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Are Cortisone Shots Safe To Take For Costochondritis?
Question: I had a double by pass CABG in XXXXXXX 2015. I have been told that I have costochondritis and I am scheduled to see a pain management DR for cortisone shots. (No NSAID or Celebrex due to the CABG),
Any potential problem here?
Any potential problem here?
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXX!
Welcome on HCM!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that if properly used cortisone shots are safe in a cardiac patient (such as in your case after a CABG).
Potential side effects depend mostly from the accuracy of application and the duration of cortisone shots application.
Such adverse effects may be:
- thinning of the skin and soft tissue around the injection site,
- potential bone damages (osteonecrosis, osteoporosis),
- discoloration of the skin around the injection site,
- possible joint infection,
- possible nerve damage (if not properly applied), etc.
Also, other possible effects may be;
- indigestion,
- insomnia,
- diabetes mellitus,
- hirsutism, etc.
But, if correctly applied, it is safe and could be beneficial in relieving your actual complaints.
Hope to have been helpful!
In case of any further uncertainties, feel free to ask me again!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXX!
Welcome on HCM!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that if properly used cortisone shots are safe in a cardiac patient (such as in your case after a CABG).
Potential side effects depend mostly from the accuracy of application and the duration of cortisone shots application.
Such adverse effects may be:
- thinning of the skin and soft tissue around the injection site,
- potential bone damages (osteonecrosis, osteoporosis),
- discoloration of the skin around the injection site,
- possible joint infection,
- possible nerve damage (if not properly applied), etc.
Also, other possible effects may be;
- indigestion,
- insomnia,
- diabetes mellitus,
- hirsutism, etc.
But, if correctly applied, it is safe and could be beneficial in relieving your actual complaints.
Hope to have been helpful!
In case of any further uncertainties, feel free to ask me again!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
What you did not tell me was the shots could raise my blood pressure and lower my pulse. BP shoot up to 183/99 and pulse dropped down to 48. It s back under control now but??????
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again dear XXXXX!
I am sorry to hear that.
It is true that steroids can raise your blood pressure. But also NSAID can do this in hypertensive persons.
There are other several factors that can contribute in this clinical situation:
1- uncontrolled high blood pressure
2- pain and inflammation
3- anxiety
4- other comorbidities (such as thyroid dysfunction, kidney or liver dysfunction, diabetes, etc.).
Do you suffer from hypertension? What are your mean blood pressure values?
I would recommend performing further tests to exclude possible secondary causes of high blood pressure:
- fasting glucose
- blood electrolytes
- kidney and liver function tests
- thyroid hormone levels
- blood lipid profile
- inflammation tests (PCR, sedimentation rate).
I would recommend you to closely monitor your blood pressure during the day, because these episodes of high blood pressure can possibly indicate uncontrolled high blood pressure. If such is confirmed (blood pressure above the normal ranges 130/85mm Hg frequently during the day), you should discuss with your doctor on the possibility of starting anti-hypertensive therapy or making some changes to your actual therapy (if you are already taking anti-hypertensive drugs).
Meanwhile, I would recommend making some modifications to your diet (avoid salt and caffeine intake) in order to help you manage better you blood pressure.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again dear XXXXX!
I am sorry to hear that.
It is true that steroids can raise your blood pressure. But also NSAID can do this in hypertensive persons.
There are other several factors that can contribute in this clinical situation:
1- uncontrolled high blood pressure
2- pain and inflammation
3- anxiety
4- other comorbidities (such as thyroid dysfunction, kidney or liver dysfunction, diabetes, etc.).
Do you suffer from hypertension? What are your mean blood pressure values?
I would recommend performing further tests to exclude possible secondary causes of high blood pressure:
- fasting glucose
- blood electrolytes
- kidney and liver function tests
- thyroid hormone levels
- blood lipid profile
- inflammation tests (PCR, sedimentation rate).
I would recommend you to closely monitor your blood pressure during the day, because these episodes of high blood pressure can possibly indicate uncontrolled high blood pressure. If such is confirmed (blood pressure above the normal ranges 130/85mm Hg frequently during the day), you should discuss with your doctor on the possibility of starting anti-hypertensive therapy or making some changes to your actual therapy (if you are already taking anti-hypertensive drugs).
Meanwhile, I would recommend making some modifications to your diet (avoid salt and caffeine intake) in order to help you manage better you blood pressure.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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