Aa
Here we go again
This isn't so much a question - much more just a need to vent. I hope that's ok.
As some of you may know, I've been having pretty bad hip pain issues for the past couple of months now. I also suffer from other chronic pain issues, so this has just been adding to my daily pain.
I've been to my regular doctor, who sent me to an ortho doc about the hip. The ortho doc originally thought all my hip pain was coming from a pinched nerve in my back, so she ordered an MRI of my lumbar spine (even though I kept telling her 99% of my pain was in my hip and not my back). The MRI did show a couple of trapped nerves with some DDD, however, the location of the trapped nerves would not account for my hip pain, so the ortho FINALLY agreed that the pain was probably related to the hip itself rather than my back (DUH - why don't they listen!!). Anyway - at that visit to go over the MRI results, she did a cortisone injection in the hip and told me that if I didn't get relief from that in a couple of days, she wanted me to see their hip specialist at their office. Not only did I not receive ANY relief from the cortisone injection, I experienced the WORST steroid side effects that I have ever had. I've taken steroids orally many times for my asthma, arthritis, lupus, etc. and have also had cortisone injections done in both knees and my right shoulder and have never experienced the severity of side effects that I had with that injection. I had severe pain (she told me I might experience a "slight" increase in pain for a day afte rthe injection - NOT slight is what I had!), dizziness, nausea, insomnia that was so much worse than what I deal with on a nightly basis, extreme sweating (it was literally pouring off of me while I was sitting in an air conditioned house that was set at 65 degrees).
Anyway - since I hadn't gotten any relief from that injection, I made an appointment with the hip specialist. He did tell me that I am eventually going to need hip replacements for both hips, but fortunately, we are not at that point yet (good news). I've also already been told that I need to have both knees replaced, but am trying to postpone that surgery as long as possible also. He wanted me to get another cortisone injection, but this time with xray guidance - he said that the injection that was done in the office was pretty much useless because without the xray guidance, they can't be sure they get it IN the joint and that could be why I dind't get any relief.
Soooo - I made the appointment for the xray guided injection - it actually was for last week, but I ended up sick and called them and they suggested that I reschedule since it's a steroid and that would only lower my resistance more. so I did and the appointment was rescheduled for this morning.
The injection itself actually went pretty good - when they gave me the lidocaine to numb the area first was the most painful part, but once the lidocaine took effect, I felt pressure, but no real pain. The pressure I felt in my hip when they injected the actual steroid was pretty intense, as it feels like your hip is being pumped full of air, but again, just pressure and not real pain. I'm sure it would have been quite different if I hadn't had the lidocaine though.
They must have given me a really good dose of the lidocaine too, or it was a combination of that and the numbing agent that is in the steroid injection intself - because the entire front of my thigh and my hip was numb for about 4 hours afterward - which was actually great. Oh yeah - I thought it was great UNTIL the lidocaine started to wear off!!
I'm now not only experience a great increase in pain (not quite as bad as last time, but getting close), but I've also now started to experience some of the same side effects that I had with the last injection - sweating, nauseas, bad headache. I'm hoping this is just a temporary increase in the pain and after the steroid really takes effect (they said it could take 48-72 hours to take a good hold) that the pain will decrease a lot, but right now I'm just soooo frustrated and upset. Why is it that the "treatment" has to make you feel so much worse than the original condition?!
Anway - like I said, I don't really have a question, but really just needed to vent. However, if anyone has any suggestions as to things I might try to help ease the pain, they'd be greatly appreciated. I've already taken my pain meds, as well as some ibuprofen (they suggested using that, and even though I normally don't take it because it messes up my stomach, I figured my stomach was already a mess so I might as well try it) and have been using ice packs. I've also taken my muscle relaxer.
As some of you may know, I've been having pretty bad hip pain issues for the past couple of months now. I also suffer from other chronic pain issues, so this has just been adding to my daily pain.
