know what your injury is. I also had a seperated AC joint (whatever the heck that is). I was taught to hold and pick things up like I was shaking someone's hand, not like I was driving a stick shift gripping it from the top. Often we use our arm palm down, when it is better to do it palm to the side. It is hard to explain on the computer. Have my PT show me how to start shifting my car again was so funny. It looked like she was giving me lessons on how to get to third base. Grip it like this, up and down, not from the top... I had to "practice" on some item she had there and felt like a freak lol!! However, she was right. When I moved my arm up and down with my thumb up (like hand shaking) my shoulder felt much better than when my thumb was to the side palm down.

Hope you feel better soon!

No I understand. It is really tough. Because my injury was "on the job" I had it fairly easy. I just went on "light duty" meaning I couldn't work with the inmates. I basically sat around with the lobby officer or control room officer. It was boring but at least I was getting paid. Is there any way you could go on light duty until you build your strength back up? I agree that you HAVE to give it time to heal.

My shoulder is 95% better now. If I play softball or anything that involves repetitive motion it will start to click and be very sore the next day. I also get a random pain here and there, especially after days of rain. I think I am still a little weaker than I used to be but thats also because I am not as active. If I sleep funny like with my arm over my head it will be pretty sore the next day too.

I can do some shoulder exercises at the gym but am still on light weights even though it is 2 years later. Push ups are also really problematic. But, that is because I only exercise sporadicaly. I am sure if I really worked at it I could get it full strength again.

So my advice, try for light duty, do your PT, and ICE!!!!