I received shot in my hip on 8/29 and have slept only 2 hrs, a nite since then. I cannot even work now, job is very physical. Am nervous, shaky,whole body twitches. Finally decided to take Dr. advice and take Xanax last nite ( only 1/2 pill) It did calm me down and help me rest, but now feel out of it, and still shaky. How long does this anxiety, nervousness last? This was my 1st shot. Also am afraid to drive much. Never really took any med but aleve. Just want to know how long these effects typically last.Also, don't have much appetite, just nervous eating. All my doctors tell me they have never seen this happen before. ( I really don't believe them) Also, should I go to cardiologist or neurologist ? ( having some chest pain and numbness in left arm) I don't want to take much of the Xanax, says it may be addictive, and don't need more side effects. Help
Corisone shot injection side effects, how long do they last? 9 days now?
Question posted by eice on 7 Sep 2011
Last updated on 31 August 2024
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
137 Answers Page 7
Epidural Injection shot in T1-T2 , Depomedrol 80 Mg Side Effects
Symptoms I feel :
Heavy Head
Drowsiness all day long
Shaky Vision
Bad Taste in mouth
Dried Lips
Difficulty Breathing
Chest tightness
Muscle twitches
Anxiety
Sleeplessness
Sugar level spike
Path to feeling better:
Yoga
Positive thoughts
Walking
Praying
Exercise
Diet
No matter how bad you feel, this is temporary and will pass. You have to stay strong and fight through this.
Approach this one day at a time, do not think about what the entire week or the month is gonna feel like. Remember one day at a time.
Start early morning with prayer for the strength to get you by the day.
Your sugar levels will spike up , so cut down you sugar intake down for at least two months.
Keep handy a good balm to smell and some sugar free halls to get a good taste in your mouth
Drink water, drink at least 2 to 2.5 liters of water, this will help significantly.
Eat well and eat healthy.
Remember you will get better, with time.
Learn about reflexology points - This helped me , it may or may not for you. Pinch hard between your thumb and index finger for 30 seconds on each hand, pinch at the back portion of the ankle for 30 secs each leg, pinch at the base of your head near the occipital region for 30 seconds .
Remember you will get better, with time.
This helped me , it may or may not for you. Get acupuncture treatments, this helps enormously with the anxiety and muscle pain .
Get massages this will help you breathe better.
Remember you will get better, with time.
Time will seem to move slowly.
Try to keep your self occupied with some light activity . Reading, Working on your laptop, watching a movie.
Use this time to read a good book on healing. I read the book Healing with Whole Foods - By Paul Pitchford
Google positive images and read them at the end of the day.
Get to know about Pranayama breathing exercises, this will help.
Remember you will get better, with time.
Hi, can you please let us know how long it took to feel better? Seems like you are doing well now.
Best wishes.
My details:
Aug 6 - Kenalog 60 mg (equiv to 80mg prednisone)
Symptoms: anxiety, racing heart, skin peeling, cough, disturbed sleep (with twitches), numb soles of feet, double vision with floaters, fatigue, body aches, lightheadedness. Anxiety is the worst.
Am 6 weeks out and no improvement. Will post updates as time goes on. I hope others will do the same.
All the best to everyone going through this insanity.
Im on week three, I am better than before but no where close to how I was before the shot. Please see a doctor if you need to.
I hope and pray that you get better with time and feel good. God bless.
Best Wishes,
Hi Keegan
Read your post and can relate to nearly all your symptoms ( I am experiencing too). I’m a little over 3 weeks in from spine epidural . It was my 3rd shot in 5 weeks . I never thought a steroid could cause such bad side effects ( as my first two were relatively fine ) .
I’m praying (for all of us on here !) to get better and taking it one day at a time - although not always easy ! Thanks for your encouraging post and this will all be over someday !
I was wondering , (if you read this ?) how long your symptoms lasted - how long did it take for you to get thru and did all symptoms resolve ? Thank you . Hope slll is well and Best in health - Steve
Hi Keegan and Tealwood,
I was wondering if you could tell me more about the vision issues you experienced. I too may be having shaky vision. When I look at things, sometimes it looks like objects are shaking. Is that what you experienced and mean by "shaky vision?" In addition, I am also having slight double vision and certain lights look streaky (almost like astigmatism symptoms) although I went to the eye doctor 2 months ago and she mentioned all is fine. But I'm worried it's a brain tumor, MS, etc. I received 2 kenalog injections. 1 in April of 2023 and 1 in Aug of 2023. After the second injection, 3 days later I started experiencing lots of muscle twitching, spasming, feeling like my hands and feet are radiating, numbness in my fingers upon waking up, etc. Any help or advice on the vision issues would be helpful. Thanks!
