Side-Effects of Cortisone Shots

I had a cortisone shot to treat my plantar fasciitis. Before the shot, I was mostly just having trouble wearing shoes, I could see a swelling on my heel which made some shoes uncomfortable. Now, three weeks later, my heel is still sore when I put weight on it, so essentially I’m worse off than I was before. My foot doctor hasn’t been very helpful in this regard, I wore a boot cast for the last week or so to try and keep pressure off my heel while it would hopefully get better. Today, it is no better, and I’m getting worried. What might be causing this soreness, and what should I do about it?

I had the same thing…plantar fasciitis, BUT after having 3 cortozone shots and nothing working I stop getting the shots. You may not have plantar fasciitis, but a fibroid in the same area. My foot doctor said it was plantar fasciitis so it was treated as that and had physical therapy which helped somewhat. As time went on it got worse…went to a different foot doctor and what I had was a fibroid. He gave me a cortozone shot in that area and now the pain is gone. My other foot doctor gave the shot in the wrong area. So….you might want your foot doctor to give you an MRI to rule out a fibroid is growing. I wish mine did that when this first started. Now I might have to get it cut out in the future since it wasn’t discovered early on. Cortozone shots do work for pain management. Best of luck!!!!

I have had cortisone injections in the past but nevr had any bad reactions to them before. However I received another yesterday after 2 years and this morning I felt my face was very warm and when I looked in the mirror I saw my cheeks and nose were very red. I just wonder why I had a reaction this time and not before. It is easily covered by a light makeup coverage but kind of a nuisance and hope it does not last too much longer. But the reduction in my hand pain is worth the inconvenience.

I was wondering does fat atrophy(indentations)from cortisone shots go away at all?

I had a cortisone shot on Monday and have trouble sleeping ever since.
actually it is my third shot for the year in my elbow, no one has ever mentioned to me that there may be possible side effects. My sleep for the past three days has been very disturbed and I feel very low. Upon looking back I realise that every time that I have had this injection I have had this reaction. I felt fabulous before this shot. Now that I have been reading other peoples responses to cortisone I am extremely angry that never has it been mentioned to me that there may be any side effects!

I too have bad heel pain. Podiatrist & shoe inserts hadn’t helped much. My GP says I have a heel bruise. I’ve just had 2 cortisone injections in the heel (along with a shot of Pethideine to kill the pain).
The shots were quite painful- even with the Pethideine- BUT after 1 wk of NO PAIN I am convinced that it was worth it.

I had the same problem with the cortisone shots in the heals. I found an orthopedic guy that told me just to step on a lower step with my toes and bend down, that helped more than the shot did.

I had a cortisone shot in my elbow yesterday. Almost immediately it got much worse. Now it’s been 24 hrs and it’s still much worse. Every movement is very painful and I can’t bend it beyond 90 degrees. Anyone have a similar experience?

This will fall in the anecdotal category so for what its worth:
I received a cortisone injection into my shoulder joint for impingement syndrome yesterday about 0900. went to bed that evening about 2300. I Had a long day & should have been tired. Usually during winter I have cold extremities. Tonight I’m cranking out the heat and my thoughts are flying. I’m wondering if this might be a mild systemic effect of leaking steroid.

I had a cortisone injection for tennis elbow, the next day the pain was entirely gone, however, I became very anxious and felt filled with nervous energy, I don’t see any posts with this side effect so I was wondering if this was connected because its is a steriod

I had a cortisone Injection in my buttis for lower back pain and it got worse. After a couple of days got some better. Just got two injection today in my heels for heel spurils. My pain in my heel went away some but haveing real lower back pain and the pain runs all up my legs to my lower back can this be side effect from the injection?:(

I have granula annulare on my index finger. It is basically inflammation under the skin that causes big bumps, it had been getting pretty bad. I had cortisone injected in the bumps and it started working immediately. The next day the bumps were a lot smaller and I would say they were entirely gone within two weeks. It worked great and I didn’t feel bad at all.

I had a cortisone shot and broke out in a severe case of acne, all over my face, neck, upper back and scalp. My leg muscles felt like the were contracting. I had probelms going up and down steps and I had a lot of joint cracking. I ended up with a bacteria infection which spread to my tooth. I dealt with that for a full month and a week.

Bob, In response to your message – I have 2 series of cortizone shots in my back. The first had no adverse effect but after the second one, I began experiencing the feeling of a pounding chest and speeded up breathing & feeling like my metabolism had speeded up. I have been dealing with this for over 3 weeks now. Does anyone had experiences like that?

Had a second cordisone shot after 4 months in my hip (I have bursitis) and the next morning I felt great. The next day…throbbing pain back all over again. What happened? I am scheduled for a MRI in my lower back later this morning.

i got a cortisone shot i my left shoulder for inpingement, since then i have had terrible headaches pretty much every day though they come and go.I got my shot about 2 moths ago and am becoming frustrated because i almost never got headached before the shot. what can i do?

I had injections in my neck yesterday for posterior facet syndrome. When I had the initial appointment my doctor was very helpful. But he told me that I probably would not have pain the next day – only soreness from the needle injection sites. He was VERY WRONG. I’m so glad I took the appointment before the weekend because I could not be at work right now. It feels like my neck felt on my worse pain day times 10. Also, I COULD NOT SLEEP last night and thought I have had no caffeine or stimulants of any kind today, I feel agitated and awake, as if I had two redbulls or a quadruple shot of espresso. No one warned me about this or the pain and my docs office is closed so I cannot get him to call in for something for the pain. I hope I will feel better tomorrow and in the future. Also, my cheeks, face and chest are red as if I was just out in the sun too long but I was not. My advice to anyone is if you are going to get these shots, take the next couple of days off and stock up on pain pills and perhaps a sleep aid that you can take with the pain pills. no fun.

I have frozen shoulder (adhesive encapsilitus) and have tried everything including physical therapy to no avail and only adding to the pain and loss of movement. I had a cortisone injection on Wednesday. The injection probably hurt or actually felt more uncomfortable for 5 seconds. After the lidocaine wore of later in the evening I still had the pain I was experiencing. But the pain has gradually subsided and I am able to be free of the throbbing pain I have been experiencing. I will not hesitate to have another injection when and if the time comes. The only side effect has been some hot flushes, but that’s it.

Found this when looking for what the side effects are to cortisone?

Probably the most common side-effect is a ‘cortisone flare,’ a condition where the injected cortisone crystallizes and can cause a brief period of pain worse than before the shot. This usually lasts a day or two and is best treated by icing the injected area. Another common side-effect is whitening of the skin where the injection is given. This is only a concern in people with darker skin, and is not harmful, but patients should be aware of this.

Other side-effects of cortisone injections, although rare, can be quite serious. The most concerning is infection, especially if the injection is given into a joint. The best prevention is careful injection technique, with sterilization of the skin using iodine and/or alcohol. Also, patients with diabetes may have a transient increase in their blood sugar which they should watch for closely.

I had an injection in my left heel for what my foot doctor says in plantar faciitis, and now the problem has gotten far worst. I had gotten a shot several years ago in my elbow, which caused the whole arm to freeze. I know that I will never get another shot again. The pain now is far worse.

I had a cortisone shot approx 3 mos ago. No adverse reaction. Stopped limping for first time in approx 4 mos. Went back for another today. Pain worsened, feel hot, nauseous, and impatient. How long will this last?

I’ve had 2 injections now in my sacroiliac joint in my lower back. The first one hurt so much the week after it was done. I was dizzy and lightheaded for a couple days. The 2nd shot, I’ve had some hot flashes and I’ve noticed my eyesight is horrible. Has anyone else noticed a difference in their eyesight since these injections?

i had cortisone injections in my eye but now i take cortisone tablets because i have an inflimation in my eye which caused me 2 lose my vision. i ma 15 and i am worried about its side effects coz i have bean taking them for 6 months and the inflamation wont go away. my bones are paining, will the side effects heal after i stop taking cortisone??????? PLZ HELP

I had a cortisone shot for lower back pain. Six hours later I began having very severe hot flashes followed by extreme weakness. The feeling of anxiety was great, plus I felt nausous, with lack of appiete. I had elevated blood pressure,had tightness in my chest, and my face would flush. These systems are still going on after four days. I am very restless and can not sleep. When will these symptons go away? I will not take a chance on having another shot.

I got a cortisone shot yesterday… it has been about 36 hrs and I too have experienced a reduction in shoulder pain. Along with slight flushing, nervous energy, and mild irritability! Anyone else?

I received my first injections a week ago in both shoulders. I have had insomnia and continual sweats since. I had the usual “face flushing” the day after, but this is getting rediculous. My hands and feet are constantly cold, yet I continue to sweat, not perspire! Does anyone know how long this might last???

I had three cortisone injections in a two month period to treat Alopecia Areata. It was effective treatment, but I have experienced the worst mood swings and anxiety in my life. I have never experience any of this, and since I was going through somewhat stressful time, I didnot think much of it at first. Few days after taking the last shot, I felt my mood shifting constantly and my anxiety levels were out of control. It was one of the worst experiences in my life. I am doing well now, but make sure you take this into consideration before getting a cortisone shot.

I recieved injections in my knee on May 29th,2009. and since then I have had terrible headaches, vomiting, hot flashes,massive mood swings,elevated blood sugar,and I feel very shakey!…This is insane! Does anyone know how long this will last? I feel terrible!!! I had rather deal with the knee pain verses all this!

I had a shot a week ago,I’m now having trouble
sleeping and a tighting of muscles in legs and
my neck,it’s almost like I using a stimulant.

I have frozen shoulder since 6 months or so.. I did therapy for 6 weeks and the shoulder and the arm hurts like hell.. Im considering a cortisone shot tomorrow is my last hope.. Im in pain and i have low reach.. If i sleep on that arm painfull the next day.. I hope my shot works.. thanks..

I appreciate this blog since I see others have had some of the side effects I experienced. I have a tear in the rotator cuff right shoulder, and had my first cortozone injection. Within 24 hours my face looked sun burned, and my sleep that night was very light and sporadic. Hopefully, these will resolve soon. Thanks.

I got a cortisone injection 5 weeks ago and have been getting terrible headaches, nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, anxiety and a general tired feeling. I am going to go see my primary today.

I’ve had several injections on my spine between c-4 and c-5 the injections have helped tremendously. I’ve had heat flashes, night sweats and have gained weight like crazy I spoke to my doctor and she said its normal that feeling a little comfort is better than agony I was going through. As for the injections my bruise on my spine is more visible like a big 6 inch bruise but I uess the benefits outweigh the harm at the moment.

I was in extreme pain in my large toe and my podiatrist diagnosed it as gout. A cortisone shot gave me immediate relief and the swelling and inflamation subsided in a couple of days.
I am a type 2 diabetic and for the last few days my blood-sugar has been abnormally high. Has anyone experienced this?

Dear poster that posted the following: “I had a cortisone shot to treat my plantar fasciitis. Before the shot, I was mostly just having trouble wearing shoes, I could see a swelling on my heel which made some shoes uncomfortable. Now, three weeks later, my heel is still sore when I put weight on it, so essentially I’m worse off than I was before. My foot doctor hasn’t been very helpful in this regard, I wore a boot cast for the last week or so to try and keep pressure off my heel while it would hopefully get better. Today, it is no better, and I’m getting worried. What might be causing this soreness, and what should I do about it?”

I’ve been doing physical therapy for a month, wearing a night boot, wearing special orthotics, and doing special stretching exericses for the same problem. The stretching seems to have helped the most. However, what ever I did in therapy seemed to just regress the next day. So, I wasn’t even maintaining the therapy. I saw the biggest improvement after the therapist taped my heal up to have it slightly reposition the heal. It was like wearing a large bandaid on my heal. That made a huge difference. I’m now starting to see some improvement.

Even though I have seen some improvement, I did go get a cortisone shot yesterday. My doctor said it wouldn’t cure it but would help my p.t. be more effective. So far so good. I seem to be at a 65 – 70 % improvement and am expected to be back to normal in a month. I’m going to switch from the night boot to the strassburg sock as it is supposed to be more comfortable for night time use. So, maybe you need to ask about some of things that I have done because it doesn’t seem like your doctor has given you much guidance on things to do to help improve yourself. Hope it works out for you.

Had a shot in my foot Thursday and I will not do it again. Terrible face flushing and not sleeping. Have been up all nightsince then. I am in misery. Hope this soon goes away.

I got knees injected for the second time yesterday.when the pain started getting worse-deep continuous aching i remembered them warning me last time.I wish i had read this last night and knew ice would help.I know I didn’t have all the sweating- just pouring out of me last time.also didn’t close my eyes one time last night didn’t want to-still hyped up today.wouldn’t think i was up all night.knee pain has subsided and sweating is way better.i have had the flushing today that some of you mentioned.made me feel better that other people have had that.my injections have not been that painful either time. novacain injection was a little.I learned alot reading this.i didn’t know cortizone was produced by the adrenal glands.that must be why if i really want to do something or have dr. appointment i can many times rev it up and feel better til i wipe out at home later.I hate the aftermath of that.sore throat- can’t calm down. As my husband just said i have lived most of my life in an hyper adrenal anxiety.an anti anxiety madicine has really helped-dont think i could have calmed down the some that i have all on my own.I guess I didn’t say i also have fibromyalgia so need to push constantly to do anything most of the time.

diagnosed with plantar fascitis and sciatia, what a double wammy. I worked with this intense pain for over 2 months, I streched, massage, even used a ball to massage under my foot,and towel steches of the foot. It just kept getting worse.I never thought that 2 different things were going on at once. By the time i finished work, my leg and foot felt like it was ripping and burning so bad. My foot doctor gave a splint for night, a aircast for during work(latter felt like it wasnt there at all), and therapy for 3 weeks. I decided to go to chiropractor on my own. I found out that my hip was one problem and my foot was the other. Looks like a month or more of treatment with him, but its the most beneficial so far for me. I hope nobody has this happen to them, the pain is out of this world. At this point after reading other peoples experiences the shots are out.

in 3 weeks had 2 series of cortisone shots – 1 in back and 2 in both feet-treating sciatica and plantar fascitis-have slight acne and itching now-zyrtec helping

have had plantar faciitis for 6 months took diclofenic, at first did help,but gradually pain got worse,so had cortisone injection this afternoon,was painful,am in agony at the moment and can not sleep

I had a cortisone shot in both of my knees a week ago and I have been having terrible leg cramping since. I also have not been able to sleep and I am very nervous and have been experiencing some anxiety. I am very tired and have no energy. Does anyone else have symptoms like this and if so how long does this last? Please help

I had 2 shots of cortisone, yesterday, in my shoulder/arm joint for pain. Today I am in more pain and cannot move my arm up without being in pain. Is this normal?

I had a cortisone shot in my right heel after MAJOR heel pain for a long time from having flat feet. It was so bad somedays if i worked out or stood on my feet for too long, the very next morning i litterally could not stand without bracing the wall. The shot itself didnt hurt me…. but i had 6 month of NO PAIN!!!!!!!!!!! it was the best thing that i had ever done! Not one bad comment to say about it!

Two weeks ago I (52yr Kiwi male) had a guided cortisone injection into my right sterno-clavicular joint. Much of the pain from this joint has now gone. However, ever since (from about 3 days after the procedure) I have felt constantly really ill – nausea; abdominal discomfort; difficulty breathing (chest feels tight/heavy); shortness of breath; dizziness; head-achiness; sleeplessness; hot flushes. Has the cortisone caused all this???

I had a cortisone injection about 8 days ago for ITB syndrome, had tremendous pain in my knee for a few days after and bizarrely felt extremely depressed and anxious. It was only after a few days that I started to wonder whether the 2 were connected, and looking at this thread, I think that that must be the case.

I am dealing w/ the after effects of a cortizone shot for hip bursitis. The shot is about 70% aiding the pain. My hip hasn’t felt ‘this good’ in 7 months. But a day after (now three days from shot) I am flushed, shakey, can’t sleep, and wired. My husband tells me I came to bed, when exhausted at 4:15AM, that I sounded ‘coked up’…so, it’s the norm from what we’re all writing…but is there anyone who knows: how long does this last? It’s making me feel a little wacky!

I just copied Chris’s symptoms because they are mine as well:
“I have felt constantly really ill – nausea; abdominal discomfort; difficulty breathing (chest feels tight/heavy); shortness of breath; dizziness; head-achiness; sleeplessness; hot flushes.”
I had the shot nearly three weeks ago, and I am slowly getting better. I called the nurse at the orthopedic’s office and hse said my symptoms were not from the shot!!!!!! I saw my primary care dr. yesterday—I thought I was having a heart attack, kidney stone atack, or an ulcer! She assured me that it was from the shot, and I am somewhat relieved. The shot helped the pain in my knee, however.

I had a 1ml shot in my right knee on Aug 15th, the day after the pain was gone, but it came back two days after.
Then the kneestarted to swell more than before and my shoulders started to ake.
Now all my joints hurt, knees, hops and shoulders, my right knee is swallen and the fluid in migrating down the leg to the foot.
I cannot sleep without pain killers.

I’m so thankful to find these comments.I’m 39 and have Osteoarthritis in many joints but worst in both knees.I had both knees drained and injected yesturday,after going to a routine appointment!I was not expecting the immense pain!I did not sleep at all last night and my heart rate is up and I have very red cheeks,now I know that I’m not the only one which is of some comfort,but awful to know theres so many of us suffering at a young age.x

I wanted to check if others have had an impact on their sleep after a cortisone shot.
I also had a cortisone shot for plantar fasciitis and was awake until 4a.m. Wide awake with all sorts of ideas in my mind, wish I could be that cognitve more often (only not at 2 in the morning). As far as relieve in my foot, the shot did not seem to provide much, if any, benefit.

I GOT A CORTISONE SHOT IN MY ELBOW,MIND YOU THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME I HAVE HAD THEM AND NOTHING HAS HAPPENED,SO AFTER THIS SHOT IN MT ELBOW THE PAIN WAS UNBARABLE AND SWOLLEN TO THE MAX. TWO DAYS LATER THE AREA TURNED PURPLE AND RED AND SUNK IN. AND THATS PERMINANT IT LOOKS GROSS AND ITS VERY HYPERSENSITIVE I ALWAYS HAVE TO WEAR LONG SLEEVES OR AN ELBOW PERTECTOR BECAUSE IF I LIGHTLY BUMP IT ON WOOD WORK OR A DOOR I CAN EITHER BREAK OPEN THE AREA OR IT STARTS BLEEDING ON THE INSIDE OF MY SKIN AND I CRY EVERYTIME BECAUSE IT HURTS LIKE NO OTHER AND THERES NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT. I FEEL INSURCURE ABOUT MY ARM AN HOW IT LOOKS AND I ALWAYS HAVE TO PLAN AHEAD WITH CLOTHING AND PERTECTION FOR MY ELBOW.EVEN WATER BOTHERS IT, SO THINK NEXT TIME OR IF YOU’RE FACED WITH GETTING CORTISONE, ITS NOT EVERYTHING ITS CRACKED UP TO BE!

I was diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis today and the Dr. gave me a cortizone shot. I noticed that about 2 hrs. after the shot, I started feeling very poorly. I started having the chills and my throat even began to feel like it was getting sore. It is now 8 hours later and I still have that same feeling in my body and I still don’t know if this is even going to work because my foot is so numb and tingly, that time will only tell. I can only hope and pray that in the morning I will feel a whole lot better all the way around. The Dr. highly recommended the shot so….we will see! If it works, then the “flu” like feelings that I am having right now will be surely worth it!!!

Hi,I had a cortisone shot in my neck Aug 26/09. Haven’t felt well ever since. I have nausea, dizziness, tightness in the chest, anxiety, tired, skin irritations and, oh yes, still the pain!!! I’m so relieved to hear there are others with these horrible side effects. I feel like no-one really believes they exist especially the doctors

I have been having cortisone shots in my thumbs for basal thumb arthritis for about 2 years… every 3 months or so. I’m having a terrible time with bruising. Just brushing up against something will leave me with a large red bruise and sometimes it just peels the skin back if I happen to hit it a bit too roughly. My skin on my hands is tissue paper thin. My hands and arms look like I’ve been beaten. Is this an unusual side affect of the cortisone? I’m getting sketchy about cortisone so will have my worst hand operated on shortly… just to stop taking cortisone. Both joints are basically worn down to nothing and are very painful without the shots. Anyone with similar side-effects. Oh, yes, night sweats…. unbelievable!

Same symptons as 36. Took Benydryl and that helped get some relief. Hope it passes soon.

I had a cortisone shot yesterday for the inside of my right knee. I had a reaction which was redness of my face and chest. Took Benedryl and that is helping out. The shot does take care of the pain pretty good. Its worth it for the relief. next step is surgery if the pain returns again for the second time. A non definitive report from an MRI suggest a possible miniscu tear but would only know for sure with surgery. maybe i will get lucky and the pain won’t return.

I had a cortisone injection four days ago. In addition to the full on face flushing, for the second time in a row, I have also had a weird thing happen on my left arm. Right above my elbow on the front part of my arm, I have a large raised area that is really hot to the touch. Like others…sleep has been horrible. But, this arm thing is weird. Has anyone else had that? It is now on it’s 4th day and counting,

I have had cortisone shots over the years, most were in my facet joints near L4-L5, these were done under anesthesia. One month ago I had been experiencing a lot of pain in my right rotators cuff.(from a fall) My dr. gave me a cortisone shot and it worked immediately! I was so happy! because they others had not worked. I have had back pain and surgeries on my L4 L-5 since 2000, so when my back was hurting more than I could bear, I ask to get cortisone shots there two weeks ago. My doctor did and they worked perfectly again, I have no more pain in my back. But what I do have is facial break out, shackey hands, am nervous, hot flashes can’t sleep and all around feeling of being sick. The little blisters on my face really have me worried, they don’t seem to be going away, I have never had this problem before. I am wondering If maybe I had too much too close together. I am really happy to not have the shoulder pain or back pain, but now my nerves are a wreck. How long does this uneasy feeling last, and when will these blisters on my face go away…any thoughts?

I’m 35 and had a cortisone shot in my hip for bursitis almost 4 weeks ago. The pain is gone, but I have had a million side effects since then. I’m assuming they’re from the cortisone shot. I felt extremely shaky and nervous for about a week. I’ve had crazy, out-of-control heartburn. I also have woken up twice with numb, swollen lips and eyes. I’ve had hives and itching for a couple of weeks. Now, I feel very short of breath and lightheaded. I don’t know if I should go see a doctor, or try to wait it out. I don’t like the shortness of breath feeling though. It’s a little scary.

I two have been receiving ESI and have extreme side effects. Its been a week since my last shots and I am still having trouble sleeping, I get 2-3hrs a night, face flushing, hot all the time. I get so anxious I can’t sit still, or lay down. I feel like I am going to loose my mind, I just want to scream so I just pace in my house at night when everyone is sleeping. I told the doctor no more. He said it is a small percentage of people that experience this, reading your blogs, it seems like there are lots of people experience this, and the bottom line is the pain comes back

I had two cortisone injections in both hip bursa last week. They were extremely painful, as I also have rheumatoid arthritis. Whilst I am much more mobile and do not have the pain in the bursa anymore, I had the dreadful flushing for days, diarrhoea, could not sleep at all the first night, could not go to work and when I did three days later, ended up going home as I felt I was not in control and felt in a continuous fog. This feeling has continued, as if I’m trying to come out of a general anaesthetic. Today is my first day that I feel normal and can actually get some housework done and not in any pain at all. I do hate cortisone, but it did stem the bursitis.

These posts have been extremely helpful. Thank you to everyone who has posted. I had cortisone shots for bunions 10 years ago with no side effects whatsoever. Also had 2 more shots in my foot this year, one for a ball of the foot pain called capsulities and one for the bunion again. They helped and no side effects. However, I was having a thumb problem called trigger finger and had cortisone by a different doc on 10/21/09. The pain from the shot was so bad I though I was going to pass out. I think I must’ve gotten too big a dose for my small frame bec afterwards I started shaking and had to take a xanax to calm down. Two days later and I am still feeling nervous and this morning I was really shakey again. It has helped tremendously to read all of your posts and hearing that others have had anxiety due to the shots. Also, I can’t bend my thumb, but the doc said the meds have caused swelling and it will get better, which is slowly is. Thank you again for your posts!

It is really scary that all of us are feeling the same side effects and dr. did not tell me one of these when i had the injections, he may have thought since i had had them under analgesia (knocked out) and under xray type machine in the past that i knew, but not one dr. has ever mentioned these type of side effects and I have never experienced them until now. I am so worried about when this is going to end. My face is so broken out, i have never had blemishes and now it scares me. I still have the shakes, and non sleep, hot flashes, and like someone else said, now the pain is coming back. I really feel ill all over. has anyone ever gotten past this, just want to know when it will end. My shots were over a month ago. Has anyone else had the facial break outs, they are not pimples, they are like small blisters, and don’t seem to be going away.I also feel bloated all the time, does anyone else have that. the shakes and anxiety can really take over your life. Hope I see more posts, anything helps.

oh yes, another question I have. Does doctors ever comment on these blogs, i thought that they did, but have not seen any. does anyone know the answer to that/

This is my 2nd post in a week. Want to give you an update on my side effects. The anxiety has slowly subsided, but then I developed depression upon waking and did not have this before. Depression was severe. I had some hot flashes also. Those are the extent of my side effects. My suggestion is to drink lots of water each day to help flush out the toxins from the meds. When I started drinking more water, the anxiety became less and less. If anyone is familiar with EFT (google search will give you info), I worked with a trained professional last night, and this morning the depression was not there. EFT is a tapping procedure similar to accupuncture/accupressure but there are no needles. You tap on certain points with your fingers. It helps relieve symptoms in many different areas. This is the first morning in almost a week that I didn’t wake up with the depression from the shot. Best to all..glad we have this support forum for cortizone. I think it’s possible that we received too large a dose of the cortizone. I had it in the past and NEVER had any side effects and it worked beautifully and saved me from surgery. I’ve heard that too large a dose can be the problem.

new problem to report, had to go to dr. today because had blood in my urine. do not know if this has anything to do with cortisone shots, but have not felt well since i had them. going for renal ultrasound of kidney tomorrow. will NEVER have cortisone again, do not care that it helped the pain, opened up so many more things i can’t control. everyone has mentioned the depression, i didn’t mention it before but i do have it and it is extreme…i have never been a depressed person, but wow, tears, shakes and no sleep does not do the body good. i had my shots on sept. 24 and still suffering side effects, my endocrinologist said today it should be out of my system by now……i am drinking lots of water but like i said –woke up today with blood in urine….scary, so off to dr. i went. that is why ultrasound tomorrow and results soon on urine-analyst.-3 days. my previous dr. never made me wait, always started immediately on antibiotics because fact i only have one kidney, but new dr. said had to find out what was causing infection…..like i said scary. does anyone know for sure how long it takes to get the steroid to get out of your system. thanks for all your thoughts!

CL, so sorry to hear about what is happening to you. Maybe ask your doc if only having 1 kidney is detrimental for cortizone? I am going to call my podiatrist and ask her opinion as to why I never had a bad reaction when she gave me the shots in my foot, but now had reactions with a different doc (orthopedic). Last shot was in my thumb. I would never suggest anyone have a cortizone shot in your thumb…pain is so bad I thought I was going to pass out. CL, please keep us informed on how you are doing.

dr. said kidney test came back ok as well as the ultrasound, still waiting for blood work. starting to feel better, still have shakes and bumps under skin on face, never had this before and again they are like small blister. took benadryl tonight in hopes that would help that clear up. feel like the steroids should be out of my system by now….but evidently they are not. appreciate your comments, suggestions, and shared experience with steroids. Rita I can’t imagine the pain into tumb. what is weird my shots did not hurt and they actually really helped plan… wonder if your body can cause a sensitivity to the injections, like allergic. I know I will definitely have allergic written on my chart in the future! My dr. that did the injections has not returned call, first call he said none of this was due to injection…..humm, after reading the blogs, i do not agree with him. thanks!

CL, glad tests so far have come out well. Did you consult a urologist for the blood in urine…don’t know if the doc you went to was a urologist. I found out sometimes both men and women have blood in their urine and it is normal and nothing wrong. Of course, there can be something wrong, but many times there isn’t. A urologist can rule out if anything is wrong for blood in urine. Apparently, blood in the urine can be common with nothing wrong. I’m not surprised that the doc who did cortisone said your symptoms had nothing to do with the shot; they don’t want to be liable for anything. I asked my ortho doc who did the thumb if she had seen negative side effects before, and she said about one person a year; now I am the 2nd. And keep in mind that’s just THIS doc; other docs are giving cortisone all over the country, so there are more folks with reactions, and this blog is proof. Someone I know asked a brain surgeon if cortisone can have negative side effects, and he said definitely yes and especially in high doses. Thankfully, my side effects have disappeared. I only had anxiety and depression, but that was enough for me. I will be afraid to ever get another one, even though I had numerous ones previously in the foot and no problems. If your side effects from the cortisone don’t go away, I would try EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). You can google it to find out more about it. I worked with a trained EFT professional about 5 days after the cortisone shot and my depression left and never returned. I can give you the name of the person I worked with if you want it, just let me know. I have used EFT for other issues in the past, and it also helped.

I just had my 2nd cortisone shot in my shoulder for a torn rotator cuff. About 3 hours afterwards I had a huge surge of zippy energy and had not drank coffee or taken any supplements. My stomach was off that night and I was not tired after a long day, had twitchy sleep when I usually conk out like a light. Today, 24 hrs later, my face is flushed, I feel like I either have a temperature or just plain hot sitting here in my office with fan blowing and window open. I was extremely fatigued, not tired going to work today, could’t quite pin it down, so all of this must be related to the steroids…good news is my shoulder with exception to the injection site is 110% better, but these side effects need to go away…Even my eyes feel like they have been in the sun all day, burning…

Thank you to everyone who has posted here. I just had a steroid injection yesterday to my heel for plantar fasciitis and as the doctor warned, my foot was numb for much of the afternoon. I tried to go to bed relatively early as I was supposed to work a 12 hr shift today, but after being wide awake all night I ended up calling in to work at 3:45 AM because I didn’t feel like I’d be safe taking care of patients on no sleep (I’m an RN). I ended up moving to the living room and only managed to fall asleep on the couch from about 8-9 AM. I was also experiencing nausea, mild headache, and pounding of my heart (but normal rate of 64). It seemed much like an anxiety attack and that’s what I attributed it to at first, then I stumbled upon other people’s experiences after the steroid injections and I realized that this had to be the reason for my symptoms. I called my podiatrist and discussed the lack of “scientific” info on the subject but that there were so many personal stories of people with similar symptoms. I just hope I can figure something out to fix the insomnia because I am scheduled to work for the next couple days. I’m exhausted now and haven’t really tried sleeping all day (since my hr long nap this morning) with the hope that being this tired tonight will help me sleep…

Wish there was another way to reach people…this blog is wonderful but everyone writes after they have had their steroid injections. I got worse news from my endocrinologist today. Oh yes, Rita, thank you for your suggestions, I appreciate it, I do have an apt. with a Urologist and also a Kidney specialist in the next couple of weeks. Back to my worse news. Today I found out from my blood test that my liver function is abnormal as well as my blood results, my adrenal test show they are up, all of this was caused by my steriod shots.My insurance form shows the name “Triamcinolone acet injections. These shots have really taken a toll on my body. I am 60 yrs old and was in good health. Of course the dr. that gave me the injections (is a well respected dr. in this town) anyway, he has not returned my calls. The nurse called back once saying the doctor said it was not the injections causing all these problems, however, my specialist said it is, and after researching as much as I have, it is very clearly the cortisone injections that has caused all of this. Now I have a damaged Liver, great. None of this was worth it. Granted my shoulder and back do feel better, but at what price. I am still very swollen and puffy, my skin on my face is still broken out, i still have the shakes, hot flashes, depression, and can’t sleep. NOT WORTH IT!! I hope a few considering these shots read about my experience before they do it. This blog has show me my case is not all that unusual, seems we all are suffering from the same side effects. Never again for me!….has already caused liver damage, hard way to find out this can be so dangerous to some people. Hope you are reading this BEFORE you make your decision to get the shots.

CL, don’t panic. I know there is a lot going on for you medically right now. Ask the doc if there is any way to reverse the effects of the cortizone. Maybe there is something that can be done, and if so, let us know and we will all try it! I will never get another cortizone either. I am now experiencing fatigue, and I never had this before the shot. I didn’t have it initially after the shot, but here it is 2 weeks later and the last couple of days I have felt very fatigued in the afternoon after lunch. I am going to try to print out this blog and take it to my doctor. All the docs I spoke with have said the cortizone doesn’t cause it…many people don’t have any negative reactions to cortizone, and I didn’t for a long time either. The docs aren’t aware of it either apparently.

These comments are SO helpful! I had my first cortisone shot on Monday (today is Wednesday). My face is bright pink with flushing, and somewhat itchy; my pain is as bad as before the shot, and I can’t sleep. I’m miserable! I’m going to drink lots of water to try to flush this out but am so glad not to be the only person to have had this flushing. The dr. did not tell me about any of these side effects.

This blog is really helpful. My mom has pain in her knee and dr. recomended to give her cortisone shot right away. we asked for some time to think about it. He was not happy about it. I wonder why he was rushing. Anyways thanks to all the people in the blog I will not let my mom get this shot.

there should not be any rush to do them, i think you are very smart to look into it before making your decision. I did not look for this log until after I had the injections and problems started. I would pray this would not be the dr.s reasoning, but they charge the insurance a good amount for those injections. I don’t want to tell you not to do it, I am sure there are people that the shots have helped, but I was not one of them, as you can tell by my cl entries above. My liver function is improving, but still have quite a while before it is back to normal, and I know that was totally due to the cortisone shots, and the shakes, and anxiousness and non sleeping has improved (it has been almost two months since my shots) my face skin still has under the surface bumps that will not go away. So again, my experience was devastating to me, taking a tremendous toll on my body.
the doctor will tell you the shots last some people forever, but the usual relief is 1 to 1 & 1/2 months, i did say they relieved my pain,(TEMPORARILY) but the pain is back in full force now and it has been only 2 months. Almost all the blog entries above had the same reactions of sleeplessness, shakes, anxiety, –for me it went on to include kidney damage, liver damage, and what I hope is not permanent under the skin facial blister like bumps. My recommendation is to try absolutely everything before getting shots. Has your mom been told about a Tens unit, and acupuncture, both of those helped me so much, i would recommend those first, ask your doctor about them. not sure (where in her body) your mom was getting the shots, but both tens unit and acupuncture should be able to help. Good luck, I will pray for your mom’s healing. cl

the d

eg

I am a61 y.o. male.I have rosacea and adult cystic acne which is well controlled. After having solu-medrol shouder injections for severe bursitis the worst rosacea / acne exacerbations ensued ! Anyone else??
Geo.

I have had cortisone shots in my shoulder in the past with great results, so was not in the least hesitant to have one in my knee. My God, what a mistake. Having what 2 doctors (one orthopod) are calling cortisone flare. My knee, as well as the rest of my leg, is swollen about twice normal size, and the pain is excruciating. The last day or two, the pain seems to be spreading to other joints. I am only able to function by taking Vicodin every 4 hours. The orthopodf says the cortisone will be our of my body in about 4 months total, just hope I can take it that long! Can’t believe there isn’t something that can be done for this. Any answers out there?

I once had fasciitis that I cleared up with a change of shoes. At first, I wore Wolverine dura-shock lace up work boots to the office. I then found MBT shoes at the Walking Company with a curved bottom that cause a rolling kind of walk that come in many styles. The MBTs alleviate heal concussion while walking plus provide excellent arch support that also helps with healing the fasciitis. They also improve posture. No problems since the switch to substantially better foot-ware!

I have cortizone shot several places on my body, My doctor never told me about the side affects and just kept injecting me, Of course it helped but the weight gain was terrible. Now I have to have them in my knees in order to be able to walk normal. After walking with a limp and suffering with much pain for about 9yrs in my left knee, when I got the shot for the left knee it felt so good to be able to walk without pain and to do it normally, I didn’t hesitate when he did it to my right knee. I must say I had one the same time in my right knee as I did the left but it didn’t help, come to find out I had to have surgery to scrape all the junk from an injury out which has been a month ago, so had a check up and I still couldn’t bend my leg much or straighten it so he said he would like to put a shot in there either now or next month so I choose now, and whew I feel so much better. I had the hot cheeks, Here it is 5:37am and I have not been asleep, and not to mention the weight gain, but I can walk, and Lords willing I will lose the weight again as I have before. I know they are not good for you but what does a person do , stay on pain pills till they are hooked? sorry not for me, I would rather take the shot. Until hopefully I won’t need them anymore.
I hope everyone does well and there pain goes away. God Bless all of you .

I saw part of a comment that was posted on 10/11/08, but the continuation was not in this comment area. I was about the sore throat after the cortisone shots.
For the last couple of years I have been given two cortison shots in my one arm for tennis elbow, never had any problems with sleeping, depression, weight gain, facial flushing or extreme pain.

This time I received the usual two shots in one arm, but also needed to acquire a lateral shot on my right tennis elbow arm. When I received the shot, my doctor wiped in clean before and after, the after I could feel a definite stinging, like the acholol got into my blood stream.

Last night I got entirely no sleep at all (thank God I am on vacation this week), my right arm all the way to my chest hurt. I was concerned because I have asthma and was a little short on breath, so I took a shot of air. I have a nebulizer but am afraid to use it, for it has more steriods.

The doctor did prescribe pain pills, but again I was afraid to use them. I kept calm, for I have learned to keep my anxiety down so I do not cause myself to have an asthma attack.

Today was a new day, still no sleep, not very hungry, throat sore and by about noon I started to have my face feel very warm, I looked and it was getting red, I took my temperature and it was normal (never crossed my mind to take my blood pressure until I read someone elses comment), took some daytime cold medicine. I did feel a bit stressed in traffic and depressed later in the day. Also my face became more flushed. But, my arm was at least moveable all day (it will probably ache tonight ).

It is good to see that others have had this face flushing. It gives me comfort in knowing that this is normal in about 15% of women patients. I just hope it and my sore throat goes away for Turkey day tomorrow and I hope I can sleep tonight. It is making me feel like I have a cold. Not sure if I should take a pain pill tonight or not.

I think that these changes have to also be contributed by getting older, since I have never had these type of side effects before. A lot of you are correct that some of these things that happened were not even remotely discussed with me. Probably because I didn’t have any problems in the past. Believe you me, I will be contacting them next week. Since, it is the holiday now they are not in the office. I am hoping that I will get some sleep with eating turkey like they will be. LOL

Had an injection of Depo-Medrol 40 in my hip in August 2009. Exactly three days later my heart started pounding out of my chest. After a couple of days of feeling pretty bad I called my doctor and checked my blood pressure. I, until this point, was never on blood pressure medication. Blood pressure was high. After a few days of this constant heart pounding, terrible chest pain and climbing blood pressure I was put on blood pressure medicine. It did not help, was increased a couple of days later. Still no help. Insomnia was horrible, nervousness and anxiety off the charts. I ended up in the ER one night with a blood pressure of 190/100. ER doc stated he thought this was all from the steroid injection. Blood pressure meds increased again. Went from not having a blood pressure problem to taking three pills a day in two weeks time.

Things went from bad to worse. Hot flashes, no sleep for days on end, so nervous and shaky. Was feeling winded all the time. Had numerous tests done which were all normal. My family doc is great but he said he never saw this kind of reaction from a steroid injection. I called the ortho doc who gave me the shot and he also stated he never heard of such a reaction.

Was sent to a cardiologist due to the continuing chest pain and heart pounding. He ordered tests just to be sure but as soon as I told him how this all started he immediately said it was from the steroid injection. He’d seen this numerous times and he was hopeful that as a couple of months passed things would improve. He even stated that I may be able to get off the blood pressure meds given enough time. I was so grateful for his expertise and his understanding.

It has now been three months and one week since this injection and I sm still struggling. My blood pressure and pulse are in control now with the medcine. I have been given Ativan which I have taken sparingly to help me sleep at least a little bit. I still have the heart pounding, the chest pain, the insomnia, my skin feels at times like it is burning, I sweat at times, the anxiety ,nervousness and restlessness is still there, facial flushing and even some acne. It truly feels like something has taken over my body and I believe it has. I have spoken with the cardiologist a couple of times and he said it may take 6 to 8 months for this stuff to leave my system although he hopes it won’t take that long but his opinion is that this is 100% from the steroid injection and that it will improve but it will take time.

I’m at the end of what I’m able to handle with this and wondered if anybody else may be able to tell me what they have done to try to alleviate or maybe counteract the symptoms I have described? Also if anybody can say how long it took for this to leave their system. I keep praying every day for a change but there has been none.

I sympathize with each and every one of you who have suffered due to these same symptoms or even worse for some of you. If we only knew then what we know now. Wish you all the best. Thanks for listening and for any advice you may be able to offer.

I have had two shots in my SI joint. The first one helped a little but, the second shot helped alot. Until the third day after my second shot!

Them crazy side effects deleted any help the shot may have provided! First my veins in my inner thigh swelled up and they thought it was a blood clot { scan proved otherwise} Then my scotum turned a deep red and hurt with even the slightest touch.

My first visit to the ER for my scrotum-They said it was an infection and gave me some pills. After a week the redness went away and my testicles felt like someone had dipped them in acid!! I went to my primary DR and he said ” you have swelling and you may have twisted them”SCARY STUFF!! He sent me for a scan of my testicles that showed “nothing” However it hurts to even take a shower!!! I’ve also had sever muscle cramping and hot flashes..

It has been two weeks since the shot

Hey, i’ve got a form of Arthritis called AS. Have Plantar Fascitis also since july. I got a cortisone shot in Aug and it was back to being sore pretty much straight away. My consultant was so unhelpful. Eventually i got an MRI and we discovered the inflamation was dispersed as opposed to being in one area of my heel. Nightmare. So i got yet another shot in October. It’s just as bad since. To be honest, i play a lot of sport so i’m sure if i took it down a notch i would give it time to heel, but i dont want to put my life on hold.
I have resigned myself to just putting up with the pain, which believe me is excruciating, and am on anti inflammatory pain management.

Anyway, reason i’m writing is to tell you about a BIG side effect that really freaked me out. Sorry to mention (esp to guys!) but i now find myself menstruating every 2 weeks!!!! Scary. Don’t worry i’ve check it out that it is nothing else. It is a side effect of the injections.

So thats huge! I also have experienced a sore throat that continued for days on end.

Hi everyone, I posted comments in October. It has been 6 weeks since my cortizone shot. Thankfully, I am doing much better, but I have found that my body is much more sensitive to foods than before I got the shot. I find that if I have foods with a higher sugar content such as desserts or candy, chocolate, etc. that I get more hyped up from the sugar than before the shot, and if I have sugar in the early or late afternoon, it makes me very sleepy. I have also noticed that I feel depressed eating certain foods that never caused me a problem like that before the shot. My mood never changed like this before the last shot. Since this has happened to me, it could also happen to others reading this blog…as we have read from others, things are happening that are very unusual. My suggestion is to cut out anything with a sugar content for awhile + caffeine and see if this helps with anxiety, depression or other symptoms. I don’t know how long it will take for this to get back to normal, but for now, I am very careful about what I am eating, and it is helping. I had to cut out bananas because I was feeling depressed the next day after eating them. I cut them out and no longer feel depressed…very strange, I know. But, I never had a problem with bananas prior to the shot. They have a lot of potassium, so maybe the cortizone made my body sensitive to potassium. Also, drink more water to help flush out the cortizone toxins faster. One thing that really helped a few weeks ago, was that I started drinking milk again. I had cut it out about 6 months ago. When I started drinking it again a few weeks ago, my moods stabilized tremendously. Before the cortizone shot, my mood was fine with no problems, but afterwards, had mood swings of anxiety and depression. Since starting to drink the milk again, my mood has stabilized and no more anxiety and depression unless I eat too much sugar or the bananas. I don’t know if milk will have the same effect for others as far as stabilizing mood, but just wanted to pass the info along. Perhaps the cortizone screws up hormones, and milk has hormones since it comes from cows and cows have hormones, so maybe the hormones in the milk helped stabilize my own hormones. Good luck to everyone in finding help. I sympathize with everyone, we have all had a rough time since the shot.

Wow, wish all this information was out there for us to read before we had to shots. I had my injections on Sept 24th. KP, i wish i could tell you i am rid of the symptoms, but I am not. The anxiousness, had improved and the blisters on my face are nearly gone, but still struggling with the depression, sleeplessness, and fatigue. The fatigue seems to have gotten worse. Not sure if ya’ll read my entries above, but one thing I would recommend if your doctors have not done yet, it get a complete blood work up. I have had liver and kidney damage. The liver test are a little better, but still have a ways to go, and am going in for a ( well i just tried to read the specialist order, and can’t make out what he called it, something like a Lithrotripsy) have to go to day surgery and have to have a I.V. Sedation. All of this was caused by my 3 cortisone injections. So please, if you have not gotten a blood workup, ask for one, the shots screwed up everything in my body. I only have one kidney so has been extra hard on my body. My specialist also told me it could be months before my body gets back to normal, of course this was not the doctor that gave me the shots, he said the shots didn’t do any of this. I wish he would read this blog, he might change his mine. I am better KP, so hang in there and James too, I had the blisters on my face. the are gone now, so hopefully you are feeling better by now too. Like (Rita) I too have a huge sensitivity to sugar, have just removed it from my diet. Good luck everyone, Keep posting so we can keep up with each other and how they are feeling.

I’m really glad I found this site today…my primary thinks I have plantar fasciatis and I have an appt with a podiatrist tomorrow…I was walking on a treadmill, going uphill after 3 miles and when I got off, I could barely walk..has been like this since mid September…worse in the am of course..somewhat better during the day but not great..just sick of it hurting so much..I’m 48 and feel like I’m 90 !..this is on my right foot and since then I think I have sciatica now on my left side..has anyone experienced this on opposite sides? perhaps I’m favoring one side over the other unconsciously ? Anyways I have a friend who had the shot and said it worked but very painful…I can handle the pain of the shot, but all these side effects everyone is talking about is scary…Has anyone not had the shot and are there any other cures for the plant. fasc. ???

I had the worst experience!! flushed face, no sleep at all! felt sick all the time! i thought i was going to die, i was so dizzy i was getting lost just going to the market..exhausted…finally after 34 days and having to take sleeping pills, i am finally fine! my doctor didnt seem to care and wanted me to do the shots again..DEAR GOD NO WAY!!!

I had 2 shots for a bulging disc in my neck and the first one had no problems but the second one I was real dizzy for about a week and ate constantly for 3 weeks straight. I could not seem to get enough to eat. Now that is over with but the side effect that is the worst is that I cannot get an erection. This worries me more than any of the others and has been going on now for about a month. Anyone else have that problem

I got my first epidural in my back for a bulging dic in Sept. and another in October. Both went well and I didn’t notice any immediate side effects. However, for the past 3 months I have felt fatigued, increased depression and anxiety, insomnia, and I always feel like I’m getting sick – my chest hurts, headache, feel rundown. I felt like I was going crazy. Then suddenly I had the thought that my symptoms have been around as long as I have been getting the shots! After reading this blog I feel sure they are related and after reading about some of the other horrible things you all have experienced, I do not want to get another shot! I have one scheduled for next Tuesday and I’m going to cancel! However, I’m in a lot of pain so it’s depressing that there is no relief.

Hello everyone and thank you all for your posts. I thought I was alone in this. After trying to figure out why my body has decided to stop cooperating with me, I finally thought of searching “cortisone shot side effects”.

I am thanking God right now for this forum. I had my first (and last) cortisone shot the first week of October this year as a result of a severe sun allergy. I was on vacation and the doctor I saw highly recommended I take the shot. I immediately felt sick the entire first day and continued to feel strangely sluggish the rest of the trip.

About the first week in November after going to sleep (feeling fine), I was awakened from my sleep feeling nauseaus and when I was on my way to the bathroom, my symptoms changed from nausea to feeling like I was juat going to due. I felt like I could actually hear my heart beating too fast. I don’t remember much after that except that I pasaed out. By the time the EMTs arrived, I was feeling a bit better but I was taken to the hospital anyway. I was sent home after being diagnosed with a stomach virus. Two later my blood pressure started rising. It would not regulate. I ended up in the ER with unceased blood pressure and a racing pulse and was told I must still have the stomach virus. Since I was already on BP meds, my dosage was increased. About a week later, same thing happened. My BP meds were increased again. Now I just cannot sleep. I can’t concentrate, feel light-headed most of the time, nauseaus most of the time, have a sensitivity to sugar, and I also can no longer eat candy but especially BANANAS! I was used to eating at lest 1 banana a day. I have had blood test after blood test and they find nothing. Two days ago I had an ultrasound of all my organs. Still nothing. I had an upper GI and still nothing. I am grateful I appear healthy but I still don’t like feeling like I am going to just die. I also don’t like the fact that I feel like everyone (except family) thinks I’m crazy.

I’m still pending my new blood test results but I’m praying they will all be negative. I will pass some of this info to my New Dr. Maybe he can tell me what to do to counteract the effects of this dangerous med. I am so relieved I am not in this alone. Praise God.

Hello. I too am really grateful to have found this site. I’ve been trying to find info on the effects of cortizone and have been coming up short left & right.

I had my 1st thoracic epidural this past Friday 12/18/09 for a protruding disk between C5 & C6. Procedure was about 8am; I literally slept the entire day then went to bed that night. I had excruciating pain in both hips & lower back. My mind was up but my body was so unavailable between being groggy & the hip pain I just slept.

Saturday I experienced some bad headaches and just tried to take it easy. Sunday I still felt really out of it and realized I’d been extremely thirsty and anxious. Drank lots of water, napped way more than I cared to.

Monday I managed a couple errands after dropping the kids to school and just kept coming up short on energy & contending with some serious nausea. Finally checked my blood pressure in the eve- it was 90/50 & 90/43. (I’m usually around 110/65 or so.) I dreaded going to the hospital so I drank 2 cups of coffee and got it back up to a reasonable 101/62. Called the specialist who thought this seemed unrelated.

I had an appt w/ the specialist Tuesday the next day anyway so spoke w/ him again about being out of it, very thirsty, mood & energy fluctuations, headaches, etc. He thought cortizone may be having an effect on my metabolism & ordered bloodwork. He said this can be the case in folks who have diabetes, which I do not have. I also checked my blood sugar yesterday and it was 140. (My norm tends to be between 90-110.)

Five days after the epidural, I have no relief from the pain. We have cancelled the 2nd epidural and will return to trigger point & facet injections which worked previously.

I am now awaiting the bloodwork results and have been trying to find info about cortizone’s side effects. If it weren’t for sites like this one I would think I’m crazy. I appreciate you all sharing your stories and hope you find some resolution. I really just hope that this will pass and we can all get back to our ‘norms’. I just want to be able to wake up and function throughout the day the way I did prior to this epidural.

One thing is for sure- in the future I will avoid any medical procedures so close to the holidays. Not only have I not worked since last Friday, but I haven’t been able to prepare for Christmas in the usual fashion. Well, family will be together, appreciative of the good health we still have.

God bless you all.

I had a cortisone shot 10 days ago and have felt terrible since then. I thought I just had a virus but the symptoms have lasted way too long for that to be the case. I have experienced facial flushing, dizziness, headaches,eyesight problems and just feeling like I am in a fog along with weight gain and low energy. Does anyone know how long these symptoms can last?

This message is for everyone and I hope (91) posting reads it as well. I have had 7 ESI in less then 4 months. I gained 15 pounds in 1 month and my resting heart rate is between 110 and 140. I now have high blood pressure and now my blood sugar levels are in the 200. My Dr said the only thing that it could be is the ESI. Please remember that some doctors will not tell you everything so don’t worry if your family does’nt believe you feel sick, I will never get an ESI EVER AGAIN. It will cause worse things then you have now.

Hi everyone, Rita here from post 85 and before that too. I think this site is our official support group. I’m so sorry to hear of all the troubles everyone is having from the cortisone. Sometimes it takes trial and error to figure out what will help with the side effects. It has been a little over 2 months since I had the last cortisone shot, and I would say I am pretty much back to normal with food changes that I made. It seems that post 91 and I both cut out bananas and it helped. The bananas were makine me both depressed and extremely fatigued. Those symptoms disappeared after I cut out the bananas. If I start feeling sluggish, I eat some oatmeal and this helps. Regarding cortisone, I found out there are different properties in them depending on which kind you get, and it’s possible that certain meds in them can cause side effects, whereas others don’t. I had 3 corisone shots in my bunion 10 years ago (1999) with the same podiatrist within a 1 year time period and did not have any side effects. This year, I had two cortisone shots in the foot with the same podiatrist and no problems whatsoever. However, I had a 3rd shot in my thumb with a different doc a couple months later, and then I had the side effects. I asked both docs what the meds were in their shots, and they had different meds in each. Maybe if I had the last shot with the same ingredients as all the others, I wouldn’t have had the side effects. I can’t say for sure, but it’s an hypothesis. I think you all will eventually be ok, it may take more time. If any of you have heard of EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), I would highly recommend that you work with a trained practitioner in this area to help with your side effects. I was familiar with EFT prior to the side effects and it had helped me in the past with different issues, but I worked with a trained practitioner after the corisone shot to see if it would help, and it helped me deal with the stress of the side effects, and it also helped lessen the side effects. You can find EFT on the web. I am praying for all of you. I have decided to print out all of these posts and give it to my docs.

Thanks to everyone for the comments. I recieved my cortisone epideral for my bulging disc a little over a month ago and my Doc said that i should feel great in 7-10 days. Nope. The day of the shot i was flushed in the face, but freezing cold, no temp, but felt like it. Went to the doc, told me it was a reaction, should be gone in 48 hours, take some Benidryl. That lasted a week. Then the anxiety hit. I went to the ER thinking i was having a heart attack, they said, nope, just a reaction to your cortisone shot. To this day my anxiety is off the charts. This week i started going to a theropist, she told me to try meditation and exercize. That is slightly helping so far. I still have some anxiety, but the really bad attacks have gone away. The scariest thing about the anxiety is that i think it snowballs, you get anxiety, and now you think something more is wrong and you get anxiety about that!! I hope there is an end new!! Thanks again to everyone on this site!

Thank you everyone for your comments and experiences. I have received two cortisone shots over the years for plantar fasciitis. I have had a 6 month bout of pain again and so I sought another cortisone shot. All was well until about 2 days later I noticed that my ankles and hands are really swollen and I have gained 6 pounds this week! I don’t remember this ever happening before except when I took Vioxx (sp?)once when it first came out. Of course it was a bad drug and has been taken off the market. I was grateful for the swelling with the first pill so that I quit immediately, but I am concerned that this time I have had such swelling with this shot. I took 2 T. of fresh lime/lemon juice in a glass of water last night as a natural diuretic and things seem to be a little better this morning after several trips to the restroom to get rid of all that water weight! I lost 3 of the 6 pounds so far.

I have had mixed results from my cortisone shots. I had 3 facet joint injections for problems with a tethered spinal cord/ surgeries/ scar tissue. The shots helped, but I they accidentally hot the cord lining, resulting in a spinal fluid leak, took two blood patch procedures, and three months to get better! One of those injections cause the terrible face flushing, all of them triggered hot flashes big time, and now I have had injections in both thumbs twice – the last one yesterday. Was grateful to hear your stories as my heart was pounding, head ache, insomia, hot flashes, night sweats, and face and neck flushing. If history repeats itself, all of this will improve in a day or two, except the hot flashes. Anyone have some good hints on this – I have some anyway – I’m 56yrs. But when I have these shots it’s intolerable! I have in the past gone back on hormone replacements for two weeks to a month and that seems to help. Hope to avoid that this time

Got a cortizone shot in my knee 2 days ago.Was awake til 5 A.m. until i could finally get some sleep.Also have had hic cups for hours at a time off and on .Don’t know what’s coming next??

Thanks everyone for your comments about your experiences with the injections, I was scheduled for my first injection in 2 weeks for L-5 S-1& SI joint injury, but have now decided that I am not willing to take the risks of the symptoms listed. I have done lots of research on them and have fought back and forth with my dr about having them. I have found the most relief from massage and physical therapy. I know I will have a fight on my hands with my dr, but all along my gut instinct has told me to NOT do the injections, but was finally worn down by dr’s insistence to have them. I am already someone who has suffered for years with anxiety/panic disorder due to PTSD from childhood, I feel that he injections would trigger these symptoms, which I have managed to treat without medication for years. I am also the type of person who can not take any medication (Benadryl, sudafed or antihistamines) without feeling like I am crawling out of my skin. I appreciate everyones willingness to be truthful about your experience and I wish a speddy recovering to all of you that are still dealing with symptoms you never thought you would exeperience or symptoms your dr forgot to inform you about. The internet and sites such as these are great, as they give honest, candid experiences that we might not know about otherwise.
Best Wishes all~

I suffered a broken back L2-L3 compression 22 yrs ago and have suffered chronic pain. I finally was given a cortisone shot a week ago today and was relieved to sleep through the night pain free after all of these years. Three days ago I started getting tingling in my feet, my face flushed red, heart pounding at 128 beats per min. I was told that there would be no side effects. Now I’m in more pain and sick to my stomach due to pain. Any suggestions?

I got a cortisone shot yesterday and Im had had some before and no side effects what owever,I got the shot at L1 disc

Thank you everyone for your comments! I have been dealing with tennis and golfer’s elbow due to my work. Usually after a few days or so, the pain from the cortisone shot gets better.
This time, I had the shot done around noon. That evening, two of my fingers on that side became numb and the next day my hand swelled up.
It’s a week later and I still have pain. The pain is mostly if I straight out my arm or bend it all the way. I have a call into the doctor to see what I can do. I am never swollen at the injection site a week later!

Hi there,

I had a cortison injection almost three weeks ago in my chest bone as I have Tietze syndrome, since then I have felt extremly tired without being able to sleep, I also had pains in my wrist and feet, I never had this before and it has to be from the cortison shot, I sure hope it will pass soon, as its really weird to fill so out of it and having no control, I feel like wanting to slap myself to wake up.
I will not get another shot again.

I just got two yesterday and no problems. One for my foot and another for shoulder. Other than a numb foot on the first day which the doc said would happen, I feel like a million bucks! Maybe cortisone quality varies?

I received two ESI one on my neck and one on my lower back, I had pain, redness in my face and even fever right after the injections, but it went away after two days. It now has been 4 weeks and am experiencing certain side effects, Im a little freaked out specially after reading all of your posts. I’ve gained some weight since receiving the injections, my appetite has grown, and have been feeling very depressed, I started breaking out throughout my face and my face is so puffy its not from the weight gain its different it is just looks swollen, im not sure wheter it would eventualy go back to normal I read in a defferent website, that puffines of the face was a long term side effect, Im engaged and my fiance and I where planning for a summer wedding this year, we are moving the date to later on this year I need to know and have a better understanding of what exactly is happening and If this will ever go away, or if theres anything I can do or take to help it, everyone that sees me has the same reaction, they think im in some medication or something, they say my face looks swollen and im really not overweight ive only gained a couple of pounds. Please if anyone has gone thru this please help. Thank you guys.

I have had a sore throat each night and morning since my cortisone shot in Aug been 5 months. I did reseach on Fibromyalgia and CFS since I have some of the symptons and saw interesting supplements can knock out the problems they cause and even cure if if you have not had it for a very long time.. I need to keep away from cortisone, my cat gets them for mouse tumors on her whisker area and its known to cause HUGE ISSUES in cats like Diabeties! NOT GOOD..

Hello again everyone,

just thought I’d give you an update on my condition. It has about 130 days since I had the cortisone injection and I am feeling about 80% better.

The good news is that I guess the cortisone must be almost out of my system. I was told by a health care provider (not a doctor) that since our bodies create its own cortisone, when a foreign cortisone enters our system it tells our bodies it no longer has to make its own. This can cause some of the problems the we are experiencing. That explanation seems logical enough. I think believing this helped me tremendously with coping with what was happening to me.

Some days I forget I was even sick and then days like yesterday and today, I pray for a complete recovery. I still have some nausea and rarely sleep through the night. On the days I am nauseated, I get maybe one – two total hours of sleep because I begin having “what if” thoughts. I still have a bit of anxiety but have basically got that under control. I don’t know if I mentioned in my last post that I started doing yoga to help me relax. It works until I actually lay down and try to sleep. I rarely take sleeping aids but I have some handy. When I get one good nights rest, I’d good for the rest of the week.

I have modified my diet drastically. Still no bananas. Very small amounts of bread. Oat or rice cereal with soy or rice milk and a glass of OJ every morning (I never used to eat cereal) and just peanut butter crackers or salad for lunch. Most days I drink water only. I can noonger tolerate wine or sparkling water. I don’t drink sodas anyway. Dinner is touch and go. Most days I’ll eat whatever I want and just suffer later and other days I have no appetite at all because of the nausea. On those days I still nibble on whatever dinner was supposed to be. Now that I’ve written this down, it seems like I have modified a lot but it wasn’t too bad.

Oh, all my blood test came back negative, thank God. I’m praying by next month, I will be completely better. My doctor recommended I take a relaxation class or talk to a psychologist to help me get over the trauma I experienced but I think I will be ok as long as I can find forums like this on-line. That just confirmed my original belief that “everyone just thinks I’m crazy”. Smile.

All-in-all, I think I’ll be ok and I know everyone else in this forum who suffer from any side-effects will too. Thanks for all of your postings and I’ll check in from time to time. I’ll definitely let everyone know if I can go a month without any problems and am able to sleep again.

God Bless!

I received a cortisone injection for swelling and a painful knot on the outside of my foot. The pain was worse the first night than before I got the injection. I feel red, flushed, hot and could not sleep last night at all. I am feeling a little tired today but the pain in my foot is better. I do have a sore throat today, hoping that will go away soon. The main thing is the swelling in my foot is far greater than it was with the original injury. My entire right sided of my foot is swollen, not sure what that means. My doctor as well, did not tell me about any side effects, I wish he had warned me about some of these instead of me searching online for answers.

I’m still undecided as to if I will get another cortisone shot again.

I am 15 and today I got an injection in my wrist for a cyst thingy… I can’t remember the name for it. But tonite I am lying in bed so tired but not able to sleep. When the covers are on I get very hot and sweaty but when I take them off I get very cold.

I am a 22 yr old female who has back pain as a result of a car accident. I recieved a cortisone shot yesterday and is now in more pain. At first my pain was fair but now everytime i turn, bend, reach or anything hurts my back. NO ONE told me this!!!!! I will never get another one.

I had a cortisone shot in my neck and it hurt for about a week, so if you are getting one take time off. The shot did not work at all and now I am scheduled for another one. I’ve gained weight and wondering if anyone else has gained weight from the shot????

I actually had an allergic reaction break out over parts of my body (back, back of my thighs, upper arms). As my husband had a case where a course of cortisone worked for him after a very bad reaction to sap from some vines we had cut down, I used the same tablets he was given to treat my own problem. Tip to everyone, never self-medicate and always see a doctor. I took one 25mg tablet before I went to bed and then took two more the following morning. 75mg within 8 hours is a bad thing, for me at least. By the end of the day I was sore, tired and horribly flushed and hot in the face, neck, chest and arms like I’d had way too much sun. Needless to say, I am staying away from cortisone now, it’s not worth feeling so uncomfortable to get rid of an itch. 24 hours after taking those last two pills, I am feeling a little better but still hot. I would recommend you question your doctor thoroughly before taking cortisone as there are other options available which are gentler.

I had 4 cortisone injections on the same day in my neck about 5 weeks ago. The reason I searched for information was that I have put on weight and feel bloated. Also my hot flashes have increased and am having trouble sleeping. Was glad to read about all your comments. Will be asking my doctor about all this, but guess will get the same answer as all of you do – that it has nothing to do with the cortisone!!

i took a cortisone shot on my left shoulder on March 2nd.2010 in the morning. same day at 4 p.m. i started having rapid heart rhythm. then irregular heart beats. i am a high blod pressure patient and am on betablockers since last 20 years. called my rheumatologist and reported the symptoms. according to him this cannot be the side effect of cortisone.

since then every day i am having the same symptoms, heart racing, elevated b.p., flushed face, lightheadedness, and anxiety etc. saw my physician on 6th march and he too said that this cannot be due to cortisone. and advised me to see a cardiologist and meanwhile if it got worse then asked me to go to ER.

it so happened that i ended up in ER with pulse rate of 120. am advised to see my cardiologist since they feel it can be related to heart.

i want to share this since i am not so convinced about the heart issue. all the same will be posting my comments if there is something other than the effect of cortisone. any suggestions?

thank god for this site!! Over the years I have had the shots in the top of my foot for Mortons neuromas (back in 98) then a few off and on since then in my cervical region. I don’t remember having any trouble at all except for weight gain..went to a new ortho yesterday because my last one retired. He gave me one in the S1 area and within 1 hour as i was driving, my leg was numb down to my foot. I got home hours later, still numb. Well, last night probably 10 hours after the shot, my heart was beating so hard,scared me to death. I am on BP/angina meds already and Xanax..I took my usual dose of xanax and went on to bed. This morning I woke at 6 am literally drenched in sweat with my heart rate at about 103. Scared me to death!! I told my daughter, she asked if we should call 911. I said,no give me a bit. Within an hour, my pulse rate was in the 90’s but that is pretty high for so early in the morning. Now I am freezing and just don’t feel up to par. This heart pounding really has me scared. BUt when I read about other ppls reactions, I really do think it is from the cortisone shot..I am calling him this AM and asking him what exactly was in that because I have NEVER had this happen before.

I had a cortisone shot in my tailbone yesterday morning to treat pain caused by frequent long airline flights. I had one two years ago and had no side effects other than pain in the injection site. This time though within an hour I was abnormally fatigued, had some problems with sweating even though I felt cold and hot flashes. Also had a tremendous appetite but paid for it later with nausea. Was able to fall asleep but woke again 3 hours later wide awake – very abnormal for me. Had some anxiousness and irregular heart beats. Thought it might have been from drinking caffeinated soda during the day. My husband said he looked online and found most sites saying cortisone does not have any side effects. I am thankful that I came across this site because it DID cause side effects for me and was grateful that others shared their experiences so I didn’t feel alone and as anxious! Since I am awake in the middle of the night I spent some time praying for others with health issues. And I prayed for all of you who have shared that God would be near and give you peace!

I received a cortisone shot in my foot for plantar facitisis about 4 weeks ago and two weeks later one near my elbow for tennis elbow. Ever since the first shot, a few days later I experienced a really bad headache that has not gone away. I went to my doctor for the migraines which he prescribed Fioricet (another word for caffeine) which only numbs the pain. As the day progresses it gets worse. Going back to the doctor tomorrow cause its very fustrating as well as depressing. After reading headaches is an effect that some have I am wondering if this is the cause.

I am so scared after reading all this, it is helpful to know I am not the only one though. I am 20 yrs old, a cna who got injured on the job and tryed everything workmans comp wanted me to do to help my shoulder pain, I’ve had for 6 months now..my last option they gave to me to try was cortisone, but I wasn’t told of any of the risks, all I cared about was feeling better. It has been about a week now since my shot, the first night I broke out in a rash all over my chest and face, it was like a real itchy bad sunburn, called my doc and was told to take benadryl, it helped. Then as of 3 days ago I felt really faint and have been nauseas and had loose stools and upset stomach and then something that is hard to describe but almost like I have brain damage, I feel so out of it and really faint and weak. I feel like I am going to black out and it scares me so much, I don’t feel with it at all and it came on all of a sudden the other day and I’ve has it ever since. I was at the point where I could hardly breath and honestly believe I was going to black out. I went to the er and they tested my blood and urine, my urine came back fine but my blood results said I am low on potassium, so I was put on potassium pills, and 2 days later, I still feel really faint and out of it, like brain damage, I am not with it, and I am having a very hard time believing its from potassium after reading all your posts. I am crying I am so upset that this may never pass, I don’t want to feel like this forever, I want to feel like me again, not like I am in this haze. I see my doc 2moro for a followup about the shot, but I don’t think he will have a solution, this breaks my heart. I only hope I can feel normal again !

WOW! I wish I had seen this blog before I had my first injection this morning. My dr has said nothing of any possible side effects, just told me to ice my back for a day or two. I will keep posting as things develop. Glad to know others are here that can relate.

I have had 5 shots into a problematic shoulder, and it hasn’t fixed it. I also suffered sleep problems only for a few days and shocking heartburn with each of them. Seems this is a common problems from searching on the net. Sometimes they can work, but if there is any real damage to the joint it seems you need an arthroscope.

After reading all the negative postings here, I almost cancelled my cortisone injection! With last minute questions to my family doctor answered, I went through with it 10 days ago and am soooooo glad I did! I’ve had a sore knee from bad osteoarthritis, with an inside meniscus tear , and a LOT of inflamation for several years, and now the pain is gone and the inflamation has greatly decreased!! The injection didn’t hurt at all and was over in a minute. The only thing the doc warned me about was that if I felt tightness in my neck/throat or got a rash over my neck/chest, to go immediately to the emergency ward. (I guess an allergic reaction.) I did feel a tiny bit of a funny feeling/tightness on the sides of my neck for a short while but after the doctor said that, I may have been imagining it. I never went to ER and it went away. The only other side effect was a little facial flushing (looks nice-gave me some colour!) a couple days later that lasted for a couple days but that is all I noticed. I have an irregular heartbeat anyways and it’s no worse. I’ve never been a great sleeper and take some melatonin at night anyways so can’t tell if the cortisone affected my sleep. I’m looking forward to walking and exercising again! Hopefully there will be no side effects in the future but so far so good. It’s definately been worth it! Keep a positive attitude everyone!

This morning I got a cortisone injection in my right heel for plantar fasciitis, and it hurts worse now than it ever did. The inflammation has not improved at all, and now I have a sore spot from the injection itself. I had forgotten until a few hours ago that I was given 2 Depo-Medrol shots last April to treat chronic back pain (before being approved for a breast reduction – thank God!) that gave me severe insomnia and “the munchies.” Basically, I stayed up til all hours and snacked. I gained 15lbs. It also gave me awful night sweats and chills (put the blankets on, get hot, take them off, get cold, repeat). I’m sure that I will refuse any and all steriod shots from now on; it’s just not worth it.

Last Friday around 2 PM I received a cortisone injection in my lower back for degenerative disc disease at L4/5. It was very painful because of the sciatic nerve. As a result, I never felt any pain in my back but all down my left leg, radiating from the left hip area. It was painful for the rest of the day but did not hurt at all on Saturday. It began to hurt on Sunday and has been hurting ever since, but not to the degree it was before the injection. At least I am not limping anymore, but there is quite a bit of numbness or that sleepy leg feeling and tingling. My concern is that I was not told how long I would have to take the injections, or what I should look for as far as relief, or what to expect. I am also experiencing severe nausea and stomache cramps. My insides feel quite jittery, like I might have diarrhea but then I can’t go to the bathroom. I have made an appointment with my Dr. to discuss all these issues.

I received cortisone injections in my Socrailial joint on 4/14/2010- it was the most excruciating pain I have ever felt. Have had many cortisone injections in both shoulders, left hip for a bursa and in left knee- have never felt anything like this before- thought I had a high pain tolerance but Holy Cow! Then he injected the purformas muscle in the right buttox which is irritated by the joint which is also irritating a bursa on my right hip and down into the I.T. band on the outside of my right thigh. My body was shaking when he got done and the injection sight swelled immediately. I was on ice and a pillow in a recliner most of the night, luckily I had muscle relaxers from another injury that I could take because the doctor would not even prescribe low dose pain med’s and said to tough it out. The outpatient instructions tell you you to ice the first evening and then go to a heating pad, warm soaking baths or showers for the pain and not to be alarmed if the pain worsens for the first 24-72 hours, that this wasn’t unusual and would dissipate with time.(how much time???)

I walked in with a headache and left with a headache which increased in intensity. When I spoke to the nurses the next day at both the outpatient surgery center and the doctors office, they told me to increase my caffeine and lay flat on ice to try to reduce the headaches. I tried going to work the next day thinking I might feel a little better until I tried to sit down in my car to drive-that’s when I felt all the pressure and the pain in the purformas muscle was so intense. They did not prepare me for this type of pain, I have so many injections in other parts of my body and never had all the reactions and pain like I have had with this. I had to come home the afternoon the day after the injection and only worked 1/2 day the day after that, I was entirely too uncomfortable, didn’t feel like I could sit in a chair all day and just didn’t feel right, couldn’t focus.

I too have had the flushing of the face, my cheeks almost felt as if they were burnt, I am still tired, dizzy, light headed, my vision seems a little blurred, anxious/shakey, loose stools,I had a loss of appetite for the first couple of days and then an incredible appetite which would make me nauseated and I am still am.

Can’t wait to get back to Physical Therapy today to show her some of the post on this websight and I am definately going to fax over some of these to my doctor because I feel they dismiss us- WE KNOW OUR BODIES – we are not being hypochondriacs and when you have gone through a lot of surgeries and procedures you know what feels right and what doesn’t. You don’t want to cry “wolf” too soon, I have a lot of pressure in my tail bone, in the joint or mid spine at my waist and the bursa on my right hip is very sore. The pressure feels as if it is moving up into the middle of my spine. The doctor is trying to tell me that it was like this before the injection, but I can tell you that although I had discomfort in the lower back, it was not all the time, it was occasional, the bursa on the right hip was occasional or when I sat too long- all of that is flared up after the injections. I am feeling a litle better than I did over the week end and I am hoping that down the road it will keep getting better and better. Went back to the treadmill last night but only did 1/2 mile to start back slowly and see how I felt. So between the physical therapist and walking, hoping to work through this, but will definately not recommend nor will go through any further injections in my spine or the socrailiac joint.

MY mistake was not researching before I got the injection for side affects due to my having so many previously and never experiencing these types of problems. Maybe one of you were correct in that they changed the formulas/chemicals and that is causing so many adverse side affects now. Good luck to all of you and I am so glad that I found this websight this morning because my doctor is almost dismissing me or not believing what I am telling him. Thank all of you for sharing- it never dawned on me that I was having a reaction to the cortisone shots.

i received a cortisone shot for plantar faciitis it is day 3 and i still cannot put my foot down or walk when i phoned my gp he just said o dear !! i had to ring in sick i am now taking naproxin or brufen i was so looking foward to be pain free when i got the injection but there seems to be no give at the moment so far i regret gettin it done !!!!

Cortisone effects the liver so it makes sense that people could have sweats, flushing, mood swings, ect. Best advise would be to take herbs and supplements that can help detoxify and strengthen the liver. Milk thistle and dandelione root are 2 herbs that can help the liver and are very gentle. Hope this helps.

Had cortisone on both knees. My legs started cramping everytime I would take a step. I was told that it was part of the process and that it would go away. I decided to try and help myself because I would rather die than not be able to move around well. Decided to do some research and started taking Elations. Some pain and numbness was gone but not the cramping. Looked at the ingredients in Elations and decided to give Glucosamine with no chondrotin and calcium chewables with vitamin d. This helped ease the pain a little better but still had the cramping with every step I took. What makes our legs cramp? DEHYDRATION AND LACK OF POTASSIUM! Read somewhere that cortisone will deplete your body of potassium. So I went to the store and bought potassium pills, banana’s, raisins, oranges and Vitamin D5000. I dont take all at once. But I can tell you that alot of my knee pain is gone and my cramps are going away. I drink gatorade with pedialyte and alot of water to keep hydrated. Seems to be helping me out. So this is what I take:
Glucosamine: 2 pills in the morning
Calcium 500 with Vitamin D: 1 in the morning.
Vitamin D5000: Evening with dinner.
Potassium, very low dose: Evening with dinner.
Vitamin B6 and E: Once a week.
Research these vitamins and find out what they are good for. Took me awhile to get it right as I found out that calcium makes me a little dizzy. I’m no Dr. by any means. And Dr’s are good at times. But I had to try and find my own healing. Prayer has also helped me deal with this very much. Research these things. Read that some of you have cramps and pain, so did I. Good luck….

I had a cortisone shot for DeQuervain’s tendinitis (tendinitis of the wrist) 3 years back and it has never come back. No side effects either. My hand was in fixed cast for 4 weeks – that was the only inconvenience.

I’m a 54 year old female. I’ve had arthritis in knee for 5-6 years. A few months ago, pain became worse and I noticed swelling in tissues around the knee. I saw my primary care doctor who referred me to sports medicine doctor (I’ll call her Dr. K.) I saw Dr. K. on 4/1/2010. She recommended cortisone shot. I thought this would be at a future date, but was surprised when she pulled out needle and syringes. Dr. K asked if I was diabetic and warned that if I were planning on blood tests in the next two or three weeks, blood tests would show elevated blood sugar. I told her I’m not diabetic. She said I would have some local soreness and possibly worse pain for a day or two while the anesthetic (lidocaine) wore off and the cortisone kicked in. Those two cautions were the only ones I received.

I had immediate swelling around the knee which improved with icing. I had facial flushing about 36 hours after the shot that lasted 2 days. The pain in the knee was significantly worse for 4-5 days and then began to subside. There is some improvement in the pain, but it’s not significant and certainly not worth the side effects I continue to have.

I’ve had severe migraines, insomnia, hot flashes, intestinal problems, odd bruises, nosebleeds. I’m 6 years past menopause and exactly two weeks after the cortisone shot, I began menstruating! I had gone 6 years without any bleeding and was terrified when I began bleeding. I called the primary care doctor who sent me off to get a pelvic ultrasound. Because I had already had so many side effects, I googled cortisone + post-menopausal bleeding and was shocked to discover that many post-menopausal women have had bleeding following cortisone shots. Yesterday I received the results from the pelvic ultrasound. Nothing definitive and so I’m being referred to a specialist.

I’ve noticed that I feel anxious and weepy. I don’t know if that’s a side effect of the cortisone or if I’m simply upset with the side effects. I am shocked that something that can have so many side effects is administered so cavalierly! I am angry that I was not warned about these potential side effects and would urge anyone to consider cortisone shots very carefully.

I had a cotisone shot in my lower back about 1 1/2 months ago and B4 I did I asked my dr what the possible side effects might be and he said Very minimal…ya right First the pain worsend and I had to take off two weeks of work. Then the night sweats which eventually turned into all day sweats, insomnia, anxiety, elevated blood sugar, mood swings,head aches,and worse of all hair growth had excellerated in places I didnt want it to. My shoulders hurt worse and my lower back kills me…didnt help at all and made me feel alot worse than I did b4 the shot if someone told me that this would happen I WOULD NOT HAVE DONE IT!!!! DONT DO IT!!!

Hello again everyone,

just wanted to give an update to my previous health issues I believe were a result of a cortisone shot I received about 7 months ago.

I am happy to say I feel so much better. I think the cortisone has run its course and my system is free of the foreign stuff. Best part is I can now sleep. Sure there are a few days when I’m too focused on my previous health issues and I feel like I may be having a relapse or something but all-in-all I’m at about 98%. I’m good and I believe everyone else will be, too (at least those who suffered side effects of the shot).

For those of you with cronic pain, know that cortisone may actually help. I think you should get a specialist to administer the treatment though. If you ask if there are any side effects, and the doctor says “no”, maybe you should reconsider being treated by that doctor because they haven’t got a clue.

I forget who it was but someone said they didn’t do any research before getting the shot because they just wanted to be pain free. I feel ya. That was my reason for getting the shot immediately. Shame on us both.

Well, I thought I should let everyone know how I was doing and I hope it makes some, if not all, of you have peace of mind. In addition to prayer, this forum was my saving grace.

God bless!

I had my fifth cortisone shot in three years about two weeks ago. The first day i was fine but by the second day i was red from the chest up, heart pounded in my chest,felt dizzy.could’nt sleep,had trouble focusing and felt on fire inside. I feel better but my heart still pounds in my chest. I now am having a period after not having one for almost a year,I am fifty years old. I worry about my heart because i have a leaky heart valve. I will never get another shot! I thank God i’m doing better but look forward to the day this is out of my system. No Doctor can tell me this is not caused by a cortisone shot.

I can not tell you how relieved I am after finding this site. I had a cortisone shot in March and have been suffering since. All the same symptoms- sleeplessness, blotting, flushed skin, cold chills throughout my body and face, food sensitivity and pain. I have fibro myalgia but got the shot for an injured shoulder. I will never do that again. It has made the FM worst and I am so fatiqued. It is effecting my work. I get no satisfaction from the Dr. They can’t believe I would still be having a reaction. A friend of mine told me that the shots are designed to be timed released so who knows how long it wil take to get through this. I also am going through depression and anxiety due to this. I am so tired of being looked at like this is all in my head. Thank you for making me feel normal again and thank you for the food ideas I will try them. I also can not drink wine or sparkling water any longer. Water is about it. Why aren’t the DR,s compiling info on this?

i had steriod injections in to my hips for osteoathritis a month ago on my first appintment with a rhumatolgist with no tests first they do like to rush and promote the steriods. no problems on right side but the pain in my left which is the worst side has been excruciating, had a trip to a&e they gave me some strong pain killers, tryed the icepack was getting 2hrs sleep at a time, red face, hot flushes and no appite lost 10lb, had 2 more injections that didnt work and am waiting to go for an mri am hoping they will find the problem and be able to sort it

Got a cortisone shot yesterday for bursitis in my hip.Pain is so much worse.I cant walk hardly and cant sit unless its on ice and standing hurts.Ibprofen does nothing and the dr says this is normal.Had i known this I wouldnt have had the shot.also my face got paler and not flushed and I cant sleep and was weepy and work yesterday.I am hoping this gets better otherwise I dont know what I”ll do.

I had a cortisone shot in my knee due to an injury. I developed a cyst and inflamation on the back of the knee which was very painful. The next day, I noticed a chnage in my appetite. I was not very hungry and ate very little food. I wonder how long this will last? Will it go back to what it was before once the cortisone wears off or will it increase?

It’s a relief to hear that I’m not going crazy! I had my first ever cortisone shot 6 days ago. Ever since, I haven’t been able to sleep through the night, even with my trazedone. I wake up hours before my alarm goes off, and my heart is pounding and clicking, and I’m restless. Then I have these bouts of drowsiness throughout the day, and feel a little depressed. If I had known I was going to go through this, I’d have never allowed the shot. I missed three days last week. Today I am at work, but don’t know if I’ll make it. I was trembling, ligtheaded, dry-mouth, and started to panic. I had to take a xanax, and now I’m exhausted. How long will this stay in my body?

I’m SOOO thankful I found this site. I got a cortisone shot in my shoulder area about a month ago for shoulder pain/muscle contraction that would not go away(scapula area). The day after the shot, I was sitting on the couch and all of the sudden, I felt an electric/severe pain shoot through the middle of my back and down my arms into my biceps – then my biceps became weak. My heart sped up instantly; I had trouble breathing; I felt flushed and almost fainted. I talked myself down and thought it might be from the cortisone shot so I didn’t panic for too long. Then, in the following days, I had SEVERE joint pain in my right shoulder so I had an MRI that showed a rotator cuff tear. SO, I forgot about the possible cortisone reaction and iced my shoulder and waited for my ortho doc appt. I progressively felt worse with each day and the pain moved(or spread) from my shoulder into my spine and my wrists…then my knees and then into the OTHER shoulder. I felt like all my joints were on fire…for days! SO, I told the ortho doc about my pain and he did an MRI on my spine. It only showed bulging disks and bone spurs…no herniation. I also had/have tingling in my hands/feet and my Raynaud’s phenomenon flared up. My hands were turning blue constantly. I am also having muscle twitches ALL OVER the place all the time. I convinced myself that I must have some kind of arthritic autoimmune disease until I decided to research cortisone reactions again. I have felt like I have been dying. I have also had trembling and anxiety. I decided to buy magnesium, potassium, vitamins D, E, C and omega 3’s. I THINK it’s helping as my muscle twitches have calmed down a bit and my joint pain is slowly going away. I go back to my doctor next week for blood work. If anyone has had muscle twitching along with their symptoms, please let me know….also spreading, firey joint pain that moves from joint to joint. I’m beginning to freak out. I hope this all goes away soon – I want to feel like myself again! I’m VERY thankful for this night because it’s the first evening I haven’t had to hold ice on my spine, shoulders & knee. I even missed a couple days of work due to this and I NEVER call in sick.
I appreciate everyone’s comments/advice here. Good luck to all!
Best wishes & good health.

I had two cortisone shots, one in my knee; which worked fine and one in my shoulder, which did not work. The doctor put me on Relafin for the pain (antiinflamitory) after taking that for two weeks I broke out in hives. They’re not sure what I was alergic reaction to the Relafin. They put me on a high dose of predisone for four days. The hives went away, but my skin is still itchy, palms and feet itch, my skin will welt up when I scratch it. My skin feels like it is on fire and my heart rate is 99. I am supposed to go in for two more shots today on my shoulder, but will talk to the Doctor physical therapy instead. These shots have made my life miserable!!!!!!!

Oh my goodness! I am SO glad I found this page. I had my first (and only) cortisone injection three days ago in my knee. Felt okay, just a little tender, on the first day. Now, I have a horrible sore throat, fatigue, joint pain, facial flushing, and general malaise. I contacted the doc’s office because I had not been warned (informed) that I needed to take it easy on the knee afterwards and I had over-done it. I was told that I may have swelling and some pain and to just rest it, elevate it, ice it, and take some anti-imflammatories. The knee now feels a bit better but systemically I feel horrible. I won’t do it again and I hope the side effects don’t last too long. Prayers to all of you on here! Thanks for your comments. Knowing you are not “imagining” things makes it a bit more bearable. God bless!

I had a cortisone injection yesterday for a frozen shoulder. I’ve been going to physiotherapy for 6 months, with some relief, but then another flare up and pain. I was told it was tendonitis initially but as soon as I saw the specialist who gave the injection, he said right away it was a frozen shoulder. I didn’t think I had any reaction to the Cortisone until I read some of these posts. Today I had some face flushing while vaccuuming and just thought I overdid it a bit. Guess it could have been from the shot cause both my cheeks and my neck were very red and flushed, and not like they get from exercising.

I got my first and maybe last cortisone shot in my left knee
yesterday. Within a few hours I was shaking and felt lousy.
I hardly slept at all but I got up and went to work. Actually
my knee feels pretty good!!! but I dont. I’ve been flushed
and have a wicked bad headache but here’s one I havent heard anyone report on… I have a really strange taste in
my mouth???? Medicinal like. any ideas????

Hello eveyone. About 2 weeks I had my first injection on my neck and was in a lot of pain and nausea the first day but then the pain was better and the numbness too but I was still nauseas and was having flush and red face and was very tired. I started to feel a little better and now had my second injection in my lower back 3 days ago and I feel terrible. Sweats, flushing, nauseas, tired, fatigue,depressed, insomnia, the list can keep going. Knowing what I know now I would have never had the injections! And just like so many of you no one informed me of any side effects!!there has to something that we can do to put a stop to this! There has to be some information on these injections by the FDA! This has to be all related to these injection That we are experiencing the sise effects! We must be informed of these possible side effects! Thank god that I have found this site! I too was thinking I must be crazy!

No matter what anyone tells you I had a cortisone shot yesterday in my shoulder, and yes it will cause severe heartburn.The percentages may be low enough that no one is paying attention to it.I received my shot yesterday afternoon, and woke up at 2:00AM with raging heartburn.Two zantacs, and 1 alka seltzer later it subsided somewhat, I am still fighting it today.I have had heartburn in the past, mainly from spicy foods, red wine, and 1 zantac takes it away.In this case I have eaten nothing that would initiate this to the degree of suffering.

Podiatrist treated me for plantar fasciitis a year ago by taping my foot to partially immobilize it, once a week for 4-5 weeks. I kept the tape on until each visit, then had it changed. It completely healed. Doc told me the plantar fascia bands need a few weeks to heal and stretching only prevents the healing process. I could still play tennis (cut down a little) but was told not to severely stretch my foot or my hamstrings. All made sense and it was cured. Recently it started on my other foot. I had a nasty ankle sprain then achilles tendinopathy and put too much strain on my arch – result – plantar fasciitis. I was having P.T. on my ankle & achilles but did major stretching which has been aggravating the plantar fasciitis. The podiatrist is treating me again with the taping but decided to give me a cortisone injection (other foot). I noticed too that I didn’t sleep well, but the foot feels much better today. He told me the best way of injecting is through the side and downward instead of from the bottom of the foot (heel) as that is where the nerve endings are. I’m confident this will do the trick – only been 24 hours but much better. Also in response to #140 – I had to take Etodolac (anti-inflam med) a few years ago and then again a year later. My hands swelled up and I couldn’t make fists (lasted a week). Long story short, realized it was from the meds (after 2nd time). Called mfg. & was told it’s usually from dyes or additives in the meds. Turned out to be blue dye (indigo carmen lake). I also have reactions to yellow #5 (tartrazine) which is made from tar. Be careful & try to educate yourself. All these additives, dyes & garbage they put into things can cause all kinds of allergic reactions. Try to get colorless meds & avoid bright colored foods whenever you can.

Just wanted to give an update from the cortisone shot I had in my thumb 10 months ago 8/09. I no longer have any of the symptoms I had from the shot. Unfortunately, my thumb has reverted back to the original problem, but I will never have another cortisone shot, so I will just deal with the problem or have surgery later on if needed. It took about 3 months for all of my symptoms to go away. It appears the time it takes for adverse reactions to dissipate varies from person to person. I don’t think the adverse reactions will last forever, so keep the faith that you will eventually be ok.

I’m so sorry everyone is experiencing such awful side effects, and with so little information from their docs! I got a cortisone shot in my wrist tendons to put off an inevitable carpal tunnel surgery. I told my doc I wanted to think about it first, but he pulled out the needle and meds and said we better do it now before I could get nervous and change my mind. I went ahead and let him (hey, two weeks of barely sleeping from wrist pain, you’d do it too!).
I feel so lucky I that it was a tiny shot which must have been well-placed, because the only effect has been relief so far.

However, I’m appalled that the occassional side effects could be so severe for all of you, and so long lasting. It makes me angry that Big Pharmacy can do this to us, with our doctor’s help and blessing, and nothing gets done about it until after we’ve already been their human guinea pigs. The only way to stop this madness is for we the people to stand up for ourselves and demand different!!!

PS I can’t help wondering why a doctor wouldn’t know about the side effects of a drug he’s putting into YOUR body. Do they look more carefully into the drugs they give themselves and their family members, or are they letting the pharmaceutical companies experiment on them too?

put me down as one more with dizziness (nearly fell over trying to leave the doctor’s office after my cervical facet block injections) and quesiness. was thinking it must be some random coincidence, but i see no reason for my stomach to feel this bad. just had the shots about 48 hours ago. so far no insomnia. i hope nothing more hits me when the cortisone fully takes effect, and I REALLY hope I don’t get insomnia!!!!! definitely feeling very dragged out, as if i were sick… thanks to all for your useful suggestions and for sharing your experiences so that we can all figure out what is and is not coincidence, in spite of our doctors’ denials about side-effects.

I’m a 60 year old female & have a thyroid problem. In Mar
I fell and tore my right rotater cuff. On Apr 30 I received a cortisone shot. Not 1 word was told to me of the side effects and that a person that has a thyroid problem should not have cortisone because the next 2 1/2 months I went through a living hell.I had horrible facial flushing that lasted a week, 4 days after the shot I had red burning feet & a right leg that was weak, crawling, burning and twitching that lasted 2 months and it still bothers me at times. I had vaginally bleeding had to have a uterine biopsy that was negative. I was anxious, shaky on the upper half of my body. My whole body was twitching. I was at the clinic many times where everthing was coming out negative. They made an appointment for me to see a neurologist. I went to a chiropracter thinking my leg problem was coming from my back. That didn’t help. After many visits to the doctor I finally got an older doctor that told me that he feels that everything happening to me is coming from the cortisone shot plus it shouldn’t have been give to a hypothyroid person. I’m now about 85% better after almost 3 months after the injection. I will never get another cortisone injection again. I rather have the pain of the shoulder. At least I know what it is.

Today I had my fourth cortisone injection in my right foot for PF. My left foot has started hurting now too, so I was given a shot in that foot too. My last shot was fourteen months ago. In alot of pain tonight and might last last through tomorrow…we’ll see. I hope it helps again just like the third shot did. The first two did nothing to ease my pain. I’m hopeful!!! Soreness at the injected area is the ony side effect I have. Been taking advil and icing it.

PCP dx my Plantar Faciitis on Monday and referred me to podiatrist on Tuesday for a Cortisone Injection. I got the injection about 2:30 p.m., the hurt but the pain went away as soon as the needle was removed. I have PF in both feet and heel spurs in both feet but the majority of my pain is in my left foot. I was in so much pain I had to use crutches one day which led me to the doc. It’s 5 a.m. & I’ve been awake since 4 a.m. I’m having some anxiety about if he injected the wrong spot, what activities can I do, what shoes do I need to get, do I give away all my dress shoes and heels, etc. It’s 13 hours later, numbness from local has worn off, assuming discomfort is from injection site. So anxious I’m glad I found this site to get it out of my head. I’ll be trying some of the suggestions I read here, thanks everyone that posted. I’m going to Jamaica for my anniversary and guessing I’ll have to find some special beach shoes or sandals for the beach since the doc made seem as if I should never be barefoot. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated and will report on my status later today. Oh oh, the sky is lighting up, gotta try to sleep a little before work!

Had cortisone shots to both feet for plantar fasciitis. Was awake for 2 days straight. The pain in my feet was even worse than before and I was shaky and night sweats too. I even took an ambien the second night and still could not fall asleep. I am surprised that the podiatrist did not explain that this was a common side effect. My feet are finally now (4 days after the injection) feeling a little bit better and I am able to sleep better.

I have had three cortisone shots in each arm for Radial Tunnel/Tendonitis. The shot injection sites were sore for about one to two weeks but the initial pain I was having from the condition was getting better. It’s been almost 5 months since my first shot and my forearms are so much better! I’m so happy to have some relief since I have been having the pain since before April 2008 with no results beforehand. (worker’s comp doctors don’t exactly try to find a solution). I have had no side effects whatsoever.

I’ve had Tendonitis for over 2 months. A cortizone shot was prescribed by my RA doctor, but I opted for physical theropy instead. After 2 weeks of PT and no reief I got the shot following an ultra sound revealing a tiny bone chip. I didn’t get any relief form the shot and I was sent to a bone specialist where he prescribed another shot. It felt great for a hlf hour while the novacane was still working , and then extreme pain like a broken arm for the next 12 hrs. followed by extreme anxiety with Vertigo symptoms. I came home after working in this condition for three hours and took some Bonine for sea sickness treatment. I’m not dizzy any more but my elbow still hurts.

To Stan….please contact me regarding the steroid shot you received in your elbow….sandyddm@sbcglobal.net.

I am so thankful for finding this website. Three weeks ago, I was diagnosed with tendonitis in both my knees. After two weeks of pain, my doctor injected cortisone into both knees. That evening, I started feeling fatigued, flushed/feverish (I even took my temp but it was normal), irritable, nauseated and just about all of the symptoms all of you are experiencing. By the second day of all of this, I finally called my dr. who told me that the cortisone injections couldn’t have been the cause of this and that I need to go back and have bloodwork done to rule out lupus and rheumatiod arthritis. Now, I’m in total depression and feel like crying all the time. After finding this website, it gives me some relief that I’m not the only who’s having these symptoms. I appreciate all your posts and feel your pain. Although I’m able to move a bit better, I don’t think I want to ever have another injection. Best of luck to you all!

I had a cortisone shot in my knee because of pain from a fall, in December. The pain was gone soon after, however by May I could not sleep more than three hours a night, had severe anxiety, and my knee looks like it was in a battle. I awoke one morning in May with a huge red bruise on my knee. There had been no external injury to cause this. Since then I have had numerous red/purple bruises in the same area, thinning of the skin, and there is no tissue or muscle left between the skin and bone.
I must always cover this area, as it looks dreadful.
The dermatologist and internist say it could very well be due
to the cortisone shot. I am wondering if it will ever clear totally. I have now had this area of red and purple bruising
for three months with no end in sight. You can just imagine with all this anxiety about my knee that the insomnia is still quite apparent.

I had a second cortisone (Kenalog) shot for bursitis in my hip, had facial flushing and rapid heartbeat and two weeks later had my first attack of atrial fibrillation which landed me in the hospital for three nights. I beleive it was from the cortisone shot. I am 63. I will not ever have it done again!

I was diagnosed with a herniated disc and i was told i need cortison shots. am barely 27 and so afraid of getting this. Does anyone have any advise on other treatments?

hello everyone, I was given a cortisone shot for allergies exactly 2 months ago. The injection was was depo-medrol 80mg and decadron 8mg. ever since then I have been suffering with many of the symptoms all of you have. I first experienced dizziness for like a week straight. Right after I got over that my body started shaking and twitching like crazy. I also had a rapid heart beat and bad anxiety. All of those eventually subsided about 2 1/2 weeks later. After that it could be anything you guys described, muscle weakness and cramping, burning sensations through skin, extreme fatigue, nausea, lightheadedness, insomnia, headaches, nervousness, you name it. I have been in to see doctors like crazy trying to figure out what was going on. I had an MRI on my head, tons of blood tests, and an EKG on my heart. All of my tests came back normal. For the first two weeks i couldnt figure it out, then one doctor mentioned that it could be from the cortisone shot. As soon as I got home I looked it up and found all of the same side effects that I had. Not to mention all of the posts people have written that really put my mind at ease. I have seen 3 doctors and a neurologist and all have said they cant find anything wrong with me and that it is most likely the cortisone shot. They also said it would eventually work its way out of my system. How long that will be is any ones guess, i guess it depends on a lot of factors. I can recomend a few things that might help you guys. Meclizine for dizziness and lightheadedness(sea-bands are good too, even if its just mental). Xanax for anxiety. Cyclobenzaprine for muscle spasms, twitches, and that shaking feeling. Take a multi vitamin. Drink lots of water and exercise. You might also try accupuncture and a homeopathic doctor for natural healing. I have been recently thinking of doing a full body detox in the hope that it might help clear my body of the cortisone. I will post again if i do. Other than that all I can say is that it has been a slow process. I do feel somewhat better. I tend to just get one of the random symptoms that I listed above that may last for a few hours or a day or two then if fades away. Hang in there guys. Im confident that all of our symptoms should fade with time. I will post again with any updates. You are all in my prayers, take care.

