Chronic pain

Hi Mary, I have an appointment to get a guided cortisone shot in my right hip bursa Wednesday so I'm hoping that ends my night pain while sleeping on my right side. Which is the side I mostly sleep on and get the best numbers for my sleep apnea. I'm also doing a few exercises that the PA showed me that will help with the muscle strength on the side of the hip. Good luck on your upcoming appointment. I hope they are able to provide you some help.

John, I'll be thinking of you. I've had many of those shots and they really helped me through a lot of lower back pain. Don't get anymore. I've stopped all cortisone, as I have Sarcoid and have had a lot of steroids through the years. They help, tho, so enjoy the days of peace. Sleep will be your friend, my friend. Blessings, Elizabeth

Thanks Elizabeth!

Does guided mean with an ultra sound? I can't pinpoint where the pain is.

John, did you go through the 3 week PRC course? Elizabeth

Yes, guided with an ultrasound. To be quite honest when I had my consult with the sports medicine PA, he determined the most likely source of the pain by talking with me and doing specific tests during the exam - walking to look at my gait, different hip movements while pressing against my hip to determine if it hurts more on the outside or inside area of the hip (bursa or joint I think). From my minor wincing he thought it was more on the outside coming from the bursa. He showed me a hip abduction exercise for PT that may help also.

Elizabeth, My pain is only while sleeping during the night due to the pressure on my hip so I don't really need a pain rehabilitation visit.

Can you tell us what the exercise is for hip abduction?

You bet! Here's a PDF from McMaster University Institute for Research on Aging that shows Therapeutic Exercises for Osteoarthritis of the Hip - https://www.mcmasteroptimalaging.org/docs/default-source/oa-and-exercise/hip_exercises_for_oa_ua.pdf

It's really pretty easy and the PA told me you can do it laying down flat or on your side, or you can do it standing up if you have good balance. I don't have good balance but I hang on to a railing or chair while I do a few sets of 10. I try to remember to do them 2 or 3 times during the day.

@johnbishop best of luck with your guided injection. I had one in my right hip at Mayo in July and it was spot on. I just sent Dr.Holly a thank you note before Christmas!