Hi. I am a small 16 almost 17 year old who had a weakened immune system. I have gotten everythig check and they say I am healthy and everyone thinks im crazy and i feel like im going crazy. I got my first cortisone shot on july 25th in my scapula and it was the most awful thing. Two days later i was suddenly unable to sleep and was shaking and couldnt breathe. I went to the er and they said i had a panic attack! july-august i went to the er 5 times and had a scope done of my esophagus and it really messed me up. I already had anxiety before this but this just is awful. Every day I want to cry and i do. the first month i felt like nothing was real and wanted to die and everyone toldme i was crazy. I wasnt like this before. Its been ALMOST two months and my anxiety hasnt gone away. I feel like there are rocks and fluff in my head behind my eyes and i feel like i cant think but am overthinking and feel like im constantly going to die. Please help me.
Im terrified ill never get better and i just want to cry because i get derealization and i want everything to go away. How long will this take? Please help me ):
Am i going crazy? is it anxiety or depression? like whats wrong with me. nobody seems to understand or believe me. is it even the injection because i was fone beforehand. I cant even go to the store without panicking.
I am so, so sorry to hear that you're going through all of this. I don't believe it's in your head because I had the same experience. It took several months for me to feel better, but very gradually I did. That feeling you described in your head was exactly how I felt- I had my eyes checked, stopped wearing contact lens- you name it... only time made the difference. I hope this helps.
I'm so sorry to read of so many people who are getting these awful symptoms due to steroid medication. My husband is currently being treated for steroid psychosis. He had spinal injection July 27th, it's been almost 2 months and now he is in a behavioural hospital where they are giving him all sorts of psych medication. Trying to find the right one and dose for him. Unfortunately he had a very bad reaction so it's taking a long time for recovery. I have been told it will resolve eventually. Please keep looking for the right Dr if your symptoms get worse. Most psychiatrists have seen this with steroids and should be able to help you through this. Good luck. Hang in there
Thank you both so much. My heart goes out to your huaband and thank you for the comment that time goes on. The feeling that nothing is real and like i cant think makes me feel like im going crazy. Im so sorry for both of you. I'm so terrified of everything, thank you for responding so quickly as well. Every doctor is like its in your head! and I'm like hey, i wasnt like this before! Both of your comments have brought me great relief to know this will go away and im so sorry for both of your struggles.
118742 ,Im so sorry your going thru this ,try to not stress ,i know easier said than done ,it has to take its course ,every damn doctor will deny it has to do with the shot ,it will go away in time ,i sought help thru a mental heath department . My doctor there told me i taught her as much as she helped me learning the side effects of this nasty poison ,as you have read you will see we all have got thru it in time .you will recover , Your not going crazy,Prayers for a quick recovery
Thank you Lost in AZ! I'm trying to get better, its stressful and some days i dont feel like im even here. Im seeing a therapist and she said I have PTSD from the injection and everytime i talk about it i break down.
Try taking L-Theanine. You can find it in every supplement section at grocery stores. It's given me incredible relief.
Hey just saw this post. I had my first steroid shot in hip couple days ago. Everything was okay leading up to day three of the shot. Noticed I started to swell in my legs and knees. They also started me on an antibiotic- I went in for a chronic cough. Anyone know if this is normal? Any know if I should be concerned? It’s day 9 and swelling is little bitter not much though.
My knees swelled up pretty bad the day after I had shots in both. I iced them all day and it went away within another day or two. One of my more moderate side effects (and one drs will actually acknowledge can happen lol). For some people, the swelling can be worse.
How do you feel now?
118742 feel free to call me or text me anytime I'm going through that as well 704-675-4972
Wow! I hate that you had that experience but am glad that it finally tapered off.
I have had many spinal epidurals with the only side effect being a little jittery the first day. Yesterday I noticed I was snacking like crazy though I don't remember if that happened after previous injections. Today I have just a few jitters - nothing I can't handle.
To this point, I have not had side effects from oral steroids but a friend, the same age and build, had numerous side effects. That being said- I notice that they don't prescribe oral steroids as often as they use to. Interestingly enough, my body reacts terribly to topical steroids!
I have noticed that as I have aged (65 now) my body doesn't handle all medicines as it used to. New antibiotics on the market make me nauseous, my vertigo medicine makes vertigo worse, and meds I use to take (Toradol and butalbital) now throw me for a loop!
To be fair to pharmaceutical companies - and doctors to an extent- they don't have any idea how someone will react to a medication. It is important to report all your symptoms immediately.
My surgery center calls me the next day and a couple days later to check on me, ask if there are any issues. And after hours, the doctor himself answers your calls re: problems. I'm guessing not all offices do that.
One of my theories is that some of us are less sensitive (less in tune?) to a reaction, while others are hypersensitive to changes in their body. I hate it for all those who are having such awful side effects. I don't know what I would do if I could not have the steroid injections.
I hope that so many of you can get answers and help. It hurts my heart to think that I relatively breeze through treatments while others struggle mightily with the treatments that can help.
