Steroid injection in shoulder

[CW1]

Hi,
Am having a steroid injection tomorrow in my shoulder for a rotator cuff problem. Is it the same as for tennis elbow where the injection has to be done in the exact spot where the pain is ? Excruiciating as the pain can be, it depends on movement rather than being able to poke and prod to find "the spot" (unlike tennis elbow).
Cheers

[LazyGun]

You may find this link useful CW. Short answer - it kind of depends :)

http://shoulderpainro.../shoulder_steroi.html

[hollie1586]

my mum had this done yesterday under ultrasound scan. She has bursitis and capsulitis so it wasn't the most pleasant experience. The doc said it can take up to 5 days to take effect.

[CW1]

Thanks both.
LazyGun, looks like not - I think ! Also looks like it won't actually "cure" it :(
hollie1586, I know it's not gonna be much fun - the tennis elbow jab was agony BUT that had to go in "the spot". I've been told I'll need to rest it for 24hrs (just how d'you "rest" a shoulder ??) so am (was !) hoping for relief in that time ... oh, I'm dreading this ... :((

[Bluestone]

Mother had this a few weeks ago. She was 'uncomfortable' for a few days... and now she has to have one in her foot!
Just think how much better you'll feel, once its eased off :-) x

[Sqad]

No 2 different anatomical objects....tennis elbow is a "discreet" target, but the rotator cuff is more diffuse.

[Prudie]

I had this done twice for a rotator cuff injury, The first was put in through the back upper region of my shoulder blade and didn't work. The second went straight down in at the point of my shoulder at the top of my arm and was a miracle cure. Both were excrutiating and my perception is that the location is critical or if not than pot luck.

[CW1]

That's what I suspected, Prudie. I've had 2 over the years, one in each arm re tennis elbow, left one worked, right didn't (doc had said it wouldn't but I'd insisted) & meant I then had to have it in a cuff 'n collar for 3 months - complete rest.
With my shoulder, I'd guess it depends if it's one (or more) specfic tendons. Not long to go now, & still debating whether I'll be able to drive back from doc's. Not fancying a 25min walk back.

[Prudie]

I'm pretty sure they inject anaesthetic in at the same time which should enable you to drive back, I know I did. It was only after it wore off a few hours later that stiffness and discomfort set in. Good luck to you anyway, my second one was wonderful and ended months of pain.

[CW1]

You were spot on Prudie :o) Did include anaesthetic so did drive, was in shoulder blade, AND doc told me I might need a 2nd in 4 wks time ! She said to rest it but agreed it's difficult, but move it to avoid stiffness.
The actual injection wasn't half as bad as I'd thought, certainly nothing compared to the tennis elbow one, but doc said it'd take 4 or 5 days to kick in. That's disappointing but fingers crossed.
Thank you :o)

[echokilo]

How does it feel now CW1?

[CW1]

I'm really struggling, echokilo :(

http://www.theanswerb.../Question1188103.html

I'm just drafting an e-mail to my manager at work to warn him I may need time off sick. And that'll be unpaid :(

Seeing the doc again on Monday, but I'm getting conflicting info from her & my GP (who I've spoken to but not been able to see). If only I knew exactly what the [extent of the] injury is, I do feel I could cope a lot better.

Roll on Monday ...