I've been to my regular doctor, who sent me to an ortho doc about the hip. The ortho doc originally thought all my hip pain was coming from a pinched nerve in my back, so she ordered an MRI of my lumbar spine (even though I kept telling her 99% of my pain was in my hip and not my back). The MRI did show a couple of trapped nerves with some DDD, however, the location of the trapped nerves would not account for my hip pain, so the ortho FINALLY agreed that the pain was probably related to the hip itself rather than my back (DUH - why don't they listen!!). Anyway - at that visit to go over the MRI results, she did a cortisone injection in the hip and told me that if I didn't get relief from that in a couple of days, she wanted me to see their hip specialist at their office. Not only did I not receive ANY relief from the cortisone injection, I experienced the WORST steroid side effects that I have ever had. I've taken steroids orally many times for my asthma, arthritis, lupus, etc. and have also had cortisone injections done in both knees and my right shoulder and have never experienced the severity of side effects that I had with that injection. I had severe pain (she told me I might experience a "slight" increase in pain for a day afte rthe injection - NOT slight is what I had!), dizziness, nausea, insomnia that was so much worse than what I deal with on a nightly basis, extreme sweating (it was literally pouring off of me while I was sitting in an air conditioned house that was set at 65 degrees).
Anyway - since I hadn't gotten any relief from that injection, I made an appointment with the hip specialist. He did tell me that I am eventually going to need hip replacements for both hips, but fortunately, we are not at that point yet (good news). I've also already been told that I need to have both knees replaced, but am trying to postpone that surgery as long as possible also. He wanted me to get another cortisone injection, but this time with xray guidance - he said that the injection that was done in the office was pretty much useless because without the xray guidance, they can't be sure they get it IN the joint and that could be why I dind't get any relief.
Soooo - I made the appointment for the xray guided injection - it actually was for last week, but I ended up sick and called them and they suggested that I reschedule since it's a steroid and that would only lower my resistance more. so I did and the appointment was rescheduled for this morning.
The injection itself actually went pretty good - when they gave me the lidocaine to numb the area first was the most painful part, but once the lidocaine took effect, I felt pressure, but no real pain. The pressure I felt in my hip when they injected the actual steroid was pretty intense, as it feels like your hip is being pumped full of air, but again, just pressure and not real pain. I'm sure it would have been quite different if I hadn't had the lidocaine though.
They must have given me a really good dose of the lidocaine too, or it was a combination of that and the numbing agent that is in the steroid injection intself - because the entire front of my thigh and my hip was numb for about 4 hours afterward - which was actually great. Oh yeah - I thought it was great UNTIL the lidocaine started to wear off!!
I'm now not only experience a great increase in pain (not quite as bad as last time, but getting close), but I've also now started to experience some of the same side effects that I had with the last injection - sweating, nauseas, bad headache. I'm hoping this is just a temporary increase in the pain and after the steroid really takes effect (they said it could take 48-72 hours to take a good hold) that the pain will decrease a lot, but right now I'm just soooo frustrated and upset. Why is it that the "treatment" has to make you feel so much worse than the original condition?!
Anway - like I said, I don't really have a question, but really just needed to vent. However, if anyone has any suggestions as to things I might try to help ease the pain, they'd be greatly appreciated. I've already taken my pain meds, as well as some ibuprofen (they suggested using that, and even though I normally don't take it because it messes up my stomach, I figured my stomach was already a mess so I might as well try it) and have been using ice packs. I've also taken my muscle relaxer.
I'm so sorry I came late to your post, Gemini! I'm also sorry you're having some of the same bad side-effects that you had last time! I feel for you. The injections I had in my neck were pretty rough on me as well. When I had them I was on LT meds but nothing for BT pain. So they would prescribe some percoset to get me through the first couple of days after the injections. I have also heard that the injections can cause further joint degeneration and one Neurosurgeon said that they make the tendons less limber. Although I have heard that some people have great results with them and only need to go in for the injections and not take anything for pain.
When not pregnant I've taken Zantac and Tagament (now OTC). I found they worked pretty well for me, better than the Prilosec I took for a while. I think everyone is different on what works, though.