Please, fellow members recovering from cortisone shot adverse side effects, give me other websites/forums where people share their techniques of coping. I'm in a bad place since I received the DepoMedrol shot on 8/23/18. Been to ER, urgent care, doctors, started medical leave this week. Have read all comments here, spoken to pharmacist. I need hope and new things to try for non-stop tension, anxiety, body pain.
Hello Beinechen,
One thing I can say to put your mind at ease is everyone comes out of this. I have never talked to one person adversely affected by steroids that did not return to normal. Even the worst cases. Some may take 1-2 years but everyone recovers. My situation was horrific. My nervous system was already in a very sensitive state from recently tapering my benzodiazepine medication- so the steroid just pushed me off a cliff. I could not go into my office for months. I could not longer work out. My entire life has changed from this. One thing that helped tremendously was diet. I tried ketogenic and it made a huge difference. I personally could not take any supplements or drugs as they just made everything worse. It’s been about 10 months and most the symptoms have died down with the exception of tinnitus and hyperacusis. Which I’m hoping will go away within the next year. Just stay strong. Don’t push yourself too hard. If you can work out then do it.
Some people found magnesium helps. Many drugs including benzos affect the same part of the brain as the steroid so be very cautious taking anything and do your research. It. Will. End. Hope this helps a bit.
Im so sorry ,as stated above eat clean ,watch your sugars and caffeine ,take walks to burn some of the anxiety off ,it does take time for it to leave your system .everyone is different so the amount of time its going to take for your body to rid it is a guess ,Hold on it does get better ,
Thank you. Does any of you have experience with the Depo Medrol 40mg shot? The pharmacist I asked about the length it is expected to slow- release into my system said three months (horrifying, I’m on day 12), but other sources I’ve come across talk about a 36-hour half life.
I always thought that the drug itself may leave your body rather quickly. But the damage it does to your CNS and brain is what takes a long time to heal- for some of us. It is rare for it to take years of course. Most people on here recovered within a few months. Eat healthy and take any supplements that may help. Avoid drugs if possible. And try not to stress. The steroid has a huge impact on hp axis and adrenal function. Stress will just pump out even more cortisol and adrenaline which will only make things worse. You will recover no matter what. Try to be patient. Hang in there!
It definitely gets better , diet high in protein ( eggs for me ) takes the edge off . Absolutely no sugar and caffeine. Give your body time to heal and be gentle . It’s a long process physically and mentally but you will come out of it on the other side for sure ! It took me almost two years but I have my life back .
God bless and stay strong
Epidural Injection shot in T1-T2 , Depomedrol 80 Mg Side Effects
Symptoms I feel :
Heavy Head
Drowsiness all day long
Shaky Vision
Bad Taste in mouth
Dried Lips
Difficulty Breathing
Chest tightness
Muscle twitches
Anxiety
Sleeplessness
Sugar level spike
Pain near kidney area
Path to feeling better:
Yoga
Positive thoughts
Walking
Praying
Exercise
Diet
No matter how bad you feel, this is temporary and will pass. You have to stay strong and get through this.
Approach this one day at a time, don’t think about the entire week or the month. One day at a time.
Start early morning with prayer for the strength to get you by the day.
Your sugar levels will spike up , so avoid a lot sugar for a at least two months.
Keep handy a good balm to smell and some sugar free halls to get a good taste in your mouth
Drink wanter, drink at least 2 to 2.5 liters of water, this will help significantly.
Eat well and eat healthy.
Remember you will get better, with time.
Learn about reflexology points
Get acupuncture treatments, this helps enormously with the anxiety and muscle pain .
Get massages this will help you breathe better.
Remember you will get better, with time.
Try to keep your self occupied with some light activity . Reading, Working on your laptop, watching a movie.
Use this time to read a good book on healing. I read the book Healing with Whole Foods - By Paul Pitchford
Google positive images and read them at the end of the day.
Get to know about Pranayama breathing exercises, this will help.
Remember you will get better, with time.
Sorry this may be a long read but we need suport from the good people writing on this site. I can't stop crying right now. My husband age 71 has spinal stenosis and had his first cervical spine steroid injection in February this year. He had also been on prednisone for inflammatory lung disease. The doctor told him to stop the prednisone a month ago and was tapered off at 5 mg a day for 2 weeks. His second spinal injection was 3 weeks ago today. One week after the injection his mannerism changed. He said he couldn't watch tv because he couldn't understand what they were saying, he usually loves watching movies. His symptoms became worse saying his hearing was going in and out. After two more days he became manic, asking me to just let him die and then saying nothing can be done because he was already dead. Me being an RN and the caregiver of all our family was out of my depth. I couldn't fix what was wrong. After that terrible first night I took him to the ER.
