Steroid injections for osteoarthritis

I had fractured my Pelvis in 4 places twice in the two Road Traffic Accidents, in 1071 and 1974. With a result, my pelvis healed at an angle. Normal dilvery was not possible and I had to have C section both times. I was in early 30s and didn't suffer much then. But as I grew older, I started having low back pain from 1999. I had multiple Steroid injections in my spine over the course of 9 years. They did give me some relief for a while until I had the Sciatic Nerve trapped in between my discs and had to have a Hemi Laminectomy to free the nerve. Unfortunately that was the start of my back problems and i had a herniated disc L4, followed by L3 and eventually L2 when I went into Scoliosis. I had 5 Spinal surgeries and am now disabled walking with crutches permanently. The Multiple Steroid injections perhaps weakened my Spine. I have also had 4 Steroid injections in my knee which have been very effective, and I have managed to hold off with knee replacement for 2 and a half years since I was told I needed my knee replaced. I have not experienced any weight gain with the injections and no other side effects. 

I hope this helps to who ever is reading this.

Nineteen_gale

Sorry, it should read 1971, not 1071

Yes, had steriod injection into knee, which improved my walking.   It was stopped when it was decided i would have a knee replacement.  This was excellent and best thing it enabled me to walk correctly and took away hip and lower back pain.  It gave me my life back.  They were small in number, over three years, so dud not notice sids effects. Would do again if required.

I had steroid injection before and after tkr but neither had any effect on me whatsoever. 14 months on since my operation I am now worse than before op. Now awaiting micro surgery to try to improve mobility. 

I have had steroid injections in both knees and what a difference they make to me now when I go to the docs I get them both done at the same time   I must say I do wait until I can barely walk and my knees are giving way and I only need the injections two-three times a year but the doc told me as soon as the time in between gets shorter I will need to get knee replacement not looking forward to that x

@Arlenegraham‍ 

I am glad the Steroid injections are helping. Just bear in mind that it is not advisable to have too many Steroid injection as it affects the eye sight and thins your bones. But if you are going to have your knees replaced any ways, it is best not to have too many. I was told not to exceed 3. I have already had 4 and am not having any more. I am controlling my pain with exercises and natural therapies, Turmeric, Ginger, Fish oils Glucosamine sulphate and MSM. its working well. Swimming helps too.

Good Luck

I've had steroid injections in my spine L5 S1. I found them to give me about 6-8wks of relief they didn't take the pain away completely but allowed me to move better & take less painkillers for a while. The first lot I had was awful but I have had a further 8 over 4yrs. I found them a little uncomfortable and sometimes sore and felt tender for a few days, to be able to move without moaning in pain in my opinion is worth it, unfortunately my local health authority has stopped them due to funding and want me to attend a Persistent Pain Therapy to which I did last year. My last injections were in January hence I am in a great deal of pain and had my pain relief increased. So my opinion to injections is Yes. 

@Nanaclaire‍ 

Unfortunately many health authorities have now stopped the Steroid injections due to funding, and offering the appointments at the Pain clinics. It is a shame, but what can you do?

Christina Chetwynd

Yes unfortunately this is so true got to think & feel positive & wait and see what the out come will be. I don’t really like having to take more medication as I’m in morphine it makes me so drowsy 

I have had the Steroid injections in both knees, but unfortunately they only last a couple of days and then am back to the pain.