I also found that I could take the regular advil/ibuprofen tablets but NOT the gel caps. The gel caps were awful on my stomach.
I was prescribed Reglan for nausea and I found it gives me some of the same feelings of when I've had to take steroids. I get really jumpy and my heart races and pounds. I had to go back to the Phenergen because of it.
If you have a bathtub, I definetly recommend taking a lot of hot baths. I've started to get some hip, lower back, and leg pain with this pregnancy and I find baths can knock the pain right out for a short time. That pain comes and goes, though, and I know it's not nearly as severe as usual chronic hip pain.
I hope that you feel a lot better soon! We are always here to listen and support you just as you're always here for us. I also hope you're able to rest some. It's awful to lay awake while we're in pain.
When not pregnant I've taken Zantac and Tagament (now OTC). I found they worked pretty well for me, better than the Prilosec I took for a while. I think everyone is different on what works, though.
I also found that I could take the regular advil/ibuprofen tablets but NOT the gel caps. The gel caps were awful on my stomach.
I was prescribed Reglan for nausea and I found it gives me some of the same feelings of when I've had to take steroids. I get really jumpy and my heart races and pounds. I had to go back to the Phenergen because of it.
If you have a bathtub, I definetly recommend taking a lot of hot baths. I've started to get some hip, lower back, and leg pain with this pregnancy and I find baths can knock the pain right out for a short time. That pain comes and goes, though, and I know it's not nearly as severe as usual chronic hip pain.
I hope that you feel a lot better soon! We are always here to listen and support you just as you're always here for us. I also hope you're able to rest some. It's awful to lay awake while we're in pain.
I just wanted to comment on the hip replacement issue's for those that might need them. I'm 34 now and at 27 I had a total hip replacement due to an injury. It has made a night and day difference in my life having it done. I still race motorcycles and stay very active. The surgeon knows this and doesnt have a problem with it. I just went last month for a check up and x-rays. The surgeon said the hip replacement looks like it was brand new still.....no loosening or wear could be detected at all. I know the risk of racing motocross with a hip replacement, but I still want to live and enjoy my life. I would 100% recommend having one if it's an option, rather than waiting for it to get really bad and painful.
Jaybay - I've really been wanting to get one of those select number mattresses - I really think it would help my sleep tremendously, but they are just soooooo expensive!! I think it's really a shame that insurance doesn't cover at least a portion of something like that that would really make such a difference in a chronic pain patient's life - you would presume they would think of it as them being able to save money in the long run with doctor visits, medications, surgeries, etc., but apparently not.
I was on the Ambien CR for a while until my insurance decided it was not going to cover it any longer, I'm presuming because there is no generic available for it yet. They do cover the regular Ambien, though, but of course that does have a generic form.
I have the same issues with any type of anti inflammatory, even the Celebrex which is supposed to be easier on the stomach. I'm allergic to Naproxyn, so that one is definitely out ofthe picture. I actually shouldn't take ANY anti inflammatories becasue they tend to raise my blood pressure quite a bit - anotehr reason I don't take them very often.
Tuck - Please never apologize for a late response. You certainly have TONS on your own plate to worry about. I do always appreciate your responses, though, and welcome any advice you can give at any time.
I'm sure you're right about the reactions I'm having just being the way my body reacts to the steroids - I think that I've been on them so often in my life that they now tend to really play havoc with my body. Unfortunately, there are some times that they are absolutely necessary though - they have quite literally saved my life numerous times.
Some joint problems also run in my family, however, I seem to have gotten the "mega" dose of them - again, possibly at least in part to my having to use steroids quite often.
You were asking my age - I turned 47 in June. I guess still considered "relatively young" for joint replacements, but I've already had one shoulder replaced about two years ago. Mine and my doctors' original thinking was the longer I can hold off on the knees and hips, the longer I would (hopefully) be able to go before having to have them redone - and possibly not ever have to have them redone, depending on my age when the original surgery is done. However, the pain and mobility issues are getting to teh point now that I'm seriously beginning to rethink that idea. I've also read and heard about relatively new knee replacements that are supposed to last like 30 years, so I'm definitel going to check more into those. I know the joint replacements will not get rid of all my pain, because the orthopedic issues are not my only chronic pain issues, but I do honestly feel they would improve my quality of life and allow me to be a good bit more mobile than I am able to be now.