Multiple blood tests and a brain CT showed nothing wrong. Sent home on Zoloft. That night was horrific. He had made up his mind he was dying and couldn't stop the thousands of racing thoughts in his head. Nothing stopped them and he couldn't do anything but give in to the thoughts whic he said were bad but couldn't say what they were because as soon as they were there, they were gone and replaced by others. Next day ER again this time the Dr stopped Zoloft. He had only taken the one tablet the day before. brain MRI was clear. Now we wait to see a psychologist/neurologist next week. Can anyone relate to these symptoms and if so, how long will they last. I'm convinced after reading so much about steroid side effects, that this is the problem but in the meantime, it debilitating and so sad to watch him suffer. I would appreciate any suggestions, thoughts you all might have. Good luck to all of you who are going through similar issues.
I am so sorry you are going through this. I cannot begin to explain my experience. I was 49 years old at the time, a professional with an administrator position. My life changed overnight when I received a steroid injection in my spine.
That night, I could not stop crying. I did not sleep at all. I could not sit down, every minute was excruciating. I could not watch tv or a movie. I had never had anxiety in my life. I had felt anxious about flying slightly, but nothing like the waves of anxiety I was experiencing. I could not sit in a car or talk on the phone. I was aware of everything that was happening, but I did not feel right at all. I experienced a constant shakiness. I would have waves of heat.
Needless to say, I could not go to work. I was unable to care for my child. I knew in my heart that all of my symptoms were caused by the steroid shot.
I have never been to an ER, but felt like something was terribly wrong. I had my heart checked, my hormone levels checked, my thyroid, cortisol, etc.
My family physician kept piling on more medication to help with the symptoms. My family physician of twenty years was not willing to say that this could have been caused by the epidural spinal injection.
I went to any dr who would listen in hopes that someone could help. The only people who had any advice and gave my hope were on this thread. One woman said that little by little her symptoms very gradually got better.
I walked and walked and walked. It’s the only thing that helped even slightly. I lost 45 pounds. I resigned from my job and decided to stay home until I got better.
My father came to stay with me and helped me everyday. I prayed and walked. I went on a very strict gluten free, sugar free, dairy free, caffeine free diet.
After 4 1/2 months of feeling exactly like I could crawl out of my skin, I started to feel slightly normal. I held on to the hope the people in this thread gave me.
I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt the steroids caused this. It has been two years to the day and I thank God and my earthly father for getting me through.
Unless you’ve experienced this, it is unbelievable. If one physician had shown compassion during this time and said yes this is the steroids and it will get better, I would have said ok and had hope. But no one in the medical community was willing to admit that a drug could be harmful.
Hang in there, take good care of yourself, eat very well, pray, read the Bible and walk.
Much love,
TW
I’m terribly sorry about your situation. I received my injection two year ago and it was a game changer for sure ! Many trips to ER in the first few months with terribly high B/P and feelings of literally wanting to jump out of my skin ! I also had a seizure about 6 weeks after injection ( NEVER had one before ) lost 20 lbs and looked terrible . It got better though ... What helped me was healthy diet ( protein helps with anxiety) each time I had panic attack I would eat eggs .Absolutely no sugar , drinking plenty of water . After two years I’m left with cold allergy, something I could never imagine having . My favorite sport before was snow skiing ! Now with lower temperatures even in summer I break out in rush with itchy red skin . During this time not one doctor acknowledged that my condition was caused by this drug , however after phoning manufacture they admitted to having cases like mine and that it takes about 18 months for the drug to leave your system .
Skin rash not rush
I appreciate and thank you for writing your stories and thank you for the support for my husband. Last night was the worse night ever. Today he is a bit brighter, I hope he continues to improve.
I received a cortisone shot in my foot back on 6/13 & another one on 6/27. About a week and a half after the first shot I started having severe anxiety where I felt as though I had been plugged into an electrical outlet. It felt as though my adrenaline had been turned on full blast 24/7. All I could do was pace around my house.I had no appetite and I got horrible insomnia. The first 2 weeks were the worst. Nothing I took would put me to sleep. I am 9 weeks out from the 1st shot and 7 weeks out from the 2nd. The anxiety is better. I still get it a little but nothing like it was. My main issue still is the insomnia. I can sleep if I take something but still cannot fall asleep on my own. I slept great before this and it is extremely frustrating that I can't sleep now. I have been rotating through different medications each night since they stop working if I take it too many nights in a row. I thought it would start to improve by now.
I'm getting concerned that it won't get better. Anyone else have the insomnia issue? Did your sleep ever get back to normal?
Hi Sj1234 it took me a year before things started becoming somewhat normal again.Hang tight .it will get better ,i know its hard to not stress about it , I had horrible insomnia it did get better,Healing thoughts your way , Lost in AZ
I got a steroid shot for a sinus infection two days ago. I am nervous, can't sleep and am getting scared. What can I do?
You need to let your physician know. My husband had an epidural injection and it took almost year to be able to cope after having feelings of depression, shaking, not able to eat or sleep. He still has periodic sensations of anxiety and has to take Xanax to relax. I wish you well and hope you get to feeling normal soon.
Hi bkf,
I have commented on this site several times since I had an injection of dexamethasone at the ER six months ago for bronchitis. I have experienced all the side effects that your husband did. The anxiety was horrible and my doctor felt it was from the steroid. He prescribed a Klonopin generic, but at my age (66) I was afraid of becoming dependent and the withdrawal is a nightmare, so I didn't take it. While many of the side effects have gone away, I still deal with anxiety, which I never had before the injection. Did your husband's doctor recommend anything that seemed to help over the year it took him to cope? Does your husband take Xanax on a daily basis or just when he feels anxious? Hoping that your husband and everyone else on this site continues to get better.
Hi dzorra. My husband had to go through numerous tests before it was finally found to be the steroids. I was lucky enough to find this site and the problems others were having which I told his physician. He was on Xanax daily until just this year and now we have it on hand whenever he is feeling anxious or panicky. I hope you do well as well as everyone who has these problems.
Hang tight you just have to ride it out ,it will get better ,are you able to take benadryl ,if so taking one at night helped me sleep ,Lost in Az
Hi Lost in Arizona,
I have followed your posts and was happy to see your response. Hope you are doing well!
I got a cortisone in each knee yesterday. I slept OK but woke up very shaky and slight headache. Am eager to also know how long shakiness will last. Will try to remember to post how long it lasted with me. The nurse also informed me it would make blood sugar raise and it did. ♥️
HELLO i had an epidural shot 2 weeks ago for herniated discs and im experiencing the same thing you describe numbness in right and letf arm and chest pain nervousness and anxiety heart palpitations,and agitation,,, hope you are doing Better
It took me about 4 1/2 months before I felt normal. It’s now been a year and a half and I feel like I continue to be more like myself since the horrible experience with the epidural shot. I never imagined that one shot could change my life over night. Continue to take care of yourself and look for ways to heal without pharmaceuticals. Blessings~
Hi Warren- thanks for your reply. I read your story often because my timeline seemed to follow yours pretty closely. It took about 4.5 months to feel real relief. I am now at 5 months since the steroid and am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. The main symptom I have left is tinnitus. But it continues to improve every week. I am confident it will go away- or at least become very minimal. This was by far the worst experience I have ever been through and I’m so grateful it is finally winding down.
Evio83 I’m so glad to hear you are doing better! My prayer was that I could help one person through my experience. It was the worst thing I’ve ever been through and I found very few resources to help or even explain what was happening to me. I held onto another woman’s post that it will get better little by little. Her words, prayers and a dear neighbor helped me get through this long ordeal. My doctor had very little help to offer. I hope you continue to heal. ❤️ T
Warren how long did your tinnitus take to go away? Or did it ever go away? It has gotten so much better in the last month but can still flare up pretty bad at times. It’s one of the last remaining symptoms and I’m just hoping it’s gone soon- or at least not bothersome anymore.
My tinnitus has remained after a year and a half. I’ve read that it is also a side effect of benzodiazepines, which the dr gave me after the steroid shot to help with anxiety ( I never had previously). Thankfully, I tapered off of that as quickly as possible almost a year ago.
During the day when I’m busy I rarely notice the tinnitus. It is loudest when I’m trying to go to sleep. I pray it does subside.
I think another person, barb was also struggling with tinnitus.
God’s blessings, T
Thank you!
I tapered off klonopin 8 months before the steroid. I was in it for years. But I don’t think my tinnitus was from benzodiazepines because it started the day I took the steroid. The Interesting thing about my tinnitus is when it’s quiet I can barely hear it. Sometimes it’s not even there. It’s only when i hear sound that my ears begin to ring. Which has been awful of course. I’ve had to quit working out and change my diet because they can also make it worse. I am just amazed at how powerful an effect one dose of his medication can cause. Like you said- changed my life overnight. I have been to audiologist and PC doc. My hearing is normal. And of course neither of them believe this could be a side effect from a steroid. The next step is to see an ENT but I’m not sure it’s even worth it. The doctors can’t seem to help much and I refuse to take any more medications ever.
The fact that it’s getting better makes me think I just need to be patient and wait it out.
I pray your T subsides as well and thank you for all your help!
From what I’ve read tinnitus can be different for each person. Mine sounds like loud white noise. I try not to think about it and focus on other things. Sometimes it helps just knowing you’re not the only person going through this.
Hi Warren36 and evio83,
I just wanted to let you know that your recent posts have really helped me as I continue to hope that I will one day be myself again. Today is 3 months since the one and only dexamethasone injection that turned my life upside down. I am much better than I was, but still have anxiety that seems to come out of nowhere. some tingling in my hands and feet and mild heart palpitations. My doctor wanted me to take Klonopin short term for the anxiety and then taper off, but I'm 66 and after researching benzos, I'm afraid it will be more of a problem than a help. I try to eat very clean, drink a lot of water and walk everyday. I take thyroid medication, and from what I've read, that means the steroid could take longer to be out of my system. It's hard to be patient, but reading your stories helps me think that one day I'll be over most of this. Thanks for posting your experiences!
Dzorra- I am so glad the posts have helped you. I know when I was in the worst of this I read these posts many times to help me understand this was the side effect of a drug and will go away. I thought I would never be the same again. The damage was so intense! But I am now 5.5 months out from the steroid and almost fully recovered. Even my tinnitus is going away! Some days I barely hear it or it’s completley gone for several hours. Such a relief. I would certainly avoid the benzo. That drug can just open up a whole new can of worms. Your already several months out and things will continue to improve week by week. Just stay strong! Xoxo
I went on a strict diet that was gluten free, dairy free, meat free and sugar free. I walked several times a day to help with the anxiety. I prayed, read Psalms and called upon close friends for support. Stay strong, it will get better. You can get through to the other side, just remember it’s the steroids not you. You did nothing to cause this adverse reaction, but you can get better it just takes time to rid your system of the steroid.
Hi evio83,
You mentioned in a previous post that bad anxiety was one of the side effects you experienced from your steroid injection. Did it gradually go away? It's been about 4 months since my steroid injection and I find that I am feeling less anxious.
Hi everyone ,its post shot almost 3 years ,i still have the tinnitus ,will i ever be the same NO,but i have moved forward,most of the other crazy side effects have now been subsided , weaning off the benzos now its a slow process ,Prayers and thoughts with us all that are bound by this horrible poison that was put into our bodies ,
I have commented previously on this site, but was wondering if anyone is still experiencing side effects months after their injection(s). I had one dexamethasone injection 6 months ago and my side effects have improved, but the anxiety that I thought was over has returned. I had never had anxiety before the shot and have nothing to be anxious about. In an attempt to heal myself after the injection, I drastically changed my diet, but have lost 70 pounds in the 6 months since the
injection and am starting to get concerned. Is anyone still active on this site that has needed 6 months or longer to recover? I would love to hear from you and wish you all the best as your heal from this horrible experience.
Hi dzorra,just saw this ,as far as my thyroid it did screw with it i went to an Endo specialist to help ,there wasnt much anyone could do to help me other than time ,and i have learned alot ,have them check your minerals and vitamins,and try not to stress because stressing makes our immune system go more insane ,If on Facebook" Thyroid Healing Journey "page has taught me alot ,Still tapering off the Benzos,almost done with that ,Prayers LOST IN AZ
Hi Lost in Az,
Thanks for the advice. I have requested to join the Thyroid Healing Journey group on Facebook. I have followed your posts and your 3 year quest to heal from these horrible steroid side effects. I would like to know more about what you've experienced and learned. If you would be open to communication, perhaps on Facebook, please respond to this comment. dzorra
Dzorra, how are you? My constant anxiety and depression lifted at 3 1/2 month mark... but I'm not the same as i developed ptsd. Driving by myself and going to stores by myself makes me feel panicked!! Anyone else experienced this?
I had a cortisone injection in my hand 2 days ago and am very jittery, anxious and just feel generally “yucky”. This is a typical reaction for me with steroids. I can never sleep with prednisone at all and am hoping I don’t have the same problem with this recent injection. Staying away from caffeine and drinking plenty of fluids may help some.
Chest pain and numbness is not typical and I would definitely call your doctor.
I took oral steroids for 5 days for lower back pain. Lost my voice completely for the 5 days, couldn't sleep, felt like my body was trembling constantly. Two months later I got a steroid injection into my back. Lost my voice for 2 weeks, couldn't sleep, had chest pains, started to dehydrate, now have vaginal bleeding. (Have not had a menstrual period in 19 years) I have googled all of these side effects, and yes, they can be caused by steroid injections. The doctor said the injection would give me the side effects that the pills did. Needless to say, I will never take steroids or have steroid injections again! The back pain subsided for about 10 day, but it's back!! I feel like it is just a money making scheme!!
Interesting. I've had injections in both knees twice and have had no side effects. Last injections started wearing off about 10 days ago and I can't wait until I can do it again. My mom, my stepdad, and my brother have all done the injections without any problems. I wonder how common the side effects are.
I have had an absolutely horrific experience with hydrocortisone. I was on Klonopin for 6 years and tapered off completely in February of this year. 8.5 months later I had a dose of hydrocortisone. Complete insanity. Burning nerve sensations throughout my entire body, brutal headaches, inability to concentrate, constant fight or flight anxiety, depression, insomnia, muscle contractions and twitching, vision problems, muscle weakness, and fatigue. I feel at times like I have been electrocuted. Things have gotten so bad I have almost gone to the ER twice in the last 10 days. Rather than go and pumped full of sedatives and pay a hefty ER bill, I have had to resort to taking occasional doses of klonopin again. Only twice so far. It makes me so sad because I had a very difficult time coming off this medication but the steroid side effects are so severe I feel almost like I’d have a seizure. I will only use the klonopin for days it’s an emergency.
I just pray to god this comes to an end soon. For those of you going through this I would absolutely not recommend going onto a benzo medication full time. The withdrawal symptoms from that can be just as horrific as the steroid side effects. Best of luck and prayers to all of you!
I just had the steroid shots in my back for arthritis in my hip joints, having taken oral steroids in the past and having no side effects I did not ever consider side effects with the injection today. Also, I need to add I do have an anxiety problem and take kolonopem and a sleeping pill at night. So after the procedure I started experiencing my usual anxiety symptoms, I thought it was just me. I took one of my pills and it did not help at all. I am dizzy and shaky and can't focus. Since the pill didn't help I started to wonder if the injection had anything to do with it, Thank God I ran into this site! I now know that it is a side effect and now I know how to handle it, but it still sucks. If the injection works I am going to have to weigh out my options, wheelchair or dealing with extra anxiety meaning more medication, unless there is someway to adjust the dose of the injection and still get the relief.
Well just to update. I’m coming up on 6 weeks since the steroid. Although the absolutely insane mind bending symptoms have begun to subside a bit, I am still experiencing symptoms. I have tinnitus mainly in my right ear, heightened anxiety, episodes of depression and hopelessness, and sleep problems. I’m thinking this steroid totally screwed up my adrenal funtioning and HP Axis. I feel like I am in a constant fight or flight. It’s the most uncomfortable experience I have ever had. I have begun taking Ashwaganda to help lower cortisol and and adrenal function. I pray I am not one of the rare cases on here that takes 1-2 years to fully recover. It blows my mind how one dose of this drug can do so much damage.
I had a Cortisone shot in my shoulder about 3 weeks ago and OMG! I feel like my whole body has been put through the wringer! At night my stomach feels like a washing machine, my heart feels like it is going to burst out of my chest, I get dizzy and anxious, some days I don't know how I get through work! I have maybe a couple of days where I feel really good then the side effects come back with a vengeance, how long does this go on for?
Hi Alpha. It’s been about 2.5 months for me and things are much better. I still have some ear sensitivity and tinnitus as well as sleep problems. But most the other symptoms are gone. Hopefully everything is over in the next few weeks.
Thanks Evio, that makes me feel better.
These shots are so horrible. I’ve had problems with insomnia for about 3 years now and it put me in a really dark place for the first year or so. I had worked super hard to finally get into a sleeping routine that was working pretty well for me. This cortisone shot has really set me back and I’m so depressed about it. I’ve just been lying in bed crying for the last couple of hours. Since the shot, I have only been sleeping every other night with the help of a muscle relaxer. It’s 4 am now and I haven’t slept at all tonight. Don’t know how I’m going to get though work tomorrow. Does the insomnia get worse before it gets better, or does it gradually get better each day? I have no idea how I’ll make it through 1-2 months of this hell. I can’t believe doctors don’t warn people of the side effects. Mine just acted like it was no big deal since it’s “localized”. Right...
Evio83,
I was wondering if you could tell me more about the vision issues you experienced. I too may be having shaky vision. When I look at things, sometimes it looks like objects are shaking. In addition, I am also having slight double vision and certain lights look streaky (almost like astigmatism symptoms) although I went to the eye doctor 2 months ago and she mentioned all is fine. But I'm worried it's a brain tumor, MS, etc. I received 2 kenalog injections. 1 in April of 2023 and 1 in Aug of 2023. After the second injection, 3 days later I started experiencing lots of muscle twitching, spasming, feeling like my hands and feet are radiating, numbness in my fingers upon waking up, etc. Any help or advice on the vision issues would be helpful. Thanks!
I love my steroid shots, I get them in both knees every 3 months, I've had them 3 times. I sleep fine, I have a great appetite. They make me feel like superwomen.
Your one of the fortunate ones , but please educate yourself because they are very dangerous , Just the statement you feel like" superwoman" should scare you enough to find a different remedy ,They are not a cure for anything,they should only be used in life and death situations ,Organ Transplants and People with Asthma, I wish you well
I've had the steroid shots before, and they really help the pain but THIS TIME I got the reactions. It's been 4 weeks and I've had most of the symptoms that others have talked about here.
Today, I almost went to the emergency room due to a panic attack with rapid heart rate and high blood pressure. I had emailed my pcp and he said side effects last about 4 - 6 weeks.
