Guest guest Posted March 17, 2008 Report Share Posted March 17, 2008 JP, The only cortisone shot I've ever had that hurt was into my index finger. I could hear the 'pops' of the lesions breaking free. The pain of the shot, was still not anywhere near what the pain was when I accidently 'straighten' the finger joints. So, I do know that cortisone shots can hurt. The finger one was by a Ortho doc. On the other hand, every time a Rheumatologist has done a cortisone shot into a joint, I have not had any pain. Or to quote my current Rheumy, " I better be good, I get a lot of practice. " I have over the years have had quite a few shots into joints. Insist on numbing medication with the shot, and have them spray the area with a freezing solution, too. For me, I have had two shots for deQuarvain's tendonitis for my thumbs. It was well worth getting the shots. Between the shots, and not working at the job that caused the problem, I only rarely have painful problems with my thumbs. The shot into my index finger for trigger finger has worked for about a year. I'm starting to get to the point where I can't make a fist with that finger anymore. Note, that I had trigger finger in all the fingers in both hands, just my index finger was the worst offender. The swelling in my fingers and across the joints in my knuckles never goes down. Have you tried going to a Occupational Therapist or PT for your fingers? I know it seems silly to go and learn exercises for each joint in your fingers and thumbs, but it really helps. Splints, compression bandages, and exercises, it took about two months, but my fingers straighten quite a bit and it really helped. Only my index finger didn't respond, hence the shot into that tendon. OT is in the Can't hurt, might help category, and is drug free to boot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 17, 2008 Report Share Posted March 17, 2008 JP, 10mg HC is a small dose. I take 20mg pills for adrenal fatigue. You can take around 30mg a before you start get the pharmacological side effect. HC is more inline with the natural steroids that you body manufactures, than say Prenisone. There is a great book " Safe Uses of Cortisol " by Jeffries. You might see if you library has it. Please do not be afraid of such a low dose. Right now I'd see if your doctor can give you it in pill form. Just take it with food. Kate G Hashi's AS At 01:06 PM 3/17/2008, you wrote: >I am on 10mg of hydrocortisone each morning..... (though I take it for >adrenal dysfunction).... > >It seems every time I have a joint flare up, my Rheumatologist wants to >inject me with a cortisone shot!!! > >Hell, I had one many long years ago into my hand for carpal tunnel and I >swore I'd never endure that kind of pain again.... plus, it didn't even help. > >My father had a shot into the knee joint - the bone was already dying, so >why they needed to give him one is beyond me. He just about went through >the roof.... a year later, he had a knee replacement. > >I don't like all of the negative things written about cortisone >shots.... the long-term damage, etc. > >It's almost as if I choose not to have the shot, (yes, my doctor gets mad) >but then there's no further options.... > >Right now, the problem is that I suddenly developed a left 'trigger' >thumb.... it is painful as heck.... and it cannot straighten.... (it is >bent in flexion)... > >Occasionally, I catch it on my pants and it pulls it straight. I just >about pass out with the pain and have to manually work it to get the >'bump' back down through the sheath.... > >It is far too painful to even think of letting someone anywhere near it >with a 25-gauge needle :-) > >Any thoughts???? > >JP > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 17, 2008 Report Share Posted March 17, 2008 I am so sorry you have had some bad experiences. I know that I have gone thru MANY shots in my shoulders has I have had 5 dislocations over the last ten years and now with RA and nerve damage, at least for me, they have been a life saver. My wonderful ortho doc always uses a spray that minimizes the pain of that horrible needle! But the liquid itself is so much that it does hurt, but I have been fortunate that it helps me so much. " J. Poljanski " <jpoljanski@...> wrote: I am on 10mg of hydrocortisone each morning..... (though I take it for adrenal dysfunction).... It seems every time I have a joint flare up, my Rheumatologist wants to inject me with a cortisone shot!!! Hell, I had one many long years ago into my hand for carpal tunnel and I swore I'd never endure that kind of pain again.... plus, it didn't even help. My father had a shot into the knee joint - the bone was already dying, so why they needed to give him one is beyond me. He just about went through the roof.... a year later, he had a knee replacement. I don't like all of the negative things written about cortisone shots.... the long-term damage, etc. It's almost as if I choose not to have the shot, (yes, my doctor gets mad) but then there's no further options.... Right now, the problem is that I suddenly developed a left 'trigger' thumb.... it is painful as heck.... and it cannot straighten.... (it is bent in flexion)... Occasionally, I catch it on my pants and it pulls it straight. I just about pass out with the pain and have to manually work it to get the 'bump' back down through the sheath.... It is far too painful to even think of letting someone anywhere near it with a 25-gauge needle :-) Any thoughts???? JP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 17, 2008 Report Share Posted March 17, 2008 JP, I re read about the problem with your finger. I think I read it so quickly that I thought giving the shot was painful to give yourself, because of the problem with your thumb. I was having a problem in toe. I talked to my Rheumy and she would give me the shot, but said they are temporary and most of the time don't help. In my case I started making sure that I wore my orthotics everyday and I'm much better. My mother had 4 HC shots in her toes(2 in each) and they wore off and the problem was still there. What about a Medrol Dose pack? Kate G Hashi's AS At 03:14 PM 3/17/2008, you wrote: >I am so sorry you have had some bad experiences. I know that I have gone >thru MANY shots in my shoulders has I have had 5 dislocations over the >last ten years and now with RA and nerve damage, at least for me, they >have been a life saver. My wonderful ortho doc always uses a spray that >minimizes the pain of that horrible needle! But the liquid itself is so >much that it does hurt, but I have been fortunate that it helps me so much. > > " J. Poljanski " <jpoljanski@...> wrote: I am on 10mg of >hydrocortisone each morning..... (though I take it for adrenal dysfunction).... > >It seems every time I have a joint flare up, my Rheumatologist wants to >inject me with a cortisone shot!!! > >Hell, I had one many long years ago into my hand for carpal tunnel and I >swore I'd never endure that kind of pain again.... plus, it didn't even help. > >My father had a shot into the knee joint - the bone was already dying, so >why they needed to give him one is beyond me. He just about went through >the roof.... a year later, he had a knee replacement. > >I don't like all of the negative things written about cortisone shots.... >the long-term damage, etc. > >It's almost as if I choose not to have the shot, (yes, my doctor gets mad) >but then there's no further options.... > >Right now, the problem is that I suddenly developed a left 'trigger' >thumb.... it is painful as heck.... and it cannot straighten.... (it is >bent in flexion)... > >Occasionally, I catch it on my pants and it pulls it straight. I just >about pass out with the pain and have to manually work it to get the >'bump' back down through the sheath.... > >It is far too painful to even think of letting someone anywhere near it >with a 25-gauge needle :-) > >Any thoughts???? > >JP > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 17, 2008 Report Share Posted March 17, 2008 I try to ride out a flareup, until I just can't stand it anymore!! My fingers, all of them are mostly twisting now, I started noticing it a few months ago. Some days they don't hurt or swell, then they do both, and I can hardly stand them. I have always done so much with my hands, hand quilting, painting, all kinds of crafts, neddlepoint, etc. Now I can do very little, but I keep trying when I feel better. I have a total knee replacement, and last Oct. I fell of a step stool, (don't know why} and broke my hip. That too, is a total hip replacement. I got over those fine, and they are great. My main problem is these feet and ankles. I also have a very large nodule on the outside of my right foot, around the arch. It looks like a bone sticking out, and I tell you the pain there is unbearable!! So between that, swollen feet and ankles, and the stifness, I am having such a bad time standing on them, plus trying to walk on them. Pain meds. do nothing at all for this. Off them helps the most, but raises hell with my life. I don't know what to do about this. I have had to double-up on the Prednisone for several days, but that is just a temporary fix. Then you have to deal with long term steroids. I just had both of my eyes done , due to Cataracts, caused by so much Prednisone. Also, battleing skin cancer from the steroids. It is all a round robin situation. I don't know about everyone, but I am sick of dr. visits, and feel like a total medical mess. I feel at times embarrased to be at so many dr. appts. each month. Do you feel this way sometimes? I take the full needle of MTX., and that is as high as you can go. I don't know what is available after this, as I can' take any Biological's due to being positive for T.B. I would have to see a D.D.C., and I don't want to go through all that. I will check out the sites you suggested, plus ask my Rheumy. about Folic Acid, and the anti-biotic that I see people on this site take. I wish I had some suggestions that would help you with your hands. They must be so very painful for you!!! I only have had my hands go into a very swollen, painful twisted fist, that I could not open, etc. It all came about in 2 days, I could not dress myself, feed myself, and went from a totally functioning woman, to a hopeless criple. I went to the dr., had tests done, and lo and behold, R.A. raised its ugly head. I had never heard of it before. I thought I had a brain tumor, or cancer of the brain. That was 5 1/2 years ago. Have you had P.T. on your hands, and if so, did it help you? I know when my feet are very bad, that I put them in a pail of hot water w/epsom salts, for a long time, then I put " Bio-Freeze " on them. It is a wonderful ointment that I buy at the P.T. Dr's. office. It penetrates deep, and it feels like a mint on your skin. I do this anywhere I hurt. I have tried OTC, but they don't work as welll as this does. It costs about $10 or $15 for the bottle, and a little goes a long way, and lasts quite awhile. You don't need a prescrip. for it. It is worth a try. I hope this helps, and I hope you get feeling better soon. Take care of yourself. I care. Barbara [ ] Cortisone Shots :-( I am on 10mg of hydrocortisone each morning..... (though I take it for adrenal dysfunction) .... It seems every time I have a joint flare up, my Rheumatologist wants to inject me with a cortisone shot!!! Hell, I had one many long years ago into my hand for carpal tunnel and I swore I'd never endure that kind of pain again.... plus, it didn't even help. My father had a shot into the knee joint - the bone was already dying, so why they needed to give him one is beyond me. He just about went through the roof.... a year later, he had a knee replacement. I don't like all of the negative things written about cortisone shots.... the long-term damage, etc. It's almost as if I choose not to have the shot, (yes, my doctor gets mad) but then there's no further options.... Right now, the problem is that I suddenly developed a left 'trigger' thumb.... it is painful as heck.... and it cannot straighten.. .. (it is bent in flexion)... Occasionally, I catch it on my pants and it pulls it straight. I just about pass out with the pain and have to manually work it to get the 'bump' back down through the sheath.... It is far too painful to even think of letting someone anywhere near it with a 25-gauge needle :-) Any thoughts???? JP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 17, 2008 Report Share Posted March 17, 2008 I try to ride out a flareup, until I just can't stand it anymore!! My fingers, all of them are mostly twisting now, I started noticing it a few months ago. Some days they don't hurt or swell, then they do both, and I can hardly stand them. I have always done so much with my hands, hand quilting, painting, all kinds of crafts, neddlepoint, etc. Now I can do very little, but I keep trying when I feel better. I have a total knee replacement, and last Oct. I fell of a step stool, (don't know why} and broke my hip. That too, is a total hip replacement. I got over those fine, and they are great. My main problem is these feet and ankles. I also have a very large nodule on the outside of my right foot, around the arch. It looks like a bone sticking out, and I tell you the pain there is unbearable!! So between that, swollen feet and ankles, and the stifness, I am having such a bad time standing on them, plus trying to walk on them. Pain meds. do nothing at all for this. Off them helps the most, but raises hell with my life. I don't know what to do about this. I have had to double-up on the Prednisone for several days, but that is just a temporary fix. Then you have to deal with long term steroids. I just had both of my eyes done , due to Cataracts, caused by so much Prednisone. Also, battleing skin cancer from the steroids. It is all a round robin situation. I don't know about everyone, but I am sick of dr. visits, and feel like a total medical mess. I feel at times embarrased to be at so many dr. appts. each month. Do you feel this way sometimes? I take the full needle of MTX., and that is as high as you can go. I don't know what is available after this, as I can' take any Biological's due to being positive for T.B. I would have to see a D.D.C., and I don't want to go through all that. I will check out the sites you suggested, plus ask my Rheumy. about Folic Acid, and the anti-biotic that I see people on this site take. I wish I had some suggestions that would help you with your hands. They must be so very painful for you!!! I only have had my hands go into a very swollen, painful twisted fist, that I could not open, etc. It all came about in 2 days, I could not dress myself, feed myself, and went from a totally functioning woman, to a hopeless criple. I went to the dr., had tests done, and lo and behold, R.A. raised its ugly head. I had never heard of it before. I thought I had a brain tumor, or cancer of the brain. That was 5 1/2 years ago. Have you had P.T. on your hands, and if so, did it help you? I know when my feet are very bad, that I put them in a pail of hot water w/epsom salts, for a long time, then I put " Bio-Freeze " on them. It is a wonderful ointment that I buy at the P.T. Dr's. office. It penetrates deep, and it feels like a mint on your skin. I do this anywhere I hurt. I have tried OTC, but they don't work as welll as this does. It costs about $10 or $15 for the bottle, and a little goes a long way, and lasts quite awhile. You don't need a prescrip. for it. It is worth a try. I hope this helps, and I hope you get feeling better soon. Take care of yourself. I care. Barbara [ ] Cortisone Shots :-( I am on 10mg of hydrocortisone each morning..... (though I take it for adrenal dysfunction) .... It seems every time I have a joint flare up, my Rheumatologist wants to inject me with a cortisone shot!!! Hell, I had one many long years ago into my hand for carpal tunnel and I swore I'd never endure that kind of pain again.... plus, it didn't even help. My father had a shot into the knee joint - the bone was already dying, so why they needed to give