My name is Gutless Wonder.
I don't like needles. For almost a year in Chicago I used to have to prick my fingers to draw blood when I was being coached to watch my glucose. I think I watch my pre-diabetic health just so I won't have to do this on a regular basis forever.
When my health manager, Kathy told me I should get the cortisone shot for my shoulder, I balked. I tried to convince her that I didn't need it.
When I asked my Zumba buddies if it hurt, several had gotten the shot and said, "YES! Of course it hurt!"
I decided to ask Bert, my physical therapist. Since I'm getting physical therapy I held out the hope that he would tell me I wasn't bad enough to need it.
"Get it," he said. "It will help the bursitis inflammation."
"But will it hurt?" I asked.
"Yes," he said. "But you'll feel much better in a day or so."
Sigh...
I phoned the hospital to schedule the shot this morning. They'd called a couple of days ago when I wasn't home to schedule an appointment and I hadn't called them back. When you pronounce my name the emphasis should be on Gutless.
The receptionist told me that I wouldn't be able to get the shot until I was evaluated by the orthopedic doctor and the earliest appointment for just the evaluation was in June.
Awwwww...
And you know what? He might say I don't need the shot. Right?
I don't like needles. For almost a year in Chicago I used to have to prick my fingers to draw blood when I was being coached to watch my glucose. I think I watch my pre-diabetic health just so I won't have to do this on a regular basis forever.
When my health manager, Kathy told me I should get the cortisone shot for my shoulder, I balked. I tried to convince her that I didn't need it.
When I asked my Zumba buddies if it hurt, several had gotten the shot and said, "YES! Of course it hurt!"
"Get it," he said. "It will help the bursitis inflammation."
"But will it hurt?" I asked.
"Yes," he said. "But you'll feel much better in a day or so."
Sigh...
I phoned the hospital to schedule the shot this morning. They'd called a couple of days ago when I wasn't home to schedule an appointment and I hadn't called them back. When you pronounce my name the emphasis should be on Gutless.
The receptionist told me that I wouldn't be able to get the shot until I was evaluated by the orthopedic doctor and the earliest appointment for just the evaluation was in June.
Awwwww...
And you know what? He might say I don't need the shot. Right?
When my mother had a cortisone shot in her shoulder many, many years ago, she passed out. When Ken had the same shot a few years ago, he said it wasn't bad at all (and I've always suspected he has a very low tolerance for pain), so I guess it's a crap shoot, or it depends on the finesse of the needle-giver. I figure I can tolerate any pain for a second or two if it helps in the long run. That doesn't mean I'm brave; it just means I try to look at the big picture.
ReplyDeleteFainted? Yikes!!!
DeleteI have never feared needles until I had to have shots for trigger finger. Now that my trigger finger is back I am doing everything I can to work it out before resorting to those shots again. You have my total sympathy. AGW (Another Gutless Wonder)
ReplyDeleteMy brother had those shots for his trigger thumb and he did say it was no fun. Then he had an operation and it works wonderfully now.
DeleteNobody enjoys shots, I don't think. But the relief from pain can be a big motivator. Now you'll have to wait to see how bad it really is, Kay. :-)
ReplyDeleteWell at least you have no fears of becoming a junkie. A quickie pain to relieve a long term pain is worth it. Maybe they could give you a pain pill before you get the shot. I agree with Jean. The shot giver has a lot to do with it.
ReplyDeletegrowing older isn't for sissies...lol!
ReplyDeleteI''m with you. I hate shots, too. However, there is something worse: an IV. It's like having a shot that last a longggggggg time. I drive nurses crazy demanding to know how long I have to have the dang thing in and watch the clock to make sure that it isn't in a second longer that it needs to be. That said, I play fair: I warn the nurses in advance. Shots at least only take a minute or so. IVs can take seemingly forever.
ReplyDeleteI hate IVs because it's on the back of your hand. Youch!
DeleteI wish you could have gotten the shot right away and gotten it over with....but I guess you can keep hoping that you won't need it.
ReplyDeleteEveryone I know that's had a cortisone shot has been glad they did.
ReplyDeleteThis is very good to know. Thank you. Sigh...
DeleteI've heard there is some kind of ointment you can apply so that you don't feel the pain of the shot.
ReplyDeleteHi Kay! Can't you get a sedation? Last week I had an endoscopy which was sheer hell, if I have to undergo this a second time, I'll ask for a sedation.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. Yes it was marvellous that Princess Masako could join her husband and be in Amsterdam. They are friends of our royals. I hope she will be well soon.
The cure is often worse than the illness but if it does the job, go for it - but as you say, you may be told you don't need it:-)
DeleteSedation? I really don't think so. Besides I think what hurts the most is after the shot... at least that's what I've heard.
DeleteKay -- Make sure NP Kathy knows you were told about the alleged need for the ortho doc eval. It may not be needed, since somebody (NP Kathy?) had to order the shot.
ReplyDeleteYes, the person giving you the shot needs access to your xrays and MRI.
Sorry your buddies are saying the shoulder shot will hurt a bit. Guess knees aren't so sensitive. My mom had some shoulder shots and didn't mention it hurting and she was a wimp.
Wine or sake before the appointment will be good for you, as long as you aren't driving.
DrumMajor
Yes, it was my Super Kathy, but I'm perfectly happy to get that evaluation from the ortho doc. Perrrrfectly happy.
DeleteSake won't work for me since I really don't much like that stuff.
Wrong. I wounldn't count on it. I hate you're having to go through this.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get good results from your visit with the orthopedist and, if necessary, the shot!
ReplyDeleteI have to remember the wine (sake bleh) trick when I face an intimidating obstacle which is often. I'm the greatest gutless wimp.
ReplyDeleteWhen asked if I wanted a steroid shot for my bursitis, I told the doctor no. She didn't force the issue. I don't have chronic pain in the same area. In fact everyday I wake up I never know where the pain or weakness will be. I always thought those shots were optional.
L...w
The shot is optional. I can say no, but Kathy felt I should get it.
DeleteThey just love giving those shots. I keep refusing, but I'm getting closer.
ReplyDeleteCortisone masks the symptoms but does not get really rid of the inflammation. On the other hand, cortisone helps prevent tissue damage. Hobson's choice.
ReplyDeleteThese days I just do what the doc says.
Although the Sciatica in my right hip is killing me, I don't want to go the shot route. It does hurt...a lot. Besides, the shots don't always work. David's shots have failed to alleviate his pain. After a while, I suppose nothing helps pain.
ReplyDeleteI have tried to lose weight is to postpone as long as possible the dreaded disease of Diabetes. I too am prediabetic. Speaking of which, next Tuesday is blood day and you know what I mean. Dianne
I've had a number of shots lately because of my blood clot. Not nice!
ReplyDeleteYes, for they don't hurt. But they are sure worth the speed in healing.
ReplyDeletePoor Kay! But you can get used to anything...
ReplyDeleteI recently had some blood drawn and the needle didn't hurt a bit. The nurse told me it's all about the speed of the injection: the slower, the better. Weird.
Oi. Oi. Oi, is all I can say about needles. You have my complete sympathy, Kay.
ReplyDelete