I'm going to prepare for knee replacements. I never want to go through this again.
im sorry what your going thru Never again will I ever get this or any injection from any where.Its been over two years for me and I still have side effects Praying for you ,Hang in there
I just had 2 epidural cortisone injections in my L5- S1 and SI joint within 4 weeks. It has now been 6 weeks since my last shot. I am having all the symptoms everyone is sharing on here. Not to mention- hair loss on top of the back and leg pain, no sleep, weight gain, hot flashes, vision problems and nausea. I had a spinal fusion back in October and it did not relieve the nerve pain in my leg I was having. I was told by my PM doctor I had to have these 2 shots if I wanted the pain to go away. Never Again. The side effects are horrible. How long will this last? When I told my doctor about all the side effects he said it is all hormone related... I then told him I felt better after my surgery and before these shots. Now I feel horrible. What are some things people are doing to help with all these side effects? Can you detox your body to get this cortisone out of your system?
Im so sorry ,you just have to ride it out ,Im now almost 3 years post shot ,finally starting to feel where i can function some what normal ,still have anxiety that i never had before but trying to push thru it ,the shot did do permanent damage ,it destroyed my tmj joint and my ear from it pushing my system ,but i have to live with it ,you will get thru it just will take time and dont let anyone ever give you another injection of anything ,
Hi Lost in Arizona,
I hope you are feeling well. I had a dexamethasone injection 4 1/2 months ago, and though better, I still am experiencing side effects. I am hypothyroid and take .50 levothyroxine daily and suspect that the injection has really thrown off my thyroid function, even though my doctor says that my TSH is normal. You said that you have autoimmune issues and I know that complicates the side effects of the steroid. I was wondering if you found anything that helped? I know that you are several years post shot and I would appreciate any advice you have as I continue on this journey. Wishing you and all of us continued improvement.
I have had 3 Cervical spine fusions and 3 Lumbar fusions and 3 Hip surgeries with 1 SI Joint Fusion since 1996..I been having nerve blocks since 1996 and many but here is the point I want to say April 26th 2017 I had a nerve block done on my cervical c6/c7, an trigger point injections an that 1 shot hurt me so bad I thought I was going to die, I stayed wired up for over a month and went to ER twice they calmed me down for a little while but I would always wake up the next day wired and at a full blown rage irritability nervousness shaky which I have had some before but this one something happened I just got the three medical reports of the shot , but it's not broke down on how much ephedrine he put in the shot. so I'm going to look into this a little farther . I was at a full blown rage and could not calm down .That doctor must have put to much of adrenaline _ ephedrine in that shot or something and I will never have another injection again.
Pain or not them shots side effects ain't worth it no more cause it did not help the pain at all. I keep a spinal head ache all the time. I just wanted to leave my two cents in this is the first time I've ever commented on anything like this before so because I have had so many surgeries I just thought I would let some of my problems out and see if anybody can relate to it I hope I've helped you some
I am so sorry for everyone's horrible reactions to steroids, but I feel better knowing that I am not alone in my reactions and that I don't have some terrible illness that is making me feel this way. I have had steroid shots many times in the past for chronic allergy/sinus problems but I have always been careful to not get more than 1 or 2 a year. About a year ago, I started having worse sinus problems so I have had more shots closer together than before. I have always reacted badly to the shots having bad redness, flushing and itching plus the hyperactive, racing heart and sleep disturbances but I have managed to live through these before. I have bad neck problems that cause pain in my neck, shoulders and arms. My Ortho doctor gives me injections for the neck but without the steroids. About 4 months ago, I was having bad pain so she gave me injections and stupid me didn't think to say remember no steroids.
The next day I was red as a beet and all the other steroid side effects. That is when I realized my mistake of forgetting to say no steroids. I haven't felt right since those shots, but to add to my problems, my sinsuses, ears and throat got really bad and nothing I did was making them better so I went to the doctor and he said that since it had been 4 months since my neck injections that a steroid shot shouldn't cause me a problem. I have had awful reactions to this shot. I don't know what the answer is for my allergy and sinus problems but I will have to find something besides steroids and I won't forget again to say no steroids in the shots for my neck. The interesting thing is the neck shots work just as well without the steroids. I will try some of the suggestions that many of you have offered to help me get through this. I have lived long enough to know that the way to get through something is to keep moving forward until you walk your way out of it and lots and lots of praying for strength.
wonder how many doctors have bothered to investigate patients complaints of side effects following steroid injections and being honest enough to inform the patient before and helping after if necessary instead of saying "oh the side effects will get better "
In any case I did find that going to a gym for a one hour steam was fantastic in stopping the sweating and helped with a lot of the side effects that all of us who has had the steriod injection seems to be having .
If anyone has tried the steam would be interested in knowing if it helped
Related topics
side effect, injection, nervous
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.