him one is beyond me. He just about went through the roof.... a year later, he had a knee replacement. I don't like all of the negative things written about cortisone shots.... the long-term damage, etc. It's almost as if I choose not to have the shot, (yes, my doctor gets mad) but then there's no further options.... Right now, the problem is that I suddenly developed a left 'trigger' thumb.... it is painful as heck.... and it cannot straighten.. .. (it is bent in flexion)... Occasionally, I catch it on my pants and it pulls it straight. I just about pass out with the pain and have to manually work it to get the 'bump' back down through the sheath.... It is far too painful to even think of letting someone anywhere near it with a 25-gauge needle :-) Any thoughts???? JP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 17, 2008 Report Share Posted March 17, 2008 I don't mind the cort. shots anywhere, but into the heel of your feet, is so very painful, that it is hard to take. Even though the dr. numbs the area, the heels are horrible. I had to have this shot, on 3 diff. office visits. I also have a wonderful Rheumy, which I thank God everyday for her. My foot dr. is also great, and I have no complaints there. When I went to the foot dr. he said I had " Plantar Fashia " {I don't think I spelled it correctly}, plus R.A. of the feet and ankles. I had special inserts made for my shoes, which really helps. I got 2 diff. types, 1 is when I have moderate pain, and 2 is when I am in agony. He also had me buy Running shoes, instead of Cross Trainers, my choice of a brand from the list he gave me. I had to buy one size larger to accomadate the inserts. I can't wear anything but these shoes as I need the support to walk. I am off my feet today as much as possible. I will see how they are tomorrow. I hope better. My thanks to everyone who sent me an e-mail, with lots of compassion, and lots of information. I appreciate it all so much. I hope everyone feels a little better tomorrow. God Bless all of you....... Barbara Re: [ ] Cortisone Shots :-( I am so sorry you have had some bad experiences. I know that I have gone thru MANY shots in my shoulders has I have had 5 dislocations over the last ten years and now with RA and nerve damage, at least for me, they have been a life saver. My wonderful ortho doc always uses a spray that minimizes the pain of that horrible needle! But the liquid itself is so much that it does hurt, but I have been fortunate that it helps me so much. " J. Poljanski " <jpoljanski@sympatic o.ca> wrote: I am on 10mg of hydrocortisone each morning..... (though I take it for adrenal dysfunction) .... It seems every time I have a joint flare up, my Rheumatologist wants to inject me with a cortisone shot!!! Hell, I had one many long years ago into my hand for carpal tunnel and I swore I'd never endure that kind of pain again.... plus, it didn't even help. My father had a shot into the knee joint - the bone was already dying, so why they needed to give him one is beyond me. He just about went through the roof.... a year later, he had a knee replacement. I don't like all of the negative things written about cortisone shots.... the long-term damage, etc. It's almost as if I choose not to have the shot, (yes, my doctor gets mad) but then there's no further options.... Right now, the problem is that I suddenly developed a left 'trigger' thumb.... it is painful as heck.... and it cannot straighten.. .. (it is bent in flexion)... Occasionally, I catch it on my pants and it pulls it straight. I just about pass out with the pain and have to manually work it to get the 'bump' back down through the sheath.... It is far too painful to even think of letting someone anywhere near it with a 25-gauge needle :-) Any thoughts???? JP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 17, 2008 Report Share Posted March 17, 2008 I have had several shots in my heel also. I have a bone spur and rheumatoid in the achilles tendon. The pain is worse after getting up in the a.m. The shots are bad but they do provide relief for a few weeks. I have a great rheumatoid dr. Seems like each time I go I have to get an injection in another location. I also have ankylosing spondolysis. Some days it just doesn't seem real that anyone should have to tolerate this type pain. I have taken so many different drugs that I now have ulcers of the stomach. She has put me on a duragesic pain patch and that really has helped. I also take Humira. The prednisone is the only thing that really makes me feel like my old self. I only get to take that in severe circumstances. Staying in bed isn't a big help for me, it feels like my bones are coming thru the skin. I am so glad not everyone alive has RA. Rita Re: [ ] Cortisone Shots :-( I am so sorry you have had some bad experiences. I know that I have gone thru MANY shots in my shoulders has I have had 5 dislocations over the last ten years and now with RA and nerve damage, at least for me, they have been a life saver. My wonderful ortho doc always uses a spray that minimizes the pain of that horrible needle! But the liquid itself is so much that it does hurt, but I have been fortunate that it helps me so much. " J. Poljanski " <jpoljanski@ sympatic o.ca> wrote: I am on 10mg of hydrocortisone each morning..... (though I take it for adrenal dysfunction) .... It seems every time I have