Mary – have you been treated by Chiro or Acupuncture?
I have 3 herniated disks in neck and have had great success with Chiro. Given the side effects of cortisone, I would try any other means of treatment before getting the shot. You are too young to risk problems like these.

I received a cortisone shot in my left heel last March for Plantar Fasciitis. Then, doing a normal thing, walking, my tendon “popped” and I’m not in a cast for 6 weeks. My Plantar Fascia ruptured. I read elsewhere that it’s possible in cases for the shots to cause the rupture. I’d rather deal with the fasciitis than the pain of the rupture, and 6 weeks in a hard cast, to be followed by at least 2-3 in a walking cast before Physical therapy. It is NOT fun.

Had a Cortizone shot yesturday and within 3-4 hours of it my heart was racing , felt very strange , light headed, shaky and weak. My husband rushed me to the ER and they did tests , EKG and bloodwork. My EKG was fine my bloodwork was fine except for an elevated blood sugar of 230 … so the diagnosis was “Palations, Anxiety, and high blood sugar from the Cortizone shot. Like many of you the first one I got did not bother me the 2nd sure did. I have a old knee injury and Dimishing Cartlegde underneth my kneecap. The first shot was almost 1 year ago, no problem just some pain. This 2nd one was scary especially the racing heart and feeling just plain weird. Thought I was having a heart attack. And yes I do have pain in my knee where the shot was administered, I have been icing it down for 20 min. 4xs today. The pain was so bad from it the ER gave me pain meds and Nausea medication in my IV. So no you are not crazy or alone in this side effects. I just wish my Othro Doc would have givin me a better warning. I will in the future probley will not get anouther Cortizone shot although I believe the benefit out weighs the risk and side effects for me thats just my opinon … but after the heart racing thing ect. I dont think I’ll get anouther one.

Hi everyone,

I had a Cortizone shot yesturday this is my 2nd one for dimishing Carteladge and trauma to my left knee due to an on the job accident. The first Cortizone shot I had “almost a year ago” there was no side effects just the typical pain and soreness from the shot. This 2nd one I had yesturday has not been aweful within 3-4 hours of receiving the shot, my heart was racing , I felt nervous , shakey and weak I honestly thought I was having a heart attack. My husband rushed me to the ER. They did an EKG and bloodwork my heart was fine and my bloodwork was fine except for an elevated bloodsugar level of 230. And the pain in my knee after the shot was a throbbing and burning type of pain. The ER doc put me on an IV and administerd a pain killer and something to calm me down and something for nausea. This was a very scary side effect to think your having a heart attack And honestly I dont think I will ever have anouther Cortizone shot. My Othro Doc could have givin me some kind of a better warning that this could happen. Also want to mention this time he gave me more Cortizone than the first one that may have something to do with it also. So Dx from hospital “Palpatations, Anxiety and raised bloodsugar from the Cortizone shot. I was released from the hospital at 6pm My pain has calmed down but now feels like its wanting to throbb again and my heart still feels calmed but Im starting to feel a little nervous so I took a nerve pill 20 min. ago. I just pray the racing heart and shaking dont come back. I want all you to know your not alone in these side effects and yes they suck! I hope all you feel better soon. Take Care!

I had cortisone injection in both shoulders last Monday and Tuesday. Shoulders both felt/feel worse since. Started suffering severe headaches and insomnia within 24 hours. Since Friday evening symptoms also include hot flushes day and night (sweating), bloating, nausea, bad taste in mouth, anxiety/depression, restlessness (cannot relax), palpitations, dizziness, shaky and general feeling of being very very ill. These side effects are severe. Seeing doctor next Monday but have spoken to my chemist and there is apparently nothing I can do but hope that this passes from my system asap. I understand that everyone is different but would appreciate a bit of a timeline as to how long the side effects have lasted with others (to give me hope!!!) I will never ever under any circumstances put my body and myself through this torture again. Thank you.

Hey Julie, your experience sounds a lot like mine. Time lines are hard to guess. But from what I’ve read it could be from a few weeks to a few months. For me it has been 3 months today. I feel much better than I did but some of the symptoms are still nagging at me, but with less intensity. Hopefully yours will only last a week or two. Try not to stress out too bad about all your symptoms, they will pass with time. Hang in there and let us know how you are doing!

Thank you so much for taking the time to post Gary – I really appreciate it. I was feeling very ‘vulnerable’ and alone. A friend suggested that I try Colloidal Silver in big doses to detox and cleanse ‘my system’. I did that and found that I actually did get some sleep last night and the hot flushes/sweating were not as severe. Still feeling very very ill today, head throbbing, shoulders worse than before but (fingers crossed) hopefully have turned a corner. I will continue with the large doses colloidal silver (Suttons brand for anyone interested) and continue to post here for the benefit of others. Once again thank you Gary for sharing your ‘timeline’ with me, encouragement and HOPE!!!!

What a great site. I’m glad I found it because I’ve learned more here then in the 60 seconds it took for my doctor to inject this insidious medicine. Today is Friday, on Wednesday (exactly 48 hours ago) I had an injection and I’m experiencing what seems like the cortizone flare. Unbearable pain to the point that I went to the ER Wednesday night. I have a pretty high threshhold for pain but this is something all together different. I’m hoping this subsides as I’ve heard the 48 – 72 hour rule for the cortizone flash followed by the positive effects of the shot. Does anyone have anything more they can add to what I should expect from a cortizone flash?

Hi Bryan – goodluck. You can see from my two posts above that my side effects have been horrendous to say the least. I will be interested to hear how you are going over the next few days and wish you well. Hopefully the ‘flare’ settles down and you do not have any other symptoms as I would not wish it upon anyone. For those interested I have continued with Colloidal silver detox and also had a foot bath detox. I believe it is really helping and I will do anything to get this POISON out of my system as soon as possible. I must admit that at the moment I am feeling ’slightly human’ again and definately sleeping better since I started the detox. Once again goodluck Bryan and I’ll check back to see how you are going.

Well, I’m not as young as the most of you guys who blog on this site. I’m an 83 yr-old great grandma. For extreme lower back pain that has plagued me for several weeks, I had a lumbar epidural cortisone/ladocaine injection, 2 weeks ago. This is first of what is expected to be a series of 3, a month apart. So far I have not experienced any of the extreme side effects you all mention with the exception of a couple of sleepless nights and sometimes being drowsy during the day. But I have those occasionally anyway. The pain is not gone 100% but it so much less that I feel a lot of relief and expect to continue with the injections. I have enjoyed reading the comments on the site from all of you. I hope and pray I don’t have any further symptoms as some of you have mentioned.

Hi Arlia – goodluck and I also hope and pray you don’t have any severe symptoms – lots of people don’t but for those of us who have – a nightmare. The pain in my shoulders is also not 100% probably even a bit worse than before the shots and it has been 2 weeks today since the first one. Let us know how you go – cheers!
For anyone interested I think I have ‘turned the corner’ as definately felt ‘human’ last night altho quite nauseous this morning but no headache thank god.

All GOOD!!!!! Continued with Colloidal Silver detox had another foot bath detox……nearly got all the POISON out of the system YAY!!!!

Getting weak feeling & starting a headache. Very warm. Last Friday my shoulder took C shot.
Interesting thing here is that I have had lower back injections & one in my left thumb. NO SYMPTOMS like these.
Thanks for all the postings. Glad to learn that I’m not alone.

Goodluck Wolfgang!! Maybe in your case it depends on the dosage of cortisone you have been given – this one may have been a much bigger dose. Let us know how you are doing – fingers crossed!!! Ps don’t we all wish we had found this site BEFORE the goddamn shots lol

I had tennis elbow (mild) for 4 mths, then it got suddenly worse, saw my Dr, tried accupuncture for 6 weeks (my choice) with minimal relief, then finally requested cortisone from my Dr. Within 2 hrs of cortisone injection became 10 times worse, rang my Dr and he ordered me voltarin (50) and maxalon(to relieve nausea associated with increased pain). Within 48 hrs the pain had totally resolved, 6 days later have weaned off voltaren and maxalon and the pain has completely gone and I have ‘miraculously’ had my full range of movement restored’. My only concern now, is how long will this last? Any hints?

Hi Ken – well good for you and thanks for posting the medications you took as they may very well help others. I’m no expert but cortisone is NOT a cure it works on the inflammation associated with injuries. As for how long it lasts that varies from person to person. Some people have had no relief, some days, some weeks and from what I can gather others maybe up to 6 months. Enjoy your ‘pain free’ time and let us know how you go as it is good to gather as much info as possible – cheers Julie

I have received 2 cortisone shots for Morton’s neuroma the past two weeks. After the second one, my face broke out with acne like I was going through puberty all over again. Is this a common side effect? Has anyone else experienced this?

Hi Eric – sadly I would have to guess yes given what others have posted above. Just quickly scanning through some many many report ‘face flushing’ but No. 31 reports ‘face looked sunburnt’ No. 56 ‘redness of my face’ No. 58 facial breakout ….blistering of face and No. 63 ‘my face is so broken out…..facial breakout’ and I’m sure there are more. Check them out – cheers Julie

I had a cortisone injection in my knee yesterday, this morning I am very shaky and hyper, is that a side effect of the cortisone. I was also give an Rx for Naproxen and am having stomach and bowel issues, as well

Hi Beverley – guess everyone probably ’sick’ of me posting everytime but I know how desperate I was for some help when I was going through ‘hell’. I really appreciated Gary answering my post.
Beverley – once again I would guess that you are suffering from side effects from the cortisone. If you see my first post (No. 166) above you will see that I outlined my symptoms. Also most of the other posts above also report same/similar symptoms as you do. I was very shaky, hyper and had horrendous nausea plus a long list of other symptoms. Have a read through some of the posts above and I’m sure you will realize what is happening to you and that you will ’survive’ but it is unpleasant and debilitating to say the least. Let us know how you are going – goodluck Julie

It was suggested to me by my doctor to get hydrocortisone shots for my knees. I have runner’s knees and they often swell up and hurt very badly. Being the skeptical person I am to put anything foreign into my body, I asked him what this will do. He told me that the shot would take down the inflammation. So naturally I asked him what this would do to my knee long term and if this is a long term solution. He told me that indeed not, this was not a long term solution, because too much hydrocortisone over the years degenerates the knee further. He told me this after he recommended that I start getting the shots regularly. I did more research online and found out that although hydrocortisone is a natural chemical in the body, injecting hydrocortisone unnaturally over a long period of time will prevent the healing of the tissues in the joint and will degenerate the joint further. It’s not worth it. I’ve been doing yoga ever since to help my joints and I have no problems. Dedicate yourself to your health and respect your body, instead of looking for a quick fix. That is my suggestion.

Hi Olive – thanks for your sound advice. I think your doctor gave you invaluable advice but unfortuntely for myself and others above our doctors did not. My doctor was ’shocked’ that I had side effects!!! I always knew that it was only a short term ’solution’ for pain by relieving the inflammation and never believed it to be a cure. I have since found out, as you know, that long term use of cortisone can and does cause the degeneration you mentioned above. Your post is fantastic information for others, unlike me, clever enough to research cortisone prior to having injections.
Yoga is terrific gentle exercise. In my case I use swimming for the exercise I need for my shoulders etc. but I have learned from trial and error that freestyle is a no no as it aggravates the situation but backstroke and breastroke are wonderful and do not inflame my problem areas at all. Maybe if more people post what they are finding works well for them it will give others more avenues to follow and try before heading down the path that most of us above did and suffering the consequences. Great post!!!!!

Hi,

I had a cortisone injection on the 16th September on my right shoulder to treat my severe bursitis. After a week I started to feel nauseas, dizziness and strong headaches and also had my period delayed and had it twice in a month. It has been so far almost 2 months since I have this injection and I am still feeling very sick and it didn’t relieve the symptoms. Can anyone help me? When can I have the drug out of my system as I can’t handle anymore feeling sick all day?

Hi Gabrielle – I check in here once a day as I know how desperate I was to get some help. Once again I am definately not an expert but reading through all the posts above everyone reports the same or similar symptoms and I would definately say you are having side effects from the ‘poison’ (cortisone) and I feel very sorry for you as in your case it has been a long time.
I can only let you know what I did which may sound a bit ‘weird’ to others but I was desperate and wanted it out of my system as quickly as possible. Detoxing was the only thing I could work out to do. I underwent a BIG detox with Suttons (brand name) Colloidal Silver. I also had two foot bath detoxes and I am currently in the middle of another detox using Footsies which are pads that are placed on the bottom of your feet nightly. Incredible the amount of ‘gunk’ they remove. Important to drink a lot of water to help flush your system.
Your local health store should be able to help you with these items but if not they are available on the internet. Otherwise it is just a waiting game as to when it will leave your system and I wanted to speed up the process.
Take the time to browse through other posts as there may be other treatments that worked for others. I will check back and if you need any help/support will do what I can for you.
You will get better but the time it takes differs from person to person. I hope it is soon for you – Julie

I got my first trigger point injections a week ago. Nothing happened at first. there were no side effects except the injection sites were very sore for days. After the soreness went away and everything seemed normal, I was driving home from work when I felt as though I was having a bad panic attack: nausea, sweaty palms, dizziness, and tightness in my chest. I called my fiance to come and take me home, but after a few hours I decided to go into the ER. They ruled out problems related to my heart and lungs (I am 21 years old and a marathon runner). The doctor sent me home diagnosing my episode as something possibly wrong with my GI tract and a panic attack. I followed up with my PCP, she said the same thing. So I went on for a couple days nervous that something would happen again, but I was fine for two days. The next day it happened again while at physical therapy, except less tightening in the chest but more dizziness. I also turned very pale. I went back to my doctor right while it was happening, they checked me out and she still came to the conclusion that my system could not take the dosage of cortisone the doctor injected me with, that I am one of the rare people who have a bad reaction to this steroidal anti-inflammatory. Anybody else have these symptoms as well?

Hi Christina – ABSOLUTELY just about everyone who has posted above report these symptoms plus in some cases MORE!!!! My first post is No. 166 if you want to have a look. I know there is a lot of reading above but if you flick through them you will see that you are NOT as ‘rare’ as your doctor might think. The sweating, nausea, panic/anxiety and heart palpitations are horrendous and I hope you are well soon. Let us know how you are going please and goodluck – Julie

On Sept. 16th. I had multiple( 5-6) intralesional cortisone shots in my elbows for psoriasis. These are not supposed to be systemic, but somethig has gone wrong.

The last 3 weeks my elbows feel like they are on fire…like they are sunburned. I cannot stand to have clothing touch them and after a shower, i want to cry. I feel like the skin is hypersenstive and I also feel as though the cortisone has thinned it.

I finally called the dermatologist today and am awaiting a call back. I suspect they will tell me my stinging/burning pain is not related to the cortisone. But. i was 100% fine…no symptoms of anything before the injections. Hoping this stuff leaves my system soon. Will NEVER have an injection again.

Hi Linda – many, many people above (including myself) have reported what you are experiencing – check out No. 51. For the majority of people above cortisone has been nothing but a nightmare. Some have reported getting relief by ‘icing’ the affected area/s. Drinking a lot of water is also a good idea to ‘flush’ the system. I underwent a big detox and that has helped tremendously. We are all different and have all had different amounts of cortisone so the ‘recovery’ rate varies from person to person. Goodluck to you and I hope you are feeling ok soon – let us know how you go – cheers Julie

svery time my mom gets cortisone needles in her knee she ends up with kidney infection or kidney stones i would love to know why

Hi Karen – google ….. cortisone kidney infections …. you might be surprised at what you find – goodluck Julie

Fibromyalgia/myofascial pain neck and shoulder…cortisone /lidocaine shots in shoulder muscle as trigger point injections 2 weeks ago at spine specialist. Ever since injections have been dealing with headache, extreme brain fog, anxiety, moodiness , depression, tiredness, impatience, weepiness. I have been very moody and snapping at people . I don’t even want to be around people. I haven’t been sleeping well either. I am normally a happy people person. The snappiness must be noticeable because people are commenting on it daily. I have to take Ibuprofen 800 to feel normal because it calms me down a little bit and makes the headache go away. On a routine physical 2 days ago my blood pressure was also way higher than normal by like 20 points. I also feel like I am a wreck and can’t get anything done…I will attribute this to the brain fog and anxiety I have been feeling for the past 2 weeks since getting the shots because I can’t attribute it to anything else since this is not my normal disposition.

Dear Jaimi – another cortisone ‘victim’ and I feel very sorry for you as know exactly what you are going through. My first post is no 166 above and like you I had injections in both shoulders and suffered (understatement) similar symptoms. You can see from my other posts that I undertook a big detox to try to move the poison out of my system asap. What you report is very similar to what many many others have reported above. Goodluck and I hope you are feeling like your old self again soon – Julie

I tore my ac joint in my shoulder more than a year ago. I have done everything and was still in pain which is not common with ac joint separations. Today my doctor gave me a cortisone shot and I cant move my arm. I am in a lot of pain. I have had numerous injuries to the major joints in my body because I was a basketball player. I have had two doctors suggest cortisone but they would always follow up and say “its a one of the last options. Its not good for those who are still very active.” I also had a friend who I played basketball with that received a cortisone shot and she got so much worse. Her pain increased and her walking was altered. There are side effects with everything… weigh your options first.

Hi Danielle – good advice for others. Would really like to know how you go over the next few days – goodluck and hope you feel better soon – Julie

Gabrielle- I am so glad you mentioned your period being delayed. I had the injections in my lower back two weeks ago and missed my period all together- which has NEVER happened before. I freaked out and thought I was pregnant! I’m not pregnant, but the stress of thinking that I might be totally sucked!
I feel like I’m going through menopause even though I am only 27. Hot flashes, headaches, anxiety, sporadic depression, not being able to sleep, night sweats. And the two days following the shots were so painful- I could barely walk.
I do have to say, that the shots helped with some of the pain- but not worth the side effects!!!
Also, when I urinate, there is a lot more urine than usual and it has a strong smell. Is that too much info for everyone? Just wondering if anyone else has had that side effect.
Every cortisone website I looked at said “side effects are minimal”. What bull!
Thanks so much to everyone for posting. This has been so helpful and is going to save my sanity.
Julie- I’m gonna try that detox. Thanks for the suggestion!

Thank God!!!
I thought I was the only one out there who’s had very bad reactions after cortisone shots.

MY STORY SHORTENED: LIVE IN MEXICO. HAD ANEMIA THIS PAST SUMMER. SAW MEXICAN DR. HERE. HIS TREATMENT: 16IRON DEXTRAN SHOTS AND 9…YES…NINE CORTISONE SHOTS, ALL OVER A 5WEEK PERIOD. HE TOLD ME THE CORTISONE WAS ‘VITAMINS’…2days after last cortisone shot, I flushed badly and noticed a red/itchy rash over my back, arms and neck.

THIS WAS FOUR MONTHS AGO. THE HORRIBLE/ITCHY RASH REMAINS AND SEEMS REDDER. I CAN’T STOP THE ITCHING; I DO NOT SLEEP MUCH; I FEEL LIKE I’VE STUCK MY FINGER IN A LIGHT SOCKET…AND I’M SO ANXIOUS IT BORDERS ON TERROR.

THE MEXICAN DR. DENIED THAT ANY TREATMENT HE GAVE WAS RESPONSIBLE AND WANTED TO GIVE ME MORE CORTISONE! I’VE SINCE SEEN ANOTHER MEX. DR.–SAME TREATMENT OPTION. SAW A DR. IN THE STATES TWO MONTHS AGO. YOU GUESSED IT…CORTISONE. SAW A DR. IN AJO LAST WED.HE’S THE ONLY ONE WHO’S SAID TO STOP CORTISONE! I HAVEN’T USED ANY OF THE DAMNED STUFF FOR ABOUT A WEEK, BUT I’M IN MISERY; I FEEL AND LOOK LIKE A LEPER! IS THIS EVER GOING TO STOP?

Hi Jasmine – certainly not too much info for me or anyone I should imagine. You are not alone with the problems you have experienced with urine. I forgot to put it in my symptoms but I also experienced exactly the same urine problems as you and I’m sure there would be others above as well. Goodluck with the detox – I just felt I HAD to try to do something to get it out of my system asap and I’m sure it helped. Thinking of you and hope you are feeling better soon – Julie

Hi Laurie – I’m definately not an expert on this, just another victim but given the amount of cortisone you have received I am not surprised at your symptoms. I only had two injections but to have had nine OMG!!!!! I think it would have killed me quite frankly.
Many people above have reported skin problems ie bruising, thinning of the skin, burning/feels like severe sunburn, facial breakout/blisters on face, rash etc.
You said ‘anxious it borders on terror’ is a good way to express those overwhelming and horrendous feelings that sweep over you. Many Many people report this including myself.
To think you have been enduring this for four months is just unbelievable and I can only probably put this down to how much cortisone you have received. Can’t be very helpful on a timeline Laurie – I asked the same thing when I first posted above (No. 166) and had a good reply from Gary. Everyone is different and we have all had different doses (or overdoses) of cortisone.
Hope things improve for you soon. Keep in touch as would really like to know how you are going. I feel very very sorry for you – Julie

I had my second cortison injection at 3:30 PM on 11/23/10 in my left knee. The first was 3 mo ago with no side effects. It is 5:00 in the morning and I am ready to run a marathon (if I could run). My heart is pounding, I am anxious, my mind is racing and I cannot go to sleep. I have never been on any site but was desperate so I just started Googling and got this site. I am so glad to know I am not losing my mind. My injury occurred the end of March when I was sitting at a stop light during rush hour and was rear ended by a 1983 pick up truck going 40 miles an hour. My trunk was shoved into my back seat, my car, which I had for less than 60 days, was totaled. Fortunately he hit another vehicle which slowed him down before he hit me). ‘also fortunately no one is in my back seat. Paramedic who had a had a hard time getting me, and the police said no one could have survived in the back seat. My orto did surgery in June on the meniscus and cleaned stuff up. Yesterday before he gave me the injection he said my new MRI showed the tear may have torn some more, OR it was scar tissue. He said it was hard to say. He also said he does not cut all the tear out. He would rather take the chance of leaving some rather than cutting too much and that once a year he has someone whose tear…tears more. He said lets give these shots some time. If they help we will do the lubricant injections, if it does not help we will need to consider surgery. WHAT? The first one did not seem to go so good. The knee is still swollen and painful to walk on. I have been suffering for 10 1/2 months. Did the PT thing, been patient, iced it a lot, excercise a little. Don’t know what to do. Sorry this is so long but I am ready to jump out of my skin. I wonder if my GP could give me something to calm me down. I can’t take this. No one said anything about this side effect. Maybe I should have asked but I am too trusting of Docs. Help!

I just posted a few minutes ago and don’t know how long it takes to show up. I hope it does because I would like to hear from Julie and anyone who can offer information. I fear if I call my ortho he will just blow it off. I do not think he likes being perplexed. Who does? I don’t know how he would react if I countered with,,,,well I read about it on this internet site. I just checked my face in the mirror and I am flushed and my face is hot. My nerves feel jangled. How long does this last? Why did I not get this reaction the first time? Is it common for more C to be injected the second time?

Hi Anna, I know exactly how you feel. You just want your doctor to give you some answers and give you some relief. The sad truth is that most doctors have never even heard of these extreme reactions. I too have had cortisone shots in the past with no problems, but I had one back in June and it really wrecked my body and my peace of mind. The symptoms you are feeling are consistant with extreme reactions. Racing heart, anxiety, and insomnia are a few of the many symptoms that are possible. I definitely had all three. Dont worry, they will go away it just takes time. Unfortunately, its hard to tell someone how long their symptoms will last. I think it depends on a lot of factors like your body size, how much cortizone they gave you, and how sensitive you are to it. Like I told Julie a little while back, it could be a week to a few months. I think in most peoples cases it tends to be between 1-3 weeks. Some of my symptoms have lasted for months though. I would definitely ask your GP for some anti anxiety meds to help you calm down. All you can do now is try to treat your symptoms until they pass. I hope this has helped you some. Dont worry, you are not alone in your suffering and you are not losing your mind! Cortisone is a nasty and unpredictable drug. The doctors need to be more aware of these extreme side effects. Keep us posted on your progress, and feel free to ask any more questions you might have. Hope you get feeling better!

Hi Anna – ditto to absolutely everything Gary has said above (hi Gary great to hear from you again). Anna – Garys first post is No 161 above and mine No 166 with his reply below that. Garys advice above re some anti anxiety meds might be a very good idea because out of the blue in the early hours of this morning I was awake and feeling very anxious and flushed and this has not happened for some time.
I could think of nothing else originally but how to get the ‘poison’ out of my system FAST!!! so underwent a big detox (details above). Like Gary obviously some of my symptoms are reoccuring from time to time but life is much much better!!!
I feel very sorry for you as the accident alone was bad enough but then to have this thrown into the mix??? I wish we had a ‘magic’ answer but unfortunately we haven’t.
As Gary said keep us posted, thinking of you and only to happy to give you any support you may need – Julie

Thanks Gary and Julie. My GP is out until Monday My heart had slowed down to normal but my respirations still up….like running a race. I kinda got a head of steam (which is waaay out of normal for me) and I called my ortho’s office. told them I knew I was going thru a bad reaction to cortisol and what the symptons were and I needed answers. Nurse said, oh Benedry will do fine. Like everone knew that. So not even 5 min of sleep last night. I then spent 5 hours shopping with 3 grand daughters ages 14 to 6, drove about 200 miles, did grocery shopping, and am still flying and anxious, flushed, beginning to snap at any little thing. I took a benedryl 1/2 hr ago and yawned a couple times but I can’t turn it off, but because I can’t turn it off, I can’t get organized to start the big meal for tommorrow. Frustrating but feels so much better knowing that you two and so many others have suffered the same things. My heart is beginning to thud again and my breathing is increasing. I will take another benaderyl and go lay down and hopefully in the morning it will all be better. I will keep in touch and thank you both so much for your support. I will try to update you tomorrow. You guys hang in there too.

Hi Anna – well I just don’t know how you did what you did given I know how totally debilitating these symptoms are. Like Gary I am having some of the symptoms reoccuring from time to time which is uncomfortable but compared to the original symptoms quite manageable. Have got ‘my life’ back again. Am going to try another detox over the weekend.
I hope you have managed some sleep and feel better today. I tried sleeping pills originally but only ever managed to string a couple of hours of sleep together at a time and normally a sleeping pill would knock me out for the night.
From what I’ve read above I gather you are in the USA and I’m an Aussie. I ‘think’ it is Thanksgiving over there so Happy Thanksgiving and I truly hope you are managing to get some relief – cheers Julie

I had a depomedral (cortisone) shot in my left foot mid September for heel pain. I will NEVER have another one.
About four days after the shot, I woke up with tingling, like pins and needles in my face and mouth. A few days later, my doctor ran bloodwork which came back normal. He referrred me to neurologist because by then, I was feeling beyond exhausted, the continuing sensory symptoms, and no appetite at all. Everything came to a halt in my life because I could not do anything but lay down or be at work. Neurologist ran more bloodwork. Everything normal. Both he AND an ortho doctor told me that it “could not be the injection.” It has been 2.5 months and I am starting to have more energy and feeling about 70% normal. I feel like the injection DID have something to do with it. It seems like it triggered a whacko response in my body, and has taken this long to begin to resolve. I feel like I lost 2 months of my life though, because I did NOTHING but rest and work. Never again will I have that injection. Oh, and I still have the plantar fascitus!!

Hi Mary – unfortunately when you read the majority of the above posts you would have seen that your symptoms/doctors comments/still suffering from the original problem etc are an all to familiar story. How you managed to get to work is beyond me. It’s a vicious and unrelenting cycle in the early stages. As you said ‘triggered a whacko response in my body’ lol total ‘toxic shock’. I for one will never have anything again unless I do some research first and definately NOT cortisone – shudder at the very thought of it. I’m glad you are starting to ‘reclaim’ your life – cheers Julie

I would never had found this site iif I was not feeling so rough!!
I had my shot for Plantar Fasciitis last friday.Sore heel ensued accept that, two days of pain resting etc when I could , now I am in the throes of what I thought was probably a uti so I got anti biotics, I am dizzy- weeing larger amounts-abdo pain is it my liver or kidneys. and wheezy ( I am asthmatic) and today the flushung started. its crazy I said to my husband I have a temperature or something . I sufferk with GAD and depression and mild OCD its not rocet science to discover that I am not comfortable with this situation. My doctor like others said there would be possible infection in the injection site or ablation in the soft tissue. I have a better understanding of this now . Many thanks Jean

Aaahhh Jean yes there is one thing this site does do – make you realize you are NOT going crazy!!!! and saves all the angst of rushing from doctor to doctor to try to find out what is wrong and get a ‘cure’. Goodluck and I hope you are not suffering for too long – Julie

I had a shot last week. I have felt out of it many times ever since. It feels kind of like I’m dizzy, but more like I am swaying. And my legs and arms feel light and shaky at times. I had a pain right at the center of my abdomen right below the xiphoid process at the lower end of the sternum for a few days. I was somewhat worried about that.

I saw a few comments about people having kidney and liver problems. Does anyone know if it’s worth going to the doctor for this? The abdomen pain seems to have left. I don’t know if I should get checked, or if it’s just a waste of time, and this stuff will eventually pass through.

Thanks.

Mmmm Jake I for one am a bit loath as to tell you whether or not you should see a doctor as am just another cortisone victim like yourself. The first symptoms you discussed definately sounded like the unfortunate side effects of cortisone and as far as we know you just have to hope and pray it leaves your body asap. As for the pain in your abdomen I would say if it comes back and/or persists best to be checked out by a doctor. Goodluck and hope all goes well for you. One bit of advice for everyone – drink heaps of water as the sooner you can flush this @#$% out of your body the better – Julie

I’m so glad I decided to have a look into side effects of cortizone shots. I’m due to get one on Tues. for Plantar F.
I’ve changed my mind and will look into some alternative therapy. I guess if I had debilitating pain I might take the risk. I asked my doctor about the injection and he said “some people don’t like them and they can be a bit painful but I think they’re fine”. Thanks for the heads up everyone both good results and bad.

Thank you so much Julie!
I’m sorry for the delay in answering your kind post, but I’ve been ‘recovering’. As I am now better able to sit and read the other posts, I realize more and more just how poisonous this drug can be!

Since my first post. Some things I’m doing that help: rash is diminishing somewhat and is not nearly as itchy, but returns with heat/sunlight. I have used/ mixed my own essential oils for years and swear by their anti-microbial and immune building properties. I use a mix of GROUND OATMEAL/ALMONDS, GLYCERINE, and a mix of essential oils…GERMAN CHAMMOMILE, HELICHRYSUM, LAVENDULA, GARDENIA, CARROT SEED, FRANKENSENCE, ROSE AND GERANIUM. I use AVOCADO OIL as a base oil or HEMP lotion. I use sun block and a big hat if I go into the sun. I drink LOTS OF WATER to flush.

REMEMBER: iron is a heavy metal. That which is not absorbed into the bloodstream or passed through urine/feces, becomes lodged in fatty tissue and our organs! Have read that coffee chelates about 35% of iron from organs and tissues, while green tea chelates about 65%. With caution, every other month or so, I use coffee/green tea in a gentle enema and retain for as long as I can. The coffee and green tea are absorbed directly into the Portal vein and go directly to the liver where they do their job! USE WITH CAUTION! REMEMBER, THE SKIN/EPIDEMIS ALSO LINES THE GUT! IF YOUR SKIN IS INFLAMMED/THINNED, ETC., SO IS YOUR GI TRACT. So be gentle. I also am taking cracked CHORELLA, IP6-INOSITOL, and GLUTAMINE for the IRON CHELATION. For the panic, my doc in Ajo has me on some xanax temporarily. MY GOD, WHAT A RELIEF! I also give myself b-complex/b12 injections twice a week for the time being. They greatly help the nervous system and aid in a better night’s rest!

If any of this information is helpful to anyone, please let me hear back from you.

Would also appreciate your thoughts.

THANK YOU AGAIN, JULIE. I BELIEVE YOU’RE THE ONLY ONE WHO ANSWERED ME:)
Laurie

I had my first cortisone shot ever last Wednesday. It was for degenerative arthritis in my rt. hip. I have had a headache ever since. Has anyone experienced this? I can not find this as a side effect anywhere I have looked and wonder if I should call the doctor.

Thanks

i had 3 cortisone injections is my wrist and hand yesterday and although they hurt A LOT the effect was immediate (my consultant also injects anaesthetic). gone are the pains preventing me from doing my physiotherapy. the only down side is that today i feel a bit pathetic, bit dizzy and generally off colour. It’s good to know i’m not the only one to get weird side effects. Having said that I would not have not had the injections for anything as hopefully i can now get improved function after my wrist fracture.

I’m a girl from Finland and it is such a relief to hear someone else having the same side effects as me. I was at the doctors almost 3 months ago, he put 2 cortisone shots in my neck and 2 more shots on my upper back. 5 minutes after the injections i got really dizzy and had to lay down for almost an hour. My doctor just explained that i probably have low blood sugar, but that wasnt the case. Now 3 months after the shot im still dizzy and the bad neck pain is here again. The doctors say cortisone shots cant give this long side effects, but im pretty sure it made something bad happen.. Im getting really depressed and wish i one day can walk again without constantly feeling dizzy and out of balance , if anyone also had the same side effects and found the cure than pls let me know. I would be very grateful!

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I had a ESI in my L5 2 weeks ago…I felt great for the four days following the injection…just a little achy pain…on that 4th day I felt like a truck hit me! Worse back pain than when I went in for the shot! I couldnt walk, sit or lay down without intense pain. The next day I started physical therapy where I got massage, stim, and traction which have all helped the pain a lot! The next day however I awoke 2 hours before my alarm clock with my heart beating out of control…I was panicked dizzy, very depressed, nauseated and shaky! I’ve lost 5 lbs! I’ve had these symptoms on and off in varying intensities for the past two weeks. I was scheduled for another ESI next week so I called my doctor to see if I was going crazy, or what? He said I had a very rare reaction to the cortisone called “Cortisone Psychosis” which happened in 4 of his 200,000 patients! He told me that the symptoms should be gone in a total of 4-6 weeks. He said that he never warned me about it because it is so rare! It also happens more in women for some reason, and it results from the cortisone causing a hormonal imbalance. It was a G-dsend finding this forum! Knowing that I am NOT ALONE in this nightmare…and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel for me, as I’m sure there is for all of you! Incidently…I’m NOT getting another shot…the Dr. said he wouldn’t give me one again because the symptoms would be worse the next time! G-d Bless!

Hello all, especially MICHELSA,

Please read my posts, #197/213. MICHELSA: Please trust me on this point: cortisone in any form tends to knock our adrenals for a loop. The horrific panic/terrror is called the ‘fight or flight syndrome’. It protects us when danger is imminent, but overloads our entire endocrine/nervous systems if the danger and need to flee are irrational.

I have had panic disorder and depression for many years. After tapering off Zoloft, I suffered the above trauma and consequences. Long story short: Am now back on Zoloft and xanax, at least for the present, and those horrendous panic attacks are at bay, allowing me to regain some semblance normalcy. These drugs are powerful and can be lifesaving for us in need–as long as they are used with discretion.

May you all have a blessed Christmas and HEALTHY New Year.

Laurie

I have heard from others personally about Cortizone shots
to the foot and I am scheduled to get a shot for PF today at
11:30..After reading most all of the posts I am now convinced to cancel the shot and discuss an alternative for a
more permanent approach such as inserts or socks.
I have had two shot in the past for Degenerative Spinal Stenosis..both were done under a mild sedative and there was no discomfort. The first shot lasted 11 months. I started having numbness and tingling in my right arm again so I scheduled another shot which lasted only four months.
I had no side effects form either of the two prior, but I feel that I should discuss with my PD about getting an MRI first
to see if maybe my PVD has more to do with it rather than
PF..I am concerened and nervous about this procedure in my foot, since I have this problem in both feet and now that I think about it have never had a foot problem before I was
diagnosed with PVD.. Again, I am going to consider a more permanent solution and am certainly going to investgate deeper, with my Doctor possible other problems that could relate to PF symtoms.. I am so glad I found this forum and that I am not the only “Scaredy Cat” here..Thank you all!

Hi everyone – just back from HOLIDAYS Yah lucky me!!!
Karen S – I and I am sure many others with we had had your brains to do some research.
Laurie – heeellooo laurie I did wonder where you had gone – after having 9 yes I repeat 9 cortisone injections I was worried for you. Good to know you are ok and have certainly been busy trying to help yourself and in turn help others through all of your research. All the info you have posted is very very helpful and I for one would go along with everything EXCEPT the injections lol only because I think I would find it physically impossible to give myself an injection (nearly fainted having my ears pierced). Fantastic information for others if they choose to use it.
Karen – the side effects your are talking about are so so very very common with so many of us. Horrendous headaches. I hope you are feeling better.
Jo – really hope you are on the mend.
Michelsa – 3 MONTHS!!! and still suffering. Your symptoms are very very common also to many of us. Their is no ‘cure’ but I did massive detox to try to get the ‘poison’ out of my system asap (see previous posts) which I think helped enormously otherwise I would still be suffering like you I think. Also Laurie has posted his tips which are great and might appeal to you. I agree with Laurie – lots and lots of water to ‘flush’ your system as well.
Elizabeth – all of your symptoms are unfortunately very familiar to many of us – my first post is No. 166. As for the panic/anxiety I think Laurie came as close to the truth as anyone when he posted …..’anxious it borders on terror’…. I truly hope you are much better by now.
Michael – you as far as I am concerned you are certainly NOT a ’scaredy cat’ you are a ‘clever cat’ for having the brains to do some research before being shot up with toxic poison – half your luck and goodluck and if you find any ‘magic’ out there for others please let us know – cheers to you all

Thanks Julie for the kind words and your support.
PLEASE: EVERYONE…WATCH YOUR SUN EXPOSURE TIME! Three weeks ago I had lunch with a few women here in Peurto Penasco. We chose to sit outside. It was a clear, beautiful day. I thought I had protected myself sufficiently: long sleeves, hat, sunscreen. Two hours later I went home and changed clothes. All my ‘protection’ was to no avail. My face, neck. arems and back look like I’ve received a 2nd. degree sunburn. This latest flare has ‘temporarily’ sent me into a depression, but with God’s help, ‘My Guy’, and all of your support, I’m confident these flares will eventually dissipate. If I’m repeating myself, please forgive me.

Blessings to all,

Laurie I think you are definately the worst case I have so far come across and I am not surprised altho saddened for you. As I said ….’9 cortisone injections’….. I only had 2 and it was HELL!!! For those who are already predispossed towards depression its a nightmare as even people without a history of it suffer those symptoms. I wouldn’t worry about ‘repeating’ yourself Laurie as others who come along are not likely to read every post and as they ‘flick’ through may pick up some useful tips.
I’m one of the ‘lucky’ ones I think as I truly believe the detox moved ‘most’ of the poison out of my system fairly fast considering. Only symptoms now are a foul bitter taste in my mouth (couple of others have reported this) and sleep is still very much hard to come by even with sleeping pills. I will be able to ‘gauge’ when all traces are out of my body by the bitter taste I think – cheers and hope you are all feeling better.

I got 3 cortisone shots within 2 1/2 months to treat my frozen shoulder. The shots have made a huge difference. I’ve also been having very similar side-effects as many of you: got the last shot 2 weeks ago and I’m still nauseous, dizzy, can’t sleep, tired, very moody.

It’s been challenging. Really tough, actually. Here’s my thought though: I decided to get the shots because they offer some hope for full recovery in conjunction with physical therapy (VERY, VERY important to do your exercises. Otherwise there’s just side-effects and mild improvement.

So, once I decided to get the shots, I look at it as an experiment in accepting what it takes to get better. I’ll have to ride it out and accept that it will take some time. It’s very hard to do, hard to be calm, cool and collected when nothing in my body feels right, but it’s a challenge, and it will get better.

I learned that it is very important to let people around me help and be there for me.

Good luck all – know you are not alone.

- Judith

Good on you Judith – very positive outlook on a bleak situation and I hope all is well for you soon.
Unfortunately many people above have had little or absolutely no pain relief for the various painful conditions they originally had the injections for – myself included. Luckily I didn’t have small children or have to get myself off to work everyday – I truly don’t know how they do it. As you suggested though if people are willing to help out in any way – go for it!
I’m sure many will ‘take heart’ from your words of encouragement. Would love to hear how you are going ‘down the track’ – cheers Julie

Hi all, I am pleased to report that as I write this it’s been 4 weeks since my L5 ESI and all the “steroid psychosis” symptoms have gotten a lot better! While I still have a little depression and anxiety, the attacks have greatly decreased over the past week. The Dr. did say 4-6 weeks. There was a time a few weeks ago that I thought this was it for me…I would never be normal again, but now I know I am! The 5lbs. I lost throughout the nausea and and diarrhea of the past 4 weeks I think I’ll gain back over the holidays! I consider this such a victory for myself! Anyone who lives through this hell knows exactly what I mean, and those who never have it, never can possibly understand how it can turn your life upside down in the blink of an eye!

Julie, thanks for giving all of us those words of encouragement!
Reading all of your posts have given me the little sanity I needed to hold on to in order to go on! Merry Christmas everyone! G-d Bless!

Elizabeth – FANTASTIC!!!! So glad to hear back from you and know all is OK. You could not have explained what we have been through better than that and it will give others who come along the hope and encouragment they need. Have a wonderful Xmas/New Year and thoroughly enjoy putting those 5lbs back on again – you deserve it – cheers Julie

To everyone – it’s nearly xmas eve here in Oz – I hope you all have a very very merry xmas and a happy and HEALTHY new year – cheers Julie

Hi everyone,

Wishing all, a New Year filled with good health, resolution and peace.

This horrible rash has extended to my arms and it itches like that swarm of bees under my skin that I mentioned before. Am limping through. ANY sunshine now without protection is dangerous. I even need sunscreen/block when I wear longsleeved turtlenecks and knit gloves.

I’m back on Zoloft 50mgs. these past 4-5 weeks and notice a lightening of depression. Also take the xanax as needed. ANYTHING to get through this HELL! I may be forced to go to the states and present myself at an ER if symptoms don’t begin to subside very soon. Cannot live this way much longer.

Enough of my self-centeredness.

Joy in the New Year to you all,
Laurie

Laurie – Self-centredness (aussie spelling) NO I do not think so!!! This is so much more serious than just the horrendous side effects of cortisone mate. Please please do whatever you have to do, go wherever you have to go to get some help/relief. Check in here and ‘vent’ your feelings/distress/desperation whatever!!! I will check in at least twice a day to see how you are going and to lend whatever ’small’ support I can.
My sincere thoughts are with you – hang in there mate – Julie

Hi all,
I just had a cortisone shot in my left shoulder for a frozen shoulder. I had a frozen shoulder on my right side 4 years ago and had a shot then. I felt awful for about 3 days and was just able to sleep most of the time. It did seem to help with the pain. I really hesitated getting one in my left shoulder this time but I could no longer deal with the pain and sleepless nights. I have been at my wits end with the arm, neck, and upper back pain. The first 24 hours my pain was much worse. Now it seems to be better but i do have the sunburned face and neck. Don’t know what else will happen but so far I think I am glad I received the shot.
May God Bless You All! I know how awful it is to be sick.
Happy New Years!

Hi Lee – would be great if you could let us know how you go as the more information we gather is helpful for others. Goodluck and I really hope that your side effects do not worsen and you receive the ‘temporary’ pain relief you were seeking. Happy and HEALTHY new year to you and everyone else – cheers Julie

I think I jinxed myself writing that last post before Xmas…this week has been sheer hell…more depressed and panicked than ever…ha! And I thought it was getting better! I’ve started taking Xanax, and it’s making a small dent in my insanity, I’ve also begun waking up at 3am panicked and restless, and not being able to fall back asleep which I know doesn’t help the panic or depression. The funny thing is…I’ve never taken any type of drugs in my life! I was really hesitant about taking the Xanax all together! I don’t know what else to do…this is awful!

Any ideas on what I can take to stay asleep at night?

Julie, is this all going to go away? I really don’t feel like I’ll ever be normal again! Happy and Healthy New Year to everyone!

Elizabeth – remember that I am definately NOT an expert on this just another victim like yourself who headed to google to try to get some answers/help. From what I can gather cortisone affects everyone differently (as if we didn’t know that). Before I had the injections I was told that I could get pain relief for up to six months. My sister who had injections quite some time ago (no side effects) says that she only experienced pain relief for a couple of weeks and the same applies to my aunty.
From that I can only guess that it would be possible to have the cortisone in your body for that long thereby in our case suffer for up to six months. Obviously others for not so long. If anyone is out there who posted in here months and months ago we would love to know how you are getting on now!!!!!
My only real problem now is still sleep. I take two endep tablets before bed (muscle relaxants). I’m at the stage now that when I wake usually after about 3 hours sleep I take one temazepam 10mg which gets me back to sleep for about another 3 hours. Temaze are a ‘light sleeper’ with no side effects. In the ‘good old days’ before cortisone occassionally I would take a temaze and it would knock me out for the night. Sleep is so important as we all know to help cope with everything and anything in your life.
I was pretty much like you Elizabeth I would just about do anything to NOT take medication. Only people who have really suffered from cortisone will know the sheer ‘desperation’ and lengths we will go to to get some relief from the symptoms. Definately can’t call it living just existing.
My heart goes out to you and I truly hope you are having some sort of ‘normal’ life again soon. Keep us posted and goodluck – Julie

Thanks Julie!

Thank you, Julie, for your kindness and your support…it truly IS helpful.

Have been using a new Mexican product by Bayer: BEPANTHEN. An emollient AND cream that is full of Pantothenic Acid…a Bvitamin…I have been using twice a day now for about two weeks and notice a ‘reconstruction’ of my skin. By that, I mean I notice that my skin cells are regenerating faster since I began using it.

Will keep you informed.

Blessings,
Laurie

Laurie – Good stuff!!!! So glad to hear that you are ‘hanging in there’. Unfortunately through your ’suffering’ down the track all of the things you have been experiencing and trying may be of assistance to others. Look forward to your next ‘installment’ and update. Goodluck and hope you have turned the corner toward a full recovery and am leading some sort of ‘normal’ life soon – certainly sheer hell, beyond my comprehension what you have been enduring – cheers Julie

Hello Julie,

Thank you for your continued support.

Update: Tues. last, wasn’t ‘feeling quite right’: unable to get to the bathroom without almost losing consciousness,pounding heart.But I knew something was desperatly wrong.Made it back to bed.Felt a ‘hot’ explosion in my gut.Vomited approx. 200ml burgundy blood.Charles immediately called Mex. Red Cross.B/P was 60/20.Was rushed to ‘clinic’ here in RP.Stabilized with IV fluids,ranitidine for the ab. pain.Hemoglobin was at 7.7.Never had diabetes,but blood glucose was 183!Received 12u insulin.Dr. unsure as to ‘what caused episode’.Received 2IVs of Penicillin in case of possible septicemia.Charles stayed with me all night.
Was stabilized the next day,but coud not even stand with my big strong guy holding me and food was out of the question.Something deep within me was yelling that I had better get to a real hospital and DAMNED QUICKLY!Charles concurred and withing two hours I was Ambulanced to Boswell Medical in Phoenix.Was immediately type and crossed for 2 units of blood,1st.of which I got in ER.IVs started with fluids and ‘Protonix’,a life-saving drug for ulcers. I was transferred to ICU!
Next day I got an Endoscopy which revealed FOUR-FIVE large peptic ulcers that have taken up nearly 40% of my stomach lining.The GI doc said I’d lost HALF MY BLOOD VOLUME!He took a biopsy for H. Pylori and I expect the results soon.Will keep you updated.
Spent 3days in ICU and released late Fri.night. Charles and I spent the next 2 nights in a hotel in town in case.
I began eating soft/bland foods at several intervals throughout the day and plan to continue this regimen. Recovery will be lengthy.I am quite weak and am able to be up for short periods of time.

FACTOID: Did you know that 50% of the world’s population has H. Pylori?Most cases are benign,but a great number cause havoc. The bacterium has been around for thousnads of years and was spread through the African migration.It is considered a ’smart’ bug due to it’s ability to adapt.It is contagious and is spread by saliva.

