Quote:
> Thanks to all who provided experience and ideas for the old elbow. I
> have tried many of the ideas but have not laid off the tennis, and still
> have pretty bad pain. The Dr. said that a cortisone shot in the joint
> was the next thing to try, and I'm about ready to give that a go. I am
> making the wild assumption that the shot will not be a picnic, so are
> there any opinions as to its probable effectiveness?
I hate to tell you this, but I've been suffering from lateral
epicondylitis for about 18 months. I injured the elbow dumping a heavy
recycling barrel. I managed the pain with ice and NSAIDs. I don't play
tennis, but computer work (especially using a mouse) aggravates the
elbow. I had some success with the tennis elbow bands, but physical
therapy and deep massage were worthless. About 6 months ago, I re-injured
the elbow (picking up a thermos the wrong way) and started on naprosyn.
About 3 weeks after starting the naprosyn, my system rebelled and I ended
up in the emergency room 3 times with an anaphylactic reaction (hives,
swollen throat, etc.) That ended that. I can't take aspirin or NSAIDs
again. It's really impacted my life. About 3 weeks after I developed the
allergy, the elbow went ballistic. I went to an orthopedic surgeon and
had a cortisone shot. The shot iself is uncomfortable, but not
unbearable. It feels like the doc is pumping cement into the joint. If
you have the shot, follow the doctors advice and DON'T OVERWORK THE
ELBOW!!! You can do lots of damage.
The cortisone shot provided relief by the next day (after the trauma wore
off.) It was heaven for about 3 weeks, then the pain returned. I've had 2
more shots and have reached the point of desperation. I've consulted with
2 physicians and I've decided to have surgery on the elbow in about 3
weeks. I hate to do it, but there's not much else I can do. It's as bad
now as it ever was. It hurts all the time now, not just when I use the
arm.
You probably won't have nearly as much trouble as I've had. I had a
cortisone shot several years ago for tendonitis in my left elbow (I was a
waitress then), and never had any more trouble with it. It could be the
same for you.
I'm concerned that you said you didn't lay off tennis. If you injured
your elbow that way to begin with, you're probably still injuring it.
Take it from me, rest that arm until the pain is *gone*. It's been 18
months of aggravation for me and now I'm looking at surgery, being out of
work for a month (thank heavens I have generous sick leave), and 2
months of physical therapy to look forward to. If I thought I had any
other options, believe me, I'd do it. Don't let youself get into the same
condition!
I'll get off my soapbox now. I wish you good luck!
Diane Alexander
Tennis Elbow Revisited