Good afternoon,
I’d like your opinion on whether to have a triamcinolone acetonide intramuscular injection.
I am 38, BMI 25, and currently meeting the physical activity guidelines. I have psoriatic arthritis and chronic pain, for which I take Golimumab. I’ve been treating this condition for over 12 years, so I am relatively familiar with my subjective responses to medications.
My Rheumatologist has arranged for me to have up to 3 intramuscular injections a year, which I have been having for about 10 years. Having committed the last 18 months to diet and exercise, my pain has generally reduced, I have lost weight, improved conditioning, and am move active.
My last injection was July 2022 (8 months ago). I was favouring not having any more injections, but the cold UK winter has gradually increased the amount of pain I’m in, so I’ve had to reduce exercise intensity and frequency. Motivation is low too as a result. I know the injection has helped me to exercise more in the past, which is why I am considering one now, though I am also aware of its long term side effects, and that it could hamper my resistance training progress. I should be getting a DEXA scan through the NHS in the coming months (I requested this), though there are no current signs of reduction in bone density.
I’m inclined to have the injection, as I believe that the benefits of exercising more will outweigh the negative side effects.
Am I making an informed decision here or are there some things I haven’t considered?
Note I can take Naproxen and/or pain killers, but from past experience they are nowhere near as effective at symptom management, and have stronger short term negative side effects.
Your opinions would be greatly appreciated; pain can effect rational decision making