More soon.
Love,
Laurie

My god Laurie – what can I say I’m just in shock and horror at what you are enduring. Thank god you have Charles there for the support and understanding you need. I’m relieved you are now in a medical centre where all the latest medical facilities/expertise are available to you. Did the doctors in Phoenix say anything when you (I presume) told them that all of this started after multiple cortisone injections????
Now I understand that this is not for everyone but I have had ‘gut’ problems for years and years and am a firm believer in Colloidal Silver for any viral/bacterial problems. I use the Suttons brand therefore is the only one I can personally recommend. It works – it really works and might be worth your while to google and have a read. Colloidal silver has been around for years and years and is basically what they are currently studying as a ‘cure’ for the common cold. A lot of research was going into this when penicillin was discovered and it got ’shelved’.
You are a ‘wealth of information’ for myself and others and I want to thank you for sharing your ‘plight’ and knowledge with us.
Goodluck Laurie and I hope when we hear from you again things are looking a bit brighter for you (and Charles) – cheers Julie

OMG Laurie! I hope you get better soon!
I have an update… went to an internist, an endocrinologist, and a cardiologist all in the past week. The internist put me on xanax and lexipro for the depression. The cardiologist put me on toprol to control my out of control heart rate! All my bloodwork from the internist and endocrinologist came back clean & perfect! I was shocked I would’ve expected the cortisone to have messed some levels up! That endocrinologist basically told me by now (6wks) the effects of the cortisone are no longer to blame for my problems! He even suggested that It might be PMS! I almost choked him! All I know is 6 weeks ago I was happy, not constantly panicked and feeling hopeless and sad like I am now…I wish there was some Dr. out there that would do some real research on this! Here I am, taking all these pills, I hate it! Thanks for all your support Julie!

OMG Elizabeth what the hell is it with Doctors – if you are female it’s either PMS/menopause/PMT etc. I know my doctor thought my extreme ‘flushes and sweating’ were due to menopause – like hell as I told him that very young women and MEN were suffering the same symptoms. Yes no wonder you felt like choking him – it’s like talking to a brick wall and getting the distinct feeling that they think you are a hyperchondriac (spelling???lol). I’m really sorry to hear that you are STILL suffering but thank you for passing on the invaluable information for other poor devils who are unwittingly lining up for their cortisone injections as we speak. Keep in touch and I hope your next post is filled with good news – cheers Julie

Julie and gang,

To continue from above

Mexican Napolionic Law differs greatly from US law as night differs from day! ANYONE who owns…or THINKS they own land here in Mexico, heed my warnings. Though the process is circuitous and FULL of pitfalls; if you take the time to research Mexican land laws, get yourself a GOOD Mexican lawyer and be prepared to ‘ride it out’, you will avoid trouble down the line.

Establish legal residence. A MUST. A visitor’s ‘visa’ will not suffice. You will need at least an FM3, or FM2. Make certain your Bank Trust is COMPLETELY CLEAN. No encumberances, such as the wording ‘and/or’ when purchasing under dual ownership, like husband and wife. If one dies, the land cannot be sold until the trust is rewritten! Mexico considers the ‘and/or’ as ‘and’, and they require reams of paperwork to exponge the ‘and’. Also, if you have renters or people who are ‘buying’, and are inside the house and stop paying….be prepared for a LONG legal battle…..unless you have someone with klout on you side.

Our lawyer is Salvadore Lombroso, here in RP. He has never lost a case! He is fair, kind and has MANY high connections that I cannot go into now. He took our first case and we got the house back within 6months; unheard of short period of time. He has been hard at work on the current one since April ‘10. He is the only one in town we trust. We have learned so much about Mexican law.

Very long and agonizing story short: we are literally eating rice and beans for now …..
Charles just returned from the lawyer’s office with some promising news…more later, as I get it.

‘STRESS IS A MYTH’? I don’t THINK so!!!

The GI doc in Phx. stated that ’stress causing ulcers is a myth’. REALLY?

We lost our home in Flagstaff a year and a half ago. DOWNSIZED. Rented an apt. in Flag. Moved half of the house to apt. DID NOT SPEND ONE NIGHT IN APT. Realized we would not be able to afford it. Garage sale. Find mover who goes to Mexico. PACK for months. Rent storage units in WHY until we get ’settled’ in Mexico. THEN: the second couple who were paying on Charles’ other house he’d built, decided to stop paying!

More soon. Gotta lie down.

Love, Laurie

SORRY RE. THE PROBABLE CONFUSION IN LAST TWO COMMENTS. WAS ATTEMPTING TO RELATE MY OPINION THAT STRESS IS INDEED A PRIME CONTRIBUTOR TO PEPTIC ULCERS.

By the way…the biopsy for H. Pylori was negative.

More to come. Please do not take my above comments as mere ramblings. I’m computer illiterate and have not yet learned to cut and paste properly.

Love,
Laurie

Laurie what can I say? I certainly don’t take your comments as ‘ramblings’. It’s good to have a place to come to and ‘vent’ your frustrations. My eyes have glazed over, heart started pounding and feel like I’m getting an ulcer at the very thought of all the legal ‘mumbo jumbo’ you and Charles have been through/going through lol I’ve woven an entire ’story’ in my head and it starts with my ‘thinking’ that you two may have been ‘victims’ of the recession and headed south for a better life only to cop more red tape and bureaucratic bungling – absolute B.S!!!! As for people who rent someone else’s hard earned property then think it is their ‘right’ to live there rent free – there is something wrong with the law when people get away with this ‘robbery’.
STRESS – I firmly believe stress is behind ALL illness and DIS-ease!!! I know that my ‘aches and pains’ are so much worse whenever I am feeling stressed and rundown. Laurie you are trying to cope with the horrendous effects of your multiple cortisone injections – add to that the extra stress from all the legal and financial situations you are in. Is it any wonder that your body is reacting as it is? Is there any way that you and Charles can go somewhere to rest and recuperate in a peaceful, stressfree environment? I know – probably just ‘wishful thinking’ but just thought I would ask. It is goddamn hard to do what you are craving to do without the $$$$$s needed.
Look forward to hearing from you again soon and I truly hope that when we hear from you again things are looking a little brighter and your health is steadily improving. I’ve come to the conclusion that if I had to choose between winning the lottery and perfect health – health would get the thumbs up – cheers Julie

Darling Julie,

One of these days, I would consider it an honor to meet you.

I’ll keep you apprised…

Love,
Laurie

Aaaahhhh Laurie you have bought a ’smile to my dial’. In that case we’re back to winning the lottery so that we can just jet-set around the world to catch up with ‘friends’. Of course we have to travel 1st class because of our ‘aches and pains’. As you know perfect health is my first priority but why not go for both – health and the lottery. Never say never I say!!! I’m very fluent in Spanish – Ole, Si, adios, muchos gracias mmmm think that’s about it – no wait how about tequila, siesta, nachos mmmm should be able to get away with that extensive vocabulary.
We’ll make a pact now – if one of us wins the lottery they will shout the other (and Charles) a 1st class ticket/all expenses paid trip to the winners country. DEAL????
Look forward to hearing your next update soon….
Love Julie

Julie,

DEAL!!!

Love,
Laurie

i cant believe after reading 249 comments only 2 sounded ”ok” !!! i am due to have 3 seperate shots of cortisone over 3 conseqetive weeks in my left knee. i had surgery 11 months ago to remove a meniscus tear, they always cut away a cysts on my knee which i have been told by my DR that it was fluid on the bone and there is nothing to be done to make it better this has been going on for 15 years!!!! the pain has increased 110% post surgery. my knee has ‘clicked’ out of place twice in the apst 2 months.
i have heard that the injections are good and now reading this forum i am really scared and thinking NOT to have them done at all. help please………..

Hi Sarah – I wish I had been as ’smart’ as you and done some research before I headed off with stars in my eyes under the belief that I was going to have a break from pain for a while. Having said that though I also know many people, my sister included, who have not suffered any side effects from cortisone. From what I can gather it is only a ’small’ percentage of people who do suffer side effects ranging from mild to extremely severe as you would have read from the above.
I can’t tell you what to do or what not to do the decision is of course yours. I can only make a suggestion – perhaps speak to your doctor, discuss side effects and find out if there are any alternatives to cortisone available to you. You would have seen above that most doctors deny side effects or act ’surprised’. Bare in mind also that cortisone is NOT a cure. Everyone differs – some people get a week or two of relief and others a few months. Then again some don’t get any benefit at all. Then you will be in a position to make a decision with all options available to you.
Goodluck and I wish you well. Would love to hear from you again to know what decision you make and how you fair – cheers Julie

Ps. Laurie – off to do some ‘chores’ and pick up the WINNING lottery ticket – will let you know when to start packing ……..
Love Julie

Hi there,

I had a cortisone shot in my left knee for about the 4th or 5th time 2 days ago, however, this is the first time that I have experienced full on hot, facial flushing .. and then today my left arm is really hot and uncomfortable above my elbow and at the front …. felling sick and tired….. one good thing, knee is settling down … these ” hot ” flushes are driving me insane though !

Hi Anne S – unfortunately it sounds very much like you are suffering from side effects. I’m sure you have read many of the posts above. My first post was No. 166 and in subsequent posts I discussed various things I did to try to ‘detox’ and get the cortisone out of my system a.s.a.p. Also is very important to drink as much water as possible to ‘flush’ your system. If you check back in here would be very interested to know how you are going. I hope you only get a ‘mild’ reaction for your sake. Goodluck – Julie

Im so glad I found this web site before going ahead with the shots, I already have a heart condition and dont think it is wise to go ahead. I have muscle damage in my foot/leg which is a little painfull at times, swells when i have been on my feet all day and have noticed that leg is slightly bigger than the other. Im looking to see what my other options are

Hi Bronni – good for you! Would be great if you could let us know how you go and if you find alternative treatment that works for you. Good onya and goodluck – cheers Julie

I had a Cortisone shot for foot pain. The shot site was the top of my right foot above the toe next to my big toe. The pain went away but soon after I began to show signs of what looked like Hammer toe in the toe above the shot site. Now my toe goes over top of my big toe and all my foot doctor did was show me how to bandage my toe to straighten it out. It looks awful and I cant keep the toe over in it correct position no matter what I try.I cant wear closed toe shoes unless they have a large toe box. I wish I had never had the shot. I wish I knew what I could do about it short of surgery.

Hi Sally – in all those posts above I don’t think I have read about anything like this – you poor thing!!! Having said that I would not be surprised at what cortisone can and does do to a person and their body. It does sound as if the damage has been done but I wouldn’t hesitate to go and get a second opinion and sadly it does sound as if you will have to resort to an operation if need be. Goodluck and I/we would love to hear how you go – best wishes Julie

I had two sets of steroid injections last year for back pain. One single dose and because that did not give relief my consultant took me in again and gave a double dose shot.
I did get some relief after this second shot however the pain soon returned.

What i find ultra wierd is that since having these shots my anti inflammatory medications, that once gave some pain relief, no longer give any relief. In fact my meds used to burn the guts out of me with heartburn, stomach burning and nausea but now nothing. I can shovel any kind of anti inflammatory in me even on an empty stomach, something that i never could have done!!
I am convinced that those steroid jabs have interferred with the absorbtion of my meds.

I would be eternally gareteful if anyone has had a similar experience or can advise. I would actually go so far as to financially contribute to the first guy/gal who can properly explain why this has occured..

I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one having trouble with steroid shots. I got one 5 months ago to help with knee pain. Then 2 months later I was ina car accident and ortho. dr. advised an epidural injection in my lower neck in an attempt to avoid surgery. Neither one worked. Now I’m experiencing sweating and chills when I’m not sweating! Also it totally screwed up my periods. Any other women having this problem?

Hi ROBBIE – are you aware that cortisone is NOT a pain relieving medication it only treats the inflammation. I have no doubt that the injections have interferred with the absorption of your meds. I suggest that you go to the top of this page and in the search box type something like ….. cortisone injections anti inflammatory medications …. you may get the answers you seek and you could also just google the above. Would love to know what you discover – cheers and goodluck Julie

Hi JANE – I’m afraid your ’sweats and chills’ are very very common side effects of cortisone and I know this from personal experience. Many many people above have reported the same. Cortisone can really ‘mess’ with peoples hormones and a lot of women have also reported problems with their periods. Just two that I quickly found above are Gabrielle No. 184 and Jasmine No. 196. Also older women who have been through menopause can find that their menopausal symptoms return (speaking from experience). As I suggested above to Robbie try going to the top of this page and in the search box type in …. cortisone injections menstration periods … or something to that effect. You will get answers and you can also just google it is well. Truly hope all is well with you soon and if you find any ‘good’ info for others would love to hear back from you – cheers Julie

Hi Julie & Jane,
I’m still dealing with my cortisone-induced nightmare…and I can tell you Jane…after I received my shot in November, I got my period twice in December and not again until the beginning of February…so I’m pretty sure the cortisone (since it’s a hormone) had a large role to play there! Even though it has helped my back tremendously, I will never have another one after what it did to my psyche! Still clawing and scratching my way up from the depths that the hormonal imbalance brought to my life…and I’m hanging in there!
Good health to everyone! BTW…that’s some weather you’ve been having there in Oz Julie! Stay dry!

Thanks Julie for your reply.
I have searched high and low throughout the internet for ‘reduced medication absorbtion following cortisone shots’ but i can find nothing to suggest that cortisone has been the cause nor can i find anyone with similar problems. HOWEVER, i am still convinced that cortisone is the culprit to such a weird phenomenom. Within a week of having the jabs my meds stopped working and have not worked since. I have tried numerous alternative meds but the same applies. It is as if my stomach cannot absorb and break the meds down within my system.
I would love someone to confirm my theory but also to advise how long this is expected to last for, is it months, years, decades??

I had a cortizone injection in my shoulder on Feb. 9th and am still experiencing significant mood swings, hot flashes w/chills alternating and extreme anxiety. Does anyone know if this is normal. I, as well, was never told of these side effects and am so thankful to see the comments on this website…I really thought I was losing it and reading your words has been quite validating.

Hey ELIZABETH – great to hear from you again but very sorry to know that you are still ‘climbing the walls’. It has been 5 months now since my injections of cortisone (toxic poison) and I can honestly say that I feel confident that it has, at last, left my system. Hang in there as it WILL happen for you as well – it has too!!!! Check out my reply to Robbie below as well for some info.
Thanks for mentioning the weather here in Oz Elizabeth – it has been unbelievable to say the least after 13 years of drought and water restrictions. My daughter lives in Brisbane, Queensland, works in the city and was evacuated when the river burst its banks. Luckily her home was not affected. I live in a very dry, arid part of Oz (similar to California apparently). Big grape/winery, oranges/wheat etc growing area. We had more than our average annual rainfall in just one day. The river is in flood and I have some rain damage in my home but luckily have insurance. Parts of my city are still under water as the water has nowhere to go (drainage systems collapsed). Crops ruined. They are pumping water furiously but I consider myself lucky as others are still ‘homeless’ and that rain was nearly 3 weeks ago.

Hi ROBBIE – good to hear back from you. I can’t give you absolute definate proof BUT I truly have no doubt that the cortisone has caused all of these problems. Did you know that our bodies naturally produce cortisone? Get on that google again mate and check out ADRENAL GLANDS as I’m sure that is where our problems lay. Cortisone is a naturally occurring chemical produced by the Adrenal Glands and released when the body is under stress. The adrenal glands are ‘in charge’ of all the hormones hence all the problems women (and men) experience hormonally with the cortisone shots. Sorry Robbie but no-one can give you a time line. I remember desperately wanting to know that as well. Some people do not get any benefits from cortisone, some only a few weeks/months and others up to six months (so my doctor told me). Then you have the others like me (us) who go through sheer hell. So all I can say to you about that is probably anything up to 6 months. Goodluck and hope all is ok for you soon – cheers Julie

Hi DEBI – no doubt about it, you are suffering from severe side effects to the cortisone injection and your symptoms are very very common. My first post is No. 166 above and I had exactly what you describe. Many many people have experienced those symptoms. If you check out Adrenal Glands as I suggested above to Robbie you will see that they are symptoms when the adrenals are under stress. Cortisone really messes with them. I don’t know but I’m guessing that maybe as the adrenals produce naturally occurring cortisone and then we have injections that maybe we are ‘overdosed’ on the ’stuff’??? If you believe in detoxing then I suggest you try whatever you can and drink plenty of water to flush the poison out of your system asap – hope you are feeling better soon – cheers Julie

I have had some of these same symptons from infrared heat especially burning under the skins, one side of mouth feels like I had a novocaine shot and burning of the cheek on that side too.

Please let me know.

i recieved a kensalog shot for my lung problems they gave it to me in my right hip in nov 2010 its is now febuary and i woke up yesterday with a huge dent in my hip i weight 84 pounds i went to my doctor he said it was just something minor not to worry7 and it showed up so bad cuz im so skinny im only 4′11 i dont know if its permanant or whatnitsnpainful from my hip to my foot when i recieved the shot it was very painful n i limped for days i already had panic disorder and it seemed to hieghten the last few months really bad 2 weeks after the shot is there a lawsuit against this drug

Hi Elvis – I am just another ‘victim’ who found my way to this site after experiencing severe side effects to cortisone injections. As far as I know there are not any ‘professionals’ doctors etc who reply to these posts. I can only suggest that you try googling ‘infrared heat side effects’ and you will probably find the answers you seek – goodluck Julie

Hi Shelley – please read what I posted above to Elvis – I am just another ‘victim’ like yourself. Well I googled Kenalog because I had never heard of it before and yes it is another ‘topical steroid’. Many many people above have reported anxiety/panic disorders after having these shots, myself included and men as well. My first post is No. 166 above. I would say you are definately having severe side effects from the injections. The adrenal glands which monitor all our hormones etc get compromised. Try googling ‘kenalog side effects’ and see what you can find. Only a suggestion but maybe you need to get a second opinion from another doctor given your hip etc. As far as a law suit goes I have no idea but suggest googling again. I have not heard of any. Goodluck Julie

ELVIS – hi me again – I googled ‘infrared heat sauna side effects’ and found a site that stated and I quote ….’REDDENED SKIN – prolonged exposure to heat may cause reddened areas of skin, much like you’d experience from sitting outside in the sun too long or sitting too close to a heater. Limit your time in the sauna to prevent over-exposure’……
Now I don’t know how the infrared heat was applied to you or by you but sounds very much like over-exposure so suggest (again) googling to get the answers you seek – cheers Julie

Has anyone had trouble with hiccups after a cortisone shot.
This happened to my husband after his first shot. He had them for two weeks and had to take medication to stop them. Has happened two or three times after the shots. He had a shot yesterday and they are back. This time they only last for 5 to 20 minutes, go away and come back every hour or so. Would just like to know if he is unique. Thanks

Hi Carla – I’m sure he is probably very ‘unique’ in lots of other ways but hiccups after cortisone shots NO!!! I hadn’t heard about it before (which does not mean it’s not possible lol) so I googled ‘cortisone injection hiccups’ and there is quite a lot of information about it and posts from others who have been through the same thing. You will be able to find the answers you want and hopefully a reason why. Would love to have you post info for any others who come along. We can now add hiccups to possible side-effects (who would have thought) but nothing about these injections surprises me anymore. It must be horrible for your husband so hope everything settles down soon – cheers Julie

Wow, this site is a wealth of information. I googled ‘cortisone shot in foot’ as I just had one this morning and found this site. I had my first cortisone injection in November 2009 for a shoulder problem. My should has been great every since. But after reading about everyone’s multitude of reactions it reminded me that I had some concerns after my November 2009 injection. In looking back at notes I jotted down on my calendar I was blown away. One week after my injection I started having a racing heart. I could put my heart monitor on and watch it race. It would just be for short bursts of time (like seconds) but would make me have to catch my breath. Three weeks after my injection I had a period. I’ve been through menopause for 15 years and am on HRT! A visit to my doctor ruled out anything physical (ultrasound). I mentioned my cortisone injection and everyone pooh-poohed that notion. I was put on some kind of anxiety meds which I took for about 6 months; prescription ran out and I didn’t feel the need for them anymore. I had obviously forgotten about all this but at least I know to be on the lookout in the next few weeks. It’s maddening that doctors don’t listen to patients. Makes you want to print all this out for evidence. Thanks for validating my experience.

I shattered my right heel about 12 years ago and me doc. said the cotisone would help. I also have to get surgery to fuse some of the bones in the ankle. Has anyone had similar problems ???????????

Re#274 And so it begins. Mild headache and a sleepless night despite two each 1/3 tablet of Ambien two hours apart. Going to pair with an Ativan tonight to try and turn the brain off and see if this helps. Just found out I have refills left on my old Zoloft prescription. Feels good knowing I’ll have it on hand if the adrenaline rushes start up that send my heart rate on a jack rabbit pace for a few seconds at a time. But they’ll come continuously and it’s exhausting.

My foot feels better. Injection site (top of foot) feels fine tho bruised since he hit a vein. So far no cortisone flare. Not sure how soon those show up. It’s been almost 24 hours since injection.

If the menstrual bleeding starts again I’ll probably choose to ignore it if it presents the same as last time. I live in Hawaii and would have to go to the Mainland for any procedure and that’s a bit much to only be told “everything looks fine and no it can’t be related to the cortisone.” Been down that road already.

Hi Anna – I truly hope that things don’t get to bad for you again. No doubt that you were and are suffering from side effects from cortisone. Most doctors mentioned above (my own included) deny or act ‘amazed’ when we mention side effects from the shots to them. I’m pretty sure my doctor thought I was a neurotic hyperchondriac. Like you I had been through menopause (for years) and I had managed to stop HRT treatment quite a few months before the injection. I ended up back on HRT which I have only again now stopped. My doctor put the hot flushes etc down to menopause even though I told him that people with side effects (hot flushes) can be female AND MALE. The headache, anxiety, heart racing, panic attacks, depression etc are horrendous and I wish you luck.
What annoyed me the most is that I like you and many others ended up back on or on that many ‘new’ medications to try to alleviate my symptoms and that can’t be good for us. I did everything I could think of to try to get the goddamn poison out of my system asap – big detox!!!
What is really upsetting is the fact that we have no idea how long these symptoms will last – from a few days, weeks up to maybe six months. The only consolation is the knowledge that it will eventually stop. Then we have to wean ourselves off the medications we have had to take. What a vicious cycle!!! Never again.
Would love to hear how you are going from time to time as like you others will come along and benefit from your knowledge and experience – sincere best wishes Julie

Hi Aiden – I’m sure if you ‘wade through’ the above posts you will find many people who have had cortisone injections for foot problems. Hopefully someone will ‘come along’ who can relate to your problems. Just wondering if you suffered any side effects??? All I can tell you is that cortisone is NOT a cure it only treats the inflammation connected with the problem area. Goodluck with you upcoming operation – cheers Julie

I had 4 cortisone injections in my spine yesterday and I have not slept a wink since. I feel really tired, close my eyes and my mind just won’t switch off. I have the hot flushes and red face and my heart rate is up too. So far the pain is okay. I am expecting it to get worse before it gets better though. I was warned that I might get headaches but nothing else was mentioned. At least I didn’t wake up in the middle of the night in pain ;o)
I hope it doesn’t last, having been robbed of sleep due to back/leg pain for months my sanity might be at stake if it carries on.

I had my second cortisone shot over a week ago in my lower back. I am still having horrible insomnia…sleeping 2 to 3 hours a night with very crazy dreams. I had very high blood pressure, anxiety, heartburn, rapid heart rate. My primary doctor said that my symptoms are from the shot and it will take some weeks for it to leave my system. I was prescribed Avitian(sp) to help me sleep..another for heartburn. Praying for relief soon.

Hi SCOTT and TAMARA – I feel very very sorry for both of you. You are both suffering severe side effects to the injections unfortunately. What ‘amazed’ me is that both of your doctors did mention side effects to you which is a first I think out of all the people who have posted above (maybe the message is getting through). Probably the majority of the above posts report the same symptoms as you – myself included No. 166. If you read some of the above you may get a few tips on how to cope but I truly hope for your sake that the ’stuff’ leaves your systems asap. If you want to come in here and ‘vent your anger’ or ask for any advice I’m sure someone will answer you. I’m just another ‘victim’ like yourselves but I check in once a day as I remember how desperate I was for some advice originally. Hope you are both ok soon – very very soon – cheers Julie

I had my shot for my back on Thursday. Been itching like crazy and experiencing flushing. I took my temp yesterday cause I thought I was having a fever and burning up. My temp was only 98.1. After much research, I discovered this site. Boy am I glad I did. My Dr never told me about any of these side effects. I am getting pain in my head, stomach pain, pins and needles in my arms, hungry like crazy, slight dizziness, moody and depressed majorly, etc.. This really sucks…if I would have found this site before I had my injection, I wouldn’t have gone through with it. If anyone would like to chat about this, msg me and we can talk and support one another. mfama_2081@yahoo.com
I really hope these symptoms leave my body fast and pray the same for everyone else. This is horrible and not worth it.

Hello again, Julie

Have been very busy of late and am presently in Phoenix. Since the severe GI bleed, have had abd CT scan, Mammo, Colonoscopy, stress test/echocardiogram, and a truckload of blood work. GI doc wants to redo CT scan, scheduled for six weeks hence. Says my amylase is high at 224. It should be under 100. DUH….Pancreas-endocrine gland-secretes amylase. Do you think there could POSSIBLY be some connection there with the 9 cortisone shots? Am going to have an Endocrine blood panel drawn in Mexico and take it to my appointment with an ENDOCRINOLOGIST in 6weeks. I’ll also be having a repeat CT scan.

My wise Charles always says: it’s usually the last thing that happened that causes signs and symptoms of distress.

Watch and wait my brave friends on this site: Betcha when all is said and done….it’s effects of cortisone!

At least, we’ve ruled out many of the other nasty possibilities, and I thank the Goddess that I have had and continue to have such wonderful health care.

NOTE: If Endocrinologist concurs with my own diagnosis, I’ll be starting on my own regimen to help my immune system.

For those who care to check this out; this product was the only thing that helped me some decades ago. I personally knew the inventor of the product….a story for another time.

Go to: TYSON.COM
His version of the product is called:AMINOPLEX
A live saver!!!!

More soon,
Love
Laurie

Hi MARIE – Sorry sorry so very sorry for you as know what HELL you are enduring. Obviously suffering the full effects of cortisone POISONING….I will email you if that is the way you wish to go and I also check in here once a day to offer any support I can – cheers Julie

LAURIE – OMG it is good to hear from you again – I’d just about given up!!! Obviously you are still having one hell of a time of it but after 9 injections I’m not surprised at all!!!! Your Charles is indeed a very wise man and I agree with him entirely. It is as obvious as the nose on your face that what you have been and continue to suffer from is caused by the cortisone. How can someone be healthy??? (other than pain from whatever the cause) one day, have cortisone injection/s and within a very short time be going through what you have endured and continue to endure. I will definately be having a look at that website you recommended. Cortisone or no cortisone there are times when our immune systems need a helping hand – even for a cold/flu etc. So good to hear from you again – love Julie ps still no luck with the lottery- damn!!!

As so many of you have stated these side effects do not seem to be recognized by the medical community. I received my first Cortisone shot in my knee yesterday morning. I did not notice any side effects until bedtime. I have not slept for one minute and my heart rate seems very high. It is now 5am. I am not sure if all of the comments encouraged me but, I am comforted that I am not alone. I have always been sensitive to medication so usually try to research side effects. I never read any of these symptoms and, the Dr. just said there may be pain at the injection site. I am going to call and report my symptoms but am not hopeful that I will get any answers. If I do find out something that I think may help some of you I will post again.

Returned from Phoenix a few days ago, and, as expected, not ONE of those ‘wise’ doctors considered my problems to be result of cortisone.

I canceled the 2nd. CT scan for April. The GI doc only wanted to repeat it because my amylase was 224. I should be receiving results from the EXPENSIVE, but absolutley necessary hormone blood panel. When I get the results, I will post them–perhaps this will be of some help to others.

My sister, Denise, has been receiving Kenalog injections for radical eczema. While I was in Phx. visiting and seeing docs, she showed signs and related symptoms similar to those on this site. She’s asked for the site’s name. I’m going to email it now.

She may use the name of NEECY–don’t know, but I’ll ask her to introduce herself to you.

Hello,
My name is denise and for the past 18 months my DR. has had Me take Kenolog shots every 3 months for Excema on My hands. They seemed to work real well but I have gained 30lbs. since starting them. How long does it take to get this out of My system, I do not plan on taking any more shots! Is there an effective way and safe to cleanse My My system!

Hi MKL – and so it begins. I feel very sorry for you. I too have found over the years that I am also very sensitive to a lot of medications. I won’t ‘hold my breath’ with gleeful anticipation about you getting any sense out of your doctor but appreciate the fact that you will post in here if you do. I truly hope that you ‘recover’ asap and feel free to post here if you need some support – cheers Julie

Hi LAURIE – as per usual you are a wealth of information. Surprise surprise – doctors not even considering cortisone as the trigger for your/our problems. Haven’t we all got news for them!!!! Laurie how are you getting on now as compared to a few weeks ago? Hopefully the horrendous symptoms you had have abated somewhat??? Thanks for passing on all your info/knowledge to everyone else – love Julie

Hey DENISE (sister of our friend Laurie) good to hear from you but also sad because of the reason. Many many people above have reported weight gain and I’ll put myself into that category as well. It’s just a vicious cycle isn’t it? Take one thing for something and create another problem sometimes ending up on more medication. Well in my case I am slowly but surely trying to wean myself of my medications as best I can. Yes DETOX – my first post was No. 166 above. Since then I have discussed detox and what I tried. Drinking water is very very important to aid in flushing it out of your system. Also maybe a visit to your local health shop to discuss what detox methods they suggest. You will definately be able to find a safe and effective detox treatment. From what we can gather it is possible for IT to stay in your system for up to six months but with a big detox I feel confident you will be able to get rid of it a lot quicker. On a positive note I feel confident that you will lose weight once it is out of your system. From my own experience cortisone and other medications definately do make you put on weight. My doctor actually admitted to the ‘other’ medications making me put on weight but not the cortisone HA!!! Just a coincidence – I think NOT!! Funnily enough – when you think about it – the old ‘middle age spread’ quite often coincides with the age/time that people may start taking medications and of course the metabolism starts to slow down about then as well!!! Goodluck Denise and would love to hear back from you and any info you come across – cheers Julie

Thanks for the confidence that this will get better. I am now at the 3 month mark when My exzama(?) seems to flare up, in DRs opinion time for another shot…Not this time for Me! Just had a full check up with a Cardioligest, the works done…Clean bill of health from Him…Thank You God for All My Blessings. Meds He has Me on really seem to help with energy level. Am going to see My PCP soon to go over Meds and try to figure which ones I can get rid of. I do also suffer from Bi Polar. I wish I could find The topical CURE ALL for the out breaks on My hands..HAHA, no such thing, but I have Faith that I will get these initial breakthroughs until this is out of My system. I am keeping good thoughts and Faith that this weight problem will reverse it self in time. Cardio DR. gave Me the OK to start an exercise program…Know of a good one to help on this journey? Thank so much for your encouragemet and knowing that ther is a Light at the End of the Tunnel. Denise

Hi Denise – great to hear back from you and I must say you are sounding very positive!!! My ex sister-in-law also suffers from Bi-polar and I realize how very careful you have to be with your meds. Many times over the years she has stopped taking her meds and within a short period of time ends up back in hospital. Goodluck with whatever you choose to do.
Some time ago I saw a show on telly here in Australia and just had a really good ‘vibe’ about it. To cut a long story short I am posting the web address for you to have a look at – http://www.mcarthurnaturalproducts.com/ If you are interested have a look at the video and the testimonials. I have a really good feeling about this ’stuff’ and do believe it may help your eczema. I have put in a pre-order myself. I know you are probably thinking ‘NO not another product’ and I understand that as my sister has suffered from psiorisis for years and is fed up with all the ‘cures’!!! Anyway the choice is yours and it is always good to have new info. As for exercise Denise I am a swimmer and get so much benefit from swimming at least 4 times a week (luckily I live right near the pool). I have shoulder problems and have learnt (from painful experience) that backstroke is the best for me to do. Hope to hear from you again with an update – cheers Julie

I realize most of the comments on here are negative. I guess people with a good result don’t go looking for answers to why they feel good. I’ve had knee injections twice, right knee the first time and both knees 1 1/2 yrs later although I should have had it done sooner. The only side effect I had was feeling great like my metabolism had sped up. No trouble sleeping. Euphoria wore off after about three weeks and then had trouble sleeping, but have had trouble sleeping for years.

Hi Sapphire777 – WTG good onya!!! I’m really glad for you that you have great results from cortisone. My sister is the same as you – she has been having cortisone injections in her knees for years with no adverse affects. Actually when I have spoken to people (my sister included) who have had cortisone they usually look at me with a ‘blank and bewildered’ look on their faces when I mention the side effects (bit like my doctor actually). I think everyone in this forum realize that we are the minority but I think we would have liked to have been informed of possible side effects – in detail!!! Some of us are very sensitive to medications not just cortisone.
Goodluck with those knees in the future – cheers Julie

My thumb was hit by a heavy flying object; bent backwards and broken. In a period of seven and a half months, my doctor gave me five cortisone shots for the pain. The first one gave me a little relief, but it lasted only about a week.
There was no noticable relief from the other shots.
After the fourth shot, I had stiffness in all my joints for a couple of days. Never connected it to the shot. But, within a couple of days after the fifth shot, I experienced flushing of my face. Then, a couple of days later, I couldn’t get out of bed. It seemed like every joint in my body was frozen, although not particularly painful. After a week, my doctor prescribed Celebrex. It took about three weeks before these systems left.
My doctor is angry because I will not consent to another cortisone shot. He said that I couldn’t have been allergic, if the problems didn’t start until after the fifth shot. I think it was a reaction to an overdose.
If anyone has had a similar reaction, I would appreciate reading about it. By the way, I am 68. Thank you. Ruth

I had a cortizone shot in my knee yesterday. Immediately I felt shakey and dizzy but attributed it to lack of food in my tummy. However, for the remainder of the day, even after eating, I had hot and cold flashes and had dizzy spells and felt upset and strange. Not even quite sure how to explain it all. I also could not fall asleep. My knee was aching quite a bit but I just was not tired either. I think I got 2 hours of sleep. I wish I had been informed of possible side effects as well.

Hi Julie! Laurie’s Sister here. Well Im into My 4th month without a shot of Kenolog(?). My hand started to get that dry and itching of the ecxema. I went to the locale drug store and found a cream calledPREMIUN TRIPLE Cream(Its in the Baby needs department). It has been such a WONDERFUL Remedy to help keep the out break from going full blown!! I also(remember I live in AZ. and am not a fan of wearing shoes at home) this cream has helped heal and soften the calouses on My feet! I hope maybe something in here can help others. Thank You so much for your help and also in giving such great support to My Sister!!!!!

Hi RUTH – Your doctor is angry!!!! OMG words fail me. Absolutely no doubt that you are suffering from side effects and if you read through the posts above you will realize that (face flushing is very very common). It is certainly NO coincidence that the shots and your symptoms are related. Perhaps your doctor should read this site. I only had two shots and went through hell on earth and you have had five. Yes we are all different and have different tolerance levels but it is as obvious as the nose on your face what has happened to you. I really wish you well and hope you are ok soon and THAT thumb – cheers Julie

Hi BECKY – I feel very sorry for you. My first post is No. 166 above and there are many many people above and below that post describing exactly the same symptoms as you. Like you we all wish we had been better informed by our doctors most of whom totally reject the idea of side effects. Maybe reading through some of the above (I know it’s quite daunting) you might get some tips on what to do to DETOX and try to get the ‘poison’ out of your system asap. No. 1 of course is drinking lots and lots of water to ‘flush’ your system. I would love to hear how you are going and hope this does not last to long. Every person is different so it is very hard to give anyone a timeline – cheers Julie

Hello DENISE – your SISTER!!!! My mind is weaving a multitude of stories around that one lol but back to business – I am so very pleased that you are finding treatments that are helping you without having to resort to cortisone WTG!!! Also thank you for posting this info so that others like yourself might benefit from it. You ’sound’ so much more positive – I know that sounds ‘weird’ but that’s how it seems to me. Say hello to your ’sister’ or whoever!!!! for me. I’m really pleased that you are both feeling so much better than in the past – love Julie

Hello again Julie,
Yes, ‘Denise’/'neecy, are one and the same and she is my sister.
When last in Phoenix for Dr. appointments, I noticed that she and I share MANY of the horrible side effects of cortisone, and she has found support on this site, from you especially…as have I!

TYSONNUTRACEUTICALS.COM is the complete site name for the amino acids. I’ll be going back to PHX. in a few weeks for the FINAL doctor appointments…to ‘rule out’ anything else; at which time I’ll be starting on the Aminos.

As I earlier stated, there is an interesting story behind this product:

In 1979, I had just graduated from nursing school, gone through a horrendous divorce, was ‘recovering’ from 2 abortions I’d had in 1975. As my ‘marriage’ included a pre-nup, I was forced onto temporary welfare and had to move back to Torrance, Calif. and live with my mom for a time. Intense abdominal pains, persistent nausea, etc. put me in the hospital. I was diagnoses with Pancreatitis; Amylase was 1150–should be 60-100!

Since allopathic drugs were not working, I delved into ‘New Age’ healing…as it was then called. Enter a woman named Hester Prebble.

I NEED TO CONTINUE ON THE NEXT COMMENT BECAUSE THIS SITE WILL ONLY ALLOW A CERTAIN NUMBER OF CHARACTERS.
TO BE CONTINUED:

lAURIE

Hi Julie,

CONTINUED: Hester Prebble was a highly intelligent woman, also she was an alcoholic. Together with a chemist friend, she had formulated a complex of free-form amino acids. They were manufactured in Japan under the strictest of guidelines. The name of her product was AMINESSENCE, WHICH SHE DEMANDED BE IN CAPSULE FORM THOSE WHO COULD NOT BY TOLERATE PILLS. i

I was so ill, I could not even eat when we met. I spent time with her at her Palos Verdes home, doing office work in exchange for the aminos. Within three months, my life was back and I was not just ’surviving’.
She was a genius…but had no head for business. Here is the kicker:

CONTINUED IN NEXT COMMENT
lAURIE

Hi Julie,

HESTER PREBBLE CONTINUED:

Not only did she not have a head for business, she was trusting to a fault.
She introduced me to many people who came to her for her product, which she distrubuted from her home office. One of those persons was a good-looking man, tall with dark hair. Though Hester had a live-in boyfriend, this man managed to seduce Hester and wound up spending a night with her. I was there, I know.

Within two months, her entire chemical recipe for the aminos had been stolen, patented, marketed under…you guessed it: Tyson’s Aminoplex!!!

Hester was completely broken, and I lost track of her.

THIS IS A TRUE STORY! How’s that for a a ‘movie of the week’?

I have not used the product for decades, but do trust it, and recommend it HIGHLY, even though the acquisition of the product was nefarious, to say the least.

The only amino that has not been added back to the original formula is L-Tryptophane and should be added to make the balance complete.

Just a little side-bar.
I do have one more…for later:)

Love you,
Laurie

LAURIE OMG!!!! am I ‘confused’ to say the least and will have to read over this a few times and put all the pieces together. So we thought the late great and totally gorgeous Liz Taylor had a story to tell – she aint got nothing on this………..
For your information Laurie I googled… Hester Prebble aminessence … and bingo – I am sorry to say I found her obituary. She passed away on Jan 19, 2007 is buried at Preble Cemetery, Lincoln County, Maine – Find A Grave Memorial# 26746785. It is a beautiful obituary Laurie (with a photo) and I am sure you will want to read it. Try googling what I did first Laurie (quicker) otherwise try this http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSob=n&GSvcid=51811&GRid=26746785&
It does mention aminessence, her alcohol problems etc but it is very lovely.
By the way her name is Preble with one b – Hester Lee Andrew Preble.
OK I have lots of ‘chores’ today so must away but will be back later to try to ‘digest’ all this new info. Don’t you worry I am right into natural products after the ‘nightmares’ I have been through with prescription drugs/cortisone etc. I am trying to wean myself off THE LOT – love Julie and ps how is Charles?

I just had two cordisone shots this week (one in each knee). My Dr. did indeed warn me of common short term side effects…
1. Feeling Manic
2. Elevated blood suger
3. Insomnia

I also have feeling of flushness in my face and sweating at night while sleeping along with feeling nausious.

Hi RYE – Woohoo!!! Maybe the word is getting around with some doctors. I think you were very lucky to find such an ‘informed’ doctor although I do feel very sorry for you that you are suffering from the side effects. The other side effects you mentioned are very very common to a vast majority of people who have posted above. Truly hope these symptoms do not last to long for you – goodluck Julie ps how are your knees???

Hi LAURIE and DENISE – well it’s taken me 24 hours to pick myself up off the floor and stop laughing AT MYSELF!!!! Think you might have been onto me Denise! In Australia Laurie is a boys name and for all this time I have thought of you Laurie as a male (ok ok you two stop that laughing). So then along comes Charles and I’m thinking ‘ok so Laurie and Charles are a gay couple – fair enough’. Now out of the blue you have posted above of your not to be laughed at and very serious experiences in the 70s Laurie. BINGO!!!! I’ve read back over some of our posts and there is absolutely nothing there other than the name to make me think you were (as we say in Oz) A BLOKE!!! The joke is on me and that’s for sure…..
Now that I have ‘recovered’ from the shock (he he) I intend looking into aminoplex seriously and finding out if it can be purchased here. I dare say when you two reply it will be hilarious – love to both you ‘girls’ Julie

Hi all I had three injections in the early 1993 which did not work.These injections caused all these side effects.I started with severe back pain in September 2010 I had a cortisone injection 8 weeks ago and I am a diabetic and my sugar levels were all over the place.The pain is worse now than before the injection.I have been back to see my gp and he did not want to know.I am very depressed, cannot sleep at night and lost my confidence,have rashes on my face and I can hardly walk now.There is no way I am having these toxins put into me anymore. Jenny

Hi Julie,
ROFLMAO!
Thank you for the site re. Hester. I sent virtual flowers and a note.

I can understand why you thought what you did! Makes sense…in an hilarious way!

More news when I get back from Apr. trip to Phoenix.

You have become a dear friend.
Keep in touch,
Laurie

Hi JENNY – I feel so very sorry for you and the hell you are enduring. I just googled Cortisone Injections Diabetes and there are so many warnings about having these injections if you suffer from diabetes particularly about blood sugar levels becoming elevated etc. Goddamn doctor surely he must be aware of that. If you haven’t already done so maybe you might like to have a look. All of the symptoms you describe above are very common if you read some of the posts above. Feel free to pop in here if you need some support – goodluck Julie

Hi LAURIE – GIRLfriend!!!!!!!!!! pmsl and I also now understand why you have such a ‘grasp’ on all the medical terms and conditions NURSING!!! I will look forward to hearing from you when you get back for the next ‘enthralling’ update – Days of our Lives has got nothin’ on this – love Julie

To everyone who has gotten a cortisone injection and have experienced swelling after the shot, I knwo exactly how you all feel. In 2008 I started receiving the shots for shoulder pain and had arthoscopic surgery on them both four months apart, btw, shoulders feel great … Today I went to see my OS and he gave me a shot in my left knee, I didn’t know until I got home that the pain and swelling was going to be this bad, it’s horrible:(. I took two Tylenol PM and got an ice pack on it, it is hard to walk or get comfortable for that matter! No one told about this side effect. I know now thanks to all of the comments posted on this site. In two weeks, I am to be fitted for a knee brace called BioniCare which is a new treatment to replace TKR or total knee replacement surgery. Good luck to everybody living with knee pain and thank you for your suggestions on what to do and what not to do.

Hi Andrea – thanks for your post and I’m sure someone will benefit from it one day as you have from the above. Goodluck with the knee brace and I sincerely hope everything settles down for you soon – goodluck and cheers Julie

I have been reading with interest people’s reaction to Cortisone injection as I had one in my shoulder 4 days ago and have been experiencing nausea ever since. I wasn’t aware this was a possible side-effect until afterwards!! On the day after injection I had nausea, a headache and mild diarrhoea. Then on the 2nd day my face was flushed and hot and nausea still around. My shoulder pain has subsided fortunately but I am left with this persistent nausea. I am wondering how long this can go on for as every day I wake up and hope it will be gone. Have made appnt with GP to voice my concerns and have side-effect recorded. According to some comments I’ve read, seems medical profession poo poo nausea as a reaction. Go figure!!!

I had a shot in my knee yesteday. My doc told me it would take
24 hours before I felt any improvement, but did not mention
any side effects. The left side of my face is flushing today and
who knows what else will happen. Why don’t they tell you these
things? Are they afraid of the power of suggestion?

Hi SHARON and BARBARA – welcome to the club ladies – not a club anyone wants to be a member of though!!!! You are both talking about very very common side effects suffered by many people who have posted above unfortunately. Sharon the good news is that it WILL end but the bad news is no-one can tell you how long. We are all different and all having different amounts of cortisone pumped into our bodies. From what I can gather it can last from anywhere like a week up to six months. I hope for your sake it is not too long. Do everything you can to try to get it out of your body asap. Drinking plenty of water is necessary to help flush it out.
Barbara there are only a couple of posts above where a doctor actually did mention possible side effects but nothing like what has been experienced. My own doctor looked at me in total amazement and bewilderment!!! Due to the fact that very few of us were warned of side effects the ‘power of suggestion’ has nothing to do with it. I fully expected to feel pain free for a few months at least.
Let us know how you go ladies as it is great to gather as much information as possible to help others – goodluck Julie

Update to my last post. They have increased my amitriptyline from 10mg to 25mg and put me on a different painkiller after I told her I was having no more cortisone injections. Has anyone had antibodies in their blood after cortisone? Ihave to go for a blood test for antibodies. Jenny

Hi Jenny – good to hear from you. I am on an amitriptyline – brand name Endep. I went from 10 to 20 to 25 now 35mgs (after cortisone). My doctor told me it was a muscle relaxant and non addictive. I am presently TRYING to wean myself of medications because of the side effects. I am finding it extremely hard to wean of this one but am slowly very slowly trying to reduce the dosage. I find I need Endep or a sleeping pill to get any sleep at night. I have also been doing research (googling) all my medications and really studying the side effects. We’re all different so you may not have any problems with amitriptyline but just a suggestion – do be aware of the side effects of any medications you are taking – I have found it amazing how they ‘fit in’ with a lot of the symptoms and problems I have.
I have no nursing background so also suggest you google antibodies. I did a quick google and (only guessing) seems like your doctor might be trying to find out how many antibodies you have in your body as and I quote ….’antibodies can be triggered by and directed at foreign proteins, microorganisma or TOXINS’ ….. so that suggests that they might be necessary to help fight of the toxins (cortisone).
Is anyone around who can help us out here?????? It certainly doesn’t sound like a ‘bad’ thing Jenny and I will be very interested to hear how you go as it might really benefit people who are having side effects to the goddamn cortisone or any other toxins – goodluck and look forward to hearing from you again soon – Julie

Ps – JENNY – just remembered that after taking Endep for quite some time I was putting on weight – lots of weight – I asked my doctor and he actually did tell me that it can cause weight gain. So this maybe one side effect to be aware of. Then again as I keep saying we are all different and you may not have any problems. Then again, again lol you may be a ‘mere slip of a girl’ and can afford to put on some weight. Just my own personal experience – cheers Julie pps good idea to google side effects of any medication you are on. It has been amazing to say the least what I have discovered.

Hello Everyone,

I wish i would’ve looked up the side effects of this shot before proceeding with it.

I received the first shot on March 14, 2011 in my lower back L4-L5. Immediately after the sedatives wore off, it felt like someone dropped kicked me in the back. I was told that I would feel some soreness around the injection site but will improve within 2-3 days. (WRONG) a week later after the injection my back was still hurting me and the pain increased. I was scheduled for a second shot on Sat, March 26, but cancelled the Monday before because I did not like the symptoms and the way I was feeling. Of course the Dr told me the first shot will be a little discomforting but he assures me the second and third shot will work wonders and I will not feel any pain. I said OK no prob and rescheduled for this upcoming SAT 4/9 but after reading all these post and realizing that there are many unwanted side effects I called the DR and cancelled both of my upcoming procedures…

I had many nights tossing and turning, nausea, Anxiety, still have pains in my back sometimes more severe than before I had the shot, this shot may work but it seems not for everyone and sad to say I am in that category.
I am 27 yrs old and will never get another cortisone shot, i will rather deal with the pain. Lesson well learned.

