Cortisone injections in spine

[Guest guest]

Hello

I'm new to the list - although I've been lurking for some time

reading the posts and learning a lot!

My name's Elaine and I'm 47 and live in the UK. I was diagnosed with

RA about 5 years ago and have recently been told that I have OA as

well.

I've been getting increased and severe pain in my right hip and down

my leg in recent months. My latest rheumy has xrayed my hips and

can't find anything wrong; he thinks that the problem is in my back

and the pain is referred. (I wonder if this is why I have shrunk -

I'm at least an inch shorter than I used to be!)

So, he is planning on a cortisone injection in two weeks. I've had

this done on my hand before so wasn't too worried - until I got a

letter from the hospital saying that I wouldn't be able to drive

after and that I had to have someone stay with me for 24 hours after

it's been done.

I asked my GP if they were being overcautious and he brightly told me

that I could end up with my leg paralised after it's been done!

So I'm wondering if anyone on the list has had this procedure and

could let me know how it went? Did it relieve pain? How long did it

last for? And what was it like immediately after? I really would like

to drive myself home if possible!

Sorry this is so long and thanks for reading - I'll really appreciate

any input!

Elaine