Community Chat

[Lotus]

Has anyone ever had one?

I have severe pain from bursitis in both hips and trying to find some relief.

My ortho suggested this....I think it's done as a "pain management" procedure.

Does it hurt?

[Cakers1]

Lotus: I had 2 injections. They did not hurt; just the usual slight pinch at the start. Not sure if my doctor used a flouroscope (sp); he had my MRI on screen and went by that.

I was only told if I felt anything in my leg to let him know immediately, meaning he hit a nerve.

It took 2 for me for noticeable relief; some people need 3; they usually make you wait 3-6 months for a second round if needed, but your doctor may have different procedures.

Good luck; I'm glad I had mine.

[Lotus]

Thanks Cakers....did you have bursitis or pain from something else?

I have an appointment on 3/28, but I'm going to try and get back to the ortho before that because I have chronic right lower back pain too. I'm not sure if one is affecting the other. Recently I have been feeling what I would describe as "slight numbness" or a heavy feeling in my legs. I'm wondering if it's the back pain or hip pain causing that or a combination of the two.

Growing old is not for faint of heart.....that's for sure.

I'm glad it worked for you.

[Cakers1]

Lotus: My MRI showed my right hip out of whack with my lower spine - did something somewhere and it also caused sciatica nerve pain.

I also had chiropractor sessions.

Have you tried Naot shoes? They are expensive but they are recommened for spine/posture issues. Cute sandals, etc. Shoebuy and Zappos have free shipping both ways, although Shoebuy tends to carry more colors.

I find wearing these have diminished my using a cane.

[Lotus]

I've never heard of Noat.....but will check them out. Thanks.

[Lilysmom]

Lotus, I get cortisone shots in the hip area. It has worked wonders for me. I get them about every 10-12 months. My doctor originally thought it was bursitis but, after the location of the last shot, I'm not totally sure. I am 59 and quite physically active. I have been getting these for at least three years. I had a chronic ache that bothered me to the point where it kept me up at night. Now, no problem. It is a great relief. No pain involved in the injection. Good luck. I hope this helps you as much as me! LM

[jewelfool]

My mother who is 82 had cortisone/epidural shot in lower back yesterday to for pain management from disc deterioration. She had back surgery last summer on her lower lumbar but her uppers are deteriorating now and the dr. doesn't want to talk about surgery yet. In any event, we were there about 30 minutes and she said it was even slightly uncomfortable to her and her pain level went immediately from a 10 to a 7. Today she's even better but is sore from the injection.

[olivia1123]

Lotus I had cortisone in both hips for bursitis. They did not hurt much and it is almost a year and I am still fine.

He did use something to guide a needle into my shoulder. It did not work, went for an MRI and had surgery for my rotator cuff.

You have been in pain for a while. Please don't be nervous about the shots - you will feel so much better.

[Lotus]

Thanks everyone....I'll report back after the shots.

Sweet Olivia....did they use the fleuroscope with your hips?

[sfnative]

Hi Lotus,

I worked in surgical training for a number of years and 60% of it was relative to Ortho. We also trained Residents in Pain Management. Both Ortho and our Pain Management folks use real time imaging (fluoroscoopy) by means of a device called a "C-arm."

The C-arm has two parts. The first part is the "tower" on which is a monitor that shows the doctor your images. The second, and largest part, is the C-arm itself, which has a base with controls for movement and the like. The "C" part is attached to the base and is either large or small, depending on whether it's a large or small C-arm. For your procedure, a large C-arm will be used. For this, you will be placed on a radiolucent table and the lower part of the "C" will be rolled under the table and the upper part of the "C" will be above you.

Yes, this C-arm does emit some radiation, so be sure to ask for a tiny lead "apron" to cover your thyroid gland, even though you'll be on your stomach.

The C-arm does not cause pain or discomfort. Your physician and assistant will position you comfortably with pillows, etc.

The best of luck to you.

~R