Has anyone had cortisone shots in the knee?

My basic question: Is a cortisone shot in the knee a good idea for someone with arthritis (meaning it's a chronic condition and not a one-time or brief problem)?

Background: I've got severe arthritis, and am hobbling around. I had knee surgery (microfracture) on my left knee four months ago, and my right knee is now in very bad shape. I'm in the screwed up situation of being now in the States, but my fiance is going in for UK job interview this week. If he gets it, we're getting married over Christmas and the job starts Jan. 15. Which will put me and my bum knees at the mercy of NHS. We will buy private insurance, but I'm afraid my right knee will count as a pre-existing condition because it has been diagnosed with arthritis, though it has as yet received no treatment.

Recently (as I put in a post about my doc suggesting knee surgery), I went to a doc, told him my predicament as far as moving to the UK and possibly ending up on a wait list and not getting to see a specialist for many months, and then probably a year or more if surgery is required. He said what he'd do under the circumstances is to get Chrondroplasty surgery (to clear out loose cartilage). I'd have to get it ASAP and be in the middle of recovering while moving, or get stay here and work and get it later, though my husband wouldn't be here to help me with recovery. From what I've heard, the recovery can be a simple few days or a few months. Given that my surgery on my right knee took much longer and less successful recovery than expected, I'm scared of how long I'll be stuck here alone without help.

So another option my doc had mentioned was cortisone shots. Throughout my knee probs, docs have mentioned it but never wanted to give it. It is thought that cortisone can weaken tissues and cartilage, and lead you more quickly to a knee replacement. Also, for some people the effects are very short -- even just a day or two. For others it helps for months.

So, has anyone had luck with cortisone? Had problems with it? Have any idea what to do in this situation where the Brit healthcare has me scared to death and I've already got pre-existing conditions?

oops, above I meant to say that given surgery on my "left" knee didn't go so well, I'm scared about what will happen on my right.

My MIL (in the UK) has bad arthritis in her knee and just got her first cortisone shot at the beginning of November.  It has really helped with her mobility.  Her doctor is hoping that with increased mobility she will be able to shed some of her excess weight, which is seriously aggravating her condition.  My only other experience with cortisone is in horses not humans.  I hope that you can come up with a good plan for your treatment. 

I had severe problems in the foot and tried cortisone.  It worked for a few years getting shots every 3 months or so, but then I eventually needed surgery.  If it works for you then it does great, but it doesn't there is really no negatives.

I agree with kitsonk.  I've had one in my wrist and one in my elbow.  This was 9 years ago, but for tendonitis, not arthritis.  It took really well for a while; I have started having problems but its not as bad as it was before I had the shots.  I would look into it before making a decision; but it could be a viable (if maybe temporary) option.  Good luck with whatever you decide and I hope it all works out!