Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Injections into SI's ?!?!

Please, please someone tell me you have had a doctor suggest these injections?? So far, only my GP has mentioned them, but the thought of it terrifies me!!! Do they work? How painful are they? If they do work... how long does the relief last???

Turns out my MRI results looked good for the joints - no problems with the cartiledge and tendons. Of course, they pretty much thought as much -- the x-rays show some signs of calcifications in there on both sides. Who knows what that means as far as figuring out what is wrong... or more importantly... how to fix it!!

I'm so confused. My back is worse now than ever, and when I hear that my options are 1) shots in the SI joints or 2) physical therapy ... I feel like they're not doing enough to figure this out. Am I wrong??

One other question... at what point do I ask for a second opinion from a different rheumatologist?

As confused as ever.... Kelly

hi kelly...

i can only speak from seeing what my mom recently went through...she had a herniated disk at L4-L5 and was told her options were a cortisone injection or surgery. she obviously tried the injection first...and so far it seems to have worked. however, it sounds like you might be dealing with something different (not a herniated disk...correct me if i'm wrong). if i were in your position i would get at least one more opinion from either an orthopedic doctor or rheumatologist (depending on what they are injecting for). while a cortisone injection is not as much of a risk, per se, as surgery, it can have complications associated with it (esp. if you need to do them often).

my philosophy through this whole journey is go through the path of least resistance...while on some levels physical therapy has helped, because i'm not treating a specific problem yet, i'm cautious as to what i do, and of course, listen to my body when it hurts. PT is pretty standard early in the game because they want to rule out mechanical problems that may benefit from PT...i went through about 2 months of it, and while my problems haven't gone away, i am finding some benefit from some of the stretches and exercises.

i would also recommend getting copies of your x-rays and MRI (and their corresponding reports) for your records. i just did that and saw a couple of things in the report worth questioning. while nothing horrific is evident, it is not "normal" as each doc has apparently felt.

i'm seeing my first rheumy for the third time today...and am seeking a second opinion that i hope to have approved very soon...so you should feel free to get that second opinion anytime you wish. you have nothing to lose (and possibly more to gain) by doing it.

best of luck to you...i can wholeheartedly relate to your frustration.

-j

Kelly,

I have had MANY cortisone shots in the SI joints and although they are EXTREMELY painful they also have been VERY helpful.

If you are really having problems I would do the injections AND physical therapy.

If you have confidence in your Rhumy, I wouldn't look for a second opinion.

My only concern would be that who ever does the injections be very knowledgable because it is very tricky, they usually have an ultrasound monitor to guide the needles to them since it is so far in.

Many times it has made the difference in whether I was able to walk or not.

Good luck,

Lisa

Kelly,

I have had an injection in my SI joint and for me it did nothing. I was devastated as I was led to believe I would have instant relief. It is done under Floroscopy so they can see what they are doing and I watched on the monitor. Really cool....the needle bends, then POP when it goes into the joint. I just wished it worked.

Sherri

I had it done that way too....the injection did more damage...the pain...they had to inject me twice....they missed the first try...even with the monitor on....the swelling of the missed hit cause me more pain ...take care

Lisa,
Thanks for sharing your experiences with me! Its good to know the shots have helped some people. I hope they can work for me too, if it comes to that.
Thanks again!
Kelly

Oh my, Sherri! ::::trying to get that image of that nasty needle out of my mind:::::: I think I'd pass out if I had to watch it happening. I'm a big chicken when it comes to needles!! Thank you for sharing your experience with me. I'm getting anxious to hear what my rheumy has planned next for me... and to see if he considers the shots an option for me too.
Kelly

{{{{{{{{Pat}}}}}}}}}} There's a big hug for your awful experience with the shots. My goodness, that's scary!! Thank you for sharing with me though, because I want to talk to my rheumy about these negative experiences too!
Hugs! Kelly

Hi Marn,
Wow, I'm so relieved to know you had anestesia during your shots. I will definitely be PMing you when I get closer to the decision. I'm sure I'll have more questions. Thanks for sharing all that happened with me. One question I have... did the shot help with pain in other joints as well?

Thanks again! I look forward to talking more with you!
Kelly