I detest shots, but for those thinking of this as a possible option for themselves, it is one of the most painless shots I have had. The doctor puts the needle in through the back of the shoulder because the deltoid muscle is in the way in the front and would cause a lot of pain to take that route.
After getting the shot, I will say this - I have never had an allergic reaction to any medicine, but something happened this time. Within 60 seconds I felt 'flush' and began sweating. A few minutes later I was still sweating and began feeling dizzy and my vision was blurred. Good thing it was cold outside because it wasn't until I got outside (I should've told the doc what was going on but didn't - figured if I collapse then I know it's bad :) ) that the cold air was able to clear me up. I sat in my car for several minutes to make sure I was OK and then moved on. So, take this into mind when you decide to try the injection route.
The doc also said (like several of you had said on the message board) that the shot will last 3 months and then if it persisted I would need another and could get them every 4 months for a year. The only reason I would need an additional shot, according to the doc, would be if the shoulder had other problems than just bursitis and this would be the reason the discomfort would return. Otherwise, I should be OK after the 3 months. Either way for me, this will be my only shot.
The pain from the bursitis hasn't been a problem for the last 6 months (I've had it for a year). Because after cutting out things like the bench press and other shoulder related movements the pain is not always there and is minimal. Initially the pain was bad enough to cause me to stop working out (only hurt while trying to do the exercise).
I went ahead with the shot because I know now is the time that I can still take it easy (I have been working out doing things like curls, preacher curls, tricep extensions and other movements that don't cause any discomfort to the shoulder) before softball season starts because it is my left shoulder and that is the one that receives all the stress while swinging a bat (bat from right side).
Well, sorry this was so long, but I wanted to give anyone else out there that might be in the same boat as much info as I could. I will report back and let you know how it's going over the next several months.
Oh, just one more item - I am still against taking steroids for any other reason than doctors orders to help with an injury or any other medical need. It's just not worth it !
PS. To see if you have the same thing I do, you can hold your arm at your side, then bend your forearm to be perpindicular with the ground. Now, raise your arm out (while maintaining the position). You should feel discomfort around the front/side of the shoulder and it should feel like it is in the joint because just rubbing it doesn't feel like you can get deep enough to help it.