Hi Jason – well you certainly are much smarter than a lot of us above who had two or more (poor Laurie 9) cortisone injections. WTG for being proactive and making the decision about what you will and will not have pumped into your body and good on you for informing your doctor of that decision. Your symptoms are all very very common side effects of cortisone for those who are sensitive to it and suffered by most people above. I really think if you had continued with the cortisone you would be in serious trouble. Cortisone is NOT a cure it only treats the pain caused by inflammation so there has to be a better way for us. It ‘might’ have reduced your pain for a time but it would return. Seeing as you are only 27 I hope you find the treatment/exercise that is best for you and if you do please post here so that others can benefit from your experience – goodluck and I hope you are much much better soon – Julie

Hi Jason and Hi Julie,
Jason, I had the exact L4-L5 cortisone shot you had, back in November 2010. My doctor actually cancelled my subsequent shots because I developed such bad anxiety and depression from the shot. He acknowledged it was from the shot, but I wish I had known about the side effects before…but according to the doctors they’re “rare” (not so rare if you look at all of our posts above!) Anyhow, while I’m still battling the anxiety and depression, with physical therapy, yoga, and core strengthening exercises I do every night, followed by 15 minutes of icing my lower back I feel either the cortisone actually did some good…or my vigilance exercising and icing every night is keeping the back pain at bay…Your back pain will probably improve…I remember the weekend after I had the shot, I couldn’t walk, sit or lay down w/o excruciating pain….I think that pain flare up is also a side effect!

Julie, to keep you updated, I’m still having the anxiety which seems to flare up a few days b4 my period, still on the meds…after 4 months I feel it’s a little better overall….but not the same person I was before the shot…I’ve enjoyed reading all your posts w/Laurie! They’ve made me smile! Thanks for watching over us!

Hi ELIZABETH – really great to hear from you again but very sorry that you are still experiencing ‘grief’ due to that goddamn cortisone. JASON if you haven’t already check out Elizabeth’s posts above Nos 218, 226, 233, 241 and 262 – words of wisdom from someone who had the exact shot as you. Great that you posted that info for Jason (and others) Elizabeth as I remember ‘desperately’ wanting advice/info from others. Sounds like a very sensible young man as he worked out what was wrong and refused further cortisone treatment – WTG Jason!
Laurie – OMG Elizabeth I’m still laughing (at myself) whenever he ooops SHE comes to mind – what a blast!!!
Take care and look forward to hearing from you again – hopefully back to your ‘old self’ – cheers Julie

Hi all updates to my problem with cortisone.I have just been to the gp today as there is no improvement in my condition. She has informed me I have vitamin b12 deficiency andI will need regular injections to get over this. Before I had the cortisone injection I had a blood test done in December 2010 which came back all clear.I am wondering has anyone else had a b12 deficiency after having a cortisone injection?This only came to light after my cortisone injection.

I had 6 cortisone injections in my neck and one in my lower back. Right afterward, I had shortness of breath, flushing then my b/p went to 168/96 and heart rate 115 in a matter of a minute. My doctor said he’s never heard of this reaction. Since then, every couple of days or so, I go through the same episode and it’s been over 2 wks. i pray that it ends soon. I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one experiencing this. – Jack

Hi JENNY – so sorry that you are STILL suffering. It’s great for others that you have posted about the B12 deficiency as it is something they (including me) can look into. As you know we would all do anything to try to feel better. When I have more time I will have a look through some of the older posts and google ‘cortisone B12′ and see what I can find. Take care and I truly hope you are feeling better soon – Julie

Hi JACK – after a total of 7 injections I’m surprised you are ALIVE!!!! as you suffer from side effects as nearly everyone above does. Your doctors reaction is par for the course unfortunately. Your symptoms are very very common to most of us above and it is a terrifying experience to say the least. I hope you recover soon as it is debilitating and all consuming and only people who have been through the same experience can understand. Would love to hear from you again and find out how you are going – goodluck Julie

I am 66 years old and have never had a cortisone shot until about 2 weeks ago, for shoulder pain. Since then I have have difficulty getting to sleep( I normally fall asleep within 5 or 10 mnutes), my blood pressure was elevated( it is normally around 120/70), and I developed pilinodal boils and a staph infection. After reading more about cortisone I would never again take a shot regardless of any amount of pain or discomfort. It should be banned. The adverse side effects of this devil’s brew is unbelievable. I’ll stick with ibuprofen and other non-steroidal medications. I only wish there was a quick way to get this crap out of my body.

Cortisone injections have been life savers for me. Yes there are side effects and doctors should be more honest about them but they do help some people. My doctor was very forth comming and gave me valum for the axiety. I get spasams in my back that would have me out on disability for months if it wasn’t for these injections. Yes I have some side effects but atleast I still have my job. Educate yourself and make an informed decision. Cortisone actually makes me loose weight and helps with my alergies. I have some axiety but I can sleep at night and I ususally have one crazy period after the shot BUT I can walk without hugging the wall and I don’t have to take pain killers which make me feel worse.

Im in the army, in afganistan i was crushed under a wall and injured my hip. I continued on with missions and my hip got worse. 2 months later I was severly injured and medivaced out to state side, A few weeks later i recived a cortisone shot to my hip and it got better. 6 days later the pain came back 2 fold. Now its been over a month and the pain is 4 times what it was! My doctor told me that NO MORE than 3 shots should be given in a year and that in my case i was one of those who do not react well to cortisone. Myself as well as others should be carefull becuase cortisone in our cases will have side affects like “tendon rupture-muscle strain-painfull spasms-and like my case the cortisone crystalized locally on the bursa causing horible pain” My only option now is bursa removal or hope it goes away. and thats my 2 cents……

Hi KEVIN – I too had cortisone last September for shoulder pain. Ditto to everything you said and it certainly sounds like you have been and am still going through hell. Myself and many others posted in here originally, in desperation, wanting to know how long the agony would go on. Unfortunately, as we all all different, the time differs from person to person. Personally I swim for exercise for my shoulders and found out, through trial and error, that freestyle aggrievated my shoulders whereas backstroke helps tremendously. BUT once again that is just my story and everyone differs. Goodluck and I truly hope you are feeling like a ‘normal’ person again soon – cheers Julie

Hi KRISTEL – good for you and it sounds like you found a very understanding doctor. Occassionally someone posts in here, like yourself, who have had success with the cortisone. I think everyone in here will acknowledge that we (those who experience severe side effects) are in the minority but we certainly do pay the price for blindly following our doctors advice. I know I for one will never ever take anything again unless I have all the information re side effects etc. Goodluck and I am glad that you have found something that works for you – cheers Julie

Hi MIKE – ok ok so I know this is a terrible pun BUT ‘you certainly have been through the wars’. Ok ok so that is pathetic, I know!!! Thanks for your 2 cents worth and someone along the line will get some information that they need from your post ie your doctor stating that no-one should have more than 3 shots per year. At least your doctor was aware that some people do not react well to cortisone. The majority of people above have, like you, found out that cortisone is ‘poison’ to us and will never ever have it again. Although you are physically going through hell I am so glad that you are home safe from Afganistan. I wish you well and if you ever find a ‘miracle’ cure for the pain please let us know – goodluck Julie

JENNY – hi – if you are checking in I found some ’stuff’ when I googled Cortisone injections Vitamin B12 or something to that effect just in case you want to check it out. Look forward to your next update – cheers Julie

Hi Julie I went to see my gp she has put me on a course of b12 injections. After I have my initial course I will have to have a b12 injection every three months for the rest of my life. She has increased my prolonged release pain killing tablet from a 100mg to 200mg plus up to 8 500mg paracetmol a day. On some days they seem to work and on others they don’t. On Monday I am having a physioyherapy assessment. I have recieved an appointment to go see the specialist again and there is no way I am having any more cortisone after what I have been through and are going through. Will keep you informed Jenny

Hi JENNY – good to hear from you and it’s great that you are still posting about your treatment etc as that info will be good for someone along the track. They couldn’t pay me enough money to ever have another cortisone injection so I know how you feel. I’m slowly but surely trying to wean myself of prescription meds and trying to find alternative natural medications as I believe that if something has possible side effects I’m pretty much likely to get it and/or become addicted to it – damn!!! Goodluck and I truly hope that you can tell us you are feeling a lot better next time you post – cheers Julie

Has anyone else had this problem, its kinda a long story but I had knee surgery about 2 years ago and I have been going to pt for 2 years as well and I have had cortisone shots, and it got discolored and its sinking in and looks really weird, and it hurts, could the shot some how ate away the fat pad? If so how do they fix it? Its ver painful, im a very active person and I cant run it feels unstable, and I cant kneel on it without crazy sharp pain, I hope there is something I can do to fix this, if anyone knows please let me know, thank you

Hi CELINA – I suggest you google something like … long term side effects cortisone injections….there is a heap of information. Everything from ATROPHY (shrinkage) do google that, lightening of the colour of the skin (DEPIGMENTATION) which would explain your discolouration (yes we spell colour with a U in Australia lol), introduction of bacterial infection into the body, tendons can be weakened and/or ruptured, a rare but serious damage to the bones of the large joints (AVASCULAR NECROSIS), also can injure the joint tissue especially if someone has received multiple injections.
My advice is to google and head off to your doctor armed with all the information you can gather. No doubt you are suffering these symptoms from long term cortisone injections – bare in mind I am NOT a professional just another victim like yourself.
Hopefully someone might check into this site who have had similar problems with some good information for you as well – goodluck Julie

2 days ago I received 3 shots of Celestone into the L5, S-1, S1 area of my lower spine for bulging and herniated discs. I have had lower back issues and it just got to the point where the pain was no longer bearable, nothing worked – and I am not able to walk more than 4 blocks w/o my left leg going numb and foot flopping. It was depressing to say the least, I have a totally newfound respect for the handicapped that are not able to utilize a limb to the fullest. I started seeing an orthopaedic doctor who also administered accupunture – she didnt suggest that but instead put me into physical therapy, but my insurance only covers so many visits – She then said she wants to give me an epidural to relive the inflammation – so I took her advice. She told me what I might expect, that the Celeston will not kick in until about 7-14 days in some, but facial flushing, sleeplessness, headache, dizziness, heavy legs were normal – but she didn’t mention anything about the ITCHING all over … needless to say it’s unbearable. I had no known allergy to steroids – have taken them orally but itching was never an issue. After reading this thread, I am hoping it all works out – Best Wishes to all …

Hi EPIDURAL – well I’m pretty impressed with your doctor – at least she did inform you of some of the debilitating side effects. I have noticed in above threads people who have also experienced severe itching. For example Laurie’s first post is No. 197 above and she had horrendous problems with itching/rashes etc. so you might be interested in having a look at her first and subsequent posts. Really wish you well and would be interested to know how you go. Goodluck Julie

HELLO EVERYONE, im sorry for everbody.. i got two injections into my elbow now almost 3months ago. Since then it is terrible headache.. i cannot work.. there was a period when i did not have headace for a week, i belived its gone, but it came back!!! Im not a doctor, but i think it messed up the hormone system. I dont have too much fat, i will try taking omega 3. Fat balances hormon. Have anybody tried?

Hi DAVID – I feel very very sorry for you because as many of us know the headache that comes with this is horrendous and unrelenting. I fully understand how you can’t work. I think I’ve commented before as to how I just don’t know how anyone could go to work, look after small children etc while undergoing these side effects. I was barely able to look after myself. I have also mentioned in the past that I believe it messes with your hormones e.g. adrenal system which plays a big part in our hormones.
I don’t know about ‘fat balancing hormones’. Believe you me David I am far from thin and that has made no difference at all. I was under that belief that Omega 3 is virtually Fish Oil which is very good for lubricating joints and acting as an anti-inflammatory which is what cortisone is ’supposed’ to do. I personally take a BIG dose of fish oil every day instead of an anti-inflammatory drug. Try googling ….. cortisone injections Omega 3 ….. and see what comes up.
Hopefully someone else will post some information for you regarding this. CAN ANYONE HELP DAVID – good luck mate and I hope you are well soon – cheers Julie

Hi David,
The cortisone I had gave me a hormonal imbalance that’s continuing to take me 5 months to shake! It gave me quite a few “female issues” that I’ll spare you the details on….but all caused my the hormonal imbalance it set off in my body. I don’t know about the Omega 3’s but I’ve started taking B6 and B12 with L-Methylfolate…that seems to be helping me. Just an Idea-try eliminating any chocolate and caffeine from your diet to see if that makes any difference, that’s helped a lot of people I know eliminate their headaches (hormonally caused and otherwise)…Good Luck!

Hi to all,
I’ve had cortisone injections three times over the years. One for forearm muscle pain had no effect. One for elbow pain worked well with no side effects. The most recent, last week, was for shoulder pain (tendonites of the rotator cuff). It worked well, but as many note, it caused one sleepless night. There are apparently many potential side effects of cortisone, but given that so many people are given it, one must assume only about 1% of people show anything other than minor side effects. Certainly one should avoid chronic use. For the joint problems I had, Vioxx would have solved them, given its performance on previous joint issues. But of course it is now off the market — who’s idea was that?

and Hi to you DAVID G,
Well certainly happy that cortisone works for you without debilitating side effects. That’s what we were all hoping for originally. If I had only experienced one sleepless night I would have been ‘over the moon’ but unfortunately like the majority of people above we experienced and are still experiencing horrendous side effects for weeks and months. It is something I hope never to experience ever again. We’ve discussed it before and know that we are in the minority. My own sister has cortisone without any side effects as have others I have spoken too.
If you google Vioxx you will find heaps of info – strokes and deaths resulting from them. There has to be oodles of complaints before a drug company will take a drug off the market especially something like Vioxx that was bringing them in big $$$$$s. I remember when it was all over the news and current affair programs. My sister (again) was someone taking Vioxx and getting results.
Goodluck to you David and happy you have found something that helps you with chronic pain – cheers Julie
ps Hi ELIZABETH x

I went to see my consultant yesterday unfortunately there is no cure for my back problems as my spine is very badly worn, and the joints are rubbing together. When I informed him of the side effects I am suffering with after the cortisone injections he informed me that a lot of people suffer side effects so it is obvious they know about it but just failed to inform me at the time. So I am now on painkillers for the rest of my life. Jenny

Hi JENNY – It just ’stinks’ doesn’t it. Basically you have been through all of this for nothing. Yes I do think most of the doctors are aware of side effects but not the severe and totally debilitating side effects some of us are enduring and have endured. I guess we can all just play a small part in trying to ‘inform’ our doctors and others that we know or meet. Not to mention people who ‘find’ this site. Goodluck to you and you know we are always here if you need someone to ‘talk’ too – Julie x

I was reading most comments not all. I have allergies to cortizone and some of the things you all are saying reminds me of the day I found out I had an allergy. The bumps, burning sensations, sleepless nights, and more side-effects. I have to take benedryl for relief because it gets so bad at times I may break out with chronic hives and they may bleed. So the acne part I understand also. It isn’t common for someone to have a allergy to cortizone but it wouldn’t hurt to have some tests done and see for sure. Good luck to everyone and hope this helps someone…..

Hi T -well you have posted at a very convenient time for me. I am covered in hives (4th week now) and eventually found out I am allergic to Chlorophyll which is a detox health drink made by Swisse. I shall be onto the Benedryl tomorrow for sure. Have tried antihistamines but being very sensitive to medications suffered severe headache, slight nausea and absolute total fatigue as side effects. Yes I agree some people above have had terrible skin problems etc and your post may be very helpful for them. Thanks for posting – cheers Julie

Thank God that I found this blog and thank you all so much for sharing. I have scoliosis which creates pain in my l4 l5 disc. I do daily yoga, weekly chiropractor, acupuncture, cold laser therapy, icing, fish oil, white willow bark(aspirin is made from it)’ vitamins and inversion table, but my pain frustrated me to the point of getting a cortisone shot 2 weeks ago. Now I have heart palpitations, trouble falling asleep and bouts of severe depression. Yes, the shots worked, but I think the side effects suck! The U.S. Medical profession clearly still won’t admit that there is an awful lot they simply don’t know.

Hi Bernard – the only ‘positive’ is that now you know you aren’t going MAD!!! Woops sorry another positive is that you at least did get some pain relief unlike many above. It’s horrendous and I feel very sorry for you. Not just the doctors in the USA Bernard – I’m in Australia and same thing here. Very few people who have posted above were given any form of warning about possible side effects. I now google anything I take whether prescription or over the counter alternatives and check out the possible side effects and if I notice anything stop the medication immediately. Hoping you are feeling much better soon and those debilitating side effects don’t linger in your system for too long – goodluck Julie

Thanks for your stories. I’m so glad I did my research first.

My doc has been telling me that a cortisone injection is a possibility for a few months now. I’ve been putting him off, trying everything else I can for my bi lateral planter fasciitis. I’ve been in Physical Therapy for several months. While it’s gotten better, it’s still not good. Last month he said we’d give it one more month to heal, then we’d do the injection if it hadn’t. I had my follow up with him today & he declared it was time for the injection. I refused & he’s given me 2 more weeks. After nearly a year of this, I just want to be pain-free for a while. I was 1/2 way considering going ahead with it until I read your stories. There is no way I’m going to let him inject me now. I tend to have pretty sensitive reactions to things as it is. I’m not risking this. I hope people remember that they have the last say in what happens to their bodies. You can’t just go with what a doctor tells you. Do your research & if you’re not comfortable with it, say no. If the doc insists… FIRE HIM/HER! It’s YOUR body.

I feel for ya’ll & hope you feel better soon. I also pray that others research BEFORE letting doctors do whatever they want.

Hi JESSICA – good onya!!!! I wish I’d been half as smart as you before I had the injections…wonderful thing hindsight lol Ditto to everything you said and I really wish you all the very best. Nothing nothing can be as bad as a really bad reaction to cortisone and if you tend to be sensitive and prone to side effects you have definately made the right decision – goodluck Julie

I wish I would have looked at these comments before going to the ER last night. I had a hip injection this past Tuesday and have been feeling bad ever since. Yesterday I woke up dizzy with tightening in my throat and VERY nauseated. I ate breakfast hoping it would help me feel better, but it did not. I was having a lot of trouble concentrating and my family thought I might be having a TIA or a stroke since the symptoms were lasting so long. Finally went the ER and had a CAT scan and blood work. They found nothing. I questioned the doctor about the possibility of side effects from the cortisone shot and he said it is possible, but not probable. Boy, what do they know. Doctors really need to be educated! I bet when I tell the ortho doctor that ordered the shot about my reaction he will brush it off. I am still extremely nauseated and fatigued. I have started taking charcoal tablets to try to get this toxin out of my system with lots of water. Thanks to everyone else for their posts…if I could at least get rid of the cortisone jitters it would be better. Prayers for all of you for a quick recovery!

Well CHRIS – I’m going to pray for YOU for a quick recovery. Absolutely no doubt you are suffering from severe side effects from the POISON – cortisone!!! The majority of people not all have been ‘brushed off’ by their doctors when they have reported side effects, including myself. Like you many above have been to the ER etc to no avail. That’s the first time I have seen someone post about charcoal tablets – now that makes sense!!! Yes the tablets and loads of water are a good way to go as so important to try to get rid of the toxins asap. Goodluck and would love to hear how you go. Charcoal might be very helpful for others to use. Really hope you are feeling much better soon – thinking of you Julie

HELP. I have to have both knees replaced. I went today for a cortisone injection in both knees. I have had uncontrollable sweating all day. Granted, the heat is in the 90s, but my house is as cold as I can get it. Now I feel like I have a stone sitting on my heart. I have hypertension so I’m sure my blood pressure is going up. I had this same shot last year at this time with no side effects. Has anyone had these side effects? Would I do this again. Yes. When every step is painful, even a few days of relief is worth it. It lasts a very very short time but for a few days I walk like a normal person. Probably before I do this again I will just have my knees replaced. But in the mean time the shot puts off the surgery just a little longer.

Hi RACHEL – sounds very much like side effects from the cortisone that many many people have reported above including myself. Some above have had their blood pressure checked but it has been ok. I would be interested to hear how you are getting on now seeing as you have only just had the shots – any further symptoms??? On a positive note I’m pleased for you that you do get some pain relief – goodluck Julie

I had a cortisone injection in my R. Shoulder (7 June 2011). I have a smooth cartilage defect (Im only 20 and specialist has no idea what may have caused this!) and also one of the bones in my shoulder is sloping downwards and squashing tendons. The injection didnt hurt, just felt a bit of pressure in my arm. Afterwards i felt fine until about 10 mins later when i was instantly sweaty and dizzy, no energy and started heaving a couple of times. I just wanted to passd out or something, was awful! Thankfully that lasted only about 10 mins max, although it was the longest 10 mins of my life!! Could hardly move my arm that night, was very painful and heavy and i was very shaky. I honestly looked like a ghost. I’ve felt sick and dizzy on/off ever since i had the injection. Also 2 days after i woke up looking like i was really badly sunburnt.. that didnt last very long. The pain has decreased though from what it was before. Had the worst headache ever yesterday (June 12th 2011(my bday!)) I havnt had it so far today but i can feel it coming on again now..

Hi KATE – I feel really sorry for you. What you are describing is typical side effects from the cortisone injection/s. I know there are squillions of posts above but you will find those symptoms stated over and over again by many people, including myself. Talk about the birthday from hell!!! If you need any support just post in here. I’m flying to Brisbane, Australia on Friday for a few days – if the goddamn volcanic ash from Chile stays away as lots of flights being disrupted lol but will check back in here when I get back. Goodluck and hope you are feeling much better soon – Julie

Hi i have a post on here on april 19, my symptoms have got worse, its still sunk in an looks like someone took a bit out of my knee, i had just stopped going to pt because when we would work out it felt like something was getting caught under my knee cap and it hurt and finally when it would pop it would release whatever was caught, so I have a doc appointment this coming tueday, my pt wanted to waite till after the appointment to continue, hopefully they can figure it out, if I get any info I will try to post it so if anyone else comes across this problem maybe they can somewhat have an idea.. wish me luck!

Hi CELINA – well I certainly remember you and wish you all the luck in the world. Very sorry to hear you are still having massive problems. Please let us know how you get on and I sincerely hope you are running around soon – cheers Julie

Like so many others, I am glad to have found this site! I’m a sixty-six year old man, physically active, and in relatively good health (until recently). I had a cortisone shot (my first ever) in my left knee four weeks ago and it has completely eliminated the pain (from a torn meniscus that was not healing). However, within a week I became moody, anxious, and angry much of the time, becoming incensed at even the most minor irritation. Within the past week or so, my symptoms have become much worse. I have periods of tremendous anxiety, moodiness, heart palpitations, irregular heart beat, insomnia, dull headaches, elevated blood pressure, and frequently feel like I’m going to die. There is nothing that has happened in my life recently that would cause all these changes. I will not have a cortisone shot again, as I am now convinced that it is the cause of and explanation for these symptoms.

Hi STEVE – unfortunately no doubt about it. What you’re describing is par for the course for those unfortunate enough to have to ENDURE this. All the symptoms you are describing have been reported over and over again above. My first post was No. 166 above and I and many others know what hell you are going through. It was the worst thing I have ever been through. I really wish you well. The only ‘advice’ I can give you is try to get the poison out of your system asap by whatever means of detox you might be familiar with. Drink lots and lots of water as is really one of the best ways to detox. Goodluck and I hope for your sake you are feeling ok in the not too distant future – Julie

Has anybody had cramp after a cortisone injection? I had the shot in my shoulder and keep cramping in my feet and hip (mainly) now.. ever since the shot though… do you think its related or just a coincidence?

I was advised to get a cortisone shot in my foot for ongoing Mortons Neuroma, the pediatrist hit the nerve with the needle during the process, now my condition is much worse, even after a month. I can not walk barefoot or in any other shoe accept a tennis shoe with an orthodic insert. If I walk barefoot etc. I get a lighting bolt type pain in the area of the shot. Do I have permenant nerve dammage? Is there anything I can do to get better? I am very sad about this…

I had leg and foot cramps that were crazy bad after getting a cortisone injection in my foot. I reported this to the MD, who said they are not a side effect…someone should tell the drug company that they ARE a side effect, right? I have read so many comments from people who had them after getting a cortisone shot!

Hi all,
Well I’m so sorry for all the side effects you guys have been going through, but I’m pleased you documented them. I had my first ever cortisone injection in my neck, my injection site ached the first night so bad I had trouble sleeping on it, finally got to sleep and woke up soaked in sweat with a big pulsing head ache. Symptoms worsened into the next night with dizziness, stiffness, heart racing and pounding out of my chest right up to my head. More fever and chills and nausea followed, pain in my neck and back and can you believe swelling in my neck?! My left leg went completely numb and starting spasming. Muscle spasms in my back came next and shortness of breath, my ears started ringing and I woke up at 2 am this morning in pain, iced for an hour and managed to get back to sleep at 4. Headache is still pounding as well as my chest, chest hurts, cramps in the bottom of my feet, muscle spasms in my thighs, neck hurts and back is still spasming as I write this. I called the dr. office where I got the shot and they tried telling me I have the flu, I said no this isnt the flu, I was well before I got the shot and no one in my family is sick, then they tried telling me I had a common headache and I said no and reexplained again. I said are these symptoms normal? They said no, called back and is having me see some Dr. tommorow to be checked. What a nightmare, all I wanted was relief so I could go back to work.

I am so amazed at everything that I read here – I feel so much less alone,don’t feel like checking myself in for nervous breakdown! I have had such similar reactions to my injection, sweating/flushing, horrible palpitations, headaches every day, irritability that began right away, anxiety, today I felt I was losing my mind! my toddlers so hyperactive & screams, which cuts through me, this shaking since my shot, headaches, fatigue, constant anxiety made me feel like I wasn’t fit & couldn’t hack it.I called my husband in tears I needed help, my nerves felt raw, I was shaking again, couldn’t go outside with my son to play because I was so sweaty and hot and exhausted,started to have an extreme panic attack. My post partum depression seemed like it had almost gone away for 1st time in 1 1/2 years, but all came back with a vengeance after my injection. My psychiatrist told me he’s seen it before& I should wait it out, but hes away, & cvs wouldn’t refill my anxiety med, so I was falling apart. Then I started reading here, and then I knew what it was all about! I am so thankful to know! all the work on my depression/anxiety, am worse than before But after reading this, I feel much less alone, think I will begin a detox so happy to find this site. don’t know how to deal with each day, just pray a detox will help,&tons of water! Good luck to everyone here suffering through this! I never had any relief from the shot my backs so bad &son always wants to be picked up! Not fun, I dont feel like socializing, just want to hide in my room! Bad with a hyperactive kid who’s needy! I feel so raw, alone, so it’s great to find you all! I’m so glad to have read here, wonder how you are all doing! Wish you better days soon!

I just wanted to ask one question if anyone can recommend anything else they did, or any detoxes that worked (I know a few were mentioned, but I didn’t find it at my local store and am desperate to get started). Julie, you mentioned a foot detox, did you use the colliodal silver? Did anyone use anything else that may be at a local pharmacy? Thanks so much! I’ll keep researching, and write back if I read anything on detoxing from this horror!

LIGHTBULB!!
I, too, find the posts here helpful. My steroid injections were in my knees on May 9. I asked the question about side effects, and was told there are none. I developed severe headache in a few days, maybe around the 13th. Nothing – not Imitrex, not hydrocodone – had any reflief for the headaches which lasted 4-5 days. In fact, the days directly following my gallbladder surgery on the 19th, I did not notice pain from the surgery due to the “blistering”, unrelenting headaches!
I was so sick with the headache into the night and early a.m. of June 5th and 6th, I was afraid I could be having a stroke. I saw my PCP on the 6th – still very sick even after having taken phenagran. He referred me to a neurologist for an MRI. I cancelled that appt., because I did not feel the cause was something to look for physically in my head – but rather from stress and resulting knotted muscles in my back and neck.
But now, reading the posts here, I’m thinking it WAS, indeed, the injections. BTW, headaches ARE listed as a side effect online. I have gel injections schedule for tomorrow. I think I will cancel, at least until the knee pain is severe again.

Welcome Daniella & everyone else enduring this nightmare! (Hi Julie too!) See my posts, 218,226,233,241,262, & 322. I Got my shot in November and I thought I was ready to go to the funny farm myself! I also have small children at home, and any screaming or whining would feel like nails on a chalkboard! I was afraid to leave the house, the panic and anxiety were unbearable. I was on 1.5 mg xanax per day, 10 mg lexapro, and toprol (a heart med) for the palpitations. I also began weekly visits with a psychotherapist, which I continue to this day. I found it took a lot of time for the poison to run its course in my body…I gave up coffee, diet coke & all caffeine, and I drink exclusively water. I know this is not the answer you want to hear, but I think there’s no quick fix for this…my doctor told me 4-6 weeks, and I can truthfully say its been more like 6 months I just recently tapered myself completely off the xanax…next I’m going to tackle the antidepressant lexapro. But I remember feeling exactly like you do…just hang in there, and I can promise you there is an end to feeling this way…you will go back to normal as soon as your body gets rid of all the cortisone…which also depends on how much you had, I had 3 injections in my spine which is why it probably took me so long. Nutritionally speaking, I also take a multivitamin, and L-Methylfolate which acts like an antidepressant, and L-Theanine, which is natural xanax…got them at the vitamin shoppe…I hope this helps…you’re not crazy don’t worry!!!

Hello
Im 27 years old & had an 80 cc injection of depo-medrol on 06/08 for an ankle sprain I suffered 2mo. prior. That same day I started on Zpak for a sinus infection. On 06/10 I woke up & didnt feel “right”, like my normal “self” I told my b/f that I was feeling very nervous not at ease etc I have had some anxiety issues in the past 2.5 years but nothing compared to this and I hadn’t had any anxiety for almost 10 months straight now. The next day got worse – i felt anxiety ALL DAY LONG I couldnt concentrate, than depression started to hit, I felt sad for no reason, could cry at any moment, lost interest in things just wasn’t happy – scary feeling. I have never felt depression before.
I started to think it might be from the cortisone – and reading all the posts in this forum is making me somewhat at ease. I went to my primary doc and she said it could very well be from the cortisone but there was really nothing to do but let it flush out of my system which could take weeks. My aunt, who is a nurse said that the dosage the doc gave me was quite high for my small figure (120lbs).
I also have not gotten my period this mo., and am not pregnant. I try not to get too stressed but its difficult, just wish I could wake up and feel better like my normal self. It has been a little over 2 weeks since the injection and I am still feeling “different” although the first week was much worse, this week hasn’t been all that great either. I have good days and bad days – I am drinking a ton of water to flush out my system an trying to force myself to exercise a little. I also find that when I go out for a drink I feel fine once I start drinking alcohol which would be obvious but the next day is always super bad I guess because alcohol is a depressant so it will only make the situation worse.
I had blood work done this week and am waiting for the results. I am scheduling an appt with a psychologist and my gyn.
Any advice is appreciated!! -Kate

Another side note, prior to the injection I had just came back from a 3 week trip with my b/f and his extended family to the Philippines and Hong Kong (quite an experience but a bit of a culture shock as well as I’m from the US)
While I was there I got pretty sick from drinking the water (diarrhea fever etc) for 4 or 5 days which than turned into a really bad cough and sinus infection – the medical system over there isn’t great so needless to say I didnt take any medication until I came back just made my best with water and gatorade. That was somewhat stressful (being in a foreign country on the other side of the world, and sick, and really no medication).
I am wondering if what I’m feeling as of late is from the cortisone or I am just having a nervous breakdown from otherthings?? Maybe the trip was too overwhelming for me – although I truly believe in my heart that this is directly related to the coritsone.

Thanks

I have has cortisone shots every 3 months in both knees for the last 7 years.
I have severe arthritis – they work great for about 2 1/2 months then the effects wear off. Cortisone is a steroid so it can make you hyper and wide awake at night – but the good out weighs the bad in my opinion

Welcome Kate!
Cortisone for an ankle sprain? These Doctors are ridiculous! All the symptoms you are feeling ARE DEFINITELY FROM THE CORTISONE DON’T WORRY!!!!! It makes you doubt yourself and “over-think” things! Funny thing about the alcohol…I haven’t had a drink since December I was afraid it would make me feel more depressed…now that its summer, and my brain is more back to normal, I deserve one or two! Just hang in there…things will get better, I’m now getting my period 2x a month, or not at all some months! Check my posts I listed in my comment #371 for symptoms identical to yours! Check in here for support if you need to…we’ve all lived through it!

PS…JULIE…How was your vacation, or “holiday” as you say down there?

Hi ELIZABETH – my holiday (vacation lol) was great but I got caught in Melbourne because of the ash cloud from the volcano in CHILE – can you believe it!!!!!!!! By the time I got home I was a WRECK. A couple of days later my dear old dad (83) who lives behind me in a unit got sick – cut a long story short he has pnuemonia and I am nursing him. As you can imagine I am very busy and tired and haven’t turned on the computer till now. Probably be ‘out of action’ for a while longer as need to get him well then get myself ontop of things again. Thanks for helping everyone Elizabeth – I’ll be ‘back in the saddle soon’ and really good to hear from you x

Hey Julie,
I hope your Dad gets better soon! Try and find sometime for yourself to relax if possible! We’ve hardly heard anything about that ash cloud here in New York! Can’t wait to see you posting again!

I have read a bit about women who have had cortisone shots and missing a period or things like that. I got mine but it started off very very light (not normal for me, mine are usually very heavy). Anyway, it got heavier a couple days later. Its almost been two weeks and i still have it!

Elizabeth – thank-you for your kind words – really makes me feel hopeful of my situation. I myself was shocked that I was given an injection for a sprained ankle!! It wasn’t even that bad – I am a runner and maybe that’s why the doctor decided to do it – I don’t know – it all happened so fast I didn’t have time to decide if I wanted it nor was I told of possible sideeffects.
With the July 4th weekend just happening it was hard to avoid all the parties and bbq’s but I am proud to say I avoided alcohol which I feel defintely helped. Tmrw will be 4 weeks since I’ve had the shot – while I feel I’ve made progress I’m still not back to my original self – I am still trying to make an appt. with a psych. to talk about this with someone. I did end up getting my period but it was over 2 weeks late. I wonder what will happen next month.
Elizabeth – do you know what the dosage was on your injections? I know you said you had 3 – but am just wondering what the dosage was in comparison to mine. I am hoping my recovery won’t take 6 months =/
Did you feel a little bit better each week that passed? I feel like I go 3 or 4 days pretty good and than have an off-day again – which than I get myself worried again…

its hard to explain how i feel . my spinal lumbar facet procedure did not work – but my doctor is excellent- set me up for a cortison shot in my back, says last up to 6mo-1yr, then you come back. well, i did not take my pain meds that morning and once it was done, the pain was gone, til later that day- they did tell me i may be sore- i dont know the side effects yet, but i was sore a little, really tired, very thirsty and now this morning im still sore and still feel like a bottle of yuck- time will tell but i do hear positive things- so im gonna hope it works!

Hi Kate,
I don’t know what dosage of depo medrol I had, but I know when they do them as epidural injections in the spine for back pain, the amount is definitely higher than any other joint in the body. I’m pretty little too, 5′3″ 110 lbs. As far as the ups and downs you’re experiencing, I had the exact same thing…just when I thought I was beating it , I’d have a day where I felt down and really irritable at any little thing. They do get better as the days and weeks go on, and soon like me, you’ll forget what that sadness and anxiety even felt like! I’m SURE you’ll be better in way less than 6 months!!! Only 4 weeks out, you’re in a much better place than I was at the same time! I was shaking, I had diarrhea every day, heart palpitations, etc. I wouldn’t even have gone out of my house, (except only to go to work) let alone a July 4th BBQ!!! So, in my experienced opinion, you’re way ahead of the game! It wouldn’t hurt to seek out a therapist to talk all of this out with-it helped me sort through all my feelings with this. I hope this helps!

Danielle G., I hope the shot brings you the pain relief you want! In the end despite everything, I know mine helped me, and I’ve also kept up with my daily PT exercises which definitely help also! But the first week after the shots is really cruddy! It will get better, don’t worry!

Hi Julie!!!!!!

Apologies for being such a poor correspondent. Have been spending time with hub here is Mex in the final stages of getting his 2nd. house back, WORKING ON THE CORTISONE STORY, recovering from ‘nervous ‘breakdown, and FINISHING MY NOVEL! Re the novel: I’ll be putting it on Kindle/amazon in case you or friends may be interested. It is entitled:SATAN’S KEEEP, and will be available for upload sometime before summer’s end. Suspense, thriller, love story with a sprinkle of earth magic; it deals with human trafficking…from the viewpoint of the book’s two male and one strong female characters. I have intimate knowledge of such perversion….! It will be nominally priced. MY aim is to get the word out to people just how big an industry the flesh trad is…plus I have been told itis a fast read. The bottom of the cover gives my name: ‘a novel by Laurie Klepinger.

re. cortisone. The amino acids/time etc. are all helping me to regain ‘LIFE’.

The best to you all. Thank you Julie for you undying support through my worst of times. I really would be my honor to meet you some day IRL.
Kisses and peace,
Laurie

Hi Julie

Sorry for all the typos in last comment! I did not EDIT and it is quite early here.

Love,

Lauire

My daughter had a cortizone shot in her knee yesterday for a knee injury that has been ongoing. The MRI showed inflammation of the plica. She passed out about 8-10 minutes after the shot but they said that was fairly normal for someone her age. But today she is complaining of a sore throat. I’ve read other posts here about sore throat after a cortizone shot. How long do they last and can anything be done to help? I hope she doesn’t get any other side effects. She won’t be getting another shot if the pain returns.

Had a cortisone injection in my foot on friday now in worse pain than I was before. I had an a cortisone in 2008 but that one worked by the next day. I don;t think the same will be said for the injection I had on Friday. I have been sitting with my foot on s bag of frozen peas hope the pain soon goes august 2011

Wanted to pass along info to everyone. I wrote posts about side effects to cortisone in 2009. I decided in 2009 that I would never have another one, even though I had many prior to 2009 and never had any side effects. But a few months ago, I developed severe wrist pain. My doc suggested cortisone. I decided to do some research, and here is my backstory. My previous cortisone with a different doc was HALF the dose of the doc in 2009. Previous amount was 10 mgs w/ no side effects. When I had a shot w/ 20 mgs, that’s when I had the side effects. I decided to have another cortisone shot on Aug 10 w/ only 10 mgs. Today is Aug 14, and I have not had any side effects at all. I will not hesitate in the future to have cortisone with the smaller dose. You may want to try a smaller dose in the future if you really need cortisone. For me it was cortisone or surgery, so the research paid off and avoided surgery.

I got a cortizone shot last week and these past few days I have had terrible Heartburn and I almost thought that I should go to the emergency room for my heart. Has anyone else ever had this and if so how long did it last?

So i had a cortisone shot a bit over 2 months ago (June 7th) as posted above. It did nothing for me apart from some hideous side effects. I was told to go back to the specialist if it didnt work but I have not done that. Instead of going back and him offering another injection i decided to give acupuncture a go (despite my fear of needles). Its actually worked brilliantly for pain relief and i feel my strength has come back also. Most of the needles i do not even feel as they are put in, there is only a couple that hurt a little but are getting better as i go on. Definitely recommend giving it a go for anybody who wants some pain relief and no more horrible cortisone shots!!

Oh PS: Lynette: I dont remember experiencing heart burn like you described but I do remember feeling as though my heart was absolutely pounding!! Neither of these things pleasant to experience i must say. Maybe do have a check up just in case though.. To be on the safe side?

Hello,

Im a 22 yr old female, I have just been diagnosed with Tochanteric Bursititis in my right hip. I also have Sacroiliac Dysfunction on the same side. I have just had a cortisone injection in my hip yesterday and I do not feel well at all. I have had no relief whatsoever it has made the pain worse. I can hardly walk. I am now experiencing pain in down my leg to my knee, my right arm feel like its been punched over and over. My collar bone area also feels the same way. My chest feels tight and i cannot take a deep breathe. When i do the pain shoots done my rip cage. all of the pain is on my right side. I feel terrible… headaches, hot flashes, massive mood swings,elevated blood sugar,and I feel very shaky..

The doctors say. No its fine, it will go away in a few days.

If anyone can tell me what to do that would be very much appreciated.

Welcome to the club, Eden! First, I would speak to your GP and ask them about the upper body pain you’re having…once they tell you “it’s nothing” then just sit tight and know with the cortisone shots, they make you feel worse before you feel better. It will pass, I can’t say how long because everyone’s different, and it depends on how much you received. Just get ready…doctors will deny that cortisone can cause any of your symptoms and make you feel like you’re nuts! But when you look at it scientifically as any good doctor should, you’re fine before the shot, then have all these crazy symptoms after the shot? Could it be the shot? DUH! Hang in there! You’re not alone…read a lot of our posts when you have a chance, when I was suffering , this board was the only thing that made me feel like I wasn’t losing my mind!

If you want to better understand my ordeal, check my posts: 218,226,233,241,262, 322, 343, 371,375…the good news is, I am back to better than normal!! Off all the meds! No anxiety, shaking, heart palpitations etc. And to think…most of the doctors said it was all in my head! Only my cardiologist said my symptoms were real because he had a patient with cortisone related complications before he met me.

I received a cortisone injection for knee injury, which MRI showed included a torn meniscus and arthritis. They surgeon did not warn me about any possible side effects. After the injection, my knee was pain-free, so I walked around a lot for two days. The third day, I woke up, and my knee hurt a lot, even when I was lying down!
Please, please, please do not allow a doctor to give you a cortisone injection without a careful discussion of why he/she is doing it, and what effects you can expect!

I received a shot in my neck two weeks ago C5-C7 are damaged from a car accident, since then my pain is worse and I have constant persistent horrible headaches. And docs don’t give out pain meds here for some reason… thinking of canceling second and third surgery because I’ve already lost my job from being so SICK and in pain after the injections…

I had a cortisone shot in my right knee this morning for either arthritis or a possible torn miniscus. Had one 6-7 years ago, no issues, knee was 100% in a couple of days. With this recent injection, I am unable to sleep, feeling hot, anxious, heart racing and acid reflux. But, the knee does feel better!

i got cortisone to frozen shoulder 3 days go, night 1- little headache,horible hot flushes and not sleep at all. night2 -again hot flushes, 2 hour sleep only. night3- not flushes,dificult to fall sleep,maybe 3 hours.im tired and irritated.also have acidic stomach and felt unsettled.shoulder is numb,still any change.wating what come next.

me again.4 days after C injection,i think i lost completly ability for falling sleep,now im taking sleeping pills,because can cope any more.at night- im hot and thirsty,day time- moody and exhausted and shoulder start hurts again. i sympathise with everyone who writes here.

I had an Injection almost 4 days ago. I hurt a lot more than I originally did and my head will not stop pounding. The injection was at the base of my cervical spine (neck)….. My doc has me on gabapentin and flexeril. I’m also taking Aleve for the headache but nothing is working. I m worried because I have to go back to work on mondays and absolutely feel soooooooo much worse than I originally did. I was told by a nurse friend of mine that in some.cases of an Epideral injection it may require a.skin patch. Does anyone know anything about this and.if it.will.help me with.the massive headache.that doesn’t seem to go away?

I received a cortisone shot in my foot yesterday, was wired most of the night and got little sleep. Hope this does not continue!

I received a cortisone shot in my foot yesterday, was wired most of the night and got little sleep. Hope this does not continue!

i have had 3 months of shots 4 on each sides. i have had the worse side affects from these shots i want to cry all the time, i get mad over the smallest of things. i am a christian and the way i have been filling i am not doing a good one. i have gotten mad and just not anger but rage. it is a great thing i can’t drive bc my car is broken. i at times get so mad i am not my self do these side go away. i had to go on a stonger sleeping pill bc i could not sleep. thank you all 4 yr imput for this stuff thanks lynn

LYNN, SANDY, TRAET, HANKA, TOM & BHADRA, DON’T WORRY…IT GETS BETTER!!!! It will just take your body a little time to take care of the cortisone depending on the amount you had…I remember those sleepless nights with my heart beating out of my chest with palpitations…I also remember my hair falling out in clumps, the feeling of being cold all the time, and the feeling like I was never gonna be my old self again…BUT…HERE I AM BABY!!!! BETTER THAN EVER!!! AND YOU ALL WILL BE TOO!!!! HANG IN THERE!!!!

YOU WILL TOO, DEANA!!!

thanks elizabeth,we need some optimism. but am 17 days after and still cant sleep.now addicted to sleeping pills,if not take them,not sleep at all.the sleep deprivation taking toll in every way of livimg.i wish,i never did the cortisone and doctors tell the true.his words; SELDOM have people side effect,what a bull….

Oh my god! I’m so glad I found this site!! I have an appointment tomorrow to have an injection in my foot for plantar faciitus. It’s been killing me for three months now and being a hairdresser I’m on my feet all day. By the end of the day I’m in tears with the pain, but after reading this forum and all of the side effects of cortisone, no way am I getting the injection! I will try some of the things suggested and put up with it! Thanks everyone, sorry you all had to go through with all of those horrible side effects.x

Hanka, Have you tried Melatonin? I’ve heard it’s really effective! Please don’t lose faith…as the cortisone works its way through your system, the sleep will come and you can get off the sleeping pills! I was on Xanax, Toprol, and Lexapro for almost 6 months…Now I’m off all of them… Hang in there!

Hello. I had recieved a Cortisone shot a few days ago to treat my poison ivy rash. I initially had a little pain at the injection site on my right buttocks. That night the pain spread down my entire right leg and my leg was very stiff. My whole body hurt soon after that I had a terrible headache. The full body pain subsided after 2 days, but I have been having a lot of other symptoms. I have been dizzy, lethargic, headache that won’t go away even with otc med, my ENTIRE body itches badly now..not just on spots with the poison ivy rash, I have had chest pain off, pain and redness at injection site, and on and severe mood swings. Could this be an allergic reaction to the shot? I have tried looking up information, but am unable to find anything that matches my symptoms. Any help at all would be most appreciated.

Lori, I don’t think it’s an allergic reaction…it’s just a reaction to the cortisone…I AM NO DOCTOR….but my sister-in law just had poison ivy and she said it flared up all over her body too, after her initial contact and symptoms. The chest pains, pain the next day all down your leg, dizziness, headache and mood swings are probably from the cortisone though…I had a little bit of all of those myself after my shot! You won’t find anything about this on the internet except for this site…most doctors deny that cortisone can have these effects on people…the lack of information on cortisone reactions is very discouraging when you’re suffering. Just know you are NOT ALONE and it GETS BETTER!!! The only question is your time frame which only your body knows…Hang in there!!!

yes elizabeth i’m taking melatonin,herbs tea melissa and dandelion,but still nothing helping,still must take temazepan. my pulse is very high and daytime i’m so dizzy also have horrible mood swings,like everybody above writes .i’m hanging-in there, but its all scary,
nightmare. thank you

Hanka,
It will definitely get better with time! That’s what stinks about this nightmare-No one knows how long it will take for them…only your body knows. I KNOW you won’t be on the sleeping pills forever-give your body the time it needs to get back to normal after being upset by the cortisone. Don’t worry about having to take the sleeping pills…I understand, I hated being on all the pills I was taking, and I know I never would have made it through my cortisone nightmare without them! Keep doing what you’re doing and you’ll see changes for the better slowly but surely!

Elizabeth- Although I have yet to post, I’ve been reading this forum/page for over a month now and it as helped me not feel like I was/am completely losing it! I had an injection on Jul 1, 2011…. So it’s almost been 3 months now and I’m still struggling with constant heart pounding, 24 hour a day anxiety…..and basically just a ‘wired’ feeling. And of course dizziness, etc… I have been put on Bystolic to manage the heart palps and it helps, but I only take Xanax once a day, very low dose…so it’s been a struggle. I find myself constantly out f breath and I figured by now I would be better, but I’m not. Of course my doctors are saying the steroid could not do this to me but all of this started mere days after the injection. Beforehand I was 100% healthy and ran 2+ miles a day. I haven’t been able to run since the injection. I keep trying to tell myself this will pass, but it’s hard to stay positive now that it’s already been 3 months and things are bleak. All I ever want to do is sleep and hideout in my home….this is not a fun way to live.

KB-
I feel for you!!! I was exactly where you are!!! This site and my family kept me going too! My ordeal seemed to last 4-6 months..by 6 months I was back to my old self, med free…but I really think it’ll get better for you slowly from this point on…I was on .5 xanax 3X/day, for the anxiety, lexapro 10mg for the depression, and toprol 25 mg for the heart palpitations and high pulse rate! The doctors get me so mad! I love my cardiologist because he was the only one of the specialists I ran to in my panic thinking I was having a heart attack (I’m only 41, and I’m petite) he believed the cortisone did this to me because he’d seen it before…he was always so encouraging and validating of the symptoms I was having. When I went for my last visit in July after I stopped taking the heart meds, I thanked him for being the only doctor who believed in me, knowing it wasn’t all in my head! You’ll get through this too! Keep that little positivity you have!!!

Elizabeth- Thanks for responding. I am definitely hopeful this will pass soon, but honestly, the anxiety slowed down, but has regained strength again in the last two weeks. This seems never ending! The anxiety sucks, and I get weird pain by my kidneys, adrenal glands maybe? I still get dizzy, but that could be from the constant anxiety as well. Hopefully things get better soon……did you feel this way, as I have described at the 3 month mark? Did it take all 6 months before you instantly felt better?

Back again.. After canceling my injection appointment for my plantar faciitus, I thought I would try something someone on here suggested. I bought the futura ankle strap and have been wearing it most of the time (except sleeping), and my foot is nearly better!! It really does work! $23 for a miracle. Hope this helps other sufferes out there, I’m in heaven! Thank you to that person that suggested it!!

