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Have you tried these injections for knee arthritis? (Moderated by Deepika, EleanorSews)
Posted on: 11/17/06 1:10 AM ET
Shocking both my orthopedist and me, it appears I have significant inflammatory and osteoarthritis in my knees. So glucosamine here I come. Next month the ortho wants me to start a series of Synvisc injections, which I have only basic info about. Geez, I thought I just had bursitis or a torn tendon.
Would anyone be willing to share their Synvisc experiences? I need more information to make a decision. Thanks so much.
Would anyone be willing to share their Synvisc experiences? I need more information to make a decision. Thanks so much.
Posted on: 11/17/06 1:23 AM ET
In reply to Cathy Loves Fabric
Cathy, check out the float tank thing. I'm telling you, it might be the answer. Also, take HA (Hyaluronic Acid) it works wonders. DH used to take glucosamine but HA is far better.
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“Some luck lies in not getting what you thought you wanted but getting what you have, which once you have got it you may be smart enough to see is what you would have wanted had you known.”
~Garrison Keillor~
~Garrison Keillor~
Posted on: 11/17/06 2:16 AM ET
In reply to Cathy Loves Fabric
Cathy, sorry to hear about that!
DH had absolutely no cartilage and no ACL in one knee due to a severe injury when he was 16. (Drunk driver took a corner too close and the small motorcycle he was on going home from school was no match.) He always had problems but of course it got worse over time. He faithfully took glucosamine, and exercised, but there is only so much you can do. He had the series of "chicken" injections three years ago. He suffered no side effects, but the injections didn't give much pain relief. He ended up getting a knee replacement about a year later anyway.
Actually, he needed the replacement all along but the insurance company said he had to have the injections first. They are rather expensive, if I recall, so I'm not sure why they wanted to spend more money but that's what they said he had to do. They must think they give good results, tho, I would think, or that would not be a recommended protocol. Also, because of his relatively young age (52), doc wanted to prolong doing the replacement as long as DH could tolerate the discomfort.
If you haven't already found this, here's a site that might help you understand the injections and how it might help you: Synvisc Info
Did your doc say anything about replacement down the road? Is he hoping this is a temporary solution to the pain? I know they want to hold off as long as possible simply because the replacement only lasts so many years. My husband at first was unhappy with his but it has really been fine after about the 1st year. He is just way too active and expected too much too soon. It took awhile for his brain and new knee to catch up to each other and get in sync but he does just about everything possible now without it slowing him down.
Hope this helps.
-- Edited on 11/17/06 2:21 AM --
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DH had absolutely no cartilage and no ACL in one knee due to a severe injury when he was 16. (Drunk driver took a corner too close and the small motorcycle he was on going home from school was no match.) He always had problems but of course it got worse over time. He faithfully took glucosamine, and exercised, but there is only so much you can do. He had the series of "chicken" injections three years ago. He suffered no side effects, but the injections didn't give much pain relief. He ended up getting a knee replacement about a year later anyway.
Actually, he needed the replacement all along but the insurance company said he had to have the injections first. They are rather expensive, if I recall, so I'm not sure why they wanted to spend more money but that's what they said he had to do. They must think they give good results, tho, I would think, or that would not be a recommended protocol. Also, because of his relatively young age (52), doc wanted to prolong doing the replacement as long as DH could tolerate the discomfort.
If you haven't already found this, here's a site that might help you understand the injections and how it might help you: Synvisc Info
Did your doc say anything about replacement down the road? Is he hoping this is a temporary solution to the pain? I know they want to hold off as long as possible simply because the replacement only lasts so many years. My husband at first was unhappy with his but it has really been fine after about the 1st year. He is just way too active and expected too much too soon. It took awhile for his brain and new knee to catch up to each other and get in sync but he does just about everything possible now without it slowing him down.
Hope this helps.
-- Edited on 11/17/06 2:21 AM --
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Bev
Posted on: 11/17/06 8:00 AM ET
In reply to Cathy Loves Fabric
Cathy,
I know nothing about the Synvisc injections.. I ended up having the left knee replaced 2 years ago it was bone on bone and the pain had gotten worse. I did ask my Doc about the injections he did not recommend them for me due to there being nothing left in my knee. He also told me that my other knee was just as bad but..the pain is not that bad in it yet so I am holding off on replacement of it.
I know nothing about the Synvisc injections.. I ended up having the left knee replaced 2 years ago it was bone on bone and the pain had gotten worse. I did ask my Doc about the injections he did not recommend them for me due to there being nothing left in my knee. He also told me that my other knee was just as bad but..the pain is not that bad in it yet so I am holding off on replacement of it.
Posted on: 11/17/06 9:50 AM ET
This is an interesting thread for me, even though I have no advice about the injections. Just this week, my orthopedist was talking to me about these injections, but said they probably wouldn't help a lot. He said I was headed for a knee replacement. (I could see the narrowing of space between bones increase markedly from an X-ray a year ago.) I was shocked! I see two previous posts from people who have had this done. Anyone willing to share their experiences?
Don't mean to change the subject, here.
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Don't mean to change the subject, here.

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If I sewed any slower, I wouldn't be sewing at all.
Posted on: 11/17/06 12:36 PM ET
Bjp, no, he didn't mention knee replacement, but I was in shock after seeing the knee and hip xrays. I'm a nurse with Lupus I knew what that narrow little space meant. No, I's not bone on bone, my lifestyle is sedentary due to the lupus and I'm only 48. Maybe if I stop the 2 1/2 miles walks that are killing me (no wonder) and go back to learning yoga, I can get by for another 10 years. 
Bjp and Linda, does your knee feel normal or are you always aware or the replacement?
OPgal, unfortunately, no one I've spoken to yet has anything good to say about the injections. I'll keep asking and let you know.
BTW, the doc did tell me to stop crawling around the house trying to clean my baseboards. Darn!
We're all too young and fabulous to be falling apart.
-- Edited on 11/17/06 12:37 PM --
-- Edited on 11/17/06 12:40 PM --

Bjp and Linda, does your knee feel normal or are you always aware or the replacement?
OPgal, unfortunately, no one I've spoken to yet has anything good to say about the injections. I'll keep asking and let you know.
BTW, the doc did tell me to stop crawling around the house trying to clean my baseboards. Darn!
We're all too young and fabulous to be falling apart.

-- Edited on 11/17/06 12:37 PM --
-- Edited on 11/17/06 12:40 PM --
Posted on: 11/17/06 2:12 PM ET
In reply to Linda E.
Was it awhