Cortisone Shot

[gramma3]

I had a cortisone shot in my heel yesterday. Today my face is swollen and red hot, eyes are dry and I am retaining fluid-- noticeably in my hands/ fingers. My voice is getting hoarse. I think that I am having a reaction to the shot or some component of it. Called the dr. (podiatrist) office and told to take an antihistamine.
Wondering if anyone else has had this reaction and what helped to get rid of it.
I am hoping not to end up in the ER!

[gramma3]

I think that I had a reaction to the preservative component in the cortisone shot, acccording to my dr. suggestion. I took an antihistimine for two days and most of the negative reaction is gone. I will not be taking any cortisone shots from now on. Wish that I would have been adviced of the preservative in the shot as I would not have accepted it.
Thank you for your help.

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, welcome to the forum, there are two possibilities for such fluid retention which is abnormal accumulation of fluid in third compartment spaces like legs, abdomen and face etc. One, steroids like cortisone is also known t have mineralocorticoid action. This action involves retention of salt and water in the body i.e. it will not allow them to excrete through the kidney and in to urine. This will lead to subsequent accumulation of fluid. This occurs esp. in patients having heart problems.

Another possibility is angioedema due to allergy to formulation of the drug. It can also lead top swelling of face. You need to discontinue the drug and look for other options like anti histamines and other steroid preparations. You also need to get ECG and echocardiography if required to evaluate heart condition. I suggest you to consult physician. Do not worry, it will subside. Take care and regards.