Aa
Frustrated and still in pain
Well, I placed a call to the ortho office today as the cortisone injection has not made any difference in my hip pain. Fortunately, however, the strange side effects I was having from the injection have dwindled to a much more tolerable level (nausea, headache, MAJOR INSOMNIA). UN fortunately, however, the pain has not decreased.
When I first called, I explained to the scheduling person (they have a special scheduling number to make appointments so you can't go through the doc or PA that you have seen before) that I had seen the PA last week and had gotten a cortisone injection and she had told me if it didn't make an improvement in my pain, she wanted me to see the hip specialist and it hasn't helped my pain, so I needed to set up the appointment. I also explained that the PA had said she didn't know if they might want to get a hip MRI before I saw the specialist or if they would want to wait for me to see him before ordering the MRI. She checked his schedule and said the first appointment he had was for August 25 at 10 something in the morning. Of course, I wasn't very happy with that since it's so far away, but I took it and I asked to be put on their cancellation list in case he got any cancellations. Tehy said that was fine. They also told me that they wanted me to see the specialist first before ordering the MRI because since he WAS the specialist, he may decide he wants other things checked in teh scan at the same time, so hopefully we can avoid more than one scan. Now that one made sense to me! But I still got off the phone with them feeling very frustrated.
The more I thought about it a little while later, I decided to call back to the scheduling number and see if there was anything they could do to get me in sooner. I was able to speak to the same person I spoke with this morning, so that helped a little with not having to explain EVERYTHING again. But I did stress that the PA really felt I needed to see the hip specialist soon if the cortisone injection didn't help. I also told her about the side effects I have gotten from the injection and the fact that I've barely slept at all since the injection. I out and out told her I honestly didn't think I could wait over two weeks for an appointment and not end up at the ER. She put me on hold and apparently either went and pulled my chart or talked to teh PA that I had seen because when she came back on the phone she told me that yes, they did need to get me in and they could do so on 8/18 at 4:10 pm - so an entire week earlier! Of course, I would like it to be even sooner, but I will definitely take a week earlier appointment!
I am still on the cancellation list, so maybe, just maybe, there's still hope I can get in even sooner.
I'm not at all sure what this guy is going to want to try, but I'm willing to try just about anything - with the exception of another cortisone injection. Because of teh bad effects I've had from this one and the fact that it hasn't helped the pain at all, I don't feel like it would be worthwhile to try it again. I may, however, decide to reconsider that IF he wanted to try giving it in a different spot on the hip from where the PA gave it - I dont' know if that would make any difference as far as pain relief goes or not - will have to discuss that with him if he suggests trying it again.
I am just so ready to find out exactly WHAT is causing all this hip pain and to begin whatever treatment will give me some kind of relief. In the past week I've noticed myself how much my gait and even the way I sit has been affected by the hip pain and I know that's not good for the hip OR my already horrible knees. I'm carrying around a bed pillow with me everywhere I go because if I don't have that extra cushioning when I sit, I can't sit for more than about 30 seconds before being in excrutiating pain. When the hip pain began over a month ago, I could get a little relief by going in and laying down in bed for a while - but that doesn't help at all anymore - one reason I'm not sleeping. I no sooner get into a semi-comfortable position and start to doze off and BAM the pain comes back with a vengeance, so I spend my entire night either tossing and turning trying to get comfortable in bed or going from the bed to the couch to the chair to standing to pacing. If I'm lucky I sometimes manage to get maybe 1 1/2 - 2 hours total of sleep a night and even that much is rare and not all in one shot - usually 10-15 minute "cat naps" that total up to that amount. My brain has definitely begun to turn to mush from the lack of sleep.
I just wanted to give an update on how things were going - everyone was so great last week when i was having the initial problem with the injection and I know several of you asked me to let you know what I find out. So basically right now things are pretty much the same - pain wise - side effects from the shot have dwindled but not disappeared - and I'm in a holding pattern waiting for the appointment with teh hip specialist.
If anyone has any special prayers that make dr appointments magically become available, please send some my way! I'd appreciate it!
Thank you again to all my MH friends for your wonderful support and advice.
When I first called, I explained to the scheduling person (they have a special scheduling number to make appointments so you can't go through the doc or PA that you have seen before) that I had seen the PA last week and had gotten a cortisone injection and she had told me if it didn't make an improvement in my pain, she wanted me to see the hip specialist and it hasn't helped my pain, so I needed to set up the appointment. I also explained that the PA had said she didn't know if they might want to get a hip MRI before I saw the specialist or if they would want to wait for me to see him before ordering the MRI. She checked his schedule and said the first appointment he had was for August 25 at 10 something in the morning. Of course, I wasn't very happy with that since it's so far away, but I took it and I asked to be put on their cancellation list in case he got any cancellations. Tehy said that was fine. They also told me that they wanted me to see the specialist first before ordering the MRI because since he WAS the specialist, he may decide he wants other things checked in teh scan at the same time, so hopefully we can avoid more than one scan. Now that one made sense to me! But I still got off the phone with them feeling very frustrated.
