MCTD Support Group

Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) or Sharp's syndrome is a human autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body. MCTD combines features of polymyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and systemic scleroderma and is thus considered an overlap syndrome. MCTD commonly causes joint pain/swelling, Raynaud phenomenon, muscle inflammation, and scarring of...

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Joint Injections

dawnc4t
dawnc4t
How do others get on with the joint injections ?This will be my first in my ankle and the rheumatologist mentioned not walking for 2 days and they do a scan to ensure they get the right place lol here's hoping they do .Also told I have carpal tunnel syndrome and left armed with splints .
MToennis
MToennis
I have found the joint injections can be great for the pain. Only problem I have found is the systemic impact. They will tell you that the cortisone stays in the joint but I know that about 5 to 10 days later I get a steriod high, my appetite increases (I could eat your old dirty socks!), and I cannot shut up! Got to say, I feel wonderful! But gain 10 to 15 lb in a very short time. Some of it comes off easily, probably water, but always have 5 lb. or so that sticks. Now, as for long term relief, it has been mixed. With my feet, it really didnt work. With my shoulder, what an improvement! Took 2 shots ( about 3 months apart) and physical therapy and my shoulder got 95% better and is still better. Some soreness at times, but not the lack of ability to use and not the excruciating pain I had.
Hope you get good results and I will be interested in how it worked for you!
Mary Ann
deleted_user
deleted_user
Fluoro guieded injections are the best thing ever invented. I bet you'll find that you'll get a lot of pain relief from it. Systemic effects aside...when they can dump the meds right in the joint...it makes a big difference. Some folks like mary ann have to have more than one...but usually not with the fluoro guided. Then ankle is a pretty tough spot to inject and they usually don't do it blindly.

Good luck...I hope it goes or went well.
MToennis
MToennis
The shoulder shot was in the joint. The foot ones were in the plantar fascia in the heel. The foot was hurt like hell! But the shoulder one was not very painful. A little deep pain but really not bad! Hope the ankle shot helps!
Mary Ann