Kenalog and sense of smell

I have suffered with chronic sinusitis for about 8 years, and concurrent asthma for about 6 years. I am a 46 year old male.

I have worked with highly noted ENT in the area, and he tried many (non-prescription) recommendations over the course of a few months, but nothing worked. I had a CT scan that showed profound sinusitis in all regions, especially the ones that nasal corticosteroids cannot reach. In an attempt to avoid surgery, which he described as risky and not particularly effective with the type of widespread sinusitis I had (my orbital lobes were involved), he then suggested I get a single intramuscular corticosteroid shot, which he administered about 10 days ago. I was not advised of any potential side effects.

I called today to ask what it was, and was told Kenalog 60mg - I was getting a prescription for something else and wanted to make sure the pharmacist knew what I already had in my system. No comment from the pharmacist.

First of all, the Kenalog has worked like a miracle drug on my sinusitis. I can breathe normally, I can fly without intense ear pain, my sense of smell and taste has returned after an absence of almost a year, and my asthma seems to have improved. Also, and perhaps strangely, I had a noticeably enlarged lymph node below my left ear on the lower part of my neck for many, many years. It felt like a pea under the skin. None of the doctors in any of my physicals expressed concern about it over the years. Since receiving the Kenalog, this node has returned to normal and I cannot feel it unless I really search for it. I thought it has just calcified and was going to remain that way forever, but perhaps it was permanently inflamed from permanent sinusitis.

The only side effect while on Kenalog that I have noticed is that following Albuterol inhalation (for the asthma), my lungs burn a little and I have a productive cough for a few hours. I suspect that two things are going on: the Kenalog has decreased bronchial inflammation, and increased a vast amount of sinus drainage, some of which is going into my lungs to be expectorated.

My doctor is an older, seasoned pro, and I trust him. I just found and read online the BMS prescribing leaflet (the one for doctors) and it is very explicit that unless the injection is given as a DEEP intramuscular injection, then local atrophy is LIKELY to occur (their words, not mine). It does appear, therefore, that the side effect of atrophy is potentially dependent on the skill of the administering doctor.

I know I will get about 2-3 months relief from this medication, but with all the very tragic tales of side effects listed here, with which I sympathize deeply, I will be reluctant to take it again.

I am hoping the skill of my doctor - and my body's own system - cope with injection without some of the more serious side effects that the people here have been experiencing, though I expect I will have to wait a couple of months to see what happens. For some of us, the drug has (so far) saved us from a life of constant misery and fatigue. I am keeping my fingers crossed and will report back.

Wishing you all well.

I have had a 60mg Kenalog shot in the hip every 5-6 months for ~10 years for allergic rhinitis and bad polyps. I had had 2 painful surgeries for the polyps (and in any case they came back within months). The Kenalog is the ONLY thing that restores breathing and sense of smell. The effect lasts ~ 3-4 months so I always have an uncomfortable period before my next shot. I am taking Rhinocort 1x day to try to extend this time but I'm not sure it helps.Kenalog side effects? I have one large divot in my butt at injection site from 5 years ago (fat necrosis they called it) so I will not be a thong suit model any time soon. None other that I can identify. My vision has deteriorated but the opthamologist says it is normal aging. I'd LOVE to have a more benign remedy. Xolair?

I've been dreaming a lot more since my kenalog shot, and my lips are chapped and drinking water doesn't seem to help. It also may have increased my sense of smell that was decreased due to sinus problems. (It has only been about 5 days since I got the shot.)