Tendonitis and shots

[risingeagle222]

First of all I am wondering how many cortisone shots are ok to have??? I hate them dang things but it's getting to where I can't stand it again.
Am I just a wimp or can tendonitis in your elbow cause terrible pain?? I guess I always thought it wasn't a big deal but wow it is really painful.
Just wondered if anyone else may have any experience with this???
Thanks!

[lfoster21]

Hi there, I am afraid I can not help you with an answer, since I do not have Tendinitis, but I have Bursits and if it is anything similar...I understand totally. As far as bein a wimp, I say if it is painful to you, then that is all that matters. I don't believe in any type of comparison when it comes to living with pain. Do you know if your injections are called "trigger injections"? I am about to have those and if you know what they are like, I'd love your input on that.

I will keep you in my prayers and I am sure others will be around shortly to help a little more than I can.

Lorie

[sparkey]

In the beginning of my injury they thought i had tendonitis. I got two cortisone injections in my thumb. Actually i think it helped at the time as i was not even able to cut meat at dinner time or hold a fork. Now i can do it.

I am not sure how many you can have, but if it does not work a few times ( 3 ) i would surely give up and try something different. My husband is only allowed 3 shots in his back for that. He is actually going Monday for his second one. A few years ago he needed 3 total to feel better. Maybe there is a search you can do, or ask the doctor if there is a limit to the number of shots.

[halftrak]

I currently have tendonitis in my right arm and am just wearing a brace for now but it is not helping, i have had cortisone shots in my left elbow but only had 2 I believe, that was a couple of years ago. Also had 2 cortisone shots at once in both shoulder blades.I don't know if there is a limit, now on epidural steroidal injections, there is a limit in either a 6 month time span or like 3 in a year, someone correct me if I am wrong.The cortisone shots do hurt like hell and only lasted me a short time.Halftrak

[Bummer Knees]

When I had the cortisone shots in my knee the ortho told me 3 only in a years time.

[Lilly]

Hi risingeagle,
Several yrs ago I got a terrible case of tendonitis in the elbow and the pain I felt in the forearm connecting to elbow was pretty bad. Nothing, made that deep aching pain go away. Dr. wanted to do surgery on the nerve that controls one's entire arm....i knew better than to have some work Dr quack touch this area....so i simply asked my massage therapist if she could help me.....She said yes! AND SHE DID! It was quite painful to have her work on that tendon and surrounding area but by her skilled kneading and massage of trigger points, SHE is the one who got me over it completely. As I recall, I made a trip to her about every 2 weeks for several months. I have never had another problem. Are you a wimp? ABSOLUTELY NOT! Tendonitis is painful as heck!
Of course the other problem is who paid for it? I did.
Lilly

[kitty]

I had severe tendonitis and tennis elbow in both arms. I had 3 cortisone injections in my right arm and one in my left. The only ones that worked for me were the first ones.

I don't know if there is a limit, but what I do know is that you have to wait a specific amount of time in between each shot because it breaks down the tissue inside, so that tells me that it can't be good to get too many shots.

I did everything in my power to not have to have the inevitable surgery that I had. I did physical therapy and shots over the course of 3 years before I finally decided enough was enough. I had both my arms operated on last year and it has improved dramatically, however I did not return to the former job where I was injured and if I over do it at home I still feel it sometimes but nowhere near as bad as it was.

I do get very paranoid that it will come back and it's always on my mind. I'm going to try strength training at home to see if it will help keep my symptoms at bay.

[lil_conner23]

As far as I know, I've had nothing but bad experiences with cortizone injections. The previous doctor I seen thought I had tendonitis and I received several injections in my wrist. I was practically numb in that area for nearly 3 days. Whenever I went back to the doctor, he claimed that they worked and that's when he decided my pisiform bone should be removed. However, I still have the same pain and continue to have various other problems due to his "cotizone injection theory." I've worn a brace for over a year and still continue to wear one to this day. These weren't thee only injections I received though, I probably have had five total. Now I don't know how true this is, because someone just said this to me during the time I was getting them. I heard too many can do something to your heart? So I really don't know if getting them frequently is such a great idea...