Fire Chief said:

I stupidly went off my meds twice simply because I was feeling good and was
sick of taking pills.  When it got so bad I couldn't stand it anymore the
doc gave me a shot in the butt that got me through the hump before my meds
kicked in again.  Didn't last long but just enough to get me through it.
I've had several in the knees or shoulders and even in my elbow and those
last a lot longer.  I think it's somewhat of a mega-dose when they do it in
the butt.

  ~Lindy~

I'd sure like to address this issue, Chief.  Does anyone know WHY doctors
give TP injections (with cortosone) and ask you in the next few moments if
you feel any relief?  Sometimes I fib, just to get the doctor to stop
asking.  My pain relief comes later on.  However, bad news - it only lasts
short-term, and the shots, though covered by our insurance, cost an awful
lot.  Also, a couple times when I've been given 6-8 shots at the same
session, I have side effects the next couple days, much like Predisone's
reaction.  Anyone else?  Nanny

I went off Plaquenil end of May because I got hepatitis-which was
possibly caused by the Plaquenil. It didn't work very well anyway. I
have general pain in my joints can't bend my first finger all the way.
I have pain in any joint which I use and always in my hands, hips,
knees, feet and worst in my lower back (the joints which connect the
hips to the spine) My rheumatologist told me not to return to the
Plaquenil and gave me a cortisone shot for the pain and inflammation.
He said if the pain gets worse again I should call him. My sed rate was
down to 23 from 58 last time I saw him. He said I have an autoimmune
process going on (?) but that he doesn't expect it to get worse. I have
been to three of the most respected rheumatologists in the country and
they all seem to agree but the pain and fatigue make it very difficult
to function. The cortisone shot is wonderful but I feel like when it
wears off I'll be back to feeling 80 instead of 40...

That's been my experience also.
Thumper