I am agreeing with KB. I called local hospital asked for advice on the anxiety etc. as a reaction from shot. She said not possible. Called Dr. office today (Sunday) that administered the shot and he said “That’s absurd”. My wife said she thinks I’m having a mental breakdown. (How comforting) After reading these posts (trying to get my wife to read it) I now know that I’m not losing my mind. I have never experienced anything like this before, ever. I have slept only minutes at a time for last 5-6 days. Anxiety is incredible.

KB,
After 6 months I could say it was totally gone…it gradually got better very slowly for months before that though…it was a slow process for me…there were stretches a few days in a row where I felt much better, then the anxiety would come back and bring me way down…like 1 step forward 2 steps back! All I can say is you’re on your way to the good times! It’s already been 3 months!

Jay,
Very few doctors acknowledge that all these symptoms come from cortisone…The doctor who gave me the shot said I am one of two patients in 5000 (!) he’s ever seen react this way. He warned me against ever getting another shot in the future. He called this nightmare “Steroid Psychosis” Try googling it…you’ll find very little…but what you do find will blow your mind! You’ll see all the symptoms we’ve all suffered from!

My husband probably would’ve felt the same way as your wife, except he knew it was all way too coincidental…normal one day…have this shot…then mental the next day!!! Hang in there, try melatonin, watch TV, read, etc., don’t pace the floor like I did! It will get better…slowly!

Hey All,
Copy this link into your browser…all the symptoms we’ve experienced!

http://www.healthcentral.com/peoplespharmacy/408/61034.html

hi everybody.i feel exactly like you kb,and jay,all the symptoms,now i must take even higher dose of temazepan,that give me maybe 2 hour sleep and then have this weird dreams,i’m dreaming in 3 D,like in avatar movie, it’s so bizarre. i think, i’m drugged up to my eyeballs and i’m actually hallucinating.but i find,drinking through day 4 cups of herb dandelion tea,keep anxiety lower.i think the cortisone give us too high adrenalin,and that hormone effect so much thing in body.so take care,i go for another tea…p.s. angela you are the smartest one,dont go near the devil cortisone.

Small Update from my previous posts- I went back to the cardiologist today and all of the results from the stress test I took and EKG were all fine….nothing abnormal. He finally admitted to me that he has seen “steroid psychosis” in other patients, but very rarely. So…he gave me no timetable, and I tihnk he still thinks I’m just suffering from anxiety aside from this, which I do not….so I am now on Lepressor for heart palps…..Elizabeth, I hope my body is like yours and at 6 months this stops! At this point I am better, but I still have major anxiety and dizziness…and the hert palps are less, but still there. I hope for anyone else going through this you are reading these posts, as they are the only things that have kept me sane!

KB,
I really think the Lopressor will help…I was on Toprol…for me at least, the fact that my heart stopped racing definitely decreased the anxiety and really helped me sleep better! I wore that Holter Monitor, took a stress test, and all my stuff was normal too! The lopressor is short term don’t worry…when I stopped taking the Toprol in June, I was so amazed that my heart wasn’t beating at 150 bpm like it was!!! No one has a timetable unfortunately…it depends on how much cortisone you were given and how your body can balance the hormones it forced out of check. From what I read here, 6 months sounds like the longer end of suffering, most people get better sooner…so maybe that can give you something to look forward to! In addition to the symptoms everyone suffered from, I also had my monthly cycle go completely out of whack, some months I’d get my cycle twice, some not at all! My hair also started to fall out more than normal too! It’s been a real adventure!

Well, I went to the endocrinologist today, just to cover all of my bases, since I was given the all clear from the cardiologist. It has now been 3 months exactly from the time I was given the steroid injection and it’s still scary because my blood pressure is still slightly elevated, even while being on Bystolic too control the high blood pressure and heart palpitations. I think I may even have some acid reflux now possibly? It just feels like I have a lot of air in my chest or something. Most of all though I’m still battling the anxiety daily, and I’m only taking on average one .25 Xanax a day to combat it. I hope it’s just the anxiety but I still keep having slight chest pains now and again and even some pain by my left kidney area. This has been the most unpleasant time in my life for sure……..it really feels like I’ll never be the same again.

KB,
See my posts 233 and 241 above…I was exactly where you are! I hope your endocrinologist is better than mine! He told me it was all PMS!!!! What an idiot!!! I’m glad you’re covering all your bases too…but I’ll bet they won’t find anything wrong with you either! They really don’t know about the effects of cortisone on the body!!! I don’t think they blood test you for the right things, I don’t know if the reactions we have would show up on the standard blood work-up…

Don’t worry, you will find your old self again soon…I wrote the same question to someone on this board who was so supportive to me, she told me I would be normal and she was right!

Elizabeth-
Thanks for writing back….it really helps! What’s made this even more difficult is that my wife and I just had our first child on Aug 3rd, and although I’m savoring every minute of it, you can imagine how tough it has been. I don’t go back to the endocrinologist for another two weeks, but I am thinking like you, that everything will probably come back fine. What I wanted to ask you in the last post and forgot was, the steroid injection, minus the side effects, really cured my neck issue temporarily. However, in the last few days the pain is back, about to where it was before the injection. So my question is this, did your pain return too before the side effects wore off? I was hoping that once I felt pain again, that meant the steroid was out of my system…and I would be OK. However, I am still dealing with anxiety…..and pain now….fun!

Congrats KB! We have 3 blessings of our own and my youngest is 4 1/2…not like having an infant, I remember how hard those days were…couldn’t imagine throwing the cortisone reaction into the mix!

As far as the pain, my issue is my lower back, and yes, the pain does come back from time to time, and I remember exactly thinking what you are (about it wearing off enough to feel the pain again…but not enough for it to stop wreaking havoc with everything else!) Overall, I have to say the cortisone did help my lower back! It’s bittersweet because it helped me-but I know I can’t ever have another shot if the pain comes back…I’ve been pretty good keeping up with the stretching exercises and PT…I’m also not lifting heavy stuff around the house like I used to, and my husband has really helped me a lot with that!

The totally crazy thing about my back pain…after the mental breakdown from the cortisone, the pain in comparison is way easier for me to handle! Now without the anxiety, any time my back acts up, I don’t sweat it…I know it will pass, and I really don’t stress out about it. Keep hanging in there!

Elizabeth-

A lot of my symptoms are defintely similar to what you experienced it seems. I tried the Toporol but it gave me worse anxiety, so I went back to taking the Bystolic….it seems to work. However, I have since in the last two days decided to stop taking ALL meds to see where I am at physically and mentally. It seems that although it is now dead on 3 months since the steroid injection, I defintely still have anxiety. So far my heart seems to be beating OK still, and the acne has subsided some, but the feeling of numbness, dizziness, and just “doom” is still there for sure! I think if it werent for the feeling of dizziness, to the point of feeling like you could pass out, weren’t tehre I could deal better, but that just adds to the anxiety I think. I really want to try to continue on without the meds for a few days ina row to get a solid bearing on my status but I’m not sure I will be able to do that. I really wish I did not have to work everyday, and could jsut sleep this away…but that isn’t possible. I have tried excercising some more too, but that seems to heighten the anxiety feelings actually. Its like it sets my body abuzz with electricity…in a bad way!

KB,
There’s nothing wrong with staying on the meds! I hated being on them but I really believe they saved my life. Don’t bother trying the experiment going days without them—you will KNOW when you don’t need them anymore-in my case it took about 4-5 months. I also had to drag myself into work every day, and I had to sneak my pills in at lunch, because I was so ashamed and embarrassed to have to take them. In retrospect, I know now I had nothing to be ashamed of.

The exercise only hyped me up more too…remember, with normal stress and anxiety exercise DOES work, but with this chemical induced anxiety, it’s a whole different ball game! Give the meds time to straighten your chemistry out, you won’t be on them forever don’t worry!

Elizabeth-

I tried going 2 days without any Xanax but that was the best I our do. It’s amazing how badly the anxiety an make you feel. My body goes cold, I get abdominal cramps, sweaty, etc.. So I seem to be doing OK without the heart meds now, but can’t go without the Xanax. I really hope you are right and that one day soon this nightmare ends….because that’s what it feels like, a 24/7 nightmare!

KB-
It will get better! I am proof!!!…A couple of suggestions I thought of: just keep the xanax to the lowest level that works for you (that’s what the doctors told me), also stay away from ALL Caffeine! It totally makes the anxiety worse. I had to give up my coffee and diet coke! Now I drink decaf in the morning at work and it does the trick! I was glad to give up the diet coke habit anyway!
I found that .5 xanax 3x per day was what worked for me…getting off of it was easy, but I did it slowly…I can give you tips for that when you get there! And you will!

Had a cortizone shot in my elbow yesterday…was told that the sympoms would flare up for around 6 to 8 hours. After sitting in a lot of pain for the rest of the day, I wake up today the same way. Swelling in my fingers, and horrible pain in my elbow whenever I move it. Has anybody had this before…and if so when can I look for some relief? I would appreciate any suggestions as to how to relieve the pain also.

Thank you,

Ya, been there, but much worse. I had an injection of cortisone for allergies. Did not help, so the doc gave me another one. Went home, fell asleep. Woke a few hours later in complete panic. I sweated to the point the sheets were soaked, heart racing, felt outside myself with intense anxiety, fear, and that I was dying. Could not function as a human.
Went back to the doc, and he said.. no, this is not from cortisone. Cortisone does not behave like this.

The “s*&^ ” I got was a long lasting, time release type in some kind of oil, so it did not end any time soon.
I could not concentrate , and so lost my job, moved back home with my folks. I spent the entire summer laying in the hammock outside.

After 3 months, I checked myself into Johns Hopkins psych hospital, at the request of my family. I just could not take it any more. They tried all kinds of antidepressants, sleep pills, and after none of that brought me out of what was going on… electroshock therapy. This helped INSTANTLY, and after several of those treatments, I was feeling more my own self, with memory loss.

This was all 20 some years ago.. I’m doing OK, but still on some antidepressants. I work full time, own a business, have my own family… but.. don’t think I’ll ever be my old self 100 %

My conclusion was that I had been under some heavy stress at work, just had gotten married, with first child, far from my home, etc. The cortisone and the second shot of it, ( overdose according to prescribing info) pushed me over the edge.

Please consider: If you are sensitive to stress, or have an anxious type personalty, any signs of depressions, worry, fears, etc. before the injection, it may be made MUCH worse after the injections.

You’re call, but for me, never EVER again.

D

Wow! I had my shot about three years ago for hip pain and felt very alienated by my orthopedic specialist who insisted that the aftermath of excruciating pain that I felt everywhere in my body and joints was purely co incdental and that I couldn’t possibly be having a reaction to the shot. I didnt believe him then and still don’t , because later the Same doctor prescribed prednilisone pills, which had the same affect…fortunately I was able to stop the pills, and my pain got better. That was not the case with the shot though….i was laid up worse than normal for almost two weeks with no relief.. It is only because of this forum that I am able to see that my symptoms from the shot were similar to others ….but has anyone also had reactions of severe pain from the pills? In addition to the pain in my back and hips caused by accidents,I also have fibromyalgia, hiv, hep c, and Reumatoid arthritis, so I know what pain is, and that pain (from the shot) was at least a nine …thank you for having this forum one question though to any healthcare providers that may be reading this …how many ” anecdotal” people have to suffer before the studies are done to see what the long term effects are on those of us with reactions…and also to find out why we even had reactions?….i really hope Simeone can explain that one to me…;)

Elizabeth-

Elizabeth-

That last comment got messed up somehow, but anyways, I hope all is well with you still. The pain is defintely back. SO hopefully that means the cortisone is almost done wreaking havoc on my body. I’m still awaiting the Endocrinilogy tests, that will be a few weeks…but now I am headed to the Gastroentologist because I have had some pains in my abdomen and sides for a few weeks now as well. This nightmare is never ending! My family Dr has now put me on .25 MG of Xanax twice a day, instead of just once a day, so I hope that helps some. I just keep trying to have faith that I will recover frmo this as you did. I still get heart palpitations now and again, but nothing like I used to. I am still pretty fatigued all the time still..and the spaceyness, feeling out of it, is crappy! Talk to you soon!

KB-
I’m sorry your pain is back

The increase in xanax is probably a good idea-it’s such a small amount to begin with…I was on .5, 3x each day! As far as the abdominal pain-I didn’t have that, but it’s good your getting that checked out and covering all your bases! The spaceyness left me and I can’t even tell you when…I didn’t really notice…it just “lifted”…

I hope you find a way to manage your pain WITHOUT cortisone…

7 mos ago I had a cortisone injection in my right knee which wasn’t too bad. I had the facial flushing, and dry mouth. I think my tastbuds went numb because food had no taste for weeks. When I told my Dr about the dry mouth and taste buds not working right, he said he didn’t think it was from the injection. Other than that, all was ok. The pain had subsided for a couple mos. so I was happy with it.
About 3 weeks ago I had injections in both knees. OMGosh! Facial flushing was expected, and my mouth is having the same reaction, but this time I can’t sleep more than about 4 hours a night, I have hives all over my arms, and the cramps in my legs have been several times a week, and very painful. After this, I’m not sure if I want to have the shots again.
I have never had a reaction to anything in the past, but do want to say that I acknowledge that my body is changing with age, and it seems this is something I’ll be dealing with. A few months ago I had a tetnus and whooping cough vacc and had strange adverse reactions to that as well, which surprised me at the time. I’m 51 and things that never affected me before are affecting me now. Bummer. I hope these issues don’t last much longer

Elizabeth-

I had a few more questions or you. I can’t think you enough for your correspondence. I’m now at the 3.5 month mark and the palpitations are nearly totally gone. The only thing I think that s left is still extreme anxiety. I was wondering what side effects your anxiety gave you. It is, I think, giving me some dizziness, fear, feeling wired, abdominal cramps, and makes my legs and feet go numb……does that seem normal?

Of course, it’s freaking me out thinking I could ave more serious issues than the steroid in my system, which only adds to the anxiety.

KB-
No need to worry that this is anything other than a side effect of the cortisone—you’ve been to doctors and they can’t find anything else wrong with you! I remember actually being disappointed when all my blood work and cardiologist tests came back fine! That’s your anxiety talking!

As far as symptoms: The main one was a constant tightness/nervousness in my core, palpitations, shaky and numb hands, diarrhea for a month (in the beginning) complete loss of appetite, (I initially lost 10 lbs. !) lightheadedness, tunnel vision (in the beginning) I had to have my husband drive me to the doctor because I didn’t feel able to drive (also in the beginning).
All of those symptoms caused me to be incredibly depressed too…but with time all of it went away—as it will for you KB!

Elizabeth-

Thanks for the kind words of encouragement. I have to be honest, I feel like I’m at my wits end here. Even though the heart palpitations are gone, I still have such EXTREME anxiety I am barely making it. I can’t take walks, etc… It is all I can do to go to work and stay there all day then come home and do NOTHING! You really begin to doubt there may be more going on than just the steroid interaction….this anxiety is brutal….I am barely functioning…..

KB-
WHen I was feeling like I was at the end of my rope, I found a therapist to go to. The psych who prescribed my xanax recommended someone great to me and I went once or twice a week for about 6 months to talk out all my feelings with her. She was incredibly validating to me which is exactly what I needed. She believed me!!! She also showed me each week that I was making progress (however small) with the symptoms. She helped me see what was anxiety vs. what was real.

It really helped me through the worst of it…it might be something to consider. You can only get through so much of this with the support and love of family-sometimes it’s worth it to seek counsel from someone not so close to the situation, they tend to show you things others have overlooked.

Going through this and getting help doesn’t mean your crazy—you just have to do whatever you can to be the person your family needs you to be, and the “old you” that YOU want to be again!

Elizabeth-

I actually made an appointment 7 weeks ago to get into a psychiatrist on October 26th. I am definitely goingto that appointment. I need to go back to my family Dr and get more Xanax until then though. .5 MG a day isn’t even touching my anxiety now. Even though the meds make me tired I absolutely need them. I think I may need an anti depressant now as well. I would never wish this torture on een my worst enemy. I just pray that it leaves my body come 6 months as it did yours!!!!! Today has been a real struggle.

Elizabeth-

Maybe you can email me possibly? I understand if not…..but it would be a great help to correspond with you that way.

My email address is silversun1978@gmail.com

If you have plantar fasciitis the best treatment is to get an insert for your shoe that provides arch support and to see a physical therapist that can show you foot exercises to do to help stretch your arch muscles and your tight calf muscles.

If you do a search online you should be able to find a good site showing some of these exercises/stretches.

Also, always were good shoes with arch support – preferably tennis shoes, even inside the house.

When I stopped going barefoot in the house and bought a good pair of tennis shoes with arch support and wore them everyday, all day my plantar fasciitis got better almost immediately.

KB-
Believe it or not, I actually check and post here more often than I check my email! I hope you understand!

The psych will probably up your xanax- .5 is nothing! I did .5— 3x day! I was on lexapro (antidepressant) but I wasn’t fond of its side effects! Once you can get the anxiety under control with a combination of xanax and therapy, I think you’ll get through it faster! Keep me updated! Know you are definitely NOT alone!

Gee…I am suppose to get my Cortisone shot Friday am and I am worried now…I have tendonitis and calcium deposit in my shoulder and am in constant pain…now I am reconsidering getting the shot..scary!!!!

Elizabeth-
No problem at all! This as been a rough week for me. The heart palpitations and everything else I had at the beginning are gone now but wow….anxiety is still brutal!!!! I almost can’t function sometimes. I go to my first therapist visit next Wed so hopefully he can assure me thins will be OK…..because at this point my life seems blank. I pray ths ends soon……and it’s frustrating that nobody in my life understands so I hide it the best I can.

KB-
I remember that fake smile I had to put on at work and talking to people and not really being present…..it will lift….as slowly as it took for the palpitations, the rest of the anxiety will disappear too! Keep hanging in there!

Elizabeth-

Thanks…..so I went back to my family doctor today and that will be the last time I see him. All my tests were fine and I asked for more than .5 MG a day of Xanax and he said no more at all. He thinks it is just anxiety and denies steroids at all as part of the problem. So we had a few words and that was that. I go to my psychiatrist this coming Wednesday, so I hope we can come to some form of a solution to this. As I stated before the anxiety is awful and I think I have depression now as well. It scares me to start on an antidepressant but I think I may have to. I know I have asked you this many times, but was your anxiety awful all the way until the sixth month mark when it went away?

KB-
No, the anxiety started to taper around 4-5 months…my ordeal started in December, and by June, I was able to stand up and speak in front of a room filled with over 200 people for work, (without any problem at all!) and I was soooo proud of myself…..but remember I was going to therapy every week, I was taking more xanax than you are, and an antidepressant as well.

When it all started, my internist looked at me skeptically, but when he witnessed my recovery, I think I made a believer out of him! So sorry your doctor was like that, but I’m not surprised, I wanted to choke my endocrinologist! He told me it was PMS!!!…BK, you’re married….YOU KNOW YOU NEVER SAY THAT TO A WOMAN!!! Could you imagine???

Lol….yeah, I know better than to do that!

I hope and pray my body goes through the same course that yours did because, right now, with no Xanax to take, my body is tingling and buzzing and I feel very panicked. Not fun! Ecspecially when your doctor doesn’t believe you…..this has been by far the toughest, strangest thing I’ve ever had to endure.

Hi, this is my 3rd time posting my fist post was number 337 second 360, Im posting to hopefully help others out, so after it got a lot worse I went to the doc that did the surgery thinking he would help, but the first thing he did was tell me he didnt do it, and not to go to any other doctor because they’ll just make it worse. so I left that appointment, and I made a appointment with a different doc.. but all these doctors were from lovelace, and they all would ask who did the surgery, aparently they all know each other, and i couldnt get anyone to at least do and mri to see if it has gotten worse it sure felt like it has, and they all seemed like they wanted nothing to do with it, I even had doctors tell me they didnt do the surgery so they dont want to touch it and to go back to the person who did it to begin with so i felt like I was screwed and messed up forever, i was very depressed, as time went on it still kept getting worse, so i decided to switch insurance companies and not go threw lovelace at all and went to presbyterian, right away i noticed even the people that worked there were so much nicer, i felt like that actually cared, and the doc did and mri right away, and come to find out it has gotten a lot worse, it tore a lot more, and I got a huge cyst in there as well, so this doc is goint to fix it all up. So if anyone out there gets the run around and feels like they are messed up or broke forever it brings you down and its depressing, but there is hope keep looking sometimes you have to go threw a totally different company where they dont all know each other, but dont give up!!

Wow! Am I ever glad to find this site. I had a cortisone shot in my knee over two weeks ago. The first night I started sweating and since thing I’ve had revolving symptoms of sweats, muscle cramping, weakness, chills, severe headaches, facial flushing, burning eyes, shakiness and heart palpitations. I called my internist this weekend and she said she didn’t think any of this was from the cortisone at all. She added, “I don’t know what you want me to say. Take a Benedryl.”

About 35 years ago I had a cortisone shot and two weeks later I ended up collapsed on the floor and in the hospital for 10 days (they’d never do that now) and nothing was found. In retrospect I think I know the cause. Any idea how long the symptoms will last and do I mostly just have to live through them? No point in seeing a doctor when the one who knows me best doesn’t seem to believe me.

Shirl:
NO MORE CORTISONE FOR YOU!!!! OMG!!! Just know that you’re gonna be OK! Just like you recovered from your episode 35 years ago! It’s such bad stuff for so many of us!

Thanks, Elizabeth! You’ve got that right! Maybe we need to start a chant, “No more cortisone, NO more!” Lesson learned. If I’d have known anything about side effects way back when, I never would have done it this time, but I didn’t put the two together until I had this reaction. Thanks for the encouragement. At least I don’t have two little kids this time around.;)

I have just started exploring the link between cortisone – i’ve had one jab and three tablets a day for the past week – and type 1 diabetes. For the last couple of days my blood sugar levels have been double the upper limits recommended. I’ve examined what i am eating /drinking differently and only just made the connection with cortisone.
This was never explained to me by my doctor. Is this a case of her being unaware or just carelessness on her behalf? I’ll let you know when i see her tomorrow……….

Hi Harry,
Cortisone absolutely messes up your normal blood sugar! The doctor totally should know that…if not, your endocrinologist should! See the article below and what they say about diabetics & cortisone:

http://sportsmedinfo.net/painmeds-supplements/40-injections/63-cortisone-injections

Elizabeth-
I finally go to my psych tom….. Much overdue. I’ve been having the rapid heart rate again lately and I have only been taking high blood pressure medicine and Xanax. The Xanax will slow it down temporarily but it eventually comes back. How long we’re you on your heart medicine? And was it for rapid and weird heart beats?

Hi KB-
Maybe 4-5 months on the heart meds (Toprol)…yes, I had rapid heart rate, speedy palpitations, etc. The xanax worked like 4 hours at a time and w/o the heart meds, I could feel it wearing off my heart rate would climb back up…Good luck @ the psych tomorrow!

Elizabeth-
Thanks…you have been a Godsend through this misery!

I went to the psychiatrist today and he said he DEFINITLEY thinks this is from the steroids and will get better once I get on some medication. He prescribed Valium and Effexor that I will start tonight. He said he didn’t think I needed any therapy, but I may seek that myself on the side because I’m very stressed still about what is going on to me.

My heart still pounds, not like panic pounds, but my usual avg resting rate is 57 and it’s been about 70-80 lately constantly. That’s hard to ignore. Hopefully the meds straighten me out……I’m at 4 months now and as you know, it’s brutal to not know if you will ever be OK or not!

KB-
HOORAY!!!! Finally a doctor that validates what we go through! How refreshing!!! That’s basically the same combo of meds that got me back under control! I’m very hopeful for you! That doctor sounds like he knows what he’s doing! At the height of my ordeal my pulse was clocked by the halter monitor at 150 bpm….RESTING!!!

I’m glad I’m giving you some solace!!! A poster named Julie (you can see her posts above) really helped me out a lot too, and I’m incredibly thankful to her!

Elizabeth-

Yeah, it’s comforting to hear a doctor or psychiatrist validate that. He told me to start running again too, but I don’t think he realizes hw hard it is to do that. My body is already feeling like its running all day, everyday! If just my heart wouldn’t pound so hard, even when it’s not racing would make my anxiety better but I’m sure in time that will pass too!

Leg Cramping
I had a cortisone shot in both knees ~2 weeks ago. Pretty much ever since I have had serious lower leg and foot cramping almost every night several times a night. It wasn’t until this morning that it occurred to me it could possibly be the cortisone injections. After reading many of these posts, I am conviced that is the cause.

Fortunately I do not have any of the other symptoms…at least not to a serious degree. But, does anyone have any suggestions for treating the cramping and/or how long will this last.

I have tried all of the suggested remedies for night leg cramps (no alcohol, lots of water, electrolytes etc) and still wake up within a few hours of sleep with sever leg cramps.

I have to wonder if there is a certain type of cortisone or dosage that can cause these symptoms. I return to my orthopedic dr. tomorrow for a review of my MRI…it will be interesting to see if he will acknowledge that the cortisone could be the culprit.

I have had 3 steroid shots in the lower back, did not do any good. Then had the series of radial medial injections to block nerves. Again with no success. Then last week I was injected in the sciatica nerve and the muscle over it. Still no results. Before the last injection I was having serious diarrhea. After the injection I have had constipation. Is this a side affect?

While I’m still cycling through symptoms, I just wanted to say thank you to those of you who are better and hang around to encourage those of us who recently had the shots. It helps so much to know there will be better days. Too bad the Internet wasn’t around 35 years ago. If it had been I’d have known not to get this one. In any case, Elizabeth and Julie, and those of you who stay around to encourage the rest of us, thank you so very much!

Shirl-
That is so kind of you to say! Thank you! It was a time of my life that I will never forget as much as I’d like to! Getting that epidural shot almost a year ago was one of the only things I truly regret in my 41 years on the planet. I never want to be that depressed/in pain/anxious ever again!

Jan and Eva-
I don’t doubt that the cortisone can be causing your symptoms! I had no cramps, but I remember reading that from people who posted previously. I did have my own digestive issues, the opposite of constipation! So I can tell you I believe the cortisone did it!

KB-
How are you doing after being on the new medicine regimen a couple of days? Any improvement?

Elizabeth-

My mood is definitely better, already. However, my heart still races. Was it like that for you at the 4 month point? Even taking a walk will send my heart racing and into almost a panic attack. It happened gain today. I walked up a flight of stairs and I had a slight panic attack. It’s so frightening…..

I have had cramping and I know others have, too. I admit to reading a lot of the posts, but not all. Has anyone else had their fingers freeze up? Kind of a cramp and kind of like they have a mind of their own and lock into some strange position for a bit.

Elisabeth, how far into the after effects did the panic set in? It’s been three weeks for me and I just had my first panic attack. Well, not first ever…I had them 35 years ago after that first shot, though i didnt recognize them as such at the time, and very rarely after that. I know it consists of making up my own stories and believing them, but I also know the body reacts by releasing adrenaline like it would in an emergency situation, which, of course, is the hormone in cortisone. My doctor doesn’t blelieve it’s a side effect and we live in a small town, so there’s no going to another doc. Just grasping for a little reassurance here. And thanks again, for being here!

Shirl-

I know your question was directed to Elizabeth, but I wanted to tell you how I’m doing. I’m sure you’ve seen my posts above….and after suffering with anxiety/panic and all of the other symptoms for almost 4 whole months, I was finally able to get in to see a schiatrist and he said this is very common and said the antidepressant would fix me. I’ve only been on it 4 days now and I feel 1,000,000 times better! I still get a few heart palps and anxiety just from being scared of all of the reactions I’ve been suffering from. But I can already tell a real difference. My psychiatrist thinks I should only need to be on the antidepressant for two months……he assured me this happens. He even said, when I told him my family doc said steroids couldn’t cause this, that “he is out of his league.”

Thanks so much for your response, KB. It helps a lot! Before I suffer too long I will make sure I see a psych or someone who truly understands the effects of Cortisone. I am soooo glad the antidepressant is helping you and will ask for one soon if the symptoms continue. it has helped so much just to find you guys here and know I’m right to believe that these symptoms, which started the day of the shot, are, indeed, side effects. I’d think I was going crazy without your stories and respsonses! thanks, again!

KB-
WOW!!!! So glad to hear you’re feeling a lot better! When you have the type of adverse cortisone reaction we’ve all had, psychiatrists can say pretty confidently that we’ll only need the meds as a temporary situation and they treat you accordingly…they don’t want you to be on them forever because you aren’t mentally ill!

Shirl-
My anxiety started about 4 days after I received the injection! I had an lumbar epidural spinal injection, so I probably had a lot more cortisone pumped into my bloodstream! Just hang in there! You made it through 35 years ago…and you will once again!

Elizabeth-

Hey again! I had a question for you. I was wondering how long your heart would race/pound before it returned to normal. My anxiety seems under control but whenever I go to do even a simple chore my heart races for awhile.

…..continued. I remember you said you were on heart palpitation meds, and I am not. So I was just curious if your heart still raced even once your anxiety gotunder control. Thanks!

KB-
The rapid heart rate and palpitations went away as soon as the heart meds kicked in! Like within hours!

So I had the anxiety even without an accelerated heart rate. The moderated heart rate helped lessen the anxiety for sure-my heart beating out of control made my anxiety worse because I thought I was having a heart attack!

My heart no longer raced once my anxiety was under control, I think definitely because of the Toprol heart medicine. I hope this helps!

I’m so glad to know I’m wasn’t crazy either, the first shot I took I know I felt depress, but thought, no way…the second shot I took my doctor put me on depression medicine and I feel okay this time…Why don’t they tell you that. I’m glad to be reading these posting

I had a cortisone shot in my left heel yesterday for treatment of plantar fasciitis. I have a pretty high pain tolerance (I’m being treated for fractured sesamoids in the other foot and have NO pain) but the heel is agony for me right now. I don’t even want to walk, it hurts so much. I really hope this subsides after 24-48 hours, as advertised, because I’m an endurance athlete and I can’t afford to be hobbled for very long. I will never get another injection in my heel again. I had one in the sesamoids, no problems. I’ve had Morton’s neuromas in the past – injections – no problems. I’ve had injections in my knee and my left hand – again, no problems. This is the worst experience I’ve ever had.

Anybody who has had a cortisone injection and still has pain, or, hasnt had one and has seen these posts and doesnt want to get one anymore.. Try ACUPUNCTURE! I had about 6 or 7 acupuncture sessions after my cortisone injection did nothing but give me hideous side effects. Each session being around an hour, i havnt had a session for about 2 months now and still my pain is mostly gone! Im getting a bit of pain every now and then, but nothing like before. Acupuncture has been amazing for me, was my last resort as i have a fear of needles but these needles are so thin you dont even feel them and the ones you do feel are only little stings… absolutely nothing!! Seriously, try it! It could be the best thing for you

Four weeks and counting…still having symptoms, though sometimes some of them seem better, or else I’m just getting used to them and forgot what I’m supposed to feel like.;) I’m wondering if anyone else still has pain at the injection site this far into things? I don’t see any particular swelling or redness, but kneeling on it is still very weirdly painful right at the site. Just wondering if that’s common for anyone else. Thanks for all the encouragement, folks! I know I’ll get through it thanks to all of you who did.

I am so thankful for this site. It has been almost two years now since my reaction. I had a shot for shoulder pain. Had all of the same symptoms. I had high blood pressure befor the shot but it has taken a long time and trying different meds. to bring it under control again. I have fibromyalgia and this made it so much worst. I work in Medical field and found out the the shots are also time released. I would just start feeling better and the symptoms
would come back. I missed work and went through alot if misery. I was glad when the shoulder pain came back because it was a sign that the corisone was leaving my system. Thank you for your support and helping me to know I am not crazy!

i’m 1 month after cortisone and not much better.have horrible indigestions at nigth and sleep only 2-3 hours and that on medication.if i walk longer,blacking out and starting have pins and needles in my feet and fingers.shoulder dont hurt like before,but still its not fix.i go see doctor tomorrow,because starting to have more and more problems.i’m so tired of everything.

Hanka,
You need to explain all of your symptoms to the doctor! Maybe they have medication that will help with all of the issues you’re having and then the sleep will follow! Hang in there!

Shirl, you WILL get through this!

Vicki, You are SO NOT CRAZY!!! Whenever you feel down, keep reading all of the 400+ posts above…it’s what helped me stay sane!

KB- It’s been over a week since you’ve posted…I’m thinking that’s a good sign that you’re feeling better!

Elizabeth-

Yes, I am feeling better, anxiety wise. It’s pretty much gone. I am still getting the heart racing several times a day still….or if I move real quick, which s scary but even that seems to be getting better, at a snails pace. I’m at the 4 month mark right now so hopefully by 6 months the will all be a distant memory…..I still can’t believe this has/is happening but thank Gd the anxiety is almost totally gone. Now I just got to get my heart to settle down!

We are all so grateful for you, Elizabeth! I feel like I’m walking through cement with repeat a case of menopause on Red Bull…so many Charlie horses, fingers cramping, night sweats, hot flashes, anxiety. I’m wondering if the fact that I have Celiac and my body doesn’t always absorb things as it should even though I’m gluten free, has something to do with the cortisone reacting the way it is. Whatever the case, I WILL get through it. Thanks for the reminders when I begin to wonder, which seems to happen daily.

Hi all,

Currently I am in bed feeling like I have been ran over by a bus. Quick history – Had a really hard fall into my shoulder causing my ac joint to rupture & split slightly. Didn’t get it treated & left it thinking it would get better on its own stupidly. 3 months down the line & pain started to intensify so like you all I was offered a cortisone shot which I had directly into my shoulder joint 2 days ago. For the past 12 hours particularly today I feel like I am on another planet, totally not with it & feeling as though my entire body has been drained of all energy. It’s an effort to do anything. Past few hours my heart has been racing & I feel like I am going to pass out everytime I try to stand up. I feel awful. The only way I can describe it is like the worst flu ever but it’s not the flu if you know what I mean! I didn’t link the way I was feeling to the injection until I started to look into it & discovered so many of you suffering the same as what I currently am. I don’t want to get up or out of bed & just feel as though I could sleep for a year at the moment. I have made the decision to go and see my family doctor tomorrow if I am still feeling the same.

Shirl-
Your description made me LOL!!! That totally says it all! It’s good that you have a sense of humor through all of this-I don’t think I did!

KB-
I am sooooo happy for you, really! Didn’t you forget what life was like before the anxiety kicked in? I didn’t have the extent of the palpitations you’re still suffering, but I’m sure that will go back to normal soon too!

Rachael-
Definitely go to the doctor, and tell them you are having an adverse reaction to the cortisone shot, if they don’t believe you, find a doctor who does! They do exist out there! But hang in there and read the 400+ posts above to see you are not alone, and it will pass!

Thanks Elizabeth. Today I feel terrible. No energy at all & totally fatigued. I feel weepy & as though I am living someone else’s life. Really feel out of it & as though I am just going through the motions to get through the day. The racing heart has somewhat subsided a little but I feel breathless on exertion & exertion is literally standing up! Never ever felt like this before in my life. One minute I feel kind of okish then the next I feel as though I have been hit by a truck. I was perfectly fine before the injection, didn’t feel in anyway sick at all. I am struggling to understand how such a small injection could render me useless! I am worried to go to my family doctor as I am sure they won’t understand & will just put it down to some kind of virus but I know I can’t continue like this for my 2 kids sake. At home at the moment with my 2 year old daughter trying to keep her entertained with reading books. It’s mighty hard & I just wish it would go away. Reading people’s experiences where they state that this lasted weeks even months is starting to scare me. I just hope I can flush this poison out as quick as possible.xx

Rachael-
I know exactly how you feel…my daughter was 3 when I went through my nightmare…So impossible to put on a happy face when you feel like garbage! I drank a lot of water and stayed away from all caffeine…I know that helped! Hang in there!

Ok, went to my doc today on the pharmacist’s advice. She is running tests for patassium, magnesium and other things, plus all the things that could cause the cramping, like thyroid disease. I just ate a banana and hope it doesn’t skew the tests, but the cramping is getting too hard to live with. Oh, and by the way, I have read that cortisone can cause low patassium levels. As can Celiac. I don’t know what the results of my tests will be, but if you are having severe cramping, please contact your doctors and get tested. It’s not worth damage to the heart or a stroke!

Rachel and Elizabeth, I, too, had small children ages 3 and 5 when I had my first reaction (though I obviously didn’t put it together or I’d have never had another shot!) It was tough! But the kids seemed to have survived and turned out all right.;) it’s just so hard to take care of them when you need someone to take care of YOU! I feel for you both…you when you had the reaction, Elizabeth, and you now, Rachel. You will get through it and so will your little one. I hope you are near family or have people who chain come in and help sometimes.

I have had 3 epidural injections in my lower back and just recently one in my right knee. I have been having hot flashes and thought it might have something to do with the shots. Reading all the previous comments has relieved my mind butthere doesn’t seem to be anything I can do about it. Thought it was because I needed higher dose of hormones but now I am convinced it is the steroid. I also have acid reflux which causes me to lose my voice without taking another prescription. Now I think it may be related also.

The thing I 1st noticed after the first shot is the difference in my hair. I have fine, straight, limp hair but since the 1st shot I have limp hair with frizz at the crown. My hair feels very soft but I can’t control the frizz. Weird!

Thank you so much for posting your symptoms everyone, I thought I was going crazy. Even with the side affects I have been happy with the shots because I could not live with the pain.

Hi ladies,

Well today I can honestly say I feel me again. Gone is the constant state of sadness & feeling pretty much suicidal. I still ache all over & the sweating is relentless but the black cloud that descended on me has lifted & I can see clearly today without having awful thoughts & feeling petrified all the time. The pain at the injection site had intensified & I didn’t sleep much last night with cramping in my neck & arm so my little girl has a very tired mommy yet again today! I still feel extremely weak & absolutely exhausted but the mental heaviness seems to have left thank god. I am a pretty strong minded individual & to be thrown into a mental state of confusion, sadness & real negativity over the past week was truly awful to deal with. My heart goes out to all you ladies, I am not too sure if I can put up with the physical side effects much longer but at least I feel mentally more stable today which is a massive relief. I have given myself a few more days & if I still feel so achy & worn down I am off to my doctor!! Love to you all.xx

PS to my above post. When I talked to the pharmacist he said the symptoms are like a cortisone reeaction, but they usually go away sooner. He explained that cortisone blocks the estrogen I. The body, causing you to, indeed, feel menopausal. He was alarmed about the severe cramping in my arms, legs, fingers and toes. He said it’s possible the cotisone shut down the potassium levels, too. And he mentioned that any one person can have side effects to a med that are different from the norm, that our bodies are unique and we can have reactions unique to us.

Thought it might help all of you, as it did me, to know that someone out there understands what we are going through.

I got my knee drained and cortisone injected into it almost a month ago. The procedure itself was the most painful thing I’ve ever endured, which from talking to other people isn’t normal. While my knee felt better right away, I started being agitated and sleeping poorly. A week after the injection I started feeling panicky and had an incident of tachycardia. I went back to my primary care and was given a heart monitor. The heart flutters I was feeling were readable on the monitor, but the doctor didn’t seem very concerned about them. Over the next few weeks, the panicky feelings for worse and worse. I finally saw another doctor today. They didn’t think the shot was the cause either, but did prescribe a sedative, which has helped for the time being. Has anyone else had anxiety effects last this long? If I had it to do over again, I never would have gotten the procedure on my knee, I’ve been a total mess.

You and a whole lot of the rest if us! Yes, Matt, the anxiety can last for quite some time, sometimes months for some. Part of it is that cortisone is a hormone released by the adrenal gland…which is what we feel when we suddenly see a black bear in front of us on a walk through the woods. In this case, the black bear isn’t there, but your body is reacting physically as if it were. If it continues, see your doctor for some anti-anxiety meds that will help break the cycle. If you don’t want to do that, keep telling yourself the bear isn’t there and do something physical if you can, like go for a walk (maybe not in the woods, given my allegory.;) and concentrate on simple breathing to take your focus elsewhere as much as possible. As Elizabeth will likely soon tell you, you WILL get through this! It’s impossible to tell when because our bodies are all different, but eventually the effects of the cortisone will wear off. I’m with you, NEVER again!! Hang in there!

Matt, I retread your post and see you already we’re perscribed a medication. Good! Use as little as will work for you and keep remembering this is temporary. I’m so sorry you are feeling this awful!

Elizabeth (and everyone else)-

I just wanted to give an update on my condition and to ask Elizabeth a question about the Toprol (heart beta blocker) you took.

I have been on the Effexor for roughlly 3 weeks now and I can say pretty certainly the anxiety is 90% gone. Which is great! However, I still have the racing, pounding heart. The other day my resting pulse was 98 and it was always under 60 before the steroid. So I was just prescribed Toprol for the heart palps and Elizabeth, I was wondering how long you had to take this med? I’m now about 4 months removed from the steroid injection. I just started taking it yesterday and it already appears to be doing its job because I havent had a racing heart since! I just hope I am not stuck on this heart med for too much longer.

Thanks!

Hi KB and everyone!

I was only on the toprol 6 months…it’s great stuff, worked instantly! When I stopped taking it, my heart was fine without it! You won’t be on it forever…and you’ll also know when it’s OK to stop taking it! I’m so happy to hear you’re doing so well!

Matt, Shirl and Rachael, I hope you’re all improving as well!

I always worry that side effects don’t get reported, but I found a site that said we, ourselves, can report side effects to the FDA at 800-FDA-1088. Maybe if everyone who goes through what we have would report it someone out there would be a little more careful giving it. At least on would hope…

Thanks, Elizabeth! My blood tests only showed low in sodium, so I’m supposed to eat more of that and drink lots of liquid. I’ve cut out caffeine, cut way back on sugar, and have been drinking tons of water and eating Potassium rich foods. My sweats are improving gradually, the headaches are improving, too. Muscle spasms still there, but more in the legs and feet than arms and hands at this point. I still feel pretty weak, but am overall more normal feeling. It’s “only” been six weeks, so I suspect many of you had an even tougher time much longer…though I’m knocking on wood since I’m not out of the woods yet and my symptoms come and go. Keep hanging in there, everyone. What they say is true, it WILL get better! So glad to hear you are improving, KB!

Oh my god..reading all this about other peoples true and honest experiences has really opened up my suspicions and clarified now what i’ve been painfully researching for over TWO years since the sudden death of my father and also the major health problems my mum is STILL having following this far too-hastily administered steroid injection..that NO doctor or nurse we have encountered will ever admit has triggered all the problems my poor parents have endured..it’s an OUTRAGE that on almost all of the blog entries that the Dr/nurses have ALSO just disregarded the injection as being at any fault for such horrendous side effects to their patients!! so many of the above mentioned side effects are glaringly similar in nearly every single case-its time awareness needs to be pushed further.I feel very strongly about this and until i thankfully came across this blog-i just know everything i have suspected has been correct!!..

In short-my father was on oral steroids for a painful gout inflammation in his hand and was also type2diabetic-the pain he had in his hand was terrible dispite the oral steroids-along with a frozen shoulder he was in agony.the dr hastily suggested a ’safe’ cortisone injection to be given in his shoulder to which we questioned it’s interaction with other meds etc etc-but the dr ensured us it would be absolutely fine even though my dad was already on oral steroids..after a few days my dad had exactly the SAME symptoms everyone on here has mentioned he was even acting differently rushing around and seemed very anxious but was the kind of person never to complain or moan about his health tho i could tell he was in more pain-i noticed his face being very red and a difference in his behaviour/sleeping patterns and ALL the other symptoms..my father DIED suddenly a week later-i went to see his dr promptly-who had since been on holiday?!-and explained what had happened & re-questioned the side effects of the injection-all he could say in agreeance with me following “my” extended research-was that was that his death “could” have possibly resulted in the abnormal sudden rise in blood sugar following the injection as he was a diabetic.this just left me feeling helpless and shocked that we were NOT told or WARNED of anything about this before!!

A year later my mother also had cortisone injections in her knees i begged her not to but her dr pushed and pushed her of the benefits-and as she was in agony he swayed her that she would be pain free-she certainly was NOT..i stayed with her all day/evening following the injections as i was very worried after what had happened to my dad-and only FOUR HOURS LATER..the hot flashes/sweating trembling/numbness sickness etc started..she actually fell asleep on my shoulder MID-conversation & her lips turned purple and she was shaking and bright red all over-i tried to wake her up at which point she didnt wake-finally she came round and could hardly talk-i’d never seen her look so bad she was FIT & WELL previously-i insisted on ringing an ambulance but she wanted to wait for a while to see if she felt any better-she only got worse-heart pounding out of control,weak legs,backache blurred vision and sickness complained of a rushing feeling in her chest,trembling and more..i got the ambulance and her blood pressure in the ambulance was 200 she was in a critical state..on the ward they later diagnosed that she had suffered a severe heart attack and NOT ONE medical person would attribute any of this to the cortisone injection-only a few who hung their heads avoided eye contact and didnt speak when it was mentioned-just plain ignored the fact.WHY the secrecy? WHY will NO dr hardly ever apportion ANY blame to this dangerous injection-and why are they in such a HURRY to administer it singing its praises NOT its HARSH REALITY-

my mother has since developed a harsh intolerance to sugar,now has diabetes,severly high risk factor blood pressure,has had two heart attacks AND a cardiac arrest since and her knees are in MORE PAIN than ever-she also has severe anxiety which she NEVER had before,previously a very relaxed person who slept like a log,now she cannot sleep at night for more than 2hrs,she has major fast heartbeats which need frequent hospital a&e visits often late at night,her vision is sudddenly very poor now,she can’t do any household tasks or look after herself and she was absolutely fine before this injection-minus the bad knee pain-but now her knees are so bad that she cannot walk from the house to the car without a walking aid with wheels..she is in her sixties and was very fit and well before all this.I am 30 years old and have had to give up my career as a teacher & my own relationships to try to look after my mum the best i can with the unpredictabilty of her condition-our lives have completely been turned upside down.If anyone reading this is considering having a cortisone steroid injection-PLEASE DONT!!-my mother and i tried to believe it would all be ok-and would make everthing better for her-until the aftermath-which has ruined our lives and quite clearly contributed heavily to the DEATH of my father.It breaks my heart that people aren’t being made more aware!!

..my mother has since developed a harsh intolerance to sugar,now has diabetes,severly high risk factor blood pressure,has had two heart attacks AND a cardiac arrest since and her knees are in MORE PAIN than ever-she also has severe anxiety which she NEVER had before,previously a very relaxed person who slept like a log,now she cannot sleep at night for more than 2hrs,she has major fast heartbeats which need frequent hospital a&e visits often late at night,her vision is sudddenly very poor now,she can’t do any household tasks or look after herself and she was absolutely fine before this injection-minus the bad knee pain-but now her knees are so bad that she cannot walk from the house to the car without a walking aid with wheels..she is in her sixties and was very fit and well before all this.I am 30 years old and have had to give up my career as a teacher & my own relationships to try to look after my mum the best i can with the unpredictabilty of her condition-our lives have completely been turned upside down.If anyone reading this is considering having a cortisone steroid injection-PLEASE DONT!!-my mother and i tried to believe it would all be ok-and would make everthing better for her-until the aftermath-which has ruined our lives and quite clearly contributed heavily to the DEATH of my father.It breaks my heart that people aren’t being made more aware!!

Mary-Louise,
I am so horrified reading your posts! I am so sorry for your tremendous loss! And your poor mother! She’s so blessed to have an incredible daughter like you!

I am no doctor, but I’m sure a GOOD one would admit that there’s some truth to your suspicions.

It would probably be wise for you to never have cortisone or any steroid treatments in the future if your parents had such severe reactions!

Marie-Louise, I mean! Sorry for the misspelling!

Elizabeth-

I just wanted to check in again. Although the antidepressant is working I still feel some anxiety still. Not like before, but definitely not still myself. And I wanted to ask you, what MG of Toprol were you on? I am on 25 MG and it is helping but I still get heart racing, ecspecially if I’m doing things. It’s been about 4.5 months……and this has been hell…..not sure how much more of this I can take.

KB-
Yep, I’m pretty sure it was 25mg and it was the extended release version where I only took 1 pill per day. I have always been very sensitive to any medication and my body really responds pretty well. That was probably part of the problem with the cortisone in the first place! Talk to your cardiologist and ask them what they recommend. I’m glad you are continuing to slowly but surely improve!

I had a cortisone shot for my shoulder.i am now really tired and confused.

I have had 3 injections for severe neck pain & am SO agitated, miserable actually ever since. I have the same pain but sweat thru every night w/ very little sleep anymore. I am edgy, have gained weight & the doctor’s response was that those symptoms could be from ANYTHING. Well I didn’t have them until the 1st shot & didn’t realize the symptoms so much but 2 mos went by before the next injection then 2 wks after that & have been MISERABLE ever since & can’t seem to find help as to what to do? I am so so irritable

Amber,
It sounds like the cortisone, to me! Find another doctor who believes that cortisone has these side effects in some people, print out some of the posts above and take them with you!

You’re not alone!

