Kenalog and sinus problems

I too have been injected previously with Kenalog shots for allergies. I never had the site indentation that most of you are commenting on. But I can tell you that the menstrual cycles did change considerably. Kenalog is a steroid, and like oral prednisone it is hormonal. It is just like taking birth control pills, you have the irregular or heavy periods, the excessive hunger, hair growth where you don't want it and weight gain. And as far as my allergies are concerned it never worked. I have excessive sinus disease that has been aggravated by living in a dry windy desert climate. After my second sinus surgery in 2 months the holes in my sinus cavity are starting to close up again. So yesterday my doctor tried a new therapy of injecting kenalog right into my sinus cavity. However it was not injected directly. A small piece of spongy foam was placed into my sinus cavity and the medicine was injected into the foam so my nose would absorb it naturally without the tissue being directly injected. I don't know if it will work or not. I have experienced some unpleasant side effects already, higher blood pressure and increased heart rate. Although the heart rate did come down after a few hours. Any kind of steroid causes this problem. I was hospitalized in January with a severe asthma attack and was given steroids thru a I.V. It was the only drug that opened up my lungs, however by the second day my heart temporarily went into v-tach because I was getting too much too often. As soon as it decreased I was fine. So dosage is a major concern. I can tell you from experience that Kenalog last realistically for about a month even though docs tell you it's good for 3. I would not have multiple injections for any reason. But when you are in pain and hurting and you have inflammation in your body, unfortunately steroids of some kind will always be the drug of choice. I have recently started acupuncture and will see if that helps my sinus problems. I have taken up yoga too to help my breathing. I highly recommend these alternatives to drug therapy. I have been on every kind of asthma and allergy drug out there and I do not trust any of them anymore. But ask the doctor lots of questions and refuse the meds if you are not comfortable. if your doctor is herding you in and out of his office or not willing to explain the meds completely then refuse it and go to someone else.

I just received a kenalog injection a week ago when I went to the doctor for sinus problems. My regular doctor was not in,so I saw a different doctor who is an allergy specialist.He spent a whole 60 seconds with me and stated that I needed an injection of kenalog.I didn't question him,as I knew that kenalog was a steroid and I had taken oral steroids before with few side effects. The injection itself was not painful,but the next day,I felt terrible and have ever since.I ache,I feel very nervous and have been crying for no reason. My blood pressure is up.I have weakness in my muscles and heart palpitations,and a constantly upset stomach.I also have had a flare -up of irritable bowel syndrome and yet even with the stomach and intestinal pain,I cannot stop eating.I am also constantly thirsty and have excessive urination.I have a pins and needles sensation in my hands and feet and I have blurry vision and confusion and forget things easily.I have trouble typing,as I have to spell-check everything.I am going crazy wondering how long these side effects will last.I am the primary caretaker of my mother,and I now cannot take care of myself.Why do they not tell a person of the possible side effects? I would never have let that nurse give me the shot had I known that it could cause such horrid side effects. And my sinuses are no better.I have an infection and now need antibiotics,which is what I told the doctor in the first place.I don't know what to do,I feel like I am going to die.

I have had at least four Kenalog shots over the past three years due to sinus infections. The shot provides great relief and a noticeable improvement within 24-48 hours. I have experienced absolutely no side effects. I am so thankful that something like this is available to patients. I was aware that some patients had experienced deep indentations in their flesh at the site of the injection, but I do not personally know anyone who has had a problem with this type of injection. When I have needed relief from severe sinus problems, I can say with certainty that this has helped me tremendously.

I received a Kenalog shot for a sinus infection on January 14 of this year (2005). The amount of Kenalog was to give me inflammation relief in my sinuses for 6 months. A week later, I received a Decadron (sp?) shot - fast acting steroid for a sever sinus headache.

Since this time, I had allergy testing and found out the culprit to my sinus problems (molds, dust mites, some grasses & trees, ragweed). I have started allergy shots.

But, since I have had the Kenalog & other injections, I have had five heavy menstrual periods in the past 2 months. If I don't keep something in my stomach at all times, it feels as if the bottom falls out. I get really weak. My sugar levels tested fine. I have never experienced this prior to the kenalog. I am now somewhat depressed and get anxious. I also get tingling on the top & back of my head. MRI & CT Scan showed nothing... again, this never happened before the Kenalog & other steroid injections. My TSH thyroid level also came back as being slightly elevated. Again, was normal before injections.

This has been terrible. I would never recommend steroid injections to anyone. I just pray my body gets back to normal in time. But, since it was a six month injection, I just hope it doesn't take that long!

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.)