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Oh how I love medical science!

AreaCode707

AreaCode707

Lifer
Months of severe wrist pain from rheumatoid arthritis (got locked out of my house because I couldn't turn the key, been having problems working because typing was so painful, forget opening the fridge or closing a car door...)

Two quick cortisone shots and boom, practically normal literally overnight! Black magic, I tell you... From 3:45pm to 9am a total "cure". Still using my wrist braces but wow!

<3 medical research.
 
Wow. How long do the effects of the shots last?

I occasionally have pain in my fingers when I've been working too much and not taking the weekend off to relax. Kind of worries me considering my hands are my livelihood for the next 40+ years.
 
The only downside to these types of injections is they dont last forever, usually around 6mo or so then you will need another, but either way they are a god send for many people. Even though they burn like hell.
 
AreaCode707 said:
Months of severe wrist pain from rheumatoid arthritis (got locked out of my house because I couldn't turn the key, been having problems working because typing was so painful, forget opening the fridge or closing a car door...)

Two quick cortisone shots and boom, practically normal literally overnight! Black magic, I tell you... From 3:45pm to 9am a total "cure". Still using my wrist braces but wow!

<3 medical research.
Click to expand...

oh yeah they are great. burn like a bitch but once they kick in its amazing.
 
yllus said:
Wow. How long do the effects of the shots last?

I occasionally have pain in my fingers when I've been working too much and not taking the weekend off to relax. Kind of worries me considering my hands are my livelihood for the next 40+ years.
Click to expand...

Usually 6 months or so, give or take. Depending on how well your body reacts to the steroids. My dad gets them about once a year for trigger finger
 
do you use a natural keyboard? if i use a regular one for even an hour, my wrists start hurting. i'm sure you do...but just checking.
 
The one time I had an injection in my knee, the result was like that. I could not believe how fast it worked.
 
RadiclDreamer said:
The only downside to these types of injections is they dont last forever, usually around 6mo or so then you will need another, but either way they are a god send for many people. Even though they burn like hell.
Click to expand...
I had injections done in my fingers in 2001 and combined with other treatments the inflammation has mostly stayed away for the last decade. 😀 I know that isn't all from the cortisone (I'm on Enbrel too, and used to be on Metholtrexate and Plaquenil) but the cortison freed up the joints to benefit from the other meds. I used to have the scary old lady gnarled hands.
 
vshah said:
do you use a natural keyboard? if i use a regular one for even an hour, my wrists start hurting. i'm sure you do...but just checking.
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<3 my Kinesis

kb_adv-blk720x471.jpg
 
AreaCode707 said:
I had injections done in my fingers in 2001 and combined with other treatments the inflammation has mostly stayed away for the last decade. 😀 I know that isn't all from the cortisone (I'm on Enbrel too, and used to be on Metholtrexate and Plaquenil) but the cortison freed up the joints to benefit from the other meds. I used to have the scary old lady gnarled hands.
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You are correct, sometimes the inflammation causes additional irritation that causes additional inflammation. This is a cycle that sometimes can be resolved by using an injection to stop the cycle and allow the injury to heal properly.

I am not a Dr, just friends with lots and love to learn 🙂
 
My wife gets injections to her SI joints every 4-ish months. It's like that for her as well...immediate and amazing relief.

OP, did the Enbrel replace the methotrexate and plaquenil, or are you still on another immunosuppresant? My wife started Benlysta infusions for SLE, also a TNF inhibitor I think. But her rheumatologist had her stay on the plaquenil.

Different conditions so different treatments, just curious.
 
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Mr. Pedantic said:
How come you're not on immunosuppression anyway?
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That shit destroys your world. I have to oral steroids every once in a while when ezcema gets really bad, and I'll basically do anything to avoid having to take it. Second worst side effects I've ever experienced.

My mother has to get those shots for her shoulders. Seems to last years for her; I assume it's different for everyone though.
 
My wife's specialist told her he couldn't give her any more shots for her carpal tunnel, that she needs to get the operation. She either needs to go doctor shopping or get the operation. The typical outlook for carpal tunnel surgery is not all hearts and flowers and considering her recent failed back surgery I doubt she'll opt for the surgery.
 
Mr. Pedantic said:
How come you're not on immunosuppression anyway?
Click to expand...

I am, currently on Enbrel.

Gooberlx2 said:
My wife gets injections to her SI joints every 4-ish months. It's like that for her as well...immediate and amazing relief.

OP, did the Enbrel replace the methotrexate and plaquenil, or are you still on another immunosuppresant? My wife started Benlysta infusions for SLE, also a TNF inhibitor I think. But her rheumatologist had her stay on the plaquenil.

Different conditions so different treatments, just curious.
Click to expand...
Enbrel replaced the mtx and Plaquenil for me, though I think they may add Plaquenil back in next dr appt. When I turned 21 and started drinking wine a few days a week (not day before/of/after the mtx), I got really concerned about the mtx/liver affects and asked to be taken off.

Enbrel's been enough alone for the last 3 or 4 years but it seems to be wearing a little thing, enough reason to beef it up with the plaquenil again. Will see in 2 months.
 
Squisher said:
My wife's specialist told her he couldn't give her any more shots for her carpal tunnel, that she needs to get the operation. She either needs to go doctor shopping or get the operation. The typical outlook for carpal tunnel surgery is not all hearts and flowers and considering her recent failed back surgery I doubt she'll opt for the surgery.
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That sucks, but yeah I think there's a lifetime per joint cap on cortiosteroid injections. 🙁

I had spinal surgery on C1/C2 in 2005 and it worked out great. Surgery and recovery sucks and I'm sorry your wife's surgery wasn't successful, but I'd probably look at hand/wrist surgery in the future if I ever was at that point.

One of you geniuses go invent me a lifetime hip and knee and shoulder and elbow replacement please, before I actually need them? I hate the idea of having to redo the surgery every 10-20 years because I'm wearing through the replacement parts.

I hope by the time I need those big replacements they've got awesome cyborg technology available. "Yes, I think I'll take the robotic AI hip over a basic joint replacement please!"
 
There's usually two medications in the injection. One is a local anesthetic that works immediately, and then the steroid that will kick in after a day or so.
 
soulcougher73 said:
You do know that didnt actually fix your problem right? It is still there. You just cant feel it right now.
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Gee, way to burst my bubble, Captain Obvious. Read the thread:
I had injections done in my fingers in 2001 and combined with other treatments the inflammation has mostly stayed away for the last decade. 😀 I know that isn't all from the cortisone (I'm on Enbrel too, and used to be on Metholtrexate and Plaquenil) but the cortison freed up the joints to benefit from the other meds.
Click to expand...

RA damage is irreversible but combinations of meds can slow, stall and control the damage and inflammation. Cortisone is simply a part of a treatment regimen. But thanks for interrupting my mini-celebration of a pain-free day with a reminder that the rest of my life will continue to be filled with continued agony, much appreciated.
 
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