Cortisone shot in lymphadema arm...is this a bad idea?

amanda6

i have a lymphadema flare going on, first in 10 years, & it has caused a compressed ulnar nerve in my elbow. Actually not sure which came first - the nerve thing or the lymphadema - anyway it has become very painful. I I saw an orthopedic surgeon today & he suggested a cortisone shot for relief - I'd love relief, but this seems scary to me. I'm currently being treated by a clt & the elbow swelling is lessening, but it's stubborn. I can't take nsaids because of heart meds I take.

Does anyone have experience with this or something similar? Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated!

SpecialK

Can you speak to your therapist and ask their opinion? I did not need a cortisone shot in my LE arm but have had two skin cancer removals on the upper arm - one near the shoulder that was approx a two inch wide excision, and later had another similar size MOHS surgery for a recurrent infiltrating cancer on the part of the bicep area you would see in the mirror facing forward. Fairly deep tissue removal of about a square inch for both of those. I had a sensation of arm irritation for a day or two and could not use my pump or wear a sleeve, but no worsening of my decently well controlled lymphedema. I have also had a crushing injury - the hood of my SUV closed suddenly on my hand - and it did not cause me any long term problems either. I have had b-lateral lymphedema for almost ten years with several flares during that time.Of course, I am a study of one, and what holds true for me might not for you, but I sure hope you can get some pain relief without exacerbating your lymphedema. Good luck!

ShetlandPony

How much does this orthopedic surgeon understand about lymphedema? I hope he does not have tunnel vision in his own specialty. I agree with SpecialK that your lymphedema specialist needs to weigh in here. Can you get those two to discuss your case by phone?

amanda6

thanks for your replies...I will see my therapist today & run it by her. The suggestion of having the 2 confer is a good one. My impression was that the doc had a decent knowledge of lymphedema & was a pretty open guy. I'll let you know where this goes, much appreciated .

LivinLife

I am just finishing P.T. for tennis elbow. Your condition may be different though I was told to avoid cortisone shots for this condition as much as possible and that wasn't about lymphedema. P.T. made the difference for me though it took a while. since you have some concern due to lymphedema maybe check with one of your docs about trying P.T. first and see if that helps. A cortisone shot could always be an option later. I suppose P.T. may be a risk factor too tho?

amanda6

thanks Livin, that's helpful info. Saw my clt today ( she's also a physical therapist ) & she doesn't like the idea of a cortisone shot. She thinks my stiff shoulder is contributing to the pain & taught me some exercises - they do seem to help. I see the orthopedic guy on Mon & the clt again on Tue. I have a lot of confidence in my therapist, she's really good, so we'll see where this goes...thanks again for your input:).

Rah2464

I try to avoid needle sticks in my bad side as much as possible (for example flu shot etc). But I do have acupuncture on that arm routinely. So it is a toss up. Amanda6 I think you are wise to pursue all other avenues of assistance first and then go to the cortisone shot as a last resort. My MO explained to me that the main risk with a needle is infection from the puncture not a nerve response that leads to swelling. Is that anyone else's understanding?

amanda6

Thanks Ky, interesting, do you do the acupuncture for your lymphedema? I have a lot to learn about lymphedema, there seems to be a fair amount of conflicting info out there about it. I was assuming that the injection would "confuse" the lymph system rather than the stick being a possible entry for infection... I'm going to run that by my therapist.

Rah2464

Amanda I do the acupuncture for my hot flashes which are legion ha I go about every 3 weeks.

MinusTwo

Amanda - conflicting is an understatement. Not to mention that most docs only have about 15 minutes education on LE during their entire medical school years (from Stanford). Doesn't look like anyone posted this very valuable link yet on this thread. Such good information.

Good luck with your decision

https://www.stepup-speakout.org/

amanda6

Thanks for that link minus, it's a great resource!