Cortisone side effect!?!

Inazpeanut · 01-26-2013, 06:19

You could have knocked me over with a feather tonight. I hurt my knee the day after Christmas, and, after 3 weeks of physical therapy, not only did it not get better, it got worse. The orthopedic decided that cortisone injections would be beneficial. So, after draining fluid from my knee, he gave me 2 injections in my knee. As he was prepping me, he casually asked if I was diabetic. When I said yes, he said to watch my blood sugar because the shot would make it go higher for a week. And then he asked if I had a meter (DUH!) and if so, check twice a day. He made it seem like a small rise. Anyway, I checked it at bedtime tonight and it was 351!! I have never had one that high. Not even remotely close. No wonder I fell dead asleep before dinner. Not going to do this ever again. I shutter to think of the affect on my A1C after 1 week of this. My question is what experience has anyone had with this? How high were your numbers and for how long? And, with numbers like this, were symptoms (like thirst) exacerbated? Oh, and I am not currently on insulin or oral medicines. Some side effect! He made it seem very minor. I am not a happy camper.

David Burke · 01-26-2013, 07:18

I haven't had a cort injection but I have had a couple steroid packs and keno log shots. I was actually told not to test as my numbers could possibly be sky high but that would last less than week.

As far as effect on a1c, I would think the increase in BG would have a minimal impact, depending on how far off your next draw is scheduled for. If its a couple weeks out it will probably raise it. If you're looking at a couple months, you may only see a slight increase.

Also remember that the steroids can interfere with the ability of some meters to properly read glucose so the increases may be false readings. At least that's how my doc explained it...so some salt may be needed with that advice.

Sent from my iPhone

grammaB · 01-26-2013, 08:31

I just went through two rounds of steroid shots in my lower back for spinal stenosis. Both sets raised my bg #s a good 30 points for about 4 days then it gradually came down to normal in about a week. My highest number was 148 which is very high for me, but nothing like 351!! What are your numbers normally like? A few days high shouldn't make a big difference in your A1c if you are well controlled. I had my first shots about a week before blood tests, my A1c was fine (5%) but my trigs went through the roof (which is another thing steroids can affect). As far as future injections, I guess you have to weigh if the relief from pain is worth the temporary raise in bg.

MCS · 01-26-2013, 12:27

If you all get a chance google biopuncture, highly effective and no I'll effects on your BG level. My wife has had numerous shots in both knees, and back of her head or uppe neck area.

fenix92 · 01-26-2013, 12:55

I have to take cortisone injections from time to time in various joints and it's different every time regarding the effect on your bg-levels. It usually wears of after 3-4 days. Since I have bolus insulin to counteract it with I have no big problems but it must be tough for you. Do what you can to get your numbers down, lots of water and exercise. I've no knowledge whatsoever when it comes to oral meds. Any type 2s who know if it would help to up the dose for a couple of days?

Inazpeanut · 01-27-2013, 07:38

Boy, thanks for reassuring me that these highs won't last too long! I was worried. I do have an A1C in 2 weeks, so here's hoping these highs won't distort it much. GrammaB, my numbers are usually well-controlled, but the holidays were tough, so i have to add that to the A1C mix. My fasting this morning was 178--about 50 over normal. I got to tell you the side effects of this shot, in addition to the increase in BG, made me decide definitely not to do it again. MCS, I will check out bio puncture if this other problem persists. Thanks again to all.

02-13-2013, 22:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inazpeanut

Boy, thanks for reassuring me that these highs won't last too long! I was worried. I do have an A1C in 2 weeks, so here's hoping these highs won't distort it much. GrammaB, my numbers are usually well-controlled, but the holidays were tough, so i have to add that to the A1C mix. My fasting this morning was 178--about 50 over normal. I got to tell you the side effects of this shot, in addition to the increase in BG, made me decide definitely not to do it again. MCS, I will check out bio puncture if this other problem persists. Thanks again to all.

I have to go on steroids both oral and injections and my lovely 5.8 soared to 28.7 after a couple of days, unfortunately that has got to be my was of life now as its to help with breathing. I am controlling it by increase of insulin this last 8 days have not been to bad but today 27.5 earlier and still climbing but the cdn has given me the go ahead to take what I think or phone her if need be.Best to ask diabetic nurse what to do if its going to be regular occurance

Inazpeanut · 04-16-2013, 07:24

Well, the doc FINALLY ordered an MRI on my knee, after 4 months. Guess what? I DID tear my meniscus, like I told him, so now I have to have surgery. At least I don't have to get another cortisone injection.

Shanny · 04-16-2013, 08:05

Don't you just feel like whacking him upside the head? All these months - you coulda had the surgery & been healed up by now if he'd only done his job in the first place. Criminy! ((((Inazpeanut))))

Inazpeanut · 04-16-2013, 08:51

Um, yes! The best part was when he asked ME if WE had ordered an MRI. Funny, I don't remember going to medical school.... And it sure would have been better to do this in the winter since I am heading into my busy season at work. Not much time to recuperate. Sigh. Thanks for the hug.