a joint flare up, my Rheumatologist wants to inject me with a cortisone shot!!! Hell, I had one many long years ago into my hand for carpal tunnel and I swore I'd never endure that kind of pain again.... plus, it didn't even help. My father had a shot into the knee joint - the bone was already dying, so why they needed to give him one is beyond me. He just about went through the roof.... a year later, he had a knee replacement. I don't like all of the negative things written about cortisone shots.... the long-term damage, etc. It's almost as if I choose not to have the shot, (yes, my doctor gets mad) but then there's no further options.... Right now, the problem is that I suddenly developed a left 'trigger' thumb.... it is painful as heck.... and it cannot straighten.. .. (it is bent in flexion)... Occasionally, I catch it on my pants and it pulls it straight. I just about pass out with the pain and have to manually work it to get the 'bump' back down through the sheath.... It is far too painful to even think of letting someone anywhere near it with a 25-gauge needle :-) Any thoughts???? JP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 18, 2008 Report Share Posted March 18, 2008 JP, My mother had a very bad trigger finger - it would lock, nearly touching the palm of her hand, she had to pry it back to its normal position with her other hand, and the pain, should it lock during sleep, would wake her at night. She had a very simple outpatient surgical procedure to correct it and hasn't had a single problem with that finger since (and it's been several years now). Not an MD > [ ] Cortisone Shots :-( > > I am on 10mg of hydrocortisone each morning..... (though I take it for adrenal > dysfunction).... > > It seems every time I have a joint flare up, my Rheumatologist wants to inject me > with a cortisone shot!!! > > Hell, I had one many long years ago into my hand for carpal tunnel and I swore I'd > never endure that kind of pain again.... plus, it didn't even help. > > My father had a shot into the knee joint - the bone was already dying, so why they > needed to give him one is beyond me. He just about went through the roof.... a year > later, he had a knee replacement. > > I don't like all of the negative things written about cortisone shots.... the long-term > damage, etc. > > It's almost as if I choose not to have the shot, (yes, my doctor gets mad) but then > there's no further options.... > > Right now, the problem is that I suddenly developed a left 'trigger' thumb.... it is > painful as heck.... and it cannot straighten.... (it is bent in flexion)... > > Occasionally, I catch it on my pants and it pulls it straight. I just about pass out with > the pain and have to manually work it to get the 'bump' back down through the > sheath.... > > It is far too painful to even think of letting someone anywhere near it with a 25-gauge > needle :-) > > Any thoughts???? > > JP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 18, 2008 Report Share Posted March 18, 2008 I'm glad I'm not the only one where the swelling in my fingers & across the joints does not go down. My doctor was wondering why and thought there might be a chance it was the prednisone, but even reducing that has not helped. The prednisone reduction helped my face though. --- In , " cynthiadew1 " <cynthiadew1@...> wrote: > > JP, > > The only cortisone shot I've ever had that hurt was into my index > finger. I could hear the 'pops' of the lesions breaking free. The > pain of the shot, was still not anywhere near ...... > trigger finger has worked for about a year. I'm starting to get to > the point where I can't make a fist with that finger anymore. Note, > that I had trigger finger in all the fingers in both hands, just my > index finger was the worst offender. The swelling in my fingers and > across the joints in my knuckles never goes down. > > Have you tried going to a Occupational Therapist or PT for your > fingers? I know it seems silly to go and learn exercises for each> > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 18, 2008 Report Share Posted March 18, 2008 I will respond with a few separate responses here..... and thank you all for your responses, suggestions and experiences.... It sure does help to hear of others enduring the same thing.... : I go to the Arthritis Society to see my OT. She has given both my mother and I a lot of exercises for hands.... I am afraid of the pain of the shot, but more afraid of the longterm damage of cortisone..... I have heard that cortisone shots might help for a day, a week or a month; sometimes they don't help. I guess I am just not willing to go through the pain of the shot or the longterm damage just to 'maybe' have it help for a little while.... I think I put enough stuff into my body through all of the rest of the meds..... Kate: " Please do not be afraid of such a low dose. Right now I'd see if your doctor can give you it in pill form. Just take it with food. " I do take 10mg of Cortisone each morning already.... I also give myself injections every day (not cortisone though)... growth hormone for extremely low growth hormone levels, I do my own weekly allergy shots and then my weekly MTX.... it makes it hard to do with a trigger thumb, but I do manage. JP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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