Cortisone shot?

Martha · Post by **Martha** » Thu Sep 03, 2020 12:45 pm

I've had pain in my shoulder for about a year, and it's getting worse. My PCP prescribed a topical NSAID in May, thinking that since it's topical, it wouldn't cause diarrhea. Wrong. I've been dealing with diarrhea since then, after only using the topical NSAID for 4 days.

My doctor thinks the pain is bursitis, and is now referring me to an orthopedic doctor. She said he would probably give me a cortisone injection. I haven't made an appointment with the orthopedist yet, but I wanted to ask if anyone here has had a cortisone injection, and whether it's likely to set off my MC. I don't want to make things any worse than I already have in the MC department! There's no point in seeing a specialist if I'm not going to follow his suggestions.

The pain in my shoulder is bothersome, and limits the range of motion of my arm, but is not unbearable.

Thanks for any insight or advice you can give me. Please be assured that I know none of you are giving medical advice; only your own experiences and thoughts.

Martha

Post by **tex** » Thu Sep 03, 2020 9:48 pm

Hi Martha,

The only cortisone shot I ever had in my life was when I was 11, 68 years ago, and it saved my life. I had a bad asthma reaction and my parents said I was turning blue, so they called the local small town doctor, who came right out at 2 0'clock in the morning and gave me a shot.

Regarding the risk that it might trigger an MC reaction, I would think that risk is low, since steroids are used to treat MC.

Tex

Erica P-G · Post by **Erica P-G** » Fri Sep 04, 2020 12:38 pm

Hi Martha,

I've had a cortisone shot in my elbow....probably 10 years ago now and I don't recall it upsetting me or causing more issue at the time.

Cheers
Erica

shekoe · Post by **shekoe** » Fri Sep 04, 2020 3:45 pm

Hi,

I have had several cortisone shots since my CC diagnosis several years ago for both shoulder issues & knee arthritis. None of them caused a flare. All helped relieve the pain & inflammation. If you see the ortho, he/she may recommend physical therapy, which you should consider. You do not want to get a frozen shoulder which is more common in women. Good luck.

Grahm · Post by **Grahm** » Sat Sep 05, 2020 3:07 pm

Martha,

I’ve had shots in my shoulder, years ago and 2 yrs ago,in both Hips for bursitis. It helped me so much and didn’t cause me any problems at all. Of course, we’re all different. I’d say go for it!!

Love,
Connie

Zoey244 · Post by **Zoey244** » Mon Sep 07, 2020 2:44 pm

I had basal cell surgery on my nose and had two cortisone shots . No problem.

Martha · Post by **Martha** » Thu Sep 10, 2020 1:39 pm

Thanks for your responses, everyone. It gives me hope that a cortisone shot will be okay if that is what the doctor suggests.

The orthopedic surgeon's office finally called me with an appointment, after about 3 weeks. I see him next Thursday, a week from today.