Kenalog Injections
What wonder is this? The idea of getting multiple injections into my knee was a scary thought for sure but I needed to do something. So, I booked an appointment (after a good talk with my dad who had a similar injection in his knee for his osteoarthritis). I was so nervous as the doctor showed me the needles. My husband was at work so my dad offered to accompany me to my doctor visit. So there I was, teary eyed as my dad held my hand. The doctor disinfected the knee area and then applied a very cold spray to numb the sight a bit. But when those needles sunk into my knee...I'm not going to lie...there was a brief moment of intense pressure/pain. Three injections...one right after the other. I felt like a little scared kid getting her vaccines...yup, that was me! I know for some it's a breeze, but call me a scaredy cat...whatever. It happened.
The good thing is that about a week later, I felt less pain in my knee. I slept better. I started going up and down the stairs (still slow but didn't rely on the rail too much anymore). This was a miracle in of itself! I was getting up and off a chair without much assistance. And I could go to the bathroom without having to call my husband to help lift me up anymore (SO THANKFUL FOR THAT!!!) Yes, it was THAT bad! I think I just shared too much. Oh well. I regained some of my independence. It was nice to go out for a walk with my kids again. We even did Disneyland (I still needed some rest every now and then, but before I could barely walk for 1/2 hour). In a nutshell, my knee felt much better. Four months later, my knee is still doing good. I don't overdo it as to be considerate to my knee. I'll feel a pinch as a reminder to take it easy. It'll be fine if I don't agitate it too much. I'll do household chores to keep my knee busy.
All the while, my wrists have been hurting for as long as my knee was hurting. I didn't get the Kenalog injections in the wrists because the doctor wanted to see if the next infusion would help the wrists. But my wrists have crossed the point of no return, even after the infusion. I waited as long as I could. So even though my knee was doing great, my wrists were asking for attention...the pain sure got my attention. Mind you, I should have done this at the same time I did the knee. I regret that.
But anyway, I got my wrists injected with Kenalog a month ago. Wrists are a bit trickier. The injection could only be done on the top of the middle of my wrist, but the pain was on the sides of the wrist. The doctor said that it'll distribute from the middle. I'd say at this point that 50% of the pain has subsided but my wrists remain fragile. I can't lift heavy items or make certain movements because that will certainly make me sing out like an opera singer. I'll see stars. ★☆★☆ My wrists are a work in progress. This is why I decided to turn up the healthy eating, vitamins, and "exercise". Exercise meaning just doing simple movements to keep my joints in motion like walking and using my body's own resistance as "weights".
Side effects? As for me (and I'm only speaking for myself), the side effects I noticed was that I had itchy palms after my wrist injections. As far as any changes in my blood tests, I noticed that my cholesterol went up substantially, BUT that may be from my Simponi infusions as well. So I'm not sure which of the two caused my cholesterol to rise so high, the infusions or the Kenalog injections. But in comparison to the amount of pain I was in, I'd do it again. At this point, I'm trying to eat better to lower this cholesterol as well.
My rhuematologist initially told me that the Kenalog injection would only last a month or two, but so far I'm going on 5 months strong with my knee. My wrists might need a boost in a couple months but I'll wait and see if I need to. Based on my experience, I'd say that Kenalog injections are worth a "shot". Go ahead and share your experience with Kenalog shots, I'd love to hear from you all! Till then folks!!!!
