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Autoimmune disease

Steroid injections for RA

2 replies

Skap · 18/01/2020 09:31

I have RA which has been reasonably well controlled for a few years on hydroxychloroquine.
I had to stop taking it in September because I was starting chemotherapy for breast cancer. Now the chemo has ended my RA has flared up badly. I have started the hydroxy again this week but it takes a while to kick in.
Meanwhile I hurt all over and the fatigue is dragging me down. Just as I had hoped to feel better after the ordeal of chemotherapy I feel worse.
All the Rheum nurse could offer was a steroid injection. I instinctively said no as I've been pumped full of steroids for 3 months but I may have to say yes as I'm getting desperate.
Anyone with experience of these injections? Any side effects? How long do the effects good or bad last?

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Montybojangles · 18/01/2020 09:40

I had one when I was first diagnosed with arthritis related to my crohn's. It really helped me with the joint pain and swelling, and it didn’t have any of the nasty side effects that taking oral steroids do when I take them for a Crohn’s flare. From memory I think it gave me a month or two relief. Im sorry you are going through so much related to your health, I hope it all improves for you soon.

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Skap · 18/01/2020 11:30

Thanks @Montybojangles that's what I wanted to hear.
My worry I suppose is that if it gave me side effects I would be stuck with them for a long time. Ironically it was probably the dexamethasone given with chemotherapy that kept all my auto immune stuff nicely damped down for 3 months.

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