Cortisone shot advice

I know that there are threads on here already about shoulder injury and Cortisone shots but I don't have time to look for them. I have decided to get a Cortisone shot this week for bicep tendonitis. My question is: Can I swim then? My fear is that if I do I might tear it and do further damage. However, I am also thinking that if the shot works, the inflammation will go down and I won't hurt it. Any advice and/or experience is appreciated. :agree:

Former Member over 14 years ago

Thanks everybody. All helpful advice. My hubby mentioned that these shots are painful. I guess I'll shoot for getting back in the water next Monday as I'm supposed to get the shot this week. Depends on the skill of the doctor. I've had 2 injections--2 different doctors. Both are ortho-pods and well experienced. No pain from either one but the injection is "front-loaded" with a local anesthetic to help insure that they got the right "spot".
Karen Duggan over 14 years ago

Thanks Dad. :bighug:
__steve__ over 14 years ago

I would definately bring up what Mr Abrahams mentioned about the tendon attachment health to your Md since the bicep is involved with alot of stuff. I had a shot for golfers elbow which is more superficial than that. But anyway, it's been 4 weeks and turns out to be definate fix thus far. The procedure was painless (just a sting) and quick. The doctor first freezed the area with a liquid, delivered the Rx, and was done in 15 seconds. It had a dull sting that disappeared by the end of the day and left a bruise. Good luck
orca1946 over 14 years ago

Let us know how it turns out !:blah::blah::blah:
Karen Duggan over 14 years ago

Got an e-mail today, the shot is scheduled for next Wed. That's the first day we can move into the new house. Figures.
Celestial over 14 years ago

You won't be able to lift your arm for several hours after getting that injection, let me tell you - I could barely lift my fork about 4-5 hours after mine - but it saved me from shoulder surgery as I healed up nicely! Also remember that a lot of steroids such as cortisone shots, prednisone etc., can lead to osteoporosis - not just muscle wasting!
Karen Duggan over 14 years ago

Thanks again :agree: Cokie, now we just need to get that back of yours taken care of!
orca1946 over 14 years ago

I don't think your arm will be as bad as others say, I could be wrong on this , maybe, I hope not !
Rich Abrahams over 14 years ago

I never experienced any pain during or after the shot.
Former Member over 14 years ago

Mrs. Duggan, My last cortisone shot was well over 30 years ago. It was the most painfull injection I have ever had. The bore of the needle matched my pupils when I saw it. The pain I experienced wasn't from the girth of the needle, it was from the healing medicine. It worked like magic.