[CGuld]

MGUS and cortisone shots

by CGuld on Thu Jan 24, 2013 4:49 pm

I have had MGUS for about 6 years. Thank God, it is stable so far.

My orthopedic dr. said that I should be careful of the cortisone shots that I get in my knees for osteoarthritis.

Is that true and how long is it advisable to get them or not?

Thank you.

[Restlessrebel]

Re: MGUS and cortisone shots

by Restlessrebel on Fri Jan 25, 2013 2:21 am

That is interesting, I had not heard that. I have MGUS too but also have very high Lambda free light chain levels and was told that I cannot have any CT scans due to the dye. I will be interested to find out more about this. Good luck to you.

[Multibilly]

Re: MGUS and cortisone shots

by Multibilly on Fri Jan 25, 2013 11:22 am

I can't presume to know your doc's reasons for this warning. However, repeated cortisone injections can cause surrounding bones to suffer from demineralization and to become brittle. Cortisone can also impair and weaken one's immune system. Given these factors, it seems like a reasonable caution on your doc's part given that you are at risk for progression to multiple myeloma, but again, I can't know what your doc was thinking.

Some docs prescribe cortisone injections like candy, while others are very careful and judicious about their usage. I've had both extremes of docs. While cortisone injections have worked wonders for me for various problems, I now will only consider them for 1-2 injections in any given site (I came to this decision before being diagnosed with SMM). This philosophy falls in line with the thinking of some of my more cortisone-conservative (and best) docs.

[Dianem]

Re: MGUS and cortisone shots

by Dianem on Fri Jan 25, 2013 2:08 pm

Hi CGuld - I too have MGUS and have had osteopenia for several years. Didn't do we'll on biphosphates (jaw and dental issues) and my endo dr said I could be a candidate for another bone building drug that has steroids or hormones which could mask an m spike. If I understood correctly, the steroid-hormone in the bone building drug may influence the m spike by making it appear lower than it really is on a blood test. Maybe cortisone could do this too. My doctor ended up recommending higher doses of Vit D instead of drugs.