I have tried both Prilosec and Protonix for my stomach. The Prilosec did barely anything for me - the Protonix worked pretty well actually - I had actually forgotten about that one (I have had it when I've been in the hospital before, but never as a "regular" prescription) - so I think I'll definitely ask my doctor about giving it a try.
My hip (knock on wood) actually does feel better today! WOO HOO!! I still have some achiness that I'm sure is stilla result of the injection, however, it is definitely not throbbing like a bad toothache like it was last night. And it doesn't hurt as bad when I move my leg as it has been, so I'm hoping beyond hope that this injection really has done a good job and things with the hip will only get better.
I'm still having some side effects from the steroid - some nausea (not quite as bad as last night, but still there), no sweating today, but definite flushing of face and chest (very common for me when I'm on steroids), and of course, what I refer to as Steroid Headache. I ALWAYS get bad headaches when I'm on steroids and they are miserable. However, if the injection works, then all these side effects are well worth it I feel. One thing I do like about the injection of steroids as opposed to the oral steroids, is that the injections don't tend to increase my appetite like the oral ones do. Whenever I'm on oral steroids, I'm pretty much in non-stop munch mode. The injectable ones don't do that to me - make me more thirsty, yes, but not so much teh uncontrollable hunger. So i'm very thankful for that.
Last night was pretty much a lost cause on sleep - between the pain and the insomnia, so I've been definitely moving in very slow motion today. I did manage to lay down and take about an hour's nap this morning about 10:00 and I'm hoping to get a little more rest later on today.
Again, thank you everyone for your comments and suggestions.
I was on the Ambien CR for a while until my insurance decided it was not going to cover it any longer, I'm presuming because there is no generic available for it yet. They do cover the regular Ambien, though, but of course that does have a generic form.
I have the same issues with any type of anti inflammatory, even the Celebrex which is supposed to be easier on the stomach. I'm allergic to Naproxyn, so that one is definitely out ofthe picture. I actually shouldn't take ANY anti inflammatories becasue they tend to raise my blood pressure quite a bit - anotehr reason I don't take them very often.
Tuck - Please never apologize for a late response. You certainly have TONS on your own plate to worry about. I do always appreciate your responses, though, and welcome any advice you can give at any time.
I'm sure you're right about the reactions I'm having just being the way my body reacts to the steroids - I think that I've been on them so often in my life that they now tend to really play havoc with my body. Unfortunately, there are some times that they are absolutely necessary though - they have quite literally saved my life numerous times.
Some joint problems also run in my family, however, I seem to have gotten the "mega" dose of them - again, possibly at least in part to my having to use steroids quite often.
You were asking my age - I turned 47 in June. I guess still considered "relatively young" for joint replacements, but I've already had one shoulder replaced about two years ago. Mine and my doctors' original thinking was the longer I can hold off on the knees and hips, the longer I would (hopefully) be able to go before having to have them redone - and possibly not ever have to have them redone, depending on my age when the original surgery is done. However, the pain and mobility issues are getting to teh point now that I'm seriously beginning to rethink that idea. I've also read and heard about relatively new knee replacements that are supposed to last like 30 years, so I'm definitel going to check more into those. I know the joint replacements will not get rid of all my pain, because the orthopedic issues are not my only chronic pain issues, but I do honestly feel they would improve my quality of life and allow me to be a good bit more mobile than I am able to be now.
I have tried both Prilosec and Protonix for my stomach. The Prilosec did barely anything for me - the Protonix worked pretty well actually - I had actually forgotten about that one (I have had it when I've been in the hospital before, but never as a "regular" prescription) - so I think I'll definitely ask my doctor about giving it a try.
