2006-10-26 13:35:39 · 10 answers · asked by outbackmike_2001 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
I currently have had three shots to ease the pain and inflamation in my left shoulder. The specialist I'm seeing tells me that at some point I will have to have surgery, but until then I can continue receiving cortizon shots as needed. What are the long term effects, if any, of this?
2006-10-26 13:38:27 · update #1
I don't know about your doctor but my orthopaedic surgeon told me you can only have three shots per year. I had rotator cuff surgery back in March for my shoulder. Here is some info I found at ask.com from an Orthopaedis Doctor. Hope this helps:
Can I get a cortisone injection more than once?
Yes. There is no rule as to how many cortisone injections can be given. Often physicians do not want to give more than three, but there is not really a specific limit to the number of shots. However, there are some practical limitations. If a cortisone injection wears off quickly or does not help the problem, then repeating it may not be worthwhile. Also, animal studies have shown effects of weakening of tendons and softening of cartilage with cortisone injections. Repeated cortisone injections multiply these effects and increase the risk of potential problems. This is the reason many physicians limit the number of injections they offer to a patient.
2006-10-26 15:31:42 · answer #1 · answered by trendcuts7 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had two cortisone shots in my shoulder as well....I asked my doctor the same exact question. His answer was basically what I have copied here for you.
I got this from a great site about cortisone
http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article1349.html
How many injections are needed?
In spite of surrounding folklore, there is no specific limit to the number of cortisone shots that can be given. Practical concerns are, if the shot does not work, then why repeat it? If it does work, cortisone is extremely effective and not too many shots are needed. There is a limit to the amount of cortisone given in one dose, even if injected in several areas of the body; this varies depending on the size and physical condition of the person.
2006-10-27 13:02:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anurri 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For years I had cortisone shots injected into my ankle joint. It did not help. The only thing cortisone does is provides a bigger tummy. You do not have to take cortisone injections if it is not helping. Just tell your doctor for the pain of the injection, it not working, is not worth it. Try using Aleve, Ibuprofen until your decides what he wants to do. Get a 2nd. opinion before you have surgery. I went through may rx's, injections and finally surgery. I had an ankle fusion in July of this year and I have no regrets what so ever.
2006-10-26 14:11:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A physician will generally say that cortisone is a naturally occuring substance with little or no side effects. However, animal studies have shown weakening of tendons and the softening of cartilege with cortisone injections. Infection can be a risk as with any injection. Diabetics can experience a rise in their blood sugar. Also it can cause a loss of skin color in the area injected.
2006-10-26 18:13:47 · answer #4 · answered by BSG 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the down side of cortizone is that you can still be damaging the joint. Yes, it will reduce inflammation and reduce pain (been there, done that), but if the condition is causing actual physical damage to the joint, this damage will continue. In that the effects of cortizone may result in you not feeling it, the damage can become permanent, irreversible and result in more extensive surgeries.
2006-10-26 13:46:50 · answer #5 · answered by robertm220 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The cortisone stays in your system and actually will eventually damage the joint. Also, you might develop an allergy to the cortisone; flushing, sweats or swelling. I think I'd get a second opinion about that surgery. Godloveya.
2006-10-26 15:05:08 · answer #6 · answered by Sassy OLD Broad 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Had cortizon in my shoulder and my foot. Neither worked. In order for it to work, you have to be real lucky. I haven't met to many people who said cortizon worked for them. Be wise when getting a shot.
2006-10-27 02:50:05 · answer #7 · answered by Jilly 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hormonal birth control can screw your body up when off it. Your body just doesn't know what to expect. I'm no dr, but I suppose it could cause this. If you're getting positive Hpt, but a blood came back neg, I'd say get another blood. It may have just been too soon.
2016-03-28 08:43:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont know. I had 2 shots in my shoulder and still needed surgery. lot better now
2006-10-26 13:43:02 · answer #9 · answered by frdstress 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A local injection will not have systemic effects so if it is working for you, you can continue
2006-10-26 14:28:00 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