I wanted to share my experience of trigger point injections. I had 2 on Friday and had the most wonderful weekend ever. I got to walk my dogs without paying the price with pain and fatigue. They are expensive but for me worth every penny. I am going again in a few weeks time. I never thought that I would look forward to injections:)
Hi Kelly. I live in the UK and professor Davies from London did them. They are just under 100 per injection. They use the same anaesthetic as dentists but straight into your muscle. Well worth a try as was miraculous for me:) x
Hi. I am usually not great with needles especially at the dentist but I was happily surprised that it was not in least bit painful:-)
Last year when I couldn’t even raise my left arm my orthopedic dr gave me a steroid shot and it really did help, but they only want to give them every 6 months.
Kelli, there is a different type of injection available, it's called hyaluronic acid (natural joint fluid.) It's 3 shots per week for 3 weeks. I haven't researched it yet so don't know much about it other than that it's "an FDA-approved, non-drug therapy made from ultra-pure natural hyaluronan, It restores the natural joint fluid that cushions, protects and lubricates your knee joint." That came directly from the pamphlet I was given in my doc's office. It supposedly keeps the knee feeling better for 6+ months and lasts longer than steroid injections. But like I said, I haven't done any research on it yet.
I don't know if this is what you're looking for, but if it is, if your pain clinic doesn't offer it, what about your rheumatologist? Or even your GP? I went to an orthopedic doc for my knee and was told about it. He'll adminster these shots if I'm interested in them. But he did caution that they would be painful. I'm going to consider them if my cortisone treatments don't do the trick.
BTW, I don't know if insurance covers these shots or not. I would presume so but best to check first.
Hope this helps a bit.
Bubbles,
I am very happy to hear that these are working so well for you! Hope they keep working too!
We well, be happy,
SK
I have had various injections, epidural, cortisone, lithium but relief never lasted very long. I never had trigger point injections. Did you get this done by a doctor or chiropractor, if not, what kind of doctor gives these injections?
Since the injections did not work for me, my doctor has recommended a spinal cord stimulator. I don't like the idea of having this stimulator in my body but if it works to ease my pain, I would do it. In order to do it, I have to have a consultation with a clinical psychologist first.
I am so happy that you can walk again without pain! What a wonderful feeling!! People who don't have any pain just take walking for granted, but for us, any relief is a blessing. I hope it lasts for you, really. I am thrilled and I know you are too!!!
What type of injections were they? I can't have steroid shots anymore. I have an extremely adverse reaction to them.
Mine never last but a few days. I am glad you had a good experience.
I would also like to know what kind of medication was in the injections would be nice to talk to my dr about it.
Hi Sara. They use anaesthetic, same as dentists use. It did only last a few days but they were fantastic days:)
Ya for me the injections only worked for 1 day
Bubbles: are you still pain and fatigue free? Just want to see how long it lasts.
Mahalo
Sadly no, they lasted for about 4 days. That was 4 days of total bliss though:-)
Hi bubbles!
First of all, welcome!
I had trigger point injections when my trigger points were at their worst, and yes, I found those injections wonderful! My rheumatologist did the injections. Even though the relief is temporary, it is a welcome break from chronic myofascial pain.
Where did you have the injections (i.e., back, legs, etc.)? Mine were between the shoulder blades. Ah, sweet relief!
Hugs,
Scribelle
Aren’t injections awesome?!! How many needles do you get and where? My sciatica is calm now. I go every week for nerve blocks all over my jaw, neck, forehead, back of the neck and head for those nasty headaches and now I can drive because I can turn my head. I have a line done all down my back and a few in my belly(those don’t hurt cause I’m chubby lol). I counted 30 each week. I also have monthly caudal epidurals. In canada the anesthesia and fluoroscope money was cut so I really have to trust Dr K Billing (Kitchener anesthesiologist) guide by hand. He knew I couldn’t afford treatment so he does it pro bono. I am very lucky. I had an experience once where he injected in my back ribs and my breathing felt funny for a couple of hours but if it happens to someone else who is reading, just breathe normal with some deep breathes and don’t panic you will be fine. Of course go back to the clinic to be under observation please.
xox
Dee
I had my injections in my left shoulder. I am going again in couple of weeks for more of them. I am pretty lucky as I have consultations with a professor who is a fibro expert. I sometimes read on here about GP s who still question fibro and it makes me so angry and very relieved that I have so much support from my consultant:)
Bubbles, I am so glad to hear that you have such good support. It is such a blessing not to have to fight the ignorance and assumptions that some medical people have about fibro!
If you get desperate before your next injection, this might be helpful. I was in physical therapy for the use of my right shoulder. I have multiple trigger points - I seem to have collected the whole set! My PT guy recommended keeping a tennis ball on hand. I place it on the wall and lean gently against it with my shoulder. If I move in a circular motion, it is like a massage. When I find a trigger point, I lean that point against the tennis ball and hold it there for a moment. Then I "massage" it again. It is a way off doing accupressure when there is no one around to help.
I am just sharing a lil' trick that my PT guy taught me because sometimes the effects of trigger point injections don't quite last to the next appointment. If that happens, you can be equipped to deal with it. I love those injections and wish my new rheumy was more inclined to give them. They are such a relief!
Hugs,
Scribelle
Hi Dee!
Great reminder that our muscles also affect our breathing! Not only do we use our diaphragm to breathe, but we also have secondary breathing muscles between our ribs and muscles that reach to our back. As an asthmatic, I also need to watch for raising my shoulders, which then causes shoulder/neck pain.
We need to remember to watch our breathing muscles and take time for deep diaphragm breathing. I use it when doing meditation to get back into that pattern.
I am so sorry to hear that you are needing so many injections, but I am pleased to hear that you have an anesthesiologist who truly cares enough to help. What a blessing!
Hugs
Scribelle
Aw thank you. I love having tips of things that help. I guess we will pretty much try anything:) I will definitely give the tennis balls a go, sounds great just thinking about it. One problem will be my dog who is obsessed with tennis balls lol xx