My hip (knock on wood) actually does feel better today! WOO HOO!! I still have some achiness that I'm sure is stilla result of the injection, however, it is definitely not throbbing like a bad toothache like it was last night. And it doesn't hurt as bad when I move my leg as it has been, so I'm hoping beyond hope that this injection really has done a good job and things with the hip will only get better.
I'm still having some side effects from the steroid - some nausea (not quite as bad as last night, but still there), no sweating today, but definite flushing of face and chest (very common for me when I'm on steroids), and of course, what I refer to as Steroid Headache. I ALWAYS get bad headaches when I'm on steroids and they are miserable. However, if the injection works, then all these side effects are well worth it I feel. One thing I do like about the injection of steroids as opposed to the oral steroids, is that the injections don't tend to increase my appetite like the oral ones do. Whenever I'm on oral steroids, I'm pretty much in non-stop munch mode. The injectable ones don't do that to me - make me more thirsty, yes, but not so much teh uncontrollable hunger. So i'm very thankful for that.
Last night was pretty much a lost cause on sleep - between the pain and the insomnia, so I've been definitely moving in very slow motion today. I did manage to lay down and take about an hour's nap this morning about 10:00 and I'm hoping to get a little more rest later on today.
Again, thank you everyone for your comments and suggestions.
Hello Gemini,
Absolutely you may vent here any time. You've been through the mill. Sorry for my tardy response...yesterday was not good!
I have had trochanter bursitis for years and have had several rounds of steroid injections into the hip. Luckily I have never had the response you did. My hip pain has responded wonderfully well. It can't be your physicians because both your reactions were similar. It must be the way your poor hip/body is responding to the steroid. I am so very sorry.
My physician is extremely reluctant to prescribe steroids or recommend injections. I have heard, It'll rot your bones" as often as I have been heard that running with a sharp object will "Poke your eye out." Sometimes I think the pain couldn't be any worse, even if I had a "rot out" and I say as much to the practitioners!.
I use heat also. I've tried ice on my hip and it only increases the pain. But like you I do use ice after an injection. I know ice is recommend for inflammation but my joint just can't take it.
I hope you are feeling better this morning. You've have enough to contend with without adding hip pain. I don't remember you age but I encourage you to have replacement surgeries as soon as your physician approves them. It can make a huge difference in your level of pain.
"Bad knees" runs in my family. Every female by the age of 30 (or earlier) has had knee pain and eventually have had replacements or are waiting for them. After surgery their pain is all but gone...after years of seemingly needless suffering.
My stomach will not handle more than an occasional dose of a NSAID either. Prilosec is the only proton pump inhibitor that is effective on my gastrointestinal pain/GERD. Have you tried others beside the Prevacid?
I am sorry you struggle with sleep...I do also. I manage about 2-4 hrs a night. I wish I had a good suggestion for you for your insomnia but I've tried everything too and nothing has helped to any great degree.
I do hope that you are feeling better today. Rest when you can. As always I wish you the very best...come vent whenever you need it. We care.
~Tuck
Absolutely you may vent here any time. You've been through the mill. Sorry for my tardy response...yesterday was not good!
I have had trochanter bursitis for years and have had several rounds of steroid injections into the hip. Luckily I have never had the response you did. My hip pain has responded wonderfully well. It can't be your physicians because both your reactions were similar. It must be the way your poor hip/body is responding to the steroid. I am so very sorry.
My physician is extremely reluctant to prescribe steroids or recommend injections. I have heard, It'll rot your bones" as often as I have been heard that running with a sharp object will "Poke your eye out." Sometimes I think the pain couldn't be any worse, even if I had a "rot out" and I say as much to the practitioners!.
I use heat also. I've tried ice on my hip and it only increases the pain. But like you I do use ice after an injection. I know ice is recommend for inflammation but my joint just can't take it.
I hope you are feeling better this morning. You've have enough to contend with without adding hip pain. I don't remember you age but I encourage you to have replacement surgeries as soon as your physician approves them. It can make a huge difference in your level of pain.
