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Avascular necrotitis?

Posted by sharond7 @sharond7, 3 days ago

Hi everyone--Have any of you had experience with one of the rarer side effects of long-term prednisone use: avascular necrotitis. I'm dealing with acute hip pain (particularly on the outside and toward the back, as well as into the thigh). I'm not able to walk more than about 20 steps before screaming pain. It hurts in every position and doesn't find relief in icing, heating, soaking, stretching, rolling, or combo acetaminophin and ibuprofen. My orthopedist took an X-ray and believes it is related to osteoarthritis. He gave me a cortisone shot yesterday, which has yet to work its magic (could take 3-7 days to take effect). I'm relieved by his diagnosis and grateful for the shot. But I do have this nagging question about avascular necrosis, which I understand does not show up in x-ray until it is quite serious. Just wondering if anyone has experience or wisdom to share. Thanks.

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tuckerp | @tuckerp | 3 days ago

I recently had hip replacement. I had the pain which went into my back down the middle and outer thigh, down to the knee. I was completely shocked to find that it was coming from my hip. X-ray revealed a severe osteo arthritic hip. I had it replaced. My diagnosis was not avascular necrosis but the hip was putting pressure on the Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve (LFCN). Replacement went well but I still have some pressure on that nerve that is similar to your symptoms.

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sharond7 | @sharond7 | 3 days ago

Thanks, tuckerp, for "sharing the pain." Though I don't wish my particular experience on anyone else, it does help to hear from someone else on the journey toward symptom relief. My X-rays show mild to moderate osteoarthritis, so not quite ready for the hip replacement. BUT, I suspect I might be experiencing some pressure on that nerve. I'm sorry the new hardware hasn't completely corrected the issue for you, and I'm holding my breath at this point as to whether the steroid injection will help me. I think I am coming to understand that the avascular necrosis is a very rare symptom -- thank goodness -- and that I'm just experiencing yet another sign of "normal aging" and have to be more careful with my body. Sheesh!
Thanks again for reaching out.

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tuckerp | @tuckerp | 3 days ago
In reply to @sharond7 "Thanks, tuckerp, for "sharing the pain." Though I don't wish my particular experience on anyone else,..." + (show)
Profile picture for sharond7 @sharond7

Thanks, tuckerp, for "sharing the pain." Though I don't wish my particular experience on anyone else, it does help to hear from someone else on the journey toward symptom relief. My X-rays show mild to moderate osteoarthritis, so not quite ready for the hip replacement. BUT, I suspect I might be experiencing some pressure on that nerve. I'm sorry the new hardware hasn't completely corrected the issue for you, and I'm holding my breath at this point as to whether the steroid injection will help me. I think I am coming to understand that the avascular necrosis is a very rare symptom -- thank goodness -- and that I'm just experiencing yet another sign of "normal aging" and have to be more careful with my body. Sheesh!
Thanks again for reaching out.

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@sharond7 appears that diagnosis while rare can be caused by corticosteroid use. Another issue with taking prednisone.

"Causes: Common causes include traumatic injuries (fractures/dislocations), long-term high-dose corticosteroid use, and excessive alcohol consumption."

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