To KB and all my fellow cortisone sufferers:

We ALL have a lot to be Thankful for this Thanksgiving! This cortisone nightmare is just a (Mt. Everest-sized) bump in the road of life! Enjoy your time with all the people who love you and want you to get better!

Loved your Thanksgivng post, Elizabeth. We certainly do have much to be thankful for, not the least of which is that cortisone is not permanent! I swear the stuff is timed released, though, even though I know it isn’t. I’m slmost eight weeks out. I feel better and then whammy another cortisone bomb goes off and I’m all weak and shaky, cramping, headachy, heart pounding, hot, cold, anxious, and depressed again. I am starting to have more good days, though, and I’m grateful for that! Hang in there, everyone…this, too, shall pass! Thanks again for the encouragement from those of you who have forged the way ahead of us and stayed here to help walk us through it.

Shirk,
You are right, the stuff has to be time released, just when you think you’re beating it….WHAM-O! You eventually do beat it though!

Elizabeth, and everyone else-

It is defintely a struggle, and defintely seems time released! I’m closing in on 5 months now since recieving the steroids and still battling hard. It’s hard to remain optimistic, but seeing that others have recovered, I think it’s just a matter of time, as every person is unique.

From what I can gather, the steroids suppress the HPA Axis (pituiatry-adrenal system mainly) and recovery is usually listed as 3-12 months, sometimes longer. It is said that only long term steroid use can cause this, however there are scholarly articles suggesting even short term high dosage gluccortiroids can suppress the HPA Axis. In other terms, we seem to be highly susceptible to this kind of reaction and it’s a matter of time before are bodies remember how to function properly again. I’ve done so much research my head hurts….and I just hope and pray this all gets better soon! Good luck everyone!

had 2shots 2 weeks ago one in each shoulder for torn rotator cuff, pain has gone away, can now sleep mostly all night, but now have headache, sweats, and have had 2 bouts of afib in last 2 weeks,used to get afib once a year before the shots, hope this dont contiue, luckely i get back in rythum with the use of quinidine,hope this clears up soon

I have steroid shots to the knee every three months – for about two years now. It takes care of my pain and I have no side effects that I know of.

Gordon, I hope you’re feeling better by now!

KB- Can I have an update? How are you?

Elizabeth-

Thanks for inquiring…you have been an angel to me through this! I wish I could report I was doing soooo much better, but I’m only doing slightly better. The antidepressant defintley helps, but I am still getting mild bouts of anxiety here and there…did you? Also, I finally figured out why my heart was beating so rapidly….I started taking my blood sugar and after meals it goes all the way to 180! But after 3 hours it is back down to normal, and my fasting blood sugar is normal as well, so basically, the steroids have made me glucose intolerant, another common side effect. So I have been majorly watching what I eat and it is helping a lot, but my heart still can get to pumping when I am very active. Did you notice that as well? It’s now been a little over 5 months, so I guess I still have a ways to go…..hope to hear back from you soon!

I had a steroid injection december 14  in my shoulder which is omg the most painful thing I have ever experienced aside from child birth!  I cried and the paid was so bad I almost passed out (have never actually passed out but it felt like it) I almost fell of the table the doc had I grab me.  Lay night the pain in my shoulder got worse and worse…last night it became so bad it was hard to whips after using the bathroom.  Yesterday was even worse…my daughter had to help meet dressed my son put my pony tail holder in.  I cannot move my arm up said or to the back….I have to have it to my side then Bent  up an under my boob hand looking funny cause twisted weird for it to be somewhat comfortable.  No amount of these pain pills and muscle relaxers help the pain.  Only Knock me out…loritabs, soma, and whatever strong crap my hubby has….(yes called doc and waiting for a response) and I have had back steroid injections) this shoulder one (omg!!!)….update dec 16 I called doc yesterday dec 15 and they tried to give me more loritabs….I said I have some I’m not calling for more pain meds….she said well this is the best I can do (with an attitude).  I said I just want to know what is going on she said wait till today….well the pain is so bad the pills make me tired but don’t knock me out anymore . Been up all night…anyways I’ll be calling doc again today.  :-(

Testing this post my last one which was long of what is wrong with me didnt ever show up

Im Rebecca also lol shoulda put this name instead of the other….sorry for all the misspells in my long post I was and am on my phone and sometimes I am typing so fast on here I don’t see the words my phone chose in place of the misspells….and obviously my post made it. I did forget to ad I have had hit flashes and sweats….wired headaches on the right side (same side as the shot) and also forgot to mention the doc was supposed to give me a sedative for the shot but said it wasn’t needed…said it was quick and not as painful….it felt longer and the pain was worse! I was mad!!!! Still am!!

Oh also! Forgot to mention I am on estradiol cause I had a full hysterectomy should I call my Gyno and double up on that since the cortisone is messing it up making It like it isn’t working??

KB-
Wow…blood sugar! I know with diabetics the cortisone can mess them up pretty badly…but it makes sense. My heart was under control from the beta blockers, I wish I knew why you’re still having the palpitations now and again. I didn’t have that. You just have to keep in mind that you’re making progress, even if it seems slight and very slow!

When I think of where I was a year ago I wanna cry, for real!

Hey Rebecca,

The symptoms you are having are unfortunately very familiar to all of us that post here! The pain I felt after my lower back cortisone shots definitely rivaled childbirth! You’re right! If your symptoms don’t improve, see a GP who can send you to the doctors they recommend can help you. Just don’t expect many doctors to show you any understanding or sympathy…they think it’s all in your head, but we’re all here to tell you that it’s definitely NOT!!! Hang in there!!!

Wow. Wish I would have read this blog before I went to the Dr. Got a cortisone in my elbow. Shot wasn’t bad but by the time I left the parking lot I was in excruciating pain. Can’t sleep. Arm is killing me and the Doc says the next three days will be worse.

On another note, I have had two microdicectomies on my lower back. No relief. L4 L5 and S1@ are bad. Nerve damageq to L4 nerve root causing serious left thigh pain and numbness from inside of my knee to my big too. Taking percoset for pain to at least take the edge off and make me tolerable for my wife and kids.

Anybody out there in THiS boat. This injury has stolen my life.

I recently had a cortisone shot for my severe eczema. I was suffering from the cyclic form of eczema on my hands and fingers only. As a teacher it was embarrassing not to mention painful. Around November and the beginning of December in the busiest time of the years for teachers- I had a bad breakout. Long story short, I had the shot in my rear end… just a few days later my inflammation eased off but over the next day or do after the shot I was so depressed. It was a little scary.

Hi Everyone,

First, thanks for all of the very informative posts and sharing you experiences. After a short dose of Medrol, a two-week dose of Prednisone and two weeks ago two facet joint injections in my cervical spine at C5/6 & C7/T1 (I had a fusion at C6/7 about six years ago), I’m also having the same side effects.

I’ve also been having what I’ll describe as esophageal spasms. Sometime it’s high in esophagus, sometimes in the middle, sometimes at my stomach and occasionally along the entire length of it. I had them while taking the Prednisone and they ceased about a week after I had finished the dose. Has anyone else suffered these?

Thanks in advance,
Dan

Hi Dan,
I didn’t have any esophageal spasms, that’s probably due to the nature of where your cortisone shot was. It is probably from the cortisone, I wouldn’t doubt it! My issues were in the lumbar region where I had my depo medrol shots. The cortisone is bad stuff! Never again for me!

Thanks Elizabeth! Never again for me either…

Good site. I had major back surgery August 2011. Doing well for a month, then things changed. Severe pain in left hip. Examined and not the hip but possible L-4 problem/inflamation. Suggested an epidural cortisone shot to define problem. Have had these shots before for shoulder cuff pain. Sometimes they work, sometimes, not. Concerned about side effects and from what I am reading above, this seems to be a problem for some patients, not all. Suggestions? I am scheduled for the shot in two days. Aleve seems to help, indicating swelling and not a disk out of alignment. Input please.

Genesis,
I say if you could avoid it in any way, then don’t have the epidural shot. I found it to be way too invasive for something that would’ve probably gotten better with more time.

If you absolutely have to have it, chances are you’ll be fine with no side effects since you’ve had cortisone shots before and had no previous issues! What i gather from posters on this forum is that these bad reactions to cortisone don’ts just sneak up on you: they’ve appeared at other times people have had shots but they didn’t pay any attention to them the first time around. For me, it was my first and last cortisone shot!

I hope this helps, I know how awful it is to live with pain!

Elizabeth- So I haven’t written lately, due to feeling miserable still, and then miraculously two days ago I finally have relief from the constant heart pounding and I can eat carbs again! I can tell I’m still on the mend, but it took a full six months just to finally get my heart to quiet down. I’ll write more later……. Take care!

Just checking in to let you know things are much more normal for me after three months of misery. I had a round of migraines mixed in there, but since those can be hormonal, too, I wouldn’t be surprised if they were related. In any case, I am doing better most of the time, so I feel like there is an end in sight. I want to thank all of you for sharing your stories because it really does help us know we aren’t alone. I particularly want to thank you, Elizabeth, for your kindness to all and never ending supportive words. You helped more than you know. Get better, everyone, and keep looking for that light at the end of the tunnel. You’ll see it eventually.

KB,
Hooray! I will so keep my fingers crossed for you! I hope it’s finally run its course! What great news! 6 months seems to be the magic amount of time, I remember reading that in the older posts on this site. Keep me updated!

Shirl,
I’m so glad you’re doing better too! Thank you so much for your kind words, it was really sweet of you to say what you did!

You know, a day doesn’t go by where I don’t remember the hell I lived through last year at this time. Every day I thank G-d for being back to normal instead of the anxious, depressed, living in the pit of despair person I was after having the cortisone shot. Nobody except my family and my cardiologist believed me-they all thought I was cracking up! Even the psychiatrist told me that I might need to see him again because my “Seasonal Affective Disorder” (because it COULDN’T be from the cortisone) might come back. Well here I am, completely medication-free and it gets dark at 4:30 pm here, and I’m doing fine! As long as I stay away from cortisone, that is! Hang tough everybody!

i had 2 cortisone shotsin my left foot!! they said i had a sprang foot and three heel spurs!! because in 1999 i broke my big toe and it didnt heal right and the toe doint bend! anyway he shot me three times and i went into a spazem!!!:((((( it hurt so bad!! so he told me to walk on it so i tried but had a big boot and crutchers!! so the foot only feels good wit a heel on and he said that i caint were them anymore!! but when i’m flat footed i feel ok but when i try to walk in a gymshoe it feels like somebody pulling my foot apart!! it hurs so badddd but i WILL NOT TAKE THAT SHOT AGAIN!! JUST THINKING ABOUT IT MAKES ME CRY!! what is really going on!! i even feel good in a three inch!! but i caint streatch and do the walkn i useto do!! i have over 200 pairs of shoes!! HELP ME PLEASE!!!!!!!!!

Had my first cortisone shot ever yesterday, for a trigger thumb. I was told I would experience pain in the thumb today but it would be OK by Thursday. Well, no pain at all this morning, and I was congratulating myself. However, after lunch, my face starting burning and turned red.

Panicked a bit but really felt a lot better after reading all your posts. Hoping that getting over this is just a matter of time. Thanks, everyone.

Has anyone experienced itching, slight numbness, and tingling, after getting cortisone? I have had several shots over the years, and 3 total in 2011, the last one in my foot on 12/19/2011, which was 3 weeks ago. About 2 weeks after the last shot, I went to sleep one night and my thigh was itching and became tingly and the outer thigh was slightly numb. I couldn’t sleep due to the tingling. When I put a pillow under my legs, all symptoms went away and I was able to sleep. However, the tingling and itching have gotten worse each night, and today the itching occurred earlier in the day vs. only at night. The shot was not on the same side of the body as the symptoms. Has anyone had these symptoms? I’ve read the posts about itching on the face, but what about other parts of the body and tingling? I don’t have these symptoms anywhere else, and I have never had these symptoms from a cortisone shot before. Thanks to all for posting your comments.

I had a cortisone shot in my shoulder on Tuesday afternoon, and bowled in my league that night. Tuesday and Wednesday nights I had more trouble sleeping than I already do, woke up several times wide awake, thoughts racing. I did dance aerobics Weds night and felt good. But the next morning (today) I woke early with my face, chest and neck feeling hot and itchy, and have a bad headache. When I looked in the mirror, my face and chest are very flushed, and my heart is racing. No way this could have been caused by anything else than that shot. There are just too many other people reporting the same thing. Like the others, my doctor told me of no other side effects than possible, brief increased pain, and elevated sugar if I were diabetic. I wonder why it took two days for the flushing to occur? And I sure hope it goes away quickly.

re: (130) ADC says:

“I’ve noticed that I feel anxious and weepy. I don’t know if that’s a side effect of the cortisone or if I’m simply upset with the side effects. I am shocked that something that can have so many side effects is administered so cavalierly! I am angry that I was not warned about these potential side effects and would urge anyone to consider cortisone shots very carefully.”

i had shot 1 week ago in heel for ‘atypical plantar fasciitis’. the first 5 days were hellacious. the pain was worse than anything i’ve experienced with foot so far. i’ve been unable to walk more than absolute minimal. i’ve also not been able to sleep. i had called podiatrist office morning after shot – they said 24-48 hours of flare. ice & ibuprofen.

on 4th i called back podiatrist and called my regular doctor. my dr called back immediately, i went in. foot is in severe pain. i’m told i have an inflamed nerve along with ‘cortisone flare’. she gives me pain killers. i can finally sleep. i hate pain killers. i toss in drawer the next day.

day 5 i call back podiatrist & make appt for next day.
day 6 podiatrist tells me he doesn’t know why i’m in so much pain. he says the cortisone is absorbed in 24-48 hours. he examines my feet & says ‘it doesn’t appear that all the cortisone is absorbed’. he doesn’t know what to do & refers me to pain clinic as next step. he said that i’m in the 1% or less that react negatively to cortisone.

turns out my sister has the same reaction. she told me she’s had 2 shots for her wrist. she says first week is sheer, tortuous hell, then another week or 2 of more manageable pain. needless to say, I WILL NOT EVER HAVE A 2ND SHOT!! i lost a week of my life already. i haven’t been able to go to my job. this is ridiculous.

and the weepy & anxious of ADC’s experience is right on. i’ve been crying so much for days, it’s bizarre. crying from pain & crying from despair. i want my foot back!!

Paula,
Yep! Sounds like the cortisone to me!!! A lot of posters here report that flushing…it should pass reasonably soon from what I’ve read here.

Tin,
I totally hear you! I am totally surprised that your doctor admitted that there even was a 1% of people who react adversely to cortisone! Most of the time they give you the line that it’s not the cortisone, and they’re so SURE of the time it takes everyone’s body to metabolize it! The bottom line here is that everyone takes a different amount of time to deal with the cortisone! It took me close to 6 months! Doctors have no way of knowing how long it will take you. The only guess I have is that since it was your foot, the amount is smaller than I had in my spine, so I think you’ll be back in action soon! Hang in there!

So now the hot flashes are mostly better, as is the cramping. The knee is hurting again, which I think may be a good sign that the cortisone is on its way out, but suddenly this week I find myself feeling teary often. I’m not one to cry easily and now I tear up at the littlest things. I’m thinking it’s still part of the process and it’s hormonal. Feels like I used to feel when I was PMS. Not sure if that makes any sense and I don’t have a clue why some symptoms go and others take their place…but I’m pretty sure this, too, shall pass, and is passing. It can certainly be a long journey, can’t it? I’m approaching the 4 month mark. Maybe 2 to go? Thanks for your comments, Elizabeth. Wishing everyone well!

Shirl,
Isn’t it something? All the symptoms that seem to come and go from the cortisone? That weepiness you describe as being like PMS is totally the cortisone! Think about it…when PMS hits it’s because of hormones…and cortisone is a hormone which throws your other hormones completely out of whack! I remember the shot making me feel exactly like the “baby blues” I had days after my kids were born…the main difference was that those blues went away in a few days after I let myself had a good cry! The cortisone had me so depressed and sad, like I’ve never been for such a long period of time. Crying didn’t help.

I remember feeling my back pain return and thinking the same thing as you, that it was finally getting out of my system…I believe it is definitely an indication that things will be getting better!

Baby blues is a perfect way to describe it! Thanks, Elizabeth. It just helps when some new thing hits to evaluate and realize it’s part of the whole picture. Not a pretty one, but it does start to show peaks of sun on the horizon eventually. Guess we are just one in a million, right?!;)))

Very happy that I found this website!
Have the same problem, it started with just stiffness in the left ventricle, at that time I though it was just chest sourness. However on the next shots, I start having irregular heart beats, increased heart beat, lack of breath when getting exited or training accompanied with pounding heart. Also when laying down preparing to go to sleep it was pounding irregulary, the only thing that helped was laying on right side.
My question is did anyone found out what is the problem and what can help to cure it ?
Bless you all!

Eventually,after being grinded down in everyway possible it seemed,i just didnt want to live anymore,the future held nothing anymore,everything was an uphill battle and i was only going backwards and in pain everyday.I then had a major breakdown,as you do! to cut along story short, i ended up getting emergencey attention and given an epidural steroid injection in my spine.I did a little reseach and it seemed to be considered very safe from what i had read.(I hadnt found this site yet)
The procedure was a peice of cake,temporary pain does not bother me at all now.before the procedure I was warned of these side effects–some pain in injection area next few days.
-Lowering of immune system
-having more energy
-having vivid dreams
-1 in 300,000 of infection or problem in procedure
-possible temporary headaches. Continue part 2 >>>

part 2>>
The 2nd specialist i saw told me only hockey players can endure pain! incidently he is a doctor for the citys hockyteam.I asked him what excersizes i needed to do to help myself.i told him i had not been able to afford professional therapy.He replied”everyone wants somthing for free”.He recomendid i do squats while lifting weights!! After 7months of hell and morons i finaly got physio.I could not afford private physio before due to not being able to work, leaving me with no money.I was months on a waiting list for covered therapy.My therapist was shocked at the advive i had been given by the specialists and that i shouldnt be doing Anything like those exersizes.After 6 weeks of therapy i was no better,worse infact,and in extreme pain.I saw yet another specialist ,and he said if it hadnt heeled by now,its not going to heel,you should consider surgery or cortisone injections or just live with the pain,you are stil young,make surgery a last option.Ending up in a wheelchair is now quite possible for me.The therapy was not administered soon enough.This should have been asap after the injury.There was a waiting list for procedures,and the hostpital pain clinic said people can wait up to 5 years for an epidural.???? Now i thinking..wtf is with this backwards society that prides itself with health care.Also My family g.p.(Which i must have for variety of the systems demands) is about as useful and helpful and professional as a dead snail.
I was suffering with cronic siattica,I could write pages of the hell i went through over this last year,regular involentary convoltions in both legs,numbness,muscle spazims,the whole shabang.My back was so inflammed that there was no curve before my bum. part 3>

I was now living a nightmare,even financialy,The welfare expected me to live off $7 a day!
Eventually,after being grinded down in everyway possible it seemed,i just didnt want to live anymore,the future held nothing anymore,everything was an uphill battle and i was only going backwards and in pain everyday.I then had a major breakdown,as you do! to cut along story short, i ended up getting emergencey attention and given an epidural steroid injection in my spine.I did a little reseach and it seemed to be considered very safe from what i had read.(I hadnt found this site yet) p
The procedure was a peice of cake,temporary pain does not bother me at all now.before the procedure I was warned of these side effects–some pain in injection area next few days.
-Lowering of immune system
-having more energy
-having vivid dreams
-1 in 300,000 of infection or problem in procedure
-possible temporary headaches.
After the injection i felt super GREAT!! first time with only a little pain in 11 months! it was like i had won the lotto! I could walk without pain!!I had this alien feeling of……happiness!
Another crazy thing happened-My anxiety attacks STOPPED dead in their tracks.It was the constant endurance of physical stress pain that had been making me like that. I realy hoped this injection would last and not just a few weeks as with some people.I thought i was home free! Until a few days later,when it all started.
First it was hot flushes in my chest and head,episodes of extremely excellerated heartbeat,hot stinging sensation in my head,and pressure inside my head like it was going to explode.Feeling like you are on fire.
I went to emergency,got cheked. and…nothing found and nothing wrong. ?
I talked to the injection doctor,they said i was most likley sesceptable to the injection,they had given me too much for my body,(i weighed 128 pounds)i was given 80mg,and that symptoms would wear off soon. part 4>

After this things got worse,i had onsets of visual disturbinces(jumping eyes when reading)realy strong flu like symptoms,dizzness, nausia and waking up nausiated,waking up every hour or so,a feeling like my brain was quivering like jelly,heart pulpatations,nightmares,sweating,dull throbing headaches,and high pitched ringing in my ears,mainly my left ear.Very hot forehead but normal temperture readings.bouts of sudden weakness like u get when u are realy hungry.extreme anxiety,exhausted,weepy and depressed with a range of other goddies.All in all feeling like i could drop dead any moment and reality had become the twilight zone.I was having attacks of somesort but not like the anxiety attacks i had before,i didnt tremble like before.i had blood tests done,came back,slightly high white cell count.I went to e.r. again,they put everything down to stress,making me look like a fool or overreacting to friends and family.They signed me for rehab where there is psycoligists etc,and put me on medication for stress and anxiety.
It has been nearly 3 months of those horrifying symptoms now, and i am still dealing with them.I can say,they are not as strong now and seem to be disipating over time,but i have had constant fluxuating tinnitus for over 2 months now(high pitched ringing inside my head).that alone can drive people nuts. Part 5>

Part 5>The medication has helped me to relax and not think as much. im not freaking out as much as i used to,though life stil sux with this going on.I knew it was the cortisone that did this to me,the skyrocketing of ANXIETY,DEPRESSION,and ADRENAL FATIUGE.unfortunatly i didnt research enough before the injection.Finding others like myself on this site has been great,to know im not alone and not crazy.Its given me hope that one day i will feel normal again.I know my back pain will come back eventualy but i cant think about that right now,i need to find strenth.I have just lost the woman i deeply love from all this.and that is too painful to face ontop of everything.
I would not have cortisone again obviously,It realy did help alot with the pain and immflamation and is stil working,i have a bum now,a little one,but thats better than no bum at all!. I would rather take narcotic pain killers to deal with the pain in future,somthing i have always tried to avoid,but i feel,they are better and safer for me than that Crap that has destroyed what little i had left. If you are thinking of corisone injection and have temporary pain or somthing that will get better DONT do it,its not worth the risk.I know some of you may have no problems with it,but for some,it is a living hell.
Well thats it from me,im going to try a nap now and fantasize about torturing doctors,my latest hobbie. Good luck to all you poor sufferers,i know how hard it is.drink lots of water,detox,endure til the end,love ya.
oh and thanks to the advice from previous posts,much appreciated.
OH,one more thing,if you are going to hospitals or doctors in ottawa canada,dont waste your time.

hello,this is my horror story..part 1-
I got 1 injection about 3 mths ago for painrelief for 2herniated disks in my lower back.
This injury had me in constant torture for 11mnths.
After 11mnts i was a trembling,stressed out mess.dominating my days were in creasing anxiety attacks.it was painful to do anything-walk,sit,sex,everything resulted in pain.Laughing or coughing gave me instant agonynising pain.i had become numb in my foot and leg,i couldnt work my job as a builder with 20yrs experiance,i lost my job and the ability to do many things.My life went down the toilet along with all my plans for the future.I tried for months and months to get medical help,i went through loads of doctors and specialists.I had xrays done with the 1st doc,and he said theres nothing wrong with you!!!!All my specialts apart from one,were WRONG!
The first specialist said,its only a bulging disk,its common,its normal to be trembiling in pain,you wont be in a wheelchair,only 1% require surgery,do any excersize that dosent cause extra pain,u will be ok eventualy.
I was hard to excersize as everything caused pain,but i wanted to help my condition & do the correct things,and try stay fit as i was wasting away due to inactivity physically.
I trusted her advice and knowledge.I just tried to bear all the pain and get better.
months later i got m.r.i.scan & was diagnosed wth 2herniated disks& a 3rd bulging disk,one disk-L5-S1 was very herniated.The m.r.i. doc said i didnt require surgery,just physicalTherapy.

John,
I had the same symptoms, laying on either side did nothing for me though. I recommend you see a cardiologist. I saw one and he prescribed a beta blocker Toprol XL for me which worked like a charm!

Stefan.Roy-
You perfectly put into words what I and many others have gone through! For me, I have a whole new perspective on the back pain…it was nothing compared to all the cortisone side effects. Just hang in there! It really will get better-in the meantime, continue the lower back strengthening exercises, and stay active…it helps keep the pain away!

Thankyou Elizabeth you are a gem! I wish you the best x

After receiving corisone shots on either side of my L5 spine for back pain, I experienced a very severe rash which lasted for 3 months. After several wild goose chases as to the cause of the rash, I had a patch skin test by an Allergist who determined I am allergic to the steroid that was injected: Triamcinolone.
I cannot find anyone else with a similar experieence on the internet so it must be a very rare occurance.

to stefan.roy

Just saw your posts above mine. Sorry for what you have gone through! I thought I had it tough with my “rash from hell” for several months after a cortisone shot for herniated discs. Little advice: Fine out the name of the medicines injected during the epidural and then google each of them to see what the side effects of each are. You may be suprised at what you find out. In my case it was the cortisone used: Triamcinolone. I always questioned whether the shots were the cause of my rash, but was told “no way” as cortisone is what they give you for a rash. After finding out I was allergic to the cortisone they pumped into me, I google the culprit Triamcinolone and it listed rash, headaches, and itch among other side effects which matched what I was experiencing.
Good luck.

I will do that jake.cheers mate.

I also received shots for backpain.I experienced several things like sweating anxiety etc.
I was fine after a few weeks.
Sounds like some get more effects than others.All depends on your body and stress levels i guess.

Had a cortisone shot one week ago for Plantar Faciitis. The shot was administered directly into the plantar in my heal. It hurt like hell and for several days after but now a week after I walk without pain. I do have side affects I beleive are connected to the cortisone shot. I’ve had periods of elevated blood pressure; I’ve felt a warming sensation in my face, lips, hands, feet and groin area from time to time. Its almost like a very slight metal taste in my mouth when I’m flush. I did have night sweats right after the shot. I have had episodes of anxiety. I feel “weird” and all these effects are just slightly bothering me; not enough to go to urgent care but enough to wonder what is going on and if I’m going to be OK. I called the Dr.s office that gave me the shot and talked to the nurse. She told me I shouldn’t have any symptoms because the cortisone is naturally occurring in my body so she doesn’t believe its the shot. I was supposedly the first person that has called them with concerns after a shot of this type. I’ll give it a few more days and then I’m going to my primary care provider for a work up to see if anything is really wrong with me.

rick,
You may find the symptoms come and go.I hit rock bottom several weeks after the injection,it was at this time when i was feeling the worst.
3 months have passed and stil having terrible nights of symptoms.
Take time to read others advice and experiances for help and what you can do.
Good luck on the cortisone rollercoaster from hell.

Stefan.roy:

Well said!

@ Everyone: Hang in there! It will get better!

I had a second series of bilatteral injections in my lower back (4 injectuions each time) The first set caused no side effects, this time I am having sciatic nerve pain down both legs. Has anyone else experienced this side effect? How long of suffering with this should I wait until I call the doctor?

Had the shot last wednesday for a pulled muscle in my shoulder. Since then,have headaches,dizziness,nausea, and my shoulder still aches.when will this end?????

George,
In my experience, my worst back pain occurred days after my shot and lasted for almost a month! I hope it doesn’t take you that long! I think it’s called a “cortisone flare” if I remember correctly.

Kay,
It depends on how much cortisone you had. From what I’ve read on this board, the headaches and dizziness tend to go away the fastest…the other symptoms like anxiety, heart palpitations and depression tend to take longer. I hope your recovery is quick!!!

George,

My recent shots for back pain Dec. 2011 (had 2 either side of L5) I experienced pain shoting down the back of both legs for about 2 weeks and then the pain went away and I had zero back pain. Unfortunately, I got a severe rash to take the place of the pain. Don’t worry about a rash though as it seems to be very rare.

I had the cortisone shot about a week ago and it did not help for several days. But after a couple of days it did seem to kick in. The problem I am having is that I feel so very depressed and can’t seem to rest at night. I am not a person to get depressed so I was wondering if the shot has had that effect on my system. And if it is how long will that last.

.

Normma,
Yes, most definitely the cortisone shot does cause sleep disturbances and depression! Unfortunately, there’s no way of knowing how long it will last….that depends on how much you had, and how long it takes for your body to metabolize it. I think the longest I’ve read on here is about 6 months…but for many, it is a lot sooner, days or weeks!

I am not prone to depression either, and having 3 kids, sleep was NEVER a problem! After the cortisone, I had insomnia, and a depression so severe that I sought professional help, counseling and antidepressant meds. Luckily, in 7 months time I was back to normal and off of all medication, and my therapist made me “graduate” out of treatment!

So keep an eye on the depression…know it’s NOT you, the cortisone did it to you! If it continues and interferes with your life in any way, I would seek help…remember, you’re NOT ALONE!!!

OK EVERYONE! this is crazy..
It is a CRIME that people are not warned of these terrible possible effects.How is it you get 100 warnings about somthing as simple as skin cream,and next to none when it comes to a potentialy mentaly devestating steroid injection?
How many have lost thier jobs?their partners?Been driven insane,commited suiside?not knowing what is happening to them?suffering for weeks or months?
When u are hit by a car,u may be compensated,maybe ok in a few weeks! It is time we band together to HELP PEOPLES SUFFERING &prevent these unnescessary worrys by making the health regulators&docs WARN OF THE POTENTIAL EFFECTS.the only way they will listen is if we ALL take a CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT as an initial example to the powers that be.please Email if you want to help others and make a difference-pezz998877@gmail.com

THATS… pezz998877@gmail.com

OK you guys. I get what you’re going through. I am a Doctor of Chiropractic and have scoliosis which was aggravated by working too much and not being diligent with my exercise. The muscle between my scapula (wing bone) and spine became so in spasm that I was unable to move my arm. I would of had ultrasound but couldn’t even bare the pressure of the ultrasound head. So, off I went to my friend who is an osteopath who first put me on Methylpred (Prednisone) for 6 days in a decreasing dosage. This didn’t touch the pain and so I had to resort to a series of 6 cortizone shots, 3 on one day and 3 more shots 6 days later. Now, it’s been a week and a half since I took the oral prednisone, one week after the first round of shots and 4 days after the 2nd round of shots. Yup, I’m dizzy and have a bit of nausea but my pain is about 85% decreased. (See next comment)

So anyway, the pain in general is gone but the side effects of dizziness and nausea are still here. For people who are impatient (like me) because they are tired of being in pain and not feeling good, this can be very frustrating. I have to keep reminding myself NOT to overdo and to try and relax. I know that when the immediacy of the pain has subsided, I can apply physical therapy and get much needed chiropractic adjustments in addition to the muscle work needed to heal the injured area.

Hang in there!

Tomorrow I am due to get a cortisone injection in my right wrist, and after reading all the comments I am very nervous. As I am only 14, I don’t know how my body will react. How long does the pain usually last? Does a cortisone injection even work? And what’s the worst side-effect to endure? (

I had two compression fractures in my back. After dealing with a large amount of pain for months I decided to take the cortisone shot.
Imediately I am better. Feel about 95% considering I was at 50% it was a huge improvement. I am a diabetic so I knew it would elivate my sugar levels.
I didn’t realize I’d have to take 5 times the amount of insulin to counteract the affects. This is a minor side affect to the dreams. I do not feel restless or agitated, but my dreams are very paranoid, and involving me being chased and some get extremely voilent. Never the same subject either, but all involve me getting hunted down like an animal. I never had remembered my dreams but now 5 days into the shot and I can barely sleep from these dreams which wake me all times of the night.

I just had cortisone shot placed in my shoulder this morning for Rotator Cuff Syndrome. About five minutes after the procedure was performed, I stood up and almost fell over. I felt really light headed, was week in the knees and a great deal of anxiety. Worst part of all, was that I was seeing black blotches everywhere. The doctor told me that I was just feeling nervous but this was shortly after the shot….weird. It has now been over eight hours since the shot and feel very lethargic, light headed, muscle fatigue, trouble focusing, loss of balance/ unsteadiness and some numbing/ tingling on the left side of my face. Does anyone know if these symptoms are from the cortisone shot or the numbing agent shots?

Mario,
My advice is that if it persists for a few days the cortisone is to blame…the anesthetic shots probably wear off much faster. Just know it’s not your being nervous…it’s the cortisone, and it will get better with time!

Chris and Mario:
Read the above posts when you have the time…it’ll give you more info on cortisone side effects (from people that have actually experienced them) than any doctor will!

Chris, I hope your cortisone dreams have gotten better!

I have ME/CFS plus a degenerative spine problem and was talked into having a facet spine injection-never again-I got back from the hospital after having the injection and couldn’t stay awake. My husband tried to wake me after 4 hours but couldn’t. I was then a little responsive but he said it was like I was p***** od of my mind and my speech, what little there was was very slurred. He phoned the hospital where I had the proceedure and they said this should not be happening & told him to phone our GP, who came immediately, took my blood pressure which was dangerously low and arranged for me to go to the Emergency Dept. at hospital (different hospital) by then I was coming round a bit slowly. They kept me in overnight didn’t know what was wrong and just said I had had a bad reaction to the steroid. I’d told the Consultant before the injection I had ME/CFS and I had googled facet joint injections. I wished I had googled and got this site. I have all the symptoms like everyone else, cannot sleep, more pain than I had before, depression which comes and goes, its a nightmare. That was three weeks ago, so I shall have to pray that the stuff will wear off, but how long I don’t know and that all the symptoms go. Oh and my arthritis which I have in my hips and other parts of my spine is worse! So anyone with ME/CFS Fybromyalgia or other permanent illnessnes like MS, Lupus etc. stay away from steroids.

I had very bad heel pain for the last 6 months. My Podiatrist, diagnosed the case as Plantar Fasciitis, caused by high foot arch. He got me made special heel inserts, but all this stuff, including the recommended stretches did’nt helped much. Finally, got the Cartisone injection last week and also started physical therapy, with ultra sound wave therapy. After, only 1 session my pain has gone done from 80% to 5% and no side effects. Its very important to see a physical therapist for all the orthopedic
conditions. If pain comes back, i might try Shock wave Therapy too, which i heard works too. Also, stretches on stair steps with heel falling down and pulling up helps too. Recommended time to hold the foot in any postion is around 1min.

Hi everyone,
I had a cortisone shot to my elbow on Jan 23rd, 2012. I got dry mouth, had trouble swallowing, heart racing, “churning” effect – had an anxiety attack. Didn’t put two and two together. I have chrones and have had prednisone before in my 20’s and said never, ever again. I’ve had numbness/weakness in my arms and pain in my neck/shoulder and am getting Physical Therapy (PT) for it. I told my GP that I couldn’t do cortisne or any steroid as it makes me crazy and wrecks my body (moon face, heart rushing, “insanity”). She assured me it would stay localized. It didn’t , but I didn’t put two and two together. The next week, on Jan 30th, she gave me multiple (3) shots in my neck and upper back.
(more to come)

here are the symptoms I’ve had since:
Extreme and never-ending dry mouth, dry throat, trouble swallowing, panic/anxiety at all times, big time irritability, racing heart, (about 10-20 beats above normal), elevated blood pressure, brain fog (sometimes I can’t concentrate, can’t remember words – not like having a senior moment just not being able to remember it, period), candida (vaginal and thrush), night sweats ever since, nigh calf cramping (once so far) hot flashes, chills, low-grade fever (all since and it’s been two weeks), shortness of breath (this troubles me greatly), and like KB when I do any little kind of exertion I have increased shortness of breath and heart pounding. the only thing that has “improved” a little is the dry mouth (just a little), the swallowing (a little), the hot flashes (seem to be tapering off) and the bright red face. It took me and my family days to figure out what was happening. (more)

I was very angry at my GP, but after telling her and my assistant my symptoms (I left a very long VM), she said she hadn’t had anyone with those extreme symptoms but both her and her assistant agreed it was definitely the cortisone and how sorry she was and that this was a big lesson for her and she would definitely think twice about administering it to her patients going forward. I realize how rare that reaction from a doc is – she really is an angel and has helped me in many other ways and was truly sorry. The positive is that I found out about candida toxicity and probiotics (for the candida she put me on probiotics and an anti-fungal (which I had an allregic reaction to), and was shocked that no GI had ever suggesed it before – after reading how everyone else’s docs react (just take this pill, it’s all in your head, who is the doctor me or you?!), I’m not surprised. But I believe the probiotics will change my life(I have chrones and “fibromyalgia’ which is really candida toxicicy in your body) going forward. (more to come)

I have cut out everything: Aspertame, processed foods, smoking (nicotine), caffeine, along with dairy, anything yeast yielding, which is pretty much everything but some meat, most veggies, and some nuts – I am on an anti-candida diet (naturally – again am allergic to prescription anti-fungals), am drinking tons of water, am on an incline table every day for my PT so not having fluid build-up thank God, get massage once a week (for my rehab for neck/shoulder/arms – I have Thoracic Outlet Syndrome – textbook case – as well as a few minor-ly bulging discs in my neck), and also extra PT massage twice a week. I’m on probiotics. So in addition to battling this hell I’m also dealing with some candida die-off. I’m just trying to do whatever I can to help my body get this out as quickly as possible as the cortisone is raging/feeding the candida beast and I’m doing whatever I can to counteract that. (more)

Elizabeth – anyone – do you know how long this may last for me? It’s been two weeks. My doc said about another 3 weeks until I feel some kind of relief. I don’t know if I can deal with the pounding heart/breathlessness/pounding heart for 3 more weeks much less 6 months and am afraid to go on more prescription medication as I am already on 50mg Imuran (azathioprine) a day. I did try Xanax the first week after the first shot when we thought I was having a panic attack due to stress (I was already stressed but not THAT stressed). It just made me even more jittery and breathless and then knocked me out so no more of that for me – I don’t need more drugs, I need less. arg! thank God I’m still able to work and get sleep although the constant churning is making me exhausted 24/7. This is no way to live. The only thing that has kept me going are websites like these, my incredible family who are in total agreement with me, and God. I’ve done a LOT of praying and He has been very helpful in helping me, giving me wisdom, giving me lessons out of this. He led me to this site, I’m sure.
In any case, this is no way to live. Help! When will this breathlessness end? When will it all end?

one last thing – forgot to mention the ear fullness and I low-volume (but still there) whine in ears. My ENT said that could happen from the shot (along with other symptoms) – I went to him yesterday to make sure my mouth/ throat was ok – it was).

Elizabeth – anyone – do you know how long this may last for me? It’s been two weeks. My doc said about another 3 weeks until I feel some kind of relief. I don’t know if I can deal with the pounding heart/breathlessness/pounding heart for 3 more weeks much less 6 months and am afraid to go on more prescription medication as I am already on 50mg Imuran (azathioprine) a day. I did try Xanax the first week after the first shot when we thought I was having a panic attack due to stress (I was already stressed but not THAT stressed). It just made me even more jittery and breathless and then knocked me out so no more of that for me – I don’t need more drugs, I need less. arg! thank God I’m still able to work and get sleep although the constant churning is making me exhausted 24/7. This is no way to live. The only thing that has kept me going are websites like these, my incredible family who are in total agreement with me, and God. I’ve done a LOT of praying and He has been very helpful in helping me, giving me wisdom, giving me lessons out of this. He led me to this site, I’m sure.
In any case, this is no way to live. Help! When will this breathlessness end? When will it all end?

sorry meant barbara turner.
what can I say, my concentration is shot and I am deep in churn mode.

Everyone: Cortisone causes a huge jump in bad bacteria (candida) in the body responsible for all sorts of diseases developing including MS, Fibromyalgia, CFS, (all auto immune) cancer (as it is allowed via low immune system) etc. We get it from too many antibiotics that kill the good bacteria (probiotics) w/o taking probiotics to replenish the body. Then we eat foods like cheese, mushrooms (fungal), all yeast (breads), sugar (even fruit), sodas, aspertame, dairy (has sugar), etc. all which feed the candida. Cortizone feeds it big time, whether natural or synthetic via shots or pills. What a lot of us are also having are reactions to too much candida in our bodies right now, raging out of control. This is why the spike in sugar for diabetics (it spikes for everyone), and the horrible effects of the shot and why it is worse for some. It effects everything from digestion to the nervous system to our organs to our brains. To help the cortisone get out of our systems faster, and get ourselves healthy go on the candida diet. (just google it) . Also Google “candida toxicity” and you will all be stunned speechless. Good luck and don’t forget to pray. I have prayed for all of you.

also google “Candida toxic side effects” , “candida toxicity side effects”, effects of too much candida, etc. etc. etc. good luck and God bless.

Psychological problems may include:
depression
irritability
anxiety
panic attacks
recurring obsessive thoughts
personality changes and mood swings (irrational rage or crying for no reason – fear of talking to people, any kind of confrontation, isolation)
paranoia

More of the physical symptoms may include:

chills and night sweats
shortness of breath
dizziness and balance problems
sensitivity to heat and/or cold
alcohol intolerance
gluten and/or casein intolerance
irregular heartbeat
irritable bowel
constipation and/or diarrhea
painful gas and abdominal bloating
low-grade fever or low body temperature
numbness, tingling and/or burning sensations in the face or extremities
dryness of the mouth and eyes
difficulty swallowing
projectile vomiting
(more)

Also:

menstrual problems including PMS and endometriosis
recurrent yeast infections
recurrent ear infections
rashes and dry, flaking skin
eczema
dermatitis
acne
skin discoloration and/or blotchiness
dandruff
jock and rectal itching
chronic athlete’s foot
chronic toenail and fingernail fungus
ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
allergies and sensitivities to noise/sound, foods, odors, chemicals
anemia
weight changes without changes in diet
light-headedness
feeling in a fog
fainting
muscle twitching and muscle weakness
restless leg syndrome
low sex drive and/or numbness in the genital area
These are only the symptoms most commonly reported and documented.

To a person who does not suffer with this bizarre combination (in one form or another), it may seem to be impossible. However, to those of us who have suffered, it is a blessing and a confirmation that we are not alone.

Of course, with so many people suffering, the doctors couldn’t brush our symptoms aside forever. Many more people are now being diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or CFIDS (Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction), Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), Lupus, Hypothyroidism, Leaky Gut Syndrome, Crohn’s Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Celiac Disease, chronic sinusitis, atopic eczema, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Tinea Versicolor, GI dysbiosis, adrenal dysfunction, Rosacea, Psoriasis, Macular Degeneration, Barrett’s Esophagus, Lactose Intolerance, Gluten and/or Casein Intolerance, Meniere’s Disease, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and sometimes just depression (which can accompany many disea
se states), just to name a few.

don’t know why this isn’t posting – should have come first:

Candida Yeast/Fungal overgrowth has been found to be a common occurrence in many disorders and is also present in millions of other people who cannot figure out what is wrong with them, or what to do about it.

Symptoms vary from person to person and fluctuate in severity, or may come and go. Most symptoms are invisible, which makes it difficult for others to understand the vast array of debilitating symptoms with which we contend.

The most common are:

an incapacitating fatigue
problems with concentration and short-term memory
flu-like symptoms such as pain in the joints and muscle
extreme tightness in the shoulders and neck
hyper-acidity/acid reflux
brown colored mucus in the back of the throat
blisters in the mouth/tongue/throat
either white or “blood blisters”
un-refreshing sleep
sore throat
white coated tongue
dark circles under the eyes
an aversion to being touched or jumping
“crawling” skin
chronic sinus problems and headaches including migraines
chronic dental problems
Visual disturbances may include blurring, sensitivity to light and eye pain.

I had a cortisone shot in my hip to treat pain caused by a massive tear in my laberal cartilege. I need a hip replacement due to a shallow socket and the shot has been so helpful. The day of the shot my pain was severe. Two days later the pain is nearly gone and now I continue to be nearly pain free after 6 weeks. No side effects.

Wow…Kimi!
I am speechless! Thank you so much for your prayers! I know G-d hears them! I’m going to look into the candida toxicity online. I always thought the cortisone just causes a hormonal imbalance which wreaks havoc with your endocrine system.

Unfortunately, I have no way of knowing how long it will last for you-your body has to metabolize it at your own pace, but I’ll say a prayer for you too! Thanks for sharing your journey!

Thank YOU, Elizabeth!

Actually my heart pounding took a turn today – for the better. Still there, but less. Still anxious but less. Plus my neck/back pain is back – which I’m actually thrilled about (will this be over soon!? )- I now know the neck/upper back pain was originally due to Candida toxicity – (it produces every symptom I’ve had for years – weird mood swings, numbness in hands and arms that docs couldn’t diagnose after multiple testing (I was “fine” so it was “all in my head”), the painful pressure points and stiff/painful neck/upper shoulders (they said it was fibromyalgia but I now realize nope – Candida toxic all over my bod, in my muscles, etc.). I believe the anti-Candida diet (which is used to cure chrones/IBS, etc.) is what is giving me relief, along with the pro-biotics I am taking (now on for life). I still am having symptoms (am having a hot flash right now after consuming a very healthy lunch – why? Because of Candida die off! (google it, everyone – google all you can about Candida), but the diet, with lots of water, VSL #3 once or twice a day after meals, supplemental vitamins and minerals including Magnesium, Vit D, Calcium, lots of C, multi-vitamin, and fish oil (all w/o fructose or other unnatural ingredients mixed in), my inversion therapy (inversion tables are only $100) to help with toxic drainage and overall health (body alignment), and my physical therapy are all working together to help me through this (I hope) faster. You do have to be careful about not over-taxing your body with too many anti-fungals, in addition to the diet.
(more)

Everyone: PRESCRIPTION ANTI-FUNGALS ARE TOXIC! They do not work in the long run because they are only a band-aid. use the diet, plus some natural anti-fungals (garlic, or a few drops of oil of oregano a day, (there are others – google them), plus pro-biotics (all three very important) to kick this out of your system once and for all.

There is a website much like this dedicated to people like us who tried difulcan who have had horrific side effects – DO NOT TAKE IT, ok?
I took it and my tongue swelled, I couldn’t think, my chest felt unnaturally heavy and I started passing out (all within 1/2 hr). I called my Mom and she stayed with me that night. I never took another pill. Other people have those symptoms and much, much worse.

Back to Candida: If you are experiencing too many die off symptoms (google Candida die off – DO YOUR RESEARCH), then cut back on the anti-fungals for a while and just do the diet and probiotics. You should really do the diet and probiotics for life. You can have a beer or frozen yogurt (just examples) here or there once you have it under control, but gone should be the days of having a starch/dairy/fungal (cheese, mushrooms), sugar (processed, unprocessed, most fruit except for green apples & berries after you have kicked it), and most wheat (brown rice is ok and encouraged on the diet) diet. A lot of your life-long symptoms/diseases (auto-immunes, arthritis, chrones, fibro/CHS, lupus, cancers forming, autism, chronic pain – to name but a few)

I’ll keep reporting back every few days. God bless you all. I really hope this helps some of you.

meant above – a lot of your life-long illnesses that you thought would never go away should start to see improvement on the diet. It could take months (some people it takes a few years to see things like Chron’s disappear), but stay with it. Wonderful health for life is worth it. I think God is blessing me with this knowledge and I want to share it with everyone I know. Again – I really hope I have helped people here. And make sure to chew your protein (use organic – the preservatives in non-organic can cause candida flares) and veggies (also use organic whenever possible) thoroughly – you want to be as gentle on your digestive system as possible.
Word about organic. I was never a “granola” girl, (I’m 43 btw), but I feel as though my eyes have been opened, the veil has been lifted. It really is so much better for you due to what we put in the animals to fatten them up/make the meat “better” for us.
Also – I shop at vitamin cottage and their prices are the exact same for meat and veggies as safeway. Just sayin

one last thing – smoking and alcohol are a no-no. Alcohol is sugar and the smoke from smoking also feeds the candida. If you need to smoke (anything) – look at using a vaporizer. They are sold online You can eventually add back in a beer or glass of wine here and there but to start off with on the diet no vices (alcohol, nicotine, aspartame (cut that out forever – it is poison – google aspertame poison or toxicity or side effects and you’ll also get sites like these with people like us telling awful stories).
I know it’s hard, especially at the beginning (first few weeks to months) but the pay-off will be awesome.
Hang in there, everyone. Drink lots of water and don’t feed the cortisone (candida) beast.

ok, final comment for today – remember, after starting the diet you may start to feel worse before you feel better. This is candida die-off. It is also known as Herxheimer response. Please google. And it doesn’t last forever.
God bless you all and I’ll be back…

and really finally for those like me that have the pounding heart and other symptoms – caffeine makes it worse. It’s not good for your body in general. Just sayin’.

Found something – I take 1000 mg of Vit C as part of my regiment. This is very interesting as we are all jacked up on cortisone.
taking more vitamin C could also help ease your symptoms along with the diet. Remember not to over do it – take it easy getting rid of the cortisol and candida so your body can adjust and get rid of the toxins and you don’t get die off.
Don’t take more than 1000mg, though – in fact as the diet provides plenty you might not need it at all, or only 500mg – always check with your doc first. and do your research on the web.

Vitamin C: Stress Buster
A study finds in addition to benefits related to the common cold and cancer, vitamin C helps reduce both the physical and psychological effects of stress on people.
By PT Staff, published on April 25, 2003 – last reviewed on January 24, 2007
It’s already everybody’s favorite nutritional supplement, linked, however controversially, to preventing the common cold and fighting cancer. But vitamin C recently added a new notch on its belt. The vitamin helps reduce both the physical and psychological effects of stress on people.

People who have high levels of vitamin C do not show the expected mental and physical signs of stress when subjected to acute psychological challenges. What’s more, they bounce back from stressful situations faster than people with low levels of vitamin C in their blood.

In one study German researchers subjected 120 people to a sure-fire stressor—a public speaking task combined with math problems. Half of those studied were given 1,000 mg of vitamin C. Such signs of stress as elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol and high blood pressure were significantly greater in those who did not get the vitamin supplement. Those who got vitamin C reported that they felt less stressed when they got the vitamin.

The researchers believe that vitamin C should be considered an essential part of stress management.

Earlier studies showed that vitamin C abolished secretion of cortisol in animals that had been subjected to repeated stress. Cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stress. Once it gets into the bloodstream, it is responsible for relaying the news of stress to all parts of the body and mind.

Cortisol is the hormone, for example, that triggers the “fight or flight” response to stress. That allows us to spring into action when we sense danger. But like many emergency-alert systems, the stress response comes at a considerable cost. Among other effects, frequent exposure to high levels of stress hormones exhausts the body’s physical resources, impairs learning and memory, and makes people susceptible to depression.

In the animal studies, vitamin C fed to rats undergoing stress not only prevented the expected increase in cortisol levels, it prevented the animals from exhibiting the known signs of physical and emotional stress, including loss of body weight. Animals that did not receive vitamin C had three times the level of stress hormones.

The present RDA for vitamin C for adults is 60 milligrams—a far cry from the 1,000 mg found helpful in the stress study. But there’s a growing belief that the RDA for vitamin C is vastly outdated. The current RDA was set decades ago and is based on the amount of the vitamin needed to ward off scurvy.

Current thinking looks at vitamin C from the opposite direction: The amount needed to promote health under varying environmental conditions. That appears to be a lot greater than the amount needed to prevent deficiencies.

There’s also evidence suggesting that prehistoric humans consumed large amounts of vitamin C in a tropical diet rich in fresh fruits. If so, the physiological constitution we have inherited may require far larger daily doses of vitamin C than the current RDA, perhaps as high as 1,000 mg. (DO NOT GO OVER THAT , in fact stay under it (300-500 mg)- Kimi)

Vitamin C is present in fresh, uncooked fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits and red and green peppers. One eight-ounce glass of fresh orange juice provides 97 milligrams of the vitamin.

It’s also found in papayas, cantaloupes, strawberries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, asparagus and parsley. There’s no vitamin C in animal food, and a small amount in raw fish.

An unstable substance, vitamin C is destroyed by cooking and exposure to light.

The most commonly consumed nutrient supplement, vitamin C comes in many formulations, but the best may be a time-released preparation that works over the course of a day, as the vitamin works rapidly and is short-acting. Alternatively, vitamin C supplements can be taken at intervals throughout the day

So, as if the cortisone effects weren’t enough, I had a minor car accident and hit my head (my excuse for all things I forget from this moment on) and banged my knee…yep, the one that had the injection. If you think I’m the slightest bit tempted to go to get another injection, think again! It’s not horrific and if it was, well, I can endure a lot of pain before one of those shots ever again! Hope everyone is doing better…and thanks again for hanging in there with encouragement for all of us, Elizabeth. I’m continuing to improve and hope to be back to pre-c condition, whatever that was, in a few weeks!

I had a cortizone shot few days ago due to having so much pain on my shoulder. 10 minutes after the shot, I almost black out , feeling so dizzy, and had been almost one week now, having trouble urinating, and lost my voice altogether, feeling having fever, weak.

Chuck, it sounds like it’s the cortisone, but you definitely need to contact your doctor if you are having trouble urinating and feeling feverish. Take care!

Hi everyone,
reporting back. I’m on the anti-candida diet and it seems to be flushing out the cortizone. However, it stil lingers but the effects aren’t as bad. (I’ll go more into that in a sec). When I eat a meal with more anti-fungals (onions, garlic, take my probiotic with it), i’ll see die off symptoms almost immediately (i’m experiencing again now) – very dry mouth, swallowing more difficult (but not as bad as after the initial shots), joint pain and swelling, swelling of my face/joints, headache, irritability, increased anxiety. But not as bad as when I first initially got the shots and these signs are actually good: it means the candida (which exploded due to the cortizone) is actually dying off. I’ll be on this diet for life but the die-off won’t last forever. You can also lesson the die off effect (more on that below). In general I have much less anxiety, no more panic attacks, am more “level”, my symptoms are overall better and more manageable. My symptoms were awful – I had them all (see my original post), and yet I seem to be improving moderately quicker than others- I hypothesize (sp) it’s from the anti-candia diet flushing it out (as well as my drinking lots of water, taking my vitamins and minerals to replenish, and extra vit C (but not too much – see post above – you CAN take too high a dose of C and any other vitamin). Yes – as I’ve stated in this post when I over do the natural anti-fungals (including Oil of Oregano, garlic, and the anti-candida diet along with probiotics), I do get aggravated symptoms again, but they don’t last for more than 1/2 a day, but are not as awful as when I first got the shots and I can lessen them by not going as strong on the oil of O or the coconut oil or other things and just stick to the diet. Also adding a few things to the diet like complex carbs (brown rice) is helpful.

A good source of the diet is on yeastinfectionadvisor or healingnaturallybybee – google them, but you can find versions of the diet all over the web. Just remember that you will continue to prolong your experience by eating foods that further feed the candida that the cortizone activated (activators: antibiotics, all sugars, yeast, dairy (except raw yogurt and eggs), fungals (cheese, mushrooms, etc., and some starchy veggies (potatoes, corn, squash). Do yourself a favor and help your body through this cortizone trauma/shock: Accupressure/accupuncture/massage is also very helpful in helping the body rid itself of the cortizone & candida as is any kind of stress relief, meditation, epson salt baths (not for pregnant women). Be sure to do you research BEFORE you do any of these as I don’t know what pre-existing conditions you have and am not a doc. Be gentle to your body/liver/kidneys during this process. And don’t take an herb just because someone recommends it – google/research it/ask a qualified nutritionist (and STILL question/do your own research) before you decide to take it and only then in very small doses. (just common sense). Start the diet off slowly to lessen shock to your system and die-off symptoms, but I do recommend it -it has helped millions.
And don’t forget to pray. He wants to help you guys!
PS – haven’t had a serious hot flash in days and my night sweats are almost gone. less and less each night. nightmares lessening. first shot Jan 23, second 3 Jan 30. Still low grade fever from time to time. When not over-doing it on anti-fungals (and experiencing die off) feel almost normal. Also VERY important to keep hydrated and get good sleep!

I had a cortisone shot in my elbow, first half hour it was great after that it was very painful and tender for about three days, now it’s fine and I don’t have any problems. The doctor said I shouldn’t have waited so long to get the shot, as soon as symptoms start (pain shooting up my arm) he said to come in and have the shot immediately.

Well I’ve had some kind of relapse. like other posters I also feel very fatigued/like something is wrong – the anxiety is back. The nightmares are back. I’m not sure how much is the candida die off and how much is the cortisol but I know the cortisol is still in my system as I’ve gone to healthy diets before (albeit not quite this strict, but went from crap to fruits/veggies/juicing) – with none of these side effects I’m having which are the shaking, waking up with bloated face, muscle twitching, feeling that something is terribly wrong, my thrush is back (albeit not too bad), my stomach, kidneys, liver, gallbladder – my entire digestive system is completely out of wack and I’m very concerned. I’m going back to my doc tomorrow and have an endoscopy/colonoscopy scheduled in 1.5 weeks. I’m going to insist on untrasound for all my internal organs that she damaged due to the shots. I had a chest x ray last week and all was good so that was good news. (more)

All I know is I was “healthy” in that respect before the shots (i.e. my chrons was under control, no liver/kidney/gallbladder problems) and that the cortisol advanced/inflammed everything. I had noticed I got tipsy very easliy – this is a sign of too much candida in the system taxing the liver/kidneys as well as an intolerance due to leaky gut. When everything leaks thorough your gut into your blood stream, it attacks it and eventually you become “allergic” and can tolerate that particular food/drink less and less. I did need to become aware of candida and change my lifestyle, but this takes the process to a whole new horrific level. I believe the cortisone has fatigued my adrenal system. I’m trying skin brushing, cold/hot showers and gentle exercise while thumping my chest to wake them up. My gut has become fermented. (I’m going to see a nutritionist and am going on low-glycemic diet) That never happened before. Never had a problem with my stomach. All happened after the shots. I am just waiting, drinking a lot of water, praying a lot, and looking forward to the day when this hellish beast is out of my system and I can just focus on eating healthily (no sugar, refined carbs, yeast, caffeine, alcohol), and get my life back that my doc took when she injected me knowing i said NO due to my previous experience on steriods and also bein on Imuran.
I hope my next post is more encouraging. I feel l like I have one step forward one step back with this. I just want it to end. Please, Lord.
ELizabeth, did this happen to you? The back/forth – feel good/bad hour to hour?! It’s been about a month since this hell started.

and like Elizabeth said – the cort shots completely and utterly mess with your hormones and adrenal system. I had just finshed up my period right before the first shot when I got it again FIVE days later. Just put that together. Also have the pounding heart when I lay on my back. It all started after the shots. Not coincidence. The shots are poison for your system. I stick to my diet (natural anti-fungals – Julie was on the right track with her silver), and drink lots of water, stay away from any stimulants, (caffeine, nicotine), plus alcohol, aspartame, processed foods, etc. just trying to be as healthy as possible. Just wish my stress/nightmares/feelings of inappropriate anxiety would go away. I hate waking up and feeling it creep in. I’m also so sick of eating good food but still feeling sick (like a chemo patient might feel) and shaky. I did this before (good diet) and nothing like this happened – which is why I know it messed with my digestive system (as it has with others here). I’ve prayed for all of you. I pray for myself. God, please hear us and Jesus, please heal us. Amen!

Kimi,
I know exactly how you’re feeling-Like one step forward and two steps back each day! I hated waking up normal and feeling it creep in and take over my day! Look, I know this isn’t what you want to hear…but it took me 6 months to be back to normal. It depends of course on how much you were given, and how quickly your body metabolizes it. Keep praying…I know it helps! You’re NOT ALONE!

Thank you, Elizabeth. I keep losing weight (am now 98 pounds – I’m 5 ft 1 1/2″ but still I’m wasting away), have trembling, my heart pounds when I lay down… my muscles are twitching – especially my legs… and now my stomach has stopped working properly. I have NEVER had a problem with my stomach and all of a sudden I do now?! I have gotten ultrasound of my entire digestive system and a 24 hr kidney test, liver blood tests, etc., and everything looks ok except for my stomach which had still not emptied 12 hrs after I had eaten a small meal – a caveman meal which is supposed to be helpful for lazy stomach. I had a relatively “good” day yesterday followed by a horrible, trembly, twitchy night, and morning. I just keep crying out to God to help me. I also wake up with “hot” skin. I know this might take 6 months and just don’t know how much more I can take. The good/bad moments are actually demoralizing me. This site is very helpful as are you, Elizabeth (along with God and my family). I had to go to the ER the night of the 26th, btw with shaking, nausea, and for the past 2-3 weeks have smelled ammonia and rotting veggies on my breath (from my stomach it looks like now). Never ever had any of these problems before. If my doctor wasn’t being so apologetic and supportive I would be looking into suing her, but she has been an angel. I’m seeing my chron’s doc today (GI), my dermatologist (for a few things that have popped up after the shot – I believe it depressed my immune system and has made some cells opportunistic), and my regular doc who is going to do a lung strength test on me (just to be safe). (more)

Hi Elizabeth,
Thank you so much – I posted something earlier but it didn’t take. I’m also getting my period 2x a month. I have’ had it four times since Jan 18!!! The night terrors/anxiety/muscle twitches have really kicked in last weekend. I’m going to ask my doc for some Xanac, and only take half when needed just to get through this. I’m also very, very anxious/jittery/not myself in the mornings, but feel “1/2 ok” in the late morning/early afternoon. At night the unnatural terrors come back. IT’s all the cortisone, I know, but getting through it is awful. It’s been one month and I know it could be 5 more. I’ve also lost 13 pounds in one month. I am 5 ft 1 1/2 and was 110 to begin with. I’m very scared. Still doing the caveman diet which is good because the C also messed up my digestive system. I also have Chron’s and am having a flare because you know, I needed that. (more)

looks like it did go through. Yay
I hope my posting my symptoms have helped others – we are not crazy! This is real and it is because of the cortisone and the reaction is causes by putting your hormonal, adrenal, digestive, and other systems completely out of wack. It also causes bacteria/fungi(Candida) to explode in your system, creating a whole host of symptoms as well.
Going for a CAT scan tomorrow – it has really messed with my digestive system. Thank God (literally) my GI thinks what is going on right now is probably temporary because I’ve never had a backed up system before (literlly my food sits in my stomach) and due to the cortisone as it only happened right after I had the shots. Please pray for me! (and for yourselves and others here ) God bless us all. and God please heal us all and let us pass on our wisdom so others don’t have to go through this nightmare. Amen!

kimi; Well one good thing coming out of all this-We become closer to god!
for me it has been life changing,u know,when you become sick and the cortisone completly runs everything you feel mentaly and phyicaly.
Just know you may be in your peak right now,and things will start to get better day by day.
I was most messed up 6 weeks after my injection,to the point of writing my death will! i realy thought i was going to kick the bucket anytime.there were just so many different things happening in my body!I also have lost alot of weight.Now 4months down the track im 80-90% better,with the odd nite or couple of days symptoms then im ok again for a week or two.My tinnitus is slowly going to.My symptoms were also worse in the morning and evenings.
I have been on cymbalta pills,They have realy helped with anxiety and managing the symptoms,cos our brains spiral out of control naturaly from the cortisone imbalances,causing yet more stress and worry.
not long kimi,and u will return to earth from the cortisone twilightzone and regain that health! hang in there x

Hi to all….I had a shot today at noon and wondered why I had trouble filling out the forms for surgery in 3 weeks for a shoulder tendon tear caused by a fall from a 4-5 ft ladder I am 62. The pain at night has been terrible and my are has started to become frozen with very limited movement now ….I have no pain tonight but not sleeping and not hungry and a bit of indigestion (a little carb soda in water will fix any heartburn) but I must say the pain relief is worth it ….has anyone else felt this vagueness straight after the jab….I went to a surgeon as I wanted someone very experienced to be sure to get the right spot with that needle It was a bit painful as he seemed to really hit a nerve but all good so far. My sister said she had a fully torn tendon that twanged down her arm and has just had the cortisone and has been fine without an operation …I have heard the o is horrendous does anyone know what I should do I am very active still work as a productive artist

Hi, I went today at noon to a surgeon with a torn tendon in my shoulder ..he gave me a cortisone injection that has taken all the pain away already . I am still awake though and decided to look at the comments re reactions as I experienced a weird vagueness when I started to fill out the hospital forms straight after the shot…has anyone felt this I have low blood pressure which may be the cause…I must say I waited to see the surgeon as I wanted a very trained person to do this job. I experienced a thin nerve like twangie pain so I think he really hit the spot…no painkillers anti inflams seemed to help the pain so I am thrilled after all the night pain for the past 3 months. I have indigestion (a little carb soda in water will fix it) and yes still wide awake at 3.30am might be the indigestion keeping me from sleeping…also was on a high when I got home and very chatty with a friend that which he noticed may be a reaction or just sheer relief…my sister had a jab when she had a complete tear and has never had an op does anyone know if I really need the op ? Good luck to everyone I read nearly everyones comments

Kimi,

I remember feeling so HOPELESS about my life…like I was never going to be normal ever again! I lost weight too! I am 5′3″ and I normally weigh 115 lbs….I was down to 103 lbs…that’s way too skinny for me! But lately, I’ve had no problem gaining weight I don’t have Crohn’s, so you definitely need to speak to your Crohn’s Dr. before you lose any more!

REMEMBER: 6 months is only MY OWN timeline…for the MAJORITY of people it takes a lot LESS!!! Please know that YOU WILL MAKE IT THROUGH THIS!!!

I wouldn’t have believed it myself when I was suffering had it not been for my family and a therapist I started seeing. I also took Xanax, Lexapro, and heart medication which I have stopped taking all of them ! They got me through it, so I say do whatever you can, and YOU WILL MAKE IT!
I KNOW-I LIVED IT!

Stefan.roy,

So great to hear you are doing better!!!! You were right, it is a total life-changing experience! FOR THE BETTER!!! You will soon be back at 100% + !!!

Barb from Australia,

I’m sure you will be OK too, and I’m sure that those symptoms do sound like they’re from the cortisone. As far as the surgical aspect, I’m not in any position to advise you either way about that….anyone also out there have experience with shoulder injuries???

Hi you guys, (E & S.R)
Thank you so much for your encouragment – I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. I’ve had high anxiety again this week, along with leg twitches (and some arm and other places). I realize a lot of this is due to my new diet (anti-candida), my body adjusting, candida die off, stress (of course), my physical therapy, nutrients not being absorbed properly, etc. It’s just that in my high anxiety cortisone-induced state I, of course, went right to als, which it is not. If anyone else ever does that (i.e. looks up muscle twitching, google provides website after website of als), then google”jillita horton twitching muscle series” and she will put your fears to rest .

Right now I am in prep for my colonoscopy/endoscopy (hey, I have chrons and it flared really badly during this), and am getting the ringing ears and total brain fog again. Why? Because I have to stick to clear juice today, non-pulpy, and while I am going with organic, there is only so much you can do. I’ve also taken wild oil of oregano liberall today, along with two doses of probiotics and will be back on the strict diet tomorrow (have some veggies to munch on right after the procedure), but am dealing with candida surge right now, which sucks. (more)

The good news is that even with the chrons flaring, my high anxiety, my wierd twitching, and other little things still going on (thursh still not out, but better, occasional dry mouth, etc.), I believe the very worst is over, hopefully. Never say never with this until at the 6 month mark, right? But I do think I have turned a corner, so to speak. I have hours where I feel almost normal enough to have hope about what life can be like again and it gives me great hope and relaxation. I’ve also found it’s ok to take 1/2 of a .25mg pill of Xanax when I’m just too wound up. I’m so small now (I was up to 99 pounds yesterday, eating all the time to get my weight up, lovin’ the virgin coconut oil which I now use not just for cooking, but in my hair and on my bod – google it!), that that small amount of xanax literally knocks me out, but without the shaking and trembling now. The night sweats also seem to be gone for good, and I praise God for all of this. He has brought me through this (and still is), and it has truly changed my whole body, mind, and soul.
(more)

I can never go back now knowing how toxic this drug is, and how toxic my body got on it, and how toxic we all are anyway, with our SAD (standard american diet) and all the crap we put in ourselves (aspertame, sugar, refined carbs, pesticides, steroids), and how important it is to eat organic, and grass-fed animals. I still believe I would have been much, much worse had I not gone on this diet. My body is transforming before my eyes, too. It’s weird – I’m going through one of the most difficult periods of my life right now (next to my Dad dying), lost too much weight, yet my friends and co-workers (and family) say I have never looked better. Not sick, but getting really healthy looking. Getting the shots and having this reaction has truly been the catalyst for me getting healthy in body/mind/soul. I’m also starting acupuncture next week to release my pressure points around my bod (and help the cort get out faster), and a few weeks later seeing a homeopath to complete the circle of great health.(more)

I’ll keep you updated on what is going on. I don’t believe it is out – I was just having symptoms last night (unusual bad anxiety on/off, my digestive system is still out of wack, just had my 4th period in a month in a half last week, eyes still blurry on/off, thursh, twitching, etc.), so you will hear from me. I will be here until it is completely out and then like Elizabeth and S.R – will come back to give comfort, advice, and support to those that have, like me, been shot full of the poison cortisone.

may God bless you all. Don’t forget to call on Him (and his Son the healer and the Holy Spirit) for help! He wants to help us all through it and learn from it and teach others about it. Believe it. We made the choice to get this, but He’ll get us through it.

(more)

Another way to help is when you see other people posting similar things on other websites giving these symptoms after a cortisone shot – but thinking all their symptoms are not related, and they are freaking out, going to hospitals, doctors, specialists, etc., who are not helping, please direct them here.

Tell them to google “Cortisone side effects Julie Elizabeth” or something like that to get this site. Or provide the link. We need to help as many people as possible. Then they can find doctors and/or homeopaths who know about it and can actually help them through it, while knowing they are not alone and have support and advice from people who have actually been through it.

Also, with some symptoms being life-threatening, (especially if they are diabetic, or have underlying problems (hypertension, chrons, any existing disease, etc.)) it is imperative for them to fire their doctor(s) and see a doctor who is aware of the effects of cortisone (spikes sugar, candida explosion, hurts organs, shuts down adrenals, digestive, messes with hormones, nervous system, etc. etc. etc.) or is aware of effects of any steroid, takes them seriously, and takes care of them through this. Like my doctor has.

Good night and may God bless you all. Amen!

Kimi

Yesterday I had my 3rd cortisone injection in both knees. Absolutely no reaction from the other two (4 years ago and 18 months ago) only relief from the pain. Within 5 minutes of my shots yesterday, I had reduced vision, cotton mouth, difficulty swallowing and speaking and then my extremities went totally numb and I began to shake uncontrolably all over. The nurse called 911 and I was rushed from the dr office to the emergency room. I had a very weak pulse but high blood pressure. Symptoms lasted until I got iv injections of Benedryl and Aderol. Feel very sluggish today with screaming headache but the pain in my knees is gone. Not sure all the drama was worth it.

I just wanted to say that I had no side effects and no pain at any time except for during the shot and the shot started to help right away until the pain almost completely disappeared. However, I started having serious night sweats and thought I started menopause until I read the comments on this site. I tried black cohosh and natural progest creams which didn’t help I guess since it’s for the wrong reason. I will keep searching for relief. Since I might need to continue the shots to relieve my sciatica from a large herniated disk.

I have recieved 2 cortison shots for Plantar Fasciatis over the past 4 months. The first shot seemed to work well almost immediatly and was pain free as soon as the needle was out. I was so happy and relieved after having the excruciating pain for almost a year. I am 60, and have been post meno now for over 5 years, with no spotting whatsoever. About 10 days after the injection, I started to spot, which turned into a full menstral period. I was in Mexico at the time, and became worried, so after a week of heavy bleeding, went home and had a complete workup eventually including a D&C. Everything checked out fine, thank goodness. The pain in my heel came back after one month, so went in for another injection, by another Dr. The injection itself hurt like pain I’ve never experienced. The pain never went away like the first time, and I did have some anxiety , headache and uneasiness. Then again, 10 days after, I started spotting again. This time, I was in Maui with friends our age and she too, started spotting. So we put our heads together and she told me that 9 days earlier, she had had an injection in her shoulder. So, I am now convinced that the cortisone casued breakthrough bleeding after menopause. Anyone else???

Victoria and Judy – I had my shots on Jan 23 and Jan 30 and since Jan 18 have had my period FOUR times. I’m 43. I thought I was going into perimenopause! I also had night sweats and hot flashes for a solid three weeks, along with dry mouth so bad I had so much trouble swallowing I had to go to and ENT to make sure I didn’t have cancer. The night sweats (complete with nightly nightmares – i used to get one every 2-3 years, not every day for 3 weeks) started going away a few weeks ago and then came back last night complete with anxiety bordering on terror (something is wrong! I know it! I’m dying!) which has continued a bit today, along with waking up with massive calf cramping and leg tightness and a nightmare. It also caused all sorts of digestive problems for me, flaring my chron’s, along with heart palapatations (that came back a little today, too), red, hot face, low temp, and a myriad of other symptoms. I don’t feel anxiety all the time now but as you can see it continues to rear its ugly head. (more)

I’m on an anti-candida diet right now as it was so toxic in my system I needed to do something to help my body. Oh, I also got raging thrush and yeast infection. I’m sure I have it all over my body, in my blood, organs, etc. (candida). I wonder if when I do too much (eat too many natural anti-fungals, too much wild oil of oregano) if it flares it, or with other people if they do the opposite (as the symptoms are the same – candida and the die off of candida), i.e. eat alot of sugary/yeast/dairy/fungal foods does it kick it in again. All I know is I really want this to be over. I thank God I have a doc who realized what happened, apologized, and has been there for me, checking me out throughout the entire process. (more)

I also thank God for my loving family who is getting me through this – I’m going there tonight to hang and probalby sleep over (after taking a 1/2 of .25 xanax which I only do when i have another episode of “as the cortisone turns.”) Be glad you don’t have worse symptoms (I’ve also had shaking/tremors, leg/body twitching – all of which I never had before the shots) but please continue to question if things seem off – continue to have yourself checked out as cortisone can wreck havoc with your adrenals, hormones, digestive, nervous, and just about every system in your body before it makes its way out. Also watch about getting more than 3 shots a year as it is only a deceptive band-aid that supresses symptoms while you continue to walk/move/injure yourself – you just can’t feel it. IT also can damage tendons, tissue, muscle and joints where you have had the injection. I’m very glad you are out of pain, and please consider two more things: Changing your entire diet going forward – your body has an amazing way to heal itself if you let it – check out the “caveman”/”anti-candida”/Makers diet – (organic, free-range meats, veggies, fruits nuts – no sugar, minimal carbs and no refined carbs), and also don’t forget to include God – He just might have brought you here to heal you for life – not just a band-aid healing via cortisone.
Good luck, God bless, and keep us updated if you can.

Elizabeth: When did you start to have more good days vs the cortizone symptoms rearing their ugly heads again? I’m only going 1-2 days of “almost quasi-normal” right now and then I get more die off or fog or something. Arg! It’s been about 6 weeks since my shots. Granted it is not the constant hellish nightmare of terror it was the first 3 weeks, so I’m grateful for that. I ask you because we seem to have had the same awful amount of symptoms.

Had a steroid injection 2 days ago for tennis elbow. Have history of being prone to depression but have been generally good over the past few years. Now I feel Iike I did way back. It’s interesting because I can distinguish between “errors in thinking” that develop when you are depressed over a period and thinking straight whilst having chemical angst. The injection missed the spot anyway I think but I won’t be returning for another. I just hope that this feeling is short lived.

Hi Mark,
As you probably read on the thread – anxiety/depression/anxiety bordering on terror, etc., are all hallmarks of cortisone gone awry in your system. Hang in there and know this is not a permanent state and it will get out of your body. Read the full thread to confirm. This will pass – it just depends on how much you got, your weight, general health, etc. as far as how quickly it will pass. Also remember it may go away and then come back in a cycle for a little while before going away for good. Great way to flush it out is drinking plenty of water, changing your diet to “caveman” diet and adding “good” fruits (all berries, green apples, bananas), taking correct amt of vit/minerals, regular exercise, etc – in essence giving your body a fighting chance to recover more quickly and deal with the cortisone overdose you are – and we are all – dealing with.
Good luck and God bless. Prayer helps, too!

Marie-Louise –
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your Dad.
Get your Mom to a nutritionish/homeopath and under their care immediately. The cortisone has made her body too toxic (causing domino/cascading effect in multiple systems – it has happened to many of us in different ways) and she needs to get it back into balance, possibly with the anti-candida diet for starters, but her body and mind need help, she needs to get out of stress (hopefully knowing all her worse symptoms are related and will go away should help at least a little) and she needs rest . She needs to get healthy starting with her diet. Only organic and free range meats, veggies (not starchy ones), fruit (all berries & green apples), nuts (almonds), and only complex carbs (not refined). Get her off caffiene, sugar, processed food, aspertame, fructose, etc. dairy and gluten – albeit slowly so her body doesn’t have to deal with all that withdrawal. Stop microwaving. Give her every chance to get her body healthy and beat this. Read up on “healing crisis” effect. Please make sure whatever she does it is with homeopath supervision She will get better. Don’t ever let them put more steroids into her. God Bless you both.

Part 1 – In October 2010, I was diagnosed with alopecia and referred to a dermatologist where I received a series of cortisone shots in the back on my head. Shots were given on 3 different occasions, and spaced two months apart. Prior to receiving the first shots, I asked the dermatologist if there were any side effects or risks associated with the shots and she said no – nothing to worry about.

Two weeks after receiving the third series of shots (May 2011) I started experiencing pain whenever I laid my head down on a pillow. It got so bad that I couldn’t sleep laying down. I went back to see my GP who ordered a series of blood tests that all came back normal. She also checked had me wear a blood pressure monitor over 48 hours and results were again normal. I went and had an eye exam done, and again, all was normal.

By June the headache still hadn’t subsided in the least, but it only hurt when I lay down. It got so bad that I went to emergency at the hospital. The ER doc ordered a CT scan and tested me for glaucoma. Both came back as normal. He referred me to a neurologist.

Part II –

It took several months to get in to see the neurologist. He listened to my story and told me I had a chronic tension headache that was very difficult to treat. He prescribed an anti-depressant saying it would work on the pain centre of my brain, and he also suggested I take up Tai Chi to deal with stress long term. The only stress I’m under is the stress of trying to function with no sleep and a chronic headache. I opted not to fill the prescription for the anti-depressant.

Next I sought help from a naturopathic doc. He was the first one to admit that he believed there was a strong connection between the cortisone shots and the pain I was experiencing. He explained that the fascia had been damaged by the injections and had built up scar tissue that was causing the tissue to ’stick’ instead of ’slide’ with contact or pressure. He tried treating it with neural therapy, but after 6 sessions over 3 months, I had no relief. He then referred me to a chiropractor.

I have now had 5 active release treatments (ART) from the chiropractor and although my overall mobility in my neck and shoulders has improved, the headache has actually gotten worse, flaring up even more from the treatments. The chiropractor has also told me that he believes the headache is a result of the cortisone shots.

I think I’ve run out of options now. I’ve had a headache continuously since May 2011, cannot sleep laying down, cannot rest my head on a pillow in any position, and have no idea where to turn now for help.

I feel defeated and wish I had never sought treatment for the alopecia in the first place. At least it was only an aesthetic issue.

If anyone out there has had cortisone for alopecia, I’d love to hear from you. I’d also love to know if anyone has had any success pursuing a malpractice suit related to cortisone.

laura G
and anyone else…. please read post 563 concerning legal matters and email to join a growing class action lawsuite.
Email- pezz998877@gmail.com

Please read cortisone sufferers

http://www.newsinferno.com/pharmaceuticals/deaths-reported-after-doctors-ignored-kenalog-steroid-injection-warning/35405

Laurg G – another way to help with Fascia (sp) is to go to an acupuncturist who also uses “suction cup” technique to break it up. Not just put it on top of it and put it off, but one who actually moves it around. Yes, it hurts but only when he’s doing it. I have had tight neck/shoulders and arms for years and have had two sessions with needles to release as well as the suction cup therapy (puts it on me, suctions it up and then moves up and around releasing and stretching the fascia). The ability of my neck to rotate and the numbness has already changed more than a year of trigger therapy massage did. So please look into that. Many insurance companies cover for acupuncturists, now, too, so check to see if yours does. Also look into going to a homeopathic doctor. Good luck and please let us know how it worked. God bless you – I’m praying for you to be helped and heal. I have no doubt the headaches are caused by the placement of the steroid shots.

Thanks very much kimi (631)! I’m so happy to know I have another option to pursue…another possibility…hope!

I have my final appointment with the chiropractor tomorrow and am now searching for an acupuncturist who is trained in the suction cup method you described.

Take care
Laura

I read this forum while researching cortizone shots as I was getting one. I’m shocked by some of the comments, in fact some of them scared me. I finally had mine yesterday and it was a piece of cake. The shot itself was no more than having blood taken, didn’t hurt at all! The injection site was slightly sore, nothing like what I’ve been reading. The pain from the tendonitis is the same as it was prior to getting the shot, not worse and no better…doctor told me it takes to weeks to reach its full potential. No sickness, no headaches, not a single bad side effect. I’m quite happy with my decision to get this, notwithstanding all of the negative comments I read first (here). Perhaps because I did my research and knew the possible side effects. And perhaps anyone getting any medical procedure should have the common sense to research what is being done to YOUR body. I believe a lot who suffered bad side effects simply didn’t do their homework, thus were totally surprised at any….and then exaggerated it or it felt worse because they didn’t know what to expect. Knowledge is power…take some personal responsiblity, do your research, ask questions of those who have had them, ask questions of your doctor. The only stupid questions are the ones that go unasked.

I have had a few cortisone shots for the severe arthritis in my knees. I had one in each knee today and the only side effect I have had is insomnia. It is nearly 6:30 am and I have not been to sleep yet. I know that steroids, either injected or taken orally can give you horrible insomnia, as I have taken prednisone in the past and have dealt with that. It has definitely helped my knee pain. I about cried when I left the dr’s office because I had no pain. Different meds work differently on people and everyone’s experience is unique, even if it is the same basic symptoms as others. Don’t just not get the shots solely based on what someone else has experienced. Do your homework and have a real heart to heart with your dr. If they blow off your concerns, maybe it is time to find a new dr!

Also, for those of you suffering from plantar fasciaitis, or Achilles tendonitis, check into shoes made by Orthaheel!! These shoes are basically like wearing a built in orthotic. I have an awesome pair of sandals that I recently got from them ( I didn’t think I would ever be able to wear sandals without the foot pain again!) These shoes are awesome and not too terribly overpriced ( I paid $60 for mine).

Okay, I am stepping down from my soapbox. I hope everyone who has experienced negative effects from these shots finds some relief from the effects and the pain that brought them to the shots in the first place!

Kenalog-40 Injection (triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension, USP) is a
synthetic glucocorticoid corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory action. THIS
FORMULATION IS SUITABLE FOR INTRAMUSCULAR AND INTRAARTICULAR
USE ONLY. THIS FORMULATION IS NOT FOR INTRADERMAL
INJECTION.

Epidural and intrathecal administration of this product is not recommended. Reports of
serious medical events, including death, have been associated with epidural and
intrathecal routes of corticosteroid administration

Doctors have largely ignored a warning issued by the makers of the Kenalog steroid injection, commonly used in an epidural injection during labor, despite that warning indicating use of it in certain indications could cause serious injury, permanent disability or death.

Neurologic

Epidural and intrathecal administration of this product is not recommended. Reports of
serious medical events, including death, have been associated with epidural and
intrathecal routes of corticosteroid administration (see ADVERSE REACTIONS:
Gastrointestinal and Neurologic/Psychiatric).

Neurologic/Psychiatric: Convulsions, depression, emotional instability, euphoria,
headache, increased intracranial pressure with papilledema (pseudotumor cerebri) usually
following discontinuation of treatment, insomnia, mood swings, neuritis, neuropathy,
paresthesia, personality changes, psychiatric disorders, vertigo. Arachnoiditis, meningitis,
paraparesis/paraplegia, and sensory disturbances have occurred after intrathecal
administration. Spinal cord infarction, paraplegia, quadriplegia, cortical blindness, and
stroke (including brainstem) have been reported after epidural administration of
corticosteroids (see WARNINGS: Neurologic).

is a headache common after receiving a cortisone injection-I had my first injection yeaterday and last night I had a pounding headache-which I rarely get

Had cortisone shot in my middle finger yesterday to heal my trigger finger. It did hurt ! ! Finger was numb for next day and swollen and still hurt, but now i have the flushed, swollen face and feel a bit hyper. I will drink more water as suggested. IMy finger is 30% better. Dr. said see how it is in three months. If doesn’t help–then surgery. But I am looking into homocystine levels and how they contribute to all kinds of inflammation and disease. To take Vit Bs and folic acid and TMG, SAMe, zinc, magnesium. Look this up.Thank you all for your stories. Hope you all get better. I hope this minor effect leaves me soon and my finger is better. Good luck.

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I had my 2nd steroid shot in my lower back 2 months ago and the side effects have been bad this time. My bladder has been effected again. I have pressure to go all of the time. Also after about 1 month my RED face is much better but now I look like my face is swelled and I feel kind of numb on the left side of my face. Has anyone ever felt this?

Update from me: 3.5 months into it and my disgestive system has not fully recovered. Also candida still in me – going to a nutritionist now to see if she can help. Also my doc has been less and less forthcoming. She wouldn’t ever tell me exactly how much she pumped into me (it was 4 vials/shots over two weeks) nor what she put into me. I will not be going back to her. Still get occasional hot flashes (esp in my stomach), weird numbness (Julie – this is a symptom when your body gets toxic), irritation/moods bad, brain fog, etc. It comes goes but not as bad as it initially was back in Feb.
Pat: I very rarely get headaches but in Feb (I had my shots Jan 23 and 30th) and march I had really bad headaches. So yes, this is a side effect.
For the know-it-all stating why didn’t we ask our doctors: I did. I even said I couldn’t do it due to my chrons as it will flare me and she said and I quote: No side effects. And looked at me like I was an idiot for asking when she said, “It stays in one place.”
LIES on both counts.
Stay strong, everyone.

To Kimi: You said my facial numbness is when my body becomes toxic. That sounds a little scary. I still have the bladder pressure too. Can you elaborate a little further and explain to me. Thanks.

Wendy, just wanted to mention I’m glad you had no side effects from the cortisone shots. The majority of people don’t. However, for those who do it can be pretty devastating for a period of time. Please don’t assume they either didn’t do the research or are exaggerating and complaining. We came here to get support through what for a very few people are some very scary and difficult side effects. We found that support here. Again, I’m very, very glad you aren’t one of those who had any!

Elizabeth, are you still out there? I’ve missed seeing you when I’ve checked in. I just posted above, but forgot and put Shirley instead of Shirl. It’s been past six months for me now and I feel mostly normal, though there are occasional things that sneak in as reminders now and again. Once again I want to tell you how much it meant to have you here to continue to offer support and the knowledge that we weren’t alone. Hope you still check in now and again so you will see this message! Bless you for being there!

I had a Cortisone shot, first time, great no problems or adverse reaction. The second time with surgery, it was like having tremors, pain meds made them stop. The third and last time, heart palpitation and extreme uncontrolable shaking. I panicked, almost wrecked the car. Managed to stop, took to Benedrylls and it was fine. I think that when I had the problems it was because I was giving tooooooooooooooo much. I am planning on having another one for my broken body but I am going to take Benedryll first. I ask the doctor about this and he agreed. This is food for thought. I have not done any research on this, not yet.

Good luck to us all

Hello again: Looking for advice. With my second steroid injection in my lower back I have the side effect of severe bladder pressure again. I had this with my first shot for a while and then it went away for months. Now it has been 2 months since my last shot and it is so bad I am going crazy. I had my bladder and kidneys checked last time and all looked good. The pressure to go is crazy and never lets up. I notice when I worry about it or get anxious it really gets bad. I can’t find anything on the internet about bladder pressure after a steroid shot. Does anyone else know about this or has suffered with this? My Dr said a shot can cause this but I am beginning to worry. I could go to the bathroom every 10 mins and not get relief.

yes julie.
website-http://packageinserts.bms.com/pi/pi_kenalog-40.pdf
steroid injection effects-
Gastrointestinal: Abdominal distention, bowel/bladder dysfunction (after intrathecal
administration [see WARNINGS: Neurologic]), elevation in serum liver enzyme levels
(usually reversible upon discontinuation), hepatomegaly, increased appetite, nausea,
pancreatitis, peptic ulcer with possible perforation and hemorrhage, perforation of the
small and large intestine (particularly in patients with inflammatory bowel disease),
ulcerative esophagitis.

Hi Julie,
I didn’t have the bladder problem but I do know cortisone (any steroid) does mess with your digestive system in general (as it has mine). I fired the doc who gave me the shots and am now going to a nutritionist and feel I am in better hands now. Still have symptoms, although to a lesser degree, but they also seem to come in waves which is not unusual as I was given time release. I would recommed getting an ultrasound of your entire digestive system to see if anything else is enlarged or inflammed or infected, putting pressure on your bladder or you may possibly have bladder infection or candida infection in your bladder (google Candida – steroids feed it). CAT scan is also very effective. Don’t let docs tell you that nothing is wrong just because tests come out “normal” when you are still experiencing symptoms. If there’s anything I’ve learned from this is that most western doctors are more interested in treating a symptom and not the root cause, as well as presenting things as “if I don’t know what is causing it, that means it is all in your head, or you are “normal”. I’ve also learned that most tests that tell you that you fall into the “normal” range are not actually “normal”. You can be at either end of the spectrum and still be called “normal” which is total BS. Try to find a homeopathic doc in addition to your western one. Please keep us in the loop and God bless you. Don’t foget to ask God for help, too.

Hi Shirl,
I’m still out here! I always check in…even if I don’t comment! Glad you’re doing better…the timeline sounds just like mine!

Kimi,
thanks for holding down the fort…you’re helping a lot of people!

It’ s almost a year since I’ve been back to my old self…and I so regret having that injection! Every day I am thankful for having my life back and I take nothing for granted anymore!

Elizabeth – It’s very good to hear from you You were extremely helpful to me during the worst of it – I can’t thank you enough. I’m so happy to hear you are further and further away from your horrible experience.

Julie – back to the numbness…. mine seems to flare on my face, chin, and other parts of my body (sometimes lower calf, sometimes arms, hands, upper back… it usually happens after I eat something I shouldn’t and my body is reacting, trying to get whatever toxin I put in… out! That is also why people on this thread are getting hives… it’s why people get hives, allergies skin boils, rashes, etc. It’s your body doing what it supposed to do: Get the toxins out of your system. When you go on the candida/caveman/total healthy diet it starts cleansing you from the inside out. Literally starts on your organs first and then it comes out in your skin. People, please strongly consider opening your mind to the fact that healthy, organic food is medicine. The right food is medicine! Try to find a homeopathic doc and incorporate exercise and prayer (and/or meditation). You will get better. Don’t foget to google all of this (candida diet, die off, oil of oregano, natural anti-fungals in general, organic cold-pressed virgin coconut oil, etc.) Do your own research. Every PBS special or book out about healing yourself via tthe right diet is pretty much on track with what I’ve expreienced. Eat all certified organic of mostly vegetables (not so much starchy), fruit (especially berries and green apples), protein (open range, no steroids), nuts, and lots of fat (only virgin coconut oil, virgin olive oil and raw, organic butter) as well as nuts (almonds) and you will be so much healthier. Stay away from sugar (toxic), dairy, wheat, grains, and any processed foods or foods that are sprayed or injected. I’ll be back to let you know my progress with my homeopath. God bless you all. I’m praying for all of you.

Hi Elizabeth,

I noticed that you have used Xanax. Can you please share some tips on how you got off of them? I have been using quite the same amount as you had, and now would like to get off of them too. Thank you so much for your help.. appreciate it.

I am still having severe bladder pressure. Went to Dr and she is treating me for UTI with antibiotics. They did nothing so now I am on a 2nd antibiotic. They tell me if this does not clear up the pressure to come back in. I am really getting scared now. I am beginning to worry so bad I am making myself ill. I keep reading about all types of cancers that cause bladder pressure. I had the pressure with my first shot and then it went away for months and now it is back again. I don’t think it would go away for months between shots if it was a severe health problem. I have no pain or bleeding just the pressure.

Hi Dee!
It took a while! You have to be patient and do it slowly! I was taking .5 mg 3X day. One before work in the am, one around 3pm and one before bed.

First, you have to buy a pill cutter at the pharmacy…they’re only a couple of bucks.

Next, I Picked which time of the day I was gonna reduce first, for me it was the 3pm pill, and I cut that in half for a week. Then, after a week, I totally stopped that middle of the day pill. After 1 more week I cut my before work dose in half, did that for a week. Then stopped taking the morning dose for a week before I cut my night pill in half, did that for a week and so on.

A xanax taper is very difficult. If you need to eat more, exercise, meditate, yoga, while you’re tapering it, it’s FINE! I gained a few pounds from nervous eating, but I would gain 20lbs to get off of xanax again!

I got all the advice from my psychiatrist who prescribed it to me…I advise you to consult with a professional as well…this is what worked for ME…your body may react differently and you could handle a faster or need to do a slower taper…

I also got bottles of L-Theanine and L-Methylfolate from the Vitamin Shoppe and took those as directed on the bottles. They are natural xanax type of meds that I took while I was tapering to take the edge off.

Good luck….YOU CAN DO IT!!!!! Just make sure you have a PROFESSIONAL advise you on this!

Here’s an article that helped me understand why you have to do it very carefully!

http://www.lexington-on-line.com/naf_xanax.htm

There is a very inexpensive device that is comfortable and goes around your ankle and puts tension on the plantar f…. bringing up your arch and it removes pain from plantar f…. immediately. The best foot doc in the world in Anderson, In… Dr. Baker put it on my ankle and it gave me instant relief.

Julie: Have them do an ultra sound and cat scan of your entire digestive system. They need to see what is putting pressure on your bladder – something obviously is. And I agree with you that if it came/went/came back again that is “good” news – cancer tends to just get worse and worse… but please get yourself scanned so your doc can see. And consider firing your doctor and getting a new one if he/she won’t order the scans (ultrasound of entire digestive system and then CAT scan if that does not reveal enough, or reveal the problem). There is obviously a problem and there is a solution. God bless you – I am praying for you.
Elizabeth – 3.5 months into it and I’m still having symptoms sometimes… I cain’t wait until I’m at the 6 month mark – I just want my body to be all better. Called a lawyer and he said I have a case. (duh). Just have to do a little more ground work. Hopefully will be able to get back all my $$ spent on this, plus $$ for extreme stress on me, my family, time off work, etc. Everyone: Keep reporting this to the FDA and posting your stories – the more this gets out the more people will see and not get t his done – there are many other alternatives (acupuncture, physical therapy, inversion table (can get a good one for $100), re-posturing, etc. etc etc.) to this “miracle” drug. Remember: Cocaine and heroine were also considered “miracle” drugs at the turn of the 20th century… Will keep checking in.

I went into the podiatrist and was given a cortisone shot in my foot. I urinated constantly for about 2 days. I had a horrible purple bruise. II had warned the doctor that I had diabetes and pigmentary glaucoma so was concerned about the cortisone. He said no worries there will be no systemic reactions. I was in so much pain afterwards. My blood sugar is out of control, I am having rapid heart beats and anxiety out the roof. I am so tired and the nausea is constant. I am having bouts of diahrea. Eating does not make me feel better. I am so sluggish and cold. This started 4 weeks ago when I got the shot. I am due another shot this week but that is not gonna happen. I went in to my regular doc today and am gonna have blood work done. I am praying that my kidneys and liver are ok. I appreciate all the posts. I wish I had of seen these before the lousy shot. I am gonna start taking milk thistle and see if it does any good. It has been labeled a good liver cleanser. I hope this is temporary. Good Luck To All

Hi there, You’ve performed a fantastic job. I’ll definitely digg it and for my part suggest to my friends. I am confident they’ll be benefited from this website.

Anton! Just found out my shots were Kenalog!! She gave me 40 MG shot the first week and 80 MG the second all over my shoulders/upper back/neck/bottom of skull, willynilly!! also a small amount of lidocaine.

Got my medical records and it’s in there. Went online and there are indeed multiple severe side effects listed all over the web. So much for “no” and “it stays in one place” answers to my “are there any side effects” question….

Everyone: Get your medical records and fight back! This is outrageous that she lied and put that in me. The more doctors are taken to task for their grave error that effects us physically and emotionally, the more doctors will wake up, do the research, and give patients informed facts and side effects about what they are injecting into their patients.

Tammy – you are having a classic reaction to the cortisone. Please also check for candida (it’s thursh in the mouth and yeast infection and it can be spiked by the cortisone and run rampant in your entire system causing havoc and other medical issues that will last for the rest of your life – there is a “cure” – the anti-candida diet among other things – please see my previous posts (search via “find” and input “kimi”). I’m still having digestive and other issues… sometimes still get unexplained, irrational anxiety bordering on terror from time to time – I realize it’s from the cortisone and it passes more quickly, but it still packs a punch when it happens. Will report back. God bless everyone on this site.

I have had severe pain in my knee for weeks, with ultrasound, my knee was drained of fluid, pain relief within an hour. I was given a cortizone injection, little did I know the side effects. I had flushing/red face/ I did not sleep/ wired/ crying, thought I was losing it. I called a psyc nurse I know and she had her psyc doctor call me. She said I was having a severe reaction to the shot. Believe me, I thought I was heading for a psyc ward, severe anxiety. Four days now and I am calming down. A frightening experience. to say the least.

I had several cortisone injection, about 1 each two to three months due to my asthma. I have gain weight, I have difficulty to breathe and my chest is like tighting each time and most of all my mensuration has totally been disbalance. My mouth and tongue are swelling and I feel like vomitting each time. To treat my asthma now I have so many other things to treat just due to cortisone. I do not recognise my own body and my health.