I've had 10-12 steroid shots in various parts of my spine over the last 3 years. Yes, I knew there could be side effects, but they were never fully explained to me. It was just the treatment I was expected to take if I wanted pain relief. The shots did nothing to help my pain. At my eye exam last month, the optometrist saw something unusual and referred me to a retina specialist. A number of tests were conducted. I got lucky! I have a condition that will sometimes heal itself, and in my case it did. It permanment damage to my left eye. What the optometrist saw blocking my vision was the scar tissue. The retina specialist asked me a bunch of medical history questions, and when I mentioned steroid injections for pain she said that's it right away! I never knew that they could permanmently effect my vision! I will never use ANY steroid product again. That includes products such as nasal sprays (I also have sinus issues). As I said, I got lucky. I could have lost the vision in my left eye. I am now on a frequent visit schedule to the retina specialist, as this may happen again. Considered high risk for it now, even without ever using a steroid product again!

I got cataracts in both eyes due to steroid shots. I was the youngest patient in the Eye place getting cataracts removed. I was never told about this as a possible side affect.

Cataracts are not caused by steroid shots. Eventually most people get them. I’ve had them in both eyes. They started well before I started receiving steroid shots. The surgery to remove them is the easiest surgery I’ve ever had. Vision after is unbelievable.

As a Psychology major in my senior year I decided to do research after more than 50 steriod injections to my left hip(which caused necrosis and had to have a total hip replacement at age 42). I also had approximately 30-40 injections in my low back above L5 where I had two cages, two rods and six screws installed in 2013. I found that corticosteroids/ steroids degenerate the bone further and at a higher rate. I do not encourage anyone to get them if you have major problems.

I've had steroid shots and was put on prednisone 5 mg. I had these off and on for about 10 years. What they don't tell you that long term it affects your heart and bones. I now have osteoporosis from the steroids and have to take medication to strengthen my bones. So long term use isn't good.