has anybody here had injections for arthritis pain?

[CTyankee]

This winter has made me rethink my decision not to have the injection my rheumatologist has suggested. We discussed the options in my visit with him today. Most of the meds he has prescribed have led to my feeling drowsy and I just can't spend my day like that. I have increased my prescribed stretches and exercises which has helped but I need something that can keep me going on my mid March trip to Europe, where I will have to walk more.

We scheduled the injection for Feb. 19. I understand these are different from those for folks with non-arthritis joint problems...if you have had these, I'd like to know more...

[Lint Head]

1. I'm going through the same thing. I've had the steroid injections directly to the joint

and it works for a while. He is now suggesting an injection therapy that will prolong a need for a knee replacement. I'm thinking I would rather just have the replacement but the replacement has a lifespan of 10 to 20 years. So I'm thinking I would probably outlive it anyway. I have a lot to do and can stand being in pain. Exercise and therapy has helped me the most but it's just too expensive to keep doing. I would love to hear from anyone else who has had injections myself. Good luck to you.

[CTyankee]

6. Pain really fatigues me, fogging my brain. I can't stand it!

Once pain is alleviated, I can think and perform better...

I told the doc this...

[truedelphi]

2. Which injections are you talking about?

Are you thinking of these:
Steroid Shots for Arthritis

Corticosteroids injected (steroid shot) right into the joint can also be used to help with swelling and pain.

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Or some new medicine they have come up with?

[CTyankee]

4. Not sure. Doc did say it was different from injections given surgeons who do neurological spinal

surgery. So I am a bit in the woods here...

[Warpy]

3. I can't address it specifically since I don't know the procedure, the drug, or whether

you have OA or RA. I'm guessing it's OA.

The intra articular injections of steroids and other medications can work wonders short term, getting you through that trip. You will also find the pain medication less soporific when you're geared up from a day of sightseeing.

[CTyankee]

5. Yep. Mine is osteoarthritis. Tell me, is it a painful shot? I really want to know...

other than that, it sounds like what I REALLY want for my trip...

[Warpy]

9. He'll numb the area as well as possible, and that's what hurts

It feels like a bee sting but only for a nanosecond or so. I've had patients go from no pain to feeling things like warmth when the medicine goes in. You might need to take something afterward but the medication will kick in within 24 hours or so.

If you can stand novocaine for dental work, you can stand this.

[CTyankee]

10. novocaine for dental work does hurt, esp. on the roof of my mouth...but that is an especially

sensitive area.

[Lint Head]

7. You're right. I have OA and find this to be true. I'm just concerned about long term side effects

and tend to under medicate and usually suffer because of it. It's funny because my doctor has given me just about anything I want to help me but I'm very anti pharmaceutical. I have found that the occasional use of that particular plant that is in the news lately to be more helpful than just about anything. But I haven't done that in a long while.

[LVdem]

8. I've been getting Euflexxa injections for about 5 years now...

...in my right knee. It's a series of three shots over a three week period. I get these shots twice a year. They are extremely helpful. I have no cartilage in my knee (injured back in the early 80s. Surgeons back then did not repair the damage, just took it out) so I'm bone on bone.

I play tennis 3-4 times a week and I know I would not be able to do that if I did not get these shots. The pain from the shots is minimal compared to the painful knee I would have if I did not get the Euflexxa. I occasionally have to get a steroid injection in between treatments.

As for your trip... get a steroid shot at least. Someone else also suggested that, I second that. And keep using the joint. Inactivity can be the worst thing for you and your joints.

Hope this helps.