The more I thought about it a little while later, I decided to call back to the scheduling number and see if there was anything they could do to get me in sooner. I was able to speak to the same person I spoke with this morning, so that helped a little with not having to explain EVERYTHING again. But I did stress that the PA really felt I needed to see the hip specialist soon if the cortisone injection didn't help. I also told her about the side effects I have gotten from the injection and the fact that I've barely slept at all since the injection. I out and out told her I honestly didn't think I could wait over two weeks for an appointment and not end up at the ER. She put me on hold and apparently either went and pulled my chart or talked to teh PA that I had seen because when she came back on the phone she told me that yes, they did need to get me in and they could do so on 8/18 at 4:10 pm - so an entire week earlier! Of course, I would like it to be even sooner, but I will definitely take a week earlier appointment!
I am still on the cancellation list, so maybe, just maybe, there's still hope I can get in even sooner.
I'm not at all sure what this guy is going to want to try, but I'm willing to try just about anything - with the exception of another cortisone injection. Because of teh bad effects I've had from this one and the fact that it hasn't helped the pain at all, I don't feel like it would be worthwhile to try it again. I may, however, decide to reconsider that IF he wanted to try giving it in a different spot on the hip from where the PA gave it - I dont' know if that would make any difference as far as pain relief goes or not - will have to discuss that with him if he suggests trying it again.
I am just so ready to find out exactly WHAT is causing all this hip pain and to begin whatever treatment will give me some kind of relief. In the past week I've noticed myself how much my gait and even the way I sit has been affected by the hip pain and I know that's not good for the hip OR my already horrible knees. I'm carrying around a bed pillow with me everywhere I go because if I don't have that extra cushioning when I sit, I can't sit for more than about 30 seconds before being in excrutiating pain. When the hip pain began over a month ago, I could get a little relief by going in and laying down in bed for a while - but that doesn't help at all anymore - one reason I'm not sleeping. I no sooner get into a semi-comfortable position and start to doze off and BAM the pain comes back with a vengeance, so I spend my entire night either tossing and turning trying to get comfortable in bed or going from the bed to the couch to the chair to standing to pacing. If I'm lucky I sometimes manage to get maybe 1 1/2 - 2 hours total of sleep a night and even that much is rare and not all in one shot - usually 10-15 minute "cat naps" that total up to that amount. My brain has definitely begun to turn to mush from the lack of sleep.
I just wanted to give an update on how things were going - everyone was so great last week when i was having the initial problem with the injection and I know several of you asked me to let you know what I find out. So basically right now things are pretty much the same - pain wise - side effects from the shot have dwindled but not disappeared - and I'm in a holding pattern waiting for the appointment with teh hip specialist.
If anyone has any special prayers that make dr appointments magically become available, please send some my way! I'd appreciate it!
Thank you again to all my MH friends for your wonderful support and advice.
Once again, thank you ALL for your wonderfully kind words and concern. It really does help to know that I'm not alone in going through all this and that there really ARE people out there that not only understand, but are willing to LISTEN when/if I need to vent.
Namnam - I'm sorry that you missed my original post - I hope I didn't confuse you by this one or not give enough background information. I hope you feel free to visit my profile page if you'd like to read the previous posts. I was a little concerned about putting TOO much information in this post - didn't want it to turn into a novel - so therefore, I didn't give as much background information in this one as I've done before and perhaps as I should have done this time. But believe me, there is absolutely NO reason for you to apologize for not having been able to read the previous post/s - geesh, I mean, it's not like you're sitting around the house with absolutely nothing else to think about or be concerned with!!! Please don't be sorry at all.
Tuck - you're so right about us tending to settle for the first answer that we get. I do that all the time. I'm definitely not one to stand up for myself so this really was a big step for me and it helped - at least a bit! So maybe now I'll remember that and do it more often! If I had been even more assertive, there may have been a chance they would have given me one of those "urgent" appointments (if there were any still available), but I'm also leary about being TOO assertive and going into the appt with a new doc with possibly a notation on my chart or hard feelings with teh office staff. I certainly don't want to come off as being OVERLY pushy. I am very glad that I was able to stand up for myself enough to get the week earlier appointment. I had been going back and forth between heat and ice, but after I got the injection, the PA told me to stick more with the ice so that's what I've been doing. The ice does numb the hip, but of course, as soon as it starts to warm up, I realize that that's ALL it has done - is numb the hip and it really hasn't gotten rid of (or lessened) the pain. but I suppose two minutes of a "frozen" hip is better than not even getting that minimal time of relief. It's amazing, though, how my hip and butt haven't "shrunk" with using all this ice!!! The PA DEFINITELY hit SOME spot with the injection - she nearly had to peel me off the ceiling - but I agree, it's quite possible it wasn't THE spot - or perhaps there are more spots that need to be injected at the same time since my pain is not just in one spot. Maybe if they split the injection into a few different areas it might work better - but I'm also a little concerned that doing something like that would increase the likelihood of the side effects that I've had with this one. I've had cortisone injections in the past that I did not have these same side effects from, so they completely caught me off guard.
skmedlin - Thank you for your offer to chat - I'd love that! We all need someone who we can talk to - you're absolutely right that it does help. Feel free to contact me at any time!
Flower - It sure does sound like you've had a LOT of cortisone injections. You certainly explained how I felt/feel - the Energizer Bunny in pain was a very accurate description.
Namnam - I'm sorry that you missed my original post - I hope I didn't confuse you by this one or not give enough background information. I hope you feel free to visit my profile page if you'd like to read the previous posts. I was a little concerned about putting TOO much information in this post - didn't want it to turn into a novel - so therefore, I didn't give as much background information in this one as I've done before and perhaps as I should have done this time. But believe me, there is absolutely NO reason for you to apologize for not having been able to read the previous post/s - geesh, I mean, it's not like you're sitting around the house with absolutely nothing else to think about or be concerned with!!! Please don't be sorry at all.
Tuck - you're so right about us tending to settle for the first answer that we get. I do that all the time. I'm definitely not one to stand up for myself so this really was a big step for me and it helped - at least a bit! So maybe now I'll remember that and do it more often! If I had been even more assertive, there may have been a chance they would have given me one of those "urgent" appointments (if there were any still available), but I'm also leary about being TOO assertive and going into the appt with a new doc with possibly a notation on my chart or hard feelings with teh office staff. I certainly don't want to come off as being OVERLY pushy. I am very glad that I was able to stand up for myself enough to get the week earlier appointment. I had been going back and forth between heat and ice, but after I got the injection, the PA told me to stick more with the ice so that's what I've been doing. The ice does numb the hip, but of course, as soon as it starts to warm up, I realize that that's ALL it has done - is numb the hip and it really hasn't gotten rid of (or lessened) the pain. but I suppose two minutes of a "frozen" hip is better than not even getting that minimal time of relief. It's amazing, though, how my hip and butt haven't "shrunk" with using all this ice!!! The PA DEFINITELY hit SOME spot with the injection - she nearly had to peel me off the ceiling - but I agree, it's quite possible it wasn't THE spot - or perhaps there are more spots that need to be injected at the same time since my pain is not just in one spot. Maybe if they split the injection into a few different areas it might work better - but I'm also a little concerned that doing something like that would increase the likelihood of the side effects that I've had with this one. I've had cortisone injections in the past that I did not have these same side effects from, so they completely caught me off guard.
skmedlin - Thank you for your offer to chat - I'd love that! We all need someone who we can talk to - you're absolutely right that it does help. Feel free to contact me at any time!
Flower - It sure does sound like you've had a LOT of cortisone injections. You certainly explained how I felt/feel - the Energizer Bunny in pain was a very accurate description.
Hi.. I hope that they call back with an appointment. I had a doctor who gave me cortisone injections--many of them. I'd get a couple at a time (or a few)...every two weeks at one point. It was a lot for me. I hated them. I had the same symptoms that you describe. I remember not being able to sleep, but the worst part of it was that my pain was amplified. So I was in more pain and I felt like I was the Energizer Bunny. I remember being crazy wide awake and in awfully terrible pain. I'm running out of adjectives to describe how awful those cortisone shots were.
I hope that you feel better soon.
Flower
I hope that you feel better soon.
Flower
I can totally relate to you and the pain you are feeling. If you need someone to chat with please know I am here! Having someone to relate to helps out more than you would ever believe. At my new job I definitely feel a little alone having not met anyone in the Call Center experiencing the pain I know each & every day. Hope you feel better soon.
I cannot tell you how badly I feel for you and am so sorry for all the pain you have had to endure. I truly wish there was something more I could do for you besides wish you well.
How astute of you to make that second call. So often we settle for the first answer or no answer. I am glad that you were assertive enough to call back. I know for a fact that appointments are left open for urgent and emergency situations. The trick is convincing them that you are just that...Urgent. It's true that not everyday are these appts available for various reasons but there are several spots at least weekly that are open.
I am hoping that the time will go quickly for you. Does heat help? I use a product called ThermaCare on my hip or back which seems to give me short term reduction of pain. Maybe it's only because I think I am doing something, anything to help calm the roar of my pain.
I am glad that the side effects of the injection have subsided. Its possible that the NP did not "hit" the right site to be effective in pain. Maybe she was not as skilled as others in the injections. I agree with you that if the hip specialists want to repeat it, I'd give it another try.
Try to be good to yourself. Do the things that comfort you, what ever that may be. We are here to listen and offer support. I wish there was more that I could do besides wish you well. If wishes made you well you'd be fantastic!
You remain in my thought and prayers.
Post as you need to....we'll be waiting to hear from you.
Peace,
~Tuck
How astute of you to make that second call. So often we settle for the first answer or no answer. I am glad that you were assertive enough to call back. I know for a fact that appointments are left open for urgent and emergency situations. The trick is convincing them that you are just that...Urgent. It's true that not everyday are these appts available for various reasons but there are several spots at least weekly that are open.
I am hoping that the time will go quickly for you. Does heat help? I use a product called ThermaCare on my hip or back which seems to give me short term reduction of pain. Maybe it's only because I think I am doing something, anything to help calm the roar of my pain.
I am glad that the side effects of the injection have subsided. Its possible that the NP did not "hit" the right site to be effective in pain. Maybe she was not as skilled as others in the injections. I agree with you that if the hip specialists want to repeat it, I'd give it another try.
Try to be good to yourself. Do the things that comfort you, what ever that may be. We are here to listen and offer support. I wish there was more that I could do besides wish you well. If wishes made you well you'd be fantastic!
You remain in my thought and prayers.
Post as you need to....we'll be waiting to hear from you.
Peace,
~Tuck
I'm so sorry for what you are going through!!!
I DON'T know how I missed yoyr other post - BUT - I'm so sorry for what you have been going through!!!
Between the Nausea, Headache's and the MAJOR INSOMNIA that you have been having must have just done excruciating damage to your ENTIRE body!! NO one should ever have to go through all of this and for it to still be going on, at least to some degree, is just a TERRIBLE thing to have to go through continually day and night.
I'm VERY glad that you DID call your Doctor's Office and let them know what has been happening to you. This is ONE time that it's a VERY good thing to call your Doctor so that you can get some help or as in your case line up ANOTHER appointment that HOPEFULLY will get you the MUCH needed relief that you so DESERVE!!!
I'm SO glad that you are keeping us updated on what is happening with you while you are going through this pain.
Gemini, you were VERY smart to call them back to see if they couldn't do SOMETHING to get you in sooner!! How fortunate you were,that the Girl that you spoke to LISTENED to you and did something about it instead of JUST telling you that they couldn't do ANYTHING!!! It sounds like you are very fortunate to have a Doctor's Office that REALLY does care about their Patient's!!
Again, I'm SOOOO sorry that I missed your Original post BUT I'm REALLY happy for you being able to get in with the Hip Specialist!!
Good Luck, Sweetie and PLEASE let us know if you are able to get in EVEN earlier because of a CANCELLATION!!!
I'm keeping you in my Thoughts and Prayers (as well as keeping my fingers crossed) that SOMETHING will come up Quickly for you........Sherry
I DON'T know how I missed yoyr other post - BUT - I'm so sorry for what you have been going through!!!
Between the Nausea, Headache's and the MAJOR INSOMNIA that you have been having must have just done excruciating damage to your ENTIRE body!! NO one should ever have to go through all of this and for it to still be going on, at least to some degree, is just a TERRIBLE thing to have to go through continually day and night.
I'm VERY glad that you DID call your Doctor's Office and let them know what has been happening to you. This is ONE time that it's a VERY good thing to call your Doctor so that you can get some help or as in your case line up ANOTHER appointment that HOPEFULLY will get you the MUCH needed relief that you so DESERVE!!!
I'm SO glad that you are keeping us updated on what is happening with you while you are going through this pain.
Gemini, you were VERY smart to call them back to see if they couldn't do SOMETHING to get you in sooner!! How fortunate you were,that the Girl that you spoke to LISTENED to you and did something about it instead of JUST telling you that they couldn't do ANYTHING!!! It sounds like you are very fortunate to have a Doctor's Office that REALLY does care about their Patient's!!
Again, I'm SOOOO sorry that I missed your Original post BUT I'm REALLY happy for you being able to get in with the Hip Specialist!!
Good Luck, Sweetie and PLEASE let us know if you are able to get in EVEN earlier because of a CANCELLATION!!!
I'm keeping you in my Thoughts and Prayers (as well as keeping my fingers crossed) that SOMETHING will come up Quickly for you........Sherry
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Pain Management Community
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
Could it be something you ate? Lack of sleep? Here are 11 migraine triggers to look out for.
Find out if PRP therapy right for you.
Tips for preventing one of the most common types of knee injury.
Here are 10 ways to stop headaches before they start.
Tips and moves to ease backaches
