Best to avoid if you can weakens your bones any type of steroid it is ok once every couple of years but not regularly. I get cortisone injections but only as a last resort if the pain lasts more than 4 to 5 weeks in one place then I would get gp to give me an injection. Fibro pain usually moves around never in one place too long unless you have other underlying health problems.

Just tell the dr or nurse that you are afraid and want them to tell you everything they are going to do before they do it. That is what happened to me and it did help to relax me.

I've had three to my low back ( lumbar and SI joint ) and one to my hip. I didn't notice any huge difference with helping with pain.

Try to relax about it. It is slightly uncomfortable but they start numbing the area with Lidocaine. Find the most comfortable position. Sometimes a pillow under the lower legs help. You want to remain still so they don't have to stick you more than once. The worst part is when the steroid goes in there is intense pressure. If you are really sore, after the epidural use ice packs to the area.

I had three injections total in each shoulder before I finally had my surgery (two years wait list in my province in Canada). I was diagnosed with diabetes not long after. What shocked me was a diabetic nurse that I seen at a diabetic clinic told me it was likely the steroid treatment that triggered the diabetes. So if you have any family members that where diabetic and you are at risk be careful as it can trigger it. I don't know if the general public are at high risk like I was as it does run in my family. Also my shoulders are weak and my strength has never returned. We are all different though and I don't want to scare you but talk to your doctor about the pro's and con's. Living in agony day after day is no picnic either. Sometimes we have to weight out the risks with the benefits.