Today I had cortisone shots for hip bursitis at the hospital. The doctor first palpated my thigh for sore spots then he used ultrasound as a guide to target the bursa inflammation.

I am so used to being in pain that when it abated a bit in my hip I almost cancelled the appointment.

I hope this treatment helps and it wasn't a mistake to have the shots. The doctor also recommended using a knee scooter instead of crutches to protect my hip. Sigh. I am trying to weight bear on my right foot, if I use a knee walker I won't be doing much weight bearing, maybe there is a solution.

Doctor also prescribed norotryptyline at 10mg, explaining that it is an older cheaper drug that we have to try first to satisfy the insurance company.

I think this doctor is not bad. He is not warm and cuddly, but this is not important to me. He listens. When I told him that 1200 mgs of neurontin makes me sluggish in the daytime, he did not try to convince me to take more. And he told me that my hip problems were not uncommon in sufferers who have CRPS is in their lower extremities. He also read my PT reports. Wow.

Hi Bio,
It sounds like you found a good doc. That's so important to be listened to and really try to help.
As for me I got my good hand crushed a bit by having a boulder I was trying to move rolled on it. Maybe rolling it uphill wasn't a good idea.
So for the time I'm almost completely useless like when I was in the nursing home. Yucko.
Well take care and best of luck to ya...

BB,

So glad you had a good doctor experience. I agree they don't have to be warm and cuddly. What matters is that they listen and know what they are doing. I hope the shot brings you some relief. An inflamed bursa is no fun. Crutches will jack you up for sure.




Russ,

You are not useless. I am glad you didn't squash your calabash instead of your hand. It sucks when we realize we no longer have the superpowers to move boulders...

Hi BioBased

Welcome to the bursitis club.
Was told by my rheumatologist 3 weeks ago I had same in my right hip. I was offered a steroid injection but chose for now to try and work it out with physio exercise. I'm slightly more mobile than you at present but figure part of the reason it developed was because of an existing meniscal tear in my left knee (18 mths ago) - I think my right hip finally had enough of supporting weight my damaged knee couldn't and decided to protest. I'm also on a maintenance dose of hydrocortisone for auto-immune condition which helps with pain relief. Will keep the steroid shot in reserve for back-up if I deteriorate (also have OA) The rheumy also told me hip bursitis is fairly common - he sees about 10-11 new ones each week.

Cortisone is probably the right choice for you at the moment - it'll relieve pain sufficiently to help keep you mobile and also help with sleep. Hip bursitis is notorious for early morning wake-up calls. Did the doctor give you any indication of how long to expect the cortisone to be effective? I had a shot in my knee back when it happened and it lasted about 3 mths.

Sorry to hear your CRPS could be an on-going factor in affecting your hips. The doctor sounds like a good one (like my rheumy) - is he one you can hang on to or was it just an ED visit?

All the best for healing.

I thank you for your kind words. You're right, it sucks to realize you can't do the things you used to do. But I can't wait till tomorrow cause I get better looking everyday...

I have CRPS (mostly) in my rt arm, with spread to my legs, jaw, other arm, at various times. But I've had the hip issues for years. It showed up in my bone scan, I thought?

Finding the right bed can be a big help. I have a combo traditional/foam with a big cushion of fluff on top. A regular spring mattress is torture!

Lit Love,

A good mattress is hard to find. You are fortunate!

My sister recently bought a huge body pillow that is supposed to help with all sorts of body aches. The thought of being entangled in it when I have to get up quickly lol, if getting up quickly is even possible , or trying to deal with a massive pillow when I make the bed , is the stuff of comedy.

Wow he read your PT reports?! Who is this guy and can I see him too haha

I have had hip bursitis for a few years on account of my holy-crap-go-get-the-interns level flat feet. For me, ultrasound treatment was like a miracle. It helps so much and it has stayed away since (except for a tiny tiny flare when I tried lyrica). I hope it works as well for you as it did for me!!!

I have been a zombie all day, not sure if it is from the shots or from the addition of norotryptyline.

Hi Biobased
Probably the Norotryptiline - be careful if you have to drive.