Am I allergic to Cortisone????

[heart2heart]

I've had cortisone injections many times before. Today I went in for a cortisone shot for DeQuervains Tensynovitis (sp?)
The pain was severe not responding to pain meds. A few minutes after the injection that hand and arm started getting red blotches and itching...like hives. I thought of going back but I didn't want to be shunted to the ER for Benedryl so I just waited to see what happens. The hives dissipated within a half hour.
I've never had a reaction like this, in fact I never have any reactions to cortisone.  I'm scared because I have to go back in 2 weeks. I need anohter cort shot- for my hip (bursitis),  I'm a 56 yo female with pain issues. Has anyone ever heard of a cortisone allergy? Btw, the doctor did put some Lidocaine with it.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Allergic reactions and sensitivities may develop with any drug. I think you should have gone back to the ER/the doctor who ordered the injection, so that the cause could have been ascertained as to allergy and if yes, which component of the med gives, since these may have various components.

This may also be due to the lidocaine or any other preservative present. However, there are many causes for allergies and the cause in each specific case may need a seperate evaluation.

Hope this helped. let me know if you need more information.

[jmom3]

I will never get one of those again and have issues with needles since mine. I had it in my wrist and got an infection which was misdiagnosed several times as an allergic reaction. I knew something was wrong right away when the numbness did not go away. I too was to go back one week later and get another but did not. I remember I was on celebrex and broke out into hives and it was after I stopped taking these that it swelled and did not go away. I had an appointment with a specialist a few weeks later a specialist and after one look they knew it was infected. My hand was very swollen even the fingers and very painful. I was admitted to the hospital and had surgery and IV antibiotics for a week! Now I say I am allergic to celebrex and don't suggest cortisone shots. Jus hearing or saying it makes me cringe! This was over 5 years ago! Good Luck!

[heart2heart]

Wow, that was a terrible experience you had!  I have no allergy to  Celebrex or any NSAIDS- except some of them give me stomach problems - Celebrex is the easiest on my stomach.  Like I mentioned, I've had lots of cortisone injections - when you have bursitis in your shoulder the pain is horrible - you can't raise your arm. I have to get shots in my shoulders every year. The wrist pain is gone from DeQuervains, those cortisone shots were a godsend to me, but now I'm starting to getting worried because of this reaction. Thank you for your comment abount prayer, I'm living with pain for 30 years (started with fibro) and while I continue to pray I figure I also have to use the instruments God gives us on earth, namely medical care.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Have you been any better since? Were you able to contact the the healthcare provider who delivered the injection in your body?

How is the allergy now? Has it been any better?

I would like to know more about what has happened to you since. Please keep me posted. Thanks and regards