i had it done twice.
the one in may 2002 was just the right side, topical, by the physiatrist at an office visit. it worked like a charm, i was good for an entire year afterwards; prior to that, it was a constant daily problem.
the one in sept 2009 was bilateral deep with fluoroscopy guidance. it lasted about 6 months, took a month or two to feel full effect and the last month or so of the 6 months could feel the effect wearing off. so not quite as successful, but seeing what others are writing, sounds like even 6 months (3-4 months of that being really good) is quite good.
but i didn't want to have to go back and get it done every few months, so i tried something different after the last time. in april 2010, i started wearing a (dichlofenac nsaid) flector patch over my SI joint, 24/7, changing it every 12 hours like clockwork. pleasantly surpirsed how well that is working, as i really haven't seen anyone else here use it the same way one would take drugs every day. but not surprised totally since a number of nsaids work for me but with gastritis and edema so i can't take them. but the topical nsaid, for me works and no side effects. just throwing it out there in case the cortisone injections don't last very long.
as for the procedure. topical i didn't need meds while having it done. so i opted out of them for the fluoroscopy procedure, that was a huge mistake on my part. i didn't think to use any drugs after (not sure what I could have taken anyway), but i did ice it a lot until it calmed down.
i do think its worth trying. and good luck. hope it helps you as much as it helped me.