"Bad knees" runs in my family. Every female by the age of 30 (or earlier) has had knee pain and eventually have had replacements or are waiting for them. After surgery their pain is all but gone...after years of seemingly needless suffering.
My stomach will not handle more than an occasional dose of a NSAID either. Prilosec is the only proton pump inhibitor that is effective on my gastrointestinal pain/GERD. Have you tried others beside the Prevacid?
I am sorry you struggle with sleep...I do also. I manage about 2-4 hrs a night. I wish I had a good suggestion for you for your insomnia but I've tried everything too and nothing has helped to any great degree.
I do hope that you are feeling better today. Rest when you can. As always I wish you the very best...come vent whenever you need it. We care.
~Tuck
Five hours is about my max on "real" sleep too. We've had a Tempurpedic mattress for over a year which has really helped, but once my hips have been in one position for a few hours nothing but moving makes a difference. I'm sure you know the drill!
Have you tried Ambien CR? The regular Ambien doesn't do good things to me. It just knocks me out immediately and I still wake up in 5 hours. The continued release formula worked really well, but with no generic equivalent it was too rich for my budget. Just as well I suppose. With the other mind-altering meds I'm on, I really don't want to be dependent on another one.
Advil doesn't do much for my hips anymore so I don't even bother with it. Aleve (naproxen) works pretty well but I can't take it very often because it trashes my stomach. Narcotics usually don't do much for bone pain, so it's worth exploring different anti-inflammatories. Lord knows there are a gazillion of them to choose from these days!
Hope you got at least a couple hours of solid shut-eye last night. I got my usual 5 and tossed and turned for another 2. LOL!
Have you tried Ambien CR? The regular Ambien doesn't do good things to me. It just knocks me out immediately and I still wake up in 5 hours. The continued release formula worked really well, but with no generic equivalent it was too rich for my budget. Just as well I suppose. With the other mind-altering meds I'm on, I really don't want to be dependent on another one.
Advil doesn't do much for my hips anymore so I don't even bother with it. Aleve (naproxen) works pretty well but I can't take it very often because it trashes my stomach. Narcotics usually don't do much for bone pain, so it's worth exploring different anti-inflammatories. Lord knows there are a gazillion of them to choose from these days!
Hope you got at least a couple hours of solid shut-eye last night. I got my usual 5 and tossed and turned for another 2. LOL!
Jaybay - Thank you for your response. The ortho hip specialist I saw said that I did have osteoarthritis in my hips (both, even though I'm only having trouble with teh one right now) and that's why he said I will be looking at hip replacements in the future. But we can't quite figure out why this issue has been pretty much a quick moving thing. I wasn't having any troubles with my hips - my knees, yes, but not my hips and then BAM, it seemed like one day out of the blue I started having the hip trouble. However, after seeing my own xrays and the doctor pointing things out to me, I know the trouble has been there for a good long while, but only now I guess rearing its ugly head.
I can't even imagine the pain you must have experienced when your doc hit bone with teh needle!! Knowing me, I probably would have completely chickened out of ever having another one done if that had happened to me.
I know steroids can be kind of a "wonder drug" sometimes, but they sure do have a lot of bad side effects. I do know (confirmed by the docs) that a lot of my joint issues that I have are due to my many, many years of having to take oral prednisone for my asthma and then for my lupus and arthritis. The steroids can definitely cause the bones to be more brittle. The doctor who did my injection today said that if this helps, they can do them 3-4 times a year for me - I'm not sure if my ortho will agree with that or not - he wasn't the one doing the injection, it was done at an interventional radiology place. It would be great if this does help and I can get them that often, but I also don't want to end up causing more problems down the road, so I'll just have to see.
I do take Prevacid on a daily basis, but find that even that doesn't help the stomach when it comes to any type of anti inflammatories for me. I've tried other stomach medications, but the Prevacid actually seems to work the best for me. I was on it when it was only available by prescription and now that it's available over the counter, I get it that way. I do try to at least have something on my stomach whenever I do break down and take an anti inflammatory, but again, it doesn't help much - I guess my system just plain doesn't like them.
