My last appointment with my PM doc was nearly two months ago, my next one is coming up Monday morning. At my last appointment we set me up for a SGB (a useless waste of time, money, and neck-stabbing uncomfortableness) and PT. I'm probably about halfway through the amount of PT appointments my insurance will pay for, and I can't be entirely sure it's helping but it doesn't seem to be hurting so I keep going.

Anyway, at that last appointment the doctor told me that on top of everything else he thinks I also have bursitis in my left shoulder. My CRPS is in my left side only, from my lower back all the way down through my whole leg and foot and in my entire arm and hand, up through my shoulder, neck, face and head. He told me that he recommends a cortisone injection because of the amount and type of pain I'm having in my shoulder. (As if I wouldn't already be in pain anyway derp derp doc.) I declined at the time, although he was happy to do it right then.

Here's the thing. I'm A: scared to death of needles. (I had to be sedated for my block or I would have had a panic attack.) I can barely tolerate having my blood drawn or an IV. And B: it just seemed at the time to be counter-intuitive to let someone stab me in my CRPS arm. I don't let people put IVs in that arm, take my blood pressure, etc. I don't even let my husband touch me. But the doc wants to freaking STAB ME IN MY JOINT?! Is there any evidence to back up how completely stupid that idea is or am I just paranoid because... needles?

I can't afford mistakes either. I have, somehow, managed to start my own business (sewing, sort of) this year. Which is a miracle. And while I have slowly been losing a lot of the strength and fine motor function in my left hand, I can do okay without that. But if I lost any of the gross movement of my arm, I'd be hosed.

Hi Adalaide!

I am guessing that you've had your appt already? I'm not sure how much I help I'll be but perhaps the injection would help this area in your shoulder. Boy do I get the not liking needles. I too did a round of SGB and I've had some blow back from it too. Although I did LSB and no problems at all. Crazy. I need to try another injection (nerve root) but haven't been able to bring myself to do it yet. I totally get what your saying. I think it comes down to how much pain you're in and what you're willing to try to relieve it.. maybe? But in your last statement of not being able to afford a mistake... There are risks with any procedure, but imo cortisone injection seems like it would be a lower risk than some others like the SGB.

Just my two cents hon. I think it's such a personal choice. Let us know what you decided to do.

Hi Adalaide, sorry you are suffering. And, you rock starting a new business while living and coping with CRPS!! So, here's my two cents: you said "he thinks" you might have bursitis......how is the diagnisis made? I would want a definitive diagnosis first and foremost. What type of Doc is s/he? Is bursitis diagnosis and treatment a routine part of his practice? Are there other treatment options? Physical therapy, aqua therapy, ultrasound treatment, oral steroids? I don't know. Just thinking aloud. I completely understand your hesitancy about the injections. Let us know how you do. ~Lottie