Tue, Sep-30-03, 13:58
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Senior Member
Posts: 411
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Plan: Atkins/Bernstein
Stats: 240/171/130
BF:
Progress: 63%
Location: Southeast USA
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Yep, cortisone shots really mess with BG. I used to get one once a year in my knee (almost all the cartlidge has been removed). But, when I told my Ortho about the BG problems, he said no more cortisone for you. I have since exercised to the point that the muscles around my knee are strong enough to keep me out of pain for a while.
From MedicineNet.com
What are the disadvantages and side effects of cortisone injections?
Disadvantages of cortisone injections are the necessity of piercing the skin with a needle as well as potential short and long term side effects. It should be emphasized that each of these side effects is possible, they usually do not occur.
Short term side effects are uncommon, but include shrinkage (atrophy) and lightening of the color (depigmentation) of the skin at the injection site, introduction of bacterial infection into the body, local bleeding from broken blood vessels in the skin or muscle, soreness at the injection site, and aggravation of inflammation in the area injected because of reactions to the corticosteroid medication (postinjection flare). Tendons can be weakened by corticosteroid injections in or near tendons. Tendon ruptures as a result have been reported.
In persons who have diabetes, cortisone injections can elevate the blood sugar. In patients with underlying infections, cortisone injections can suppress somewhat the body's ability to fight the infection and possibly worsen the infection or may mask the infection by suppressing the symptoms and signs of inflammation. Generally, cortisone injections are used with caution in persons with diabetes and avoided in persons with active infections. Cortisone injections are used cautiously in persons with blood clotting disorders.
Long-term side effects of corticosteroid injections depend on the dose and frequency of the injections. With higher doses and frequent administration, potential side effects include thinning of the skin, easy bruising, weight gain, puffiness of the face, elevation of blood pressure, cataract formation, thinning of the bones (osteoporosis), and a rare but serious damage to the bones of the large joints (avascular necrosis).
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Pretty nasty stuff...and I have had about 10 injections in the past 10 years! EEKS!
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