Finally have another appt for my elbow

[jimnyc]

Have this damn tennis elbow for about a year now. Already 3 cortisone shots into it. I've been literally afraid to go again, as those shots HURT a lot and I don't want another. But the pain started again only weeks after the last one. But it's gotten to the point now that it's non-stop, not just when I use it.

He told me in the beginning that most are fixed with the first shot. If not, the majority with the second. After that, it's consultation time to decide how to proceed. I'm beyond that with having a 3rd already. I've also read quite a few stories about the negativity of too many cortisone shots. I may just opt for the procedure to have it surgically fixed. I think they cut the tendon, clean everything up - and only if possible they can reattach anything.

[gabosaurus]

I saw this post earlier and called one of my friends who is high school athletic trainer. She says you need to see an orthopedic specialist if you haven't done so already. She also sent me a link for exercises to determine what level your trauma is.

http://www.healthline.com/health/fit...-elbow-rehab#6

If one cortisone shot doesn't do the trick, you need to do something more effective. Cortisone shots are primarily for athletes who want to "play through pain" and postpone surgery.

[jimnyc]

I saw this post earlier and called one of my friends who is high school athletic trainer. She says you need to see an orthopedic specialist if you haven't done so already. She also sent me a link for exercises to determine what level your trauma is.

http://www.healthline.com/health/fit...-elbow-rehab#6

If one cortisone shot doesn't do the trick, you need to do something more effective. Cortisone shots are primarily for athletes who want to "play through pain" and postpone surgery.

An ortho surgeon is the one who originally saw me and gave me the first shot and spoke with me. The follow up 2 shots were by assistants. In making this appt, I specifically asked for the surgeon doctor (boss) so that we can decide on how to proceed.

[gabosaurus]

An ortho surgeon is the one who originally saw me and gave me the first shot and spoke with me. The follow up 2 shots were by assistants. In making this appt, I specifically asked for the surgeon doctor (boss) so that we can decide on how to proceed.

Surgery for tennis elbow is usually quite minor, unless you have tendon or ligament damage. My friend Katie says doctors are starting to see more tennis elbow symptoms in people who spend a lot of time with computers. Which I never thought about. I wear elbow braces when I am at work.

[jimnyc]

Surgery for tennis elbow is usually quite minor, unless you have tendon or ligament damage. My friend Katie says doctors are starting to see more tennis elbow symptoms in people who spend a lot of time with computers. Which I never thought about. I wear elbow braces when I am at work.

Yeah, I'm VERY confident that mine started from the keyboard usage.

Here's how it works, and where I got my info from...

--

Surgery for tennis elbow may involve:

Cutting (releasing) the tendon.
Removing inflamed tissue from the tendon.
Repairing (reattaching) tendon tears if it is possible to do so without overtightening the tendon.
Surgery may be done using arthroscopy, traditional open surgery, or a combination of the two techniques, depending on the type of problem and the method the doctor prefers to use.

Surgery can be done with general or regional anesthetic and can require an overnight stay in the hospital.

What To Expect After Surgery

Recovery varies from person to person, usually taking at least 3 to 6 months for a complete recovery.

Cigarette smoking slows tendon and wound healing.
Recovery depends on the amount of time and effort you put into a rehabilitation program.
You may not be able to keep doing the activity that caused your tennis elbow. Or you may have to make some changes to the way you do that activity in the future.
Why It Is Done

You and your doctor may consider surgery if:

You still have elbow soreness and pain after more than 6 to 12 months of nonsurgical treatment.
Corticosteroid shots have given good short-term pain relief but the pain has returned.
You cannot perform daily tasks and activities because of elbow pain.

http://www.webmd.com/arthritis/surgery-for-tennis-elbow

[gabosaurus]

An orthopedic surgeon will know best. I hope you can find relief. I know my husband suffered greatly from putting off back surgery until he finally got it done.