Too many cortisone injections

[Kitiara]

Hi all - bit of advice if possible please.

I have had problems with my shoulder (torn rotator cuff) since a fall in 2003, having had several physio sessions at various times over 4 years which didn't help, so it was decided that I would benefit from cortisone injections to relieve the pain. I was warned that the injections may weaken the injection site but was never told that there was a recommended limit of 3 injections. I had in the region of 12 injections before my GP decided that I needed surgery, which I had on 22nd July 2014. I have now found out that I should never have been given so many, and because I had so many it may have caused more problems - I had an accident at work which resulted in a torn bicep tendon which may have been caused by the amount of injections weakening the site.

Do I have any recourse as surely the GP's shouldn't have given me so many injections?

Thanks,

Kit

[des8]

Re: Too many cortisone injections

hi
Sorry to hear of your problems.

I suspect you are considering a case of clinical negligence.
Be aware that it is extremely difficult to prove clinical negligence and you will need specialist solicitor.

Regarding your own problems I doubt you have a case.
Although there are cautions surrounding the use of cortisone injections,, there are no hard and fast rules.
Medicine is not an exact science.
People react differently to the treatments available, and the rule of thumb is that if it works continue, if not stop.
You don't say exactly over what period you had your steroid injections, but it seems to be between 2007 and 2014, ie 12 injections over 7 years.
A quick look at the internet (I realise this has risks of inaccuracy) shows a number of sites which indicate that two injections a year is not excessive & not everyone suffers side effects.

You feel so many injections MAY have caused undetermined problems, MAY have contributed to a torn muscle........ uncertainties will not win recourse.
IMO you will have difficulty proving negligence and being awarded any compensation, but do have a chat with a specialist solicitor.
Good luck