Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction.

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lu2013 08/12/2013

Do they help? I used to be on Celebrex for arthritis in my SI joints, and now I also have bursitis in my hips (pain in my upper thigh on the side) and tendinitis. However, the Celebrex and NSAIDs have ruined my stomach and thus, they are no longer a pain / recovery option. I am going returning to my rheumatologist in a few weeks to get cortisiod shots for the tendinitis and bursitis.

1) Do the shots help?
2) How painful are they (esp considering that where I will be getting the shots...left shoulder and side upper thighs ) are super sore to begin with?

oceangypsy 08/12/2013

Hi lu2013. Sorry to hear you are dealing with this pain and your medications are no longer an option. I have had hydrocortisone shots in my right shoulder and hip in the past. The definitely helped with the bursitis in the shoulder area and the pain has not returned. Unfortunately for me the shot did not work as well in the hip....or maybe it did for a very short while and the pain was back. I ended up having a hip replacement because the joint was bone on bone. As far as the pain for having the shot....I think it depends on many factors..such as pain and soreness prior to shot and the person administering the injection. For me, the pain from the shot was short lived and the benefits far outweighed the pain involved. You should be fine and I do hope you receive prompt relief.

deleted_user 08/12/2013

Had shots in back they did help alot

lu2013 08/12/2013

Thanks for your replies. Pain in my upper thigh and shoulder are the worst at night, but still quite sore to the touch...kind of like really bad bruises. It'l be my rheumatologist giving the shot so imagine he's pretty good, but sound like it's gonna hurt.

ocean, so sorry about your hip. Hope the hip replacement has helped and you are better now.

Thewino 08/12/2013

Hey Lu,

I can totally relate to the NSAID's and your stomach as these medications tear my stomach up also.

I have had steroid shots in both knees, the series of Synvisc shots in my left knee three times, and three rhizotomies in the lumbar area of my back (shots in my lower back using fluoroscopy to guide the needles).

I will admit they weren't fun but they have always been worth it as far as a longer reduction in pain.

I have never had injections into my shoulder or hips but I'm sure they are coming soon for me.

I always try to picture in my head a really nice vacation spot I have been to during the event to try and take my mind off the procedure.

I'm sorry you need these shots and I really hope they offer you some relief!

Good Luck,
TheWino

deleted_user 08/17/2013

Shots worked for me and yes i was alittle sore.

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