I also usually use heat for my pain - it usually works better for me than the ice, but they made a point to tell me to use ice for at least the first 24 hours today as it will help keep any swelling down much better than heat will, so that's what I've been doing. the ice does numb it somewhat, so I guess that's good - at leats I get a little relief while it's "frozen" - LOL (j/k - I don't let it get THAT cold)
optimus - Thank you also for your reply and letting me know that it's ok to vent. Quite often I tend to keep everything bottled up until I'm just about ready to explode, so it's nice to know that I do have a place where I CAN come and let it out before it gets to the boiling point. You're absolutely right - just getting a couple of responses has made me feel much better - at least knowing I'm not alone in my pain and frustration.
I do have pain medication (Lorcet Plus) that I took earlier and am actually waiting to try to go to bed until it's time that I can take another one (in about 45 minutes). I know I desperately need to rest - I ALWAYS have a horrible time sleeping (take Ambien for it, but still only usually manage maybe 5 hours, which actually is much better than what I was averaging before the Ambien) - and I know tonight is definitely going to be a bad one sleep wise. I can definitely tell that the steroid is adding to my insomnia problems, same as it did with the last injection and usually does when I have to take the prednisone. There was a point in my life when I was on 120 mg a day of prednisone for about a year and a half straight and during that time, I was very, very lucky if I managed to get 2 - 2 1/2 hours of sleep a night the insomnia got so bad. I was surprised, though, at how little that lack of sleep seemed to affect me at that time - I suppose again because of the prednisone.
I'm going to go get another ice pack and bide my time until I can take some more pain meds and then see if I can lay down and at least close my eyes for a little bit - I've now got a major headache - another wonderful side effect of the steroid for me, as well as I'm sure the frustration and nervousness about today isn't helping it either.
Thank you both again for your kind words of encouragement and suggestions. I really appreciate them.
I hope everyone is able to have a restful night tonight.
I can't even imagine the pain you must have experienced when your doc hit bone with teh needle!! Knowing me, I probably would have completely chickened out of ever having another one done if that had happened to me.
I know steroids can be kind of a "wonder drug" sometimes, but they sure do have a lot of bad side effects. I do know (confirmed by the docs) that a lot of my joint issues that I have are due to my many, many years of having to take oral prednisone for my asthma and then for my lupus and arthritis. The steroids can definitely cause the bones to be more brittle. The doctor who did my injection today said that if this helps, they can do them 3-4 times a year for me - I'm not sure if my ortho will agree with that or not - he wasn't the one doing the injection, it was done at an interventional radiology place. It would be great if this does help and I can get them that often, but I also don't want to end up causing more problems down the road, so I'll just have to see.
I do take Prevacid on a daily basis, but find that even that doesn't help the stomach when it comes to any type of anti inflammatories for me. I've tried other stomach medications, but the Prevacid actually seems to work the best for me. I was on it when it was only available by prescription and now that it's available over the counter, I get it that way. I do try to at least have something on my stomach whenever I do break down and take an anti inflammatory, but again, it doesn't help much - I guess my system just plain doesn't like them.
I also usually use heat for my pain - it usually works better for me than the ice, but they made a point to tell me to use ice for at least the first 24 hours today as it will help keep any swelling down much better than heat will, so that's what I've been doing. the ice does numb it somewhat, so I guess that's good - at leats I get a little relief while it's "frozen" - LOL (j/k - I don't let it get THAT cold)
optimus - Thank you also for your reply and letting me know that it's ok to vent. Quite often I tend to keep everything bottled up until I'm just about ready to explode, so it's nice to know that I do have a place where I CAN come and let it out before it gets to the boiling point. You're absolutely right - just getting a couple of responses has made me feel much better - at least knowing I'm not alone in my pain and frustration.
I do have pain medication (Lorcet Plus) that I took earlier and am actually waiting to try to go to bed until it's time that I can take another one (in about 45 minutes). I know I desperately need to rest - I ALWAYS have a horrible time sleeping (take Ambien for it, but still only usually manage maybe 5 hours, which actually is much better than what I was averaging before the Ambien) - and I know tonight is definitely going to be a bad one sleep wise. I can definitely tell that the steroid is adding to my insomnia problems, same as it did with the last injection and usually does when I have to take the prednisone. There was a point in my life when I was on 120 mg a day of prednisone for about a year and a half straight and during that time, I was very, very lucky if I managed to get 2 - 2 1/2 hours of sleep a night the insomnia got so bad. I was surprised, though, at how little that lack of sleep seemed to affect me at that time - I suppose again because of the prednisone.
I'm going to go get another ice pack and bide my time until I can take some more pain meds and then see if I can lay down and at least close my eyes for a little bit - I've now got a major headache - another wonderful side effect of the steroid for me, as well as I'm sure the frustration and nervousness about today isn't helping it either.
Thank you both again for your kind words of encouragement and suggestions. I really appreciate them.
I hope everyone is able to have a restful night tonight.
Sometimes you just need to vent...let it all out! And that is what we are here for! To listen, support, help if we can...
I had my own "pity party" yesterday out of frustration and after a few of our wonderful MH family members replied, I felt so much better.
I am so sorry for the increase in pain that you are having...especially when the procedure was being done to relieve some pain...very discouraging for you I am sure.
I hope you are able to rest tonight...do you have anything else for your pain? Does heat or ice help? I am so sorry I can't be more helpful...
I'll be keeping you in my thoughts:)
I had my own "pity party" yesterday out of frustration and after a few of our wonderful MH family members replied, I felt so much better.
I am so sorry for the increase in pain that you are having...especially when the procedure was being done to relieve some pain...very discouraging for you I am sure.
I hope you are able to rest tonight...do you have anything else for your pain? Does heat or ice help? I am so sorry I can't be more helpful...
I'll be keeping you in my thoughts:)
I have the same kind of hip problems. In my case, it's osteoarthritis from years of joint abuse from ballet dancing. Ballet may be beautiful, but it's a killer on hips!
My pain doc has done two hip injections for me, both in her office. The first round gave me a few weeks of noticeable relief, and the worst part was when she hit bone with the needle on one side. Whoa! I can't even describe that feeling it was so awful and shot straight down my leg. At least it was gone as soon as she moved the needle, and the other side was no trouble. The second round was no big deal at all and it also lasted longer. My doc said I'm an easy stick because I'm so skinny and she can easily see the joint structure. LOL!
Since my doc doesn't like to do these more than once a year, I'm holding off until I know I'll be at my worst in the middle of winter. Apparently steroids cause more damage to the joint if done too often. There just never is a magic bullet, is there?
I know you don't want to add another pill to the mix, but can you take pepcid with the ibuprofen? I've gotten to the point that I rarely put any meds on my stomach without it. If it's contraindicated with your other meds, at least take it a little food. I've also found that soaking in a hot bath helps to calm down the hip pain - at least for a little while. Even better is our outdoor spa, but that's not exactly appealing in the summer heat and humidity. LOL!
My pain doc has done two hip injections for me, both in her office. The first round gave me a few weeks of noticeable relief, and the worst part was when she hit bone with the needle on one side. Whoa! I can't even describe that feeling it was so awful and shot straight down my leg. At least it was gone as soon as she moved the needle, and the other side was no trouble. The second round was no big deal at all and it also lasted longer. My doc said I'm an easy stick because I'm so skinny and she can easily see the joint structure. LOL!
Since my doc doesn't like to do these more than once a year, I'm holding off until I know I'll be at my worst in the middle of winter. Apparently steroids cause more damage to the joint if done too often. There just never is a magic bullet, is there?
I know you don't want to add another pill to the mix, but can you take pepcid with the ibuprofen? I've gotten to the point that I rarely put any meds on my stomach without it. If it's contraindicated with your other meds, at least take it a little food. I've also found that soaking in a hot bath helps to calm down the hip pain - at least for a little while. Even better is our outdoor spa, but that's not exactly appealing in the summer heat and humidity. LOL!
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