Side effects from a cortisone injection

Janami · Newbie Joined: 05 Dec 2007 Posts: 1

I am one week away from having my third and final epidural injection for my sciatic nerve problem. My shots are being spaced apart by two weeks. My first shot went fine, some pain but nothing I couldn't deal with. I was having some mild depression, but I lost my father a few months ago and attributed it to that. I began take SAM-e 4 days ago - it's a natural anti-depressant.

Three days ago I noticed that my lower cheeks and chin seemed puffy. I thought it may have something to do with SAM-e but haven't been able to find any reported side affects.

It dawned on me today that my injections could be the problem so I began looking it up on the net. To my surprise, I'm realizing that all of the other things I have been choosing to ignore are all part of this. I have severe insomnia, dry mouth, irritability/stress/depression and now I'm seeing tiny white bumps on my chin that I'm scared to death will turn into big zits! I notice that my eyebrows have grown quite a bit too and some hair above my lip. I know...sexy. I've had a racing heart as well. I haven't had any of the menstrual issues that I have been reading about, I've had a total hysterectomy.

I called the doctor and they say they don't think it's got anything to do with my injections because it didn't happen right away. They also said the racing heart is something I should call my PCP about.

Can anyone tell me if getting the 3rd and final shot is a good idea? I'd like to know how long these side affects lasted. If it's a long time, I'm not sure it's worth it. I'm an active mom with active kids who need me. I don't want to leave the house looking like I do. HELP PLEASE!

Guest · Guest

I was wondering can cortizone cause GI problems. I have been diagnosed with Gerd and had a stomach ulcer last January. I just han an injection in my shoulder for snapping scapula syndrome. I also had been getting cortizone stime for the past two months in physical therapy. I noticed my stomach acting up in concert of all this. Just curous. Can this be causing my side effects or could it be something else?

barb7636 · Newbie Joined: 02 Feb 2008 Posts: 1

Two days ago I received the second injection in each knee for osteoarthritis - this is the first time I got them both on the same day.
I had such a headache I could not sleep and walked the floor all night despite the fact that my knees were still in very much pain. I was sweating profusely with the temp outside in lower 20's and I had no heat in room. The headache lessened after the 8th dose of tylenol and excedrin, but is still a constant ache in my head. My face is bright red, looks like sunburn and I am still overheated in a room where other people feel normal or even cool. I told the doc about these symptoms after the first shot about a month ago in first knee. He said these were not related to the cortisone injection. HA! Now I am reading from the others that this is a frequent reaction. What I'm wondering is if these symptoms subside after numerous iinjections? The doc says my knees are bone-on-bone, the cause of my extreme and unbearable pain. I am looking at partial knee replacement but he said we could use the cortisone and put it off. I don't know if it's worth it with the side effects I'm having. Anyone have any suggestions.

Guest · Guest

"Has anyone experienced SEVERE insomnia after receiving a cortisone injection? This is the second time i've received one (last time was roughly 8 years ago) and I honestly dealt with total lack of sleep for 6 DAYS.. yes, I am not kidding you - I literally did not sleep AT ALL for 6 days and in addition to that I dealt with headaches and the feeling that my heart was going to literally rip itself right out of my chest-- suffice to say, I was a mess.

I received another one today in my left elbow due to a nasty sledding injury back in January of this year. I didn't realize it was the same type of shot (they called it something different) and I honestly didn't even thik to ask (my fault, I realize). I am already experiencing a headache (not too severe) but my heart is just pounding in my chest and guess what?? I can't sleep AT ALL. So, my question is - am I totally abnormal with respect to this (perfectly healthy 35 year old male) or has this happened to other people? I really can't handle going thru another episode like I had experienced before. They tried prescribing OTC and prescription medications to try and get me to relax/sleep but NOT a single one of them worked at all. I'd be so sleepy all the time but I could not get my body to take that final step to actually "get" to sleep. Thank God, after a week of no sleeping the side effects let up and I remember finally falling asleep and staying asleep for about 13 hours straight. HELP!"

The post above reminded me of my own situation:

I had two cortisone shots in my knee post arthroscopic surgery to reduce scar tissue and major inflammation. Later that night, I felt wound up, face felt hot and I looked flushed, as if I had a sunburn. I happened to have a physical exam the next day and the doctor said my blood pressure was high, like in the 150/x range. MY BP is usually around 120-30/80. I asked if lack of exercise after surgery would cause it and he said no, it was too high to just be the result of less exercise.

Also, appetite has decreased a little and I'm a bit more irritable than usual. But my knee is feeling better, stronger, has more range of motion, so in the long run, it's for the best.

Sean, Worcester · Newbie Joined: 13 Feb 2008 Posts: 1

Just a note to thank this line of dialogs on the topic of reaction to a cortisone shot. I'm 53 year old otherwise healthy male but with serious arthritic knee degeneration and looking at a replacement this summer. I had my six monthly shot yesterday and experienced the racing heart and hot flashes I read about here. I suspected it was connected to the shot. I did however sleep really well - the best in weeks it seems - but did wake at 4:00 am and my heart was ticking fast. I normally rest at 50 bpm but I was in XS of 65 bpm I'm sure. The red face and warm feeling was noticeable all day today (ie the day after) - but not so much yesterday afternoon and evening. I feel well and energetic, not at all lethargic but did have a little dizziness this morning. Now, 24 hours after the shot, I'm feeling myself.
Hope this helps.

Guest · Guest

My wife has experienced some of the symptoms described by many here, following two cortisone injections into her shoulder: racing heart, hot flashes, dizziness, general weakness, late period, etc. The first injection was on February 4th, and the second on February 19th.

Does anyone on this site know from personal experience how long can the side effects last ?

Guest · Guest

I had a couple of injections for foot problems and have been experienced redness and unusual warmth in the face. I also felt like I had a fever, but my temp was normal. I go in for a second set of injections next week.

Guest · Guest

So good to hear that I am not CRAZY. I had my first injection yesterday morning in right shoulder for old injury. Within 2 hours of shot my stomach was terribly upset. For the remainder of the day I was RUNNING to the restroom. Was not able to keep anything (not even water) in me. I have not had such severe diarrhea and nausea without being sick. Shocked

My shoulder does feel better today... is uncomfortable in a different way but I think it is better. My stomach is still a little uneasy today but at least I was able to drink something this morning!

Guest · Guest

I went a week and a half ago to have my knee looked at because of an injury last summer...long story short...I got hit in the side of the knee with a baseball at a major league park. Needless to say...they decided to "try" a cortisone shot to see if it would help the pain I am still experiencing. I can honestly say this is the one and only cortisone shot I will ever get. I have had constant pain in my knee since then and have been advised by my doctor to limit movement, ice it 4 times a day and come and see him in a month. For a miracle drug, this certainly has been no miracle for me. Thanks for helping me realize that I am not crazy either.

Guest · Guest

There is some strength in knowing that I'm not the only one who's suffering! Same symptoms: Dizziness, nausea, stomach upset...for a solid week now. I'm scheduled for a shot in my right shoulder this afternoon..I'm opting out...its just not worth it!

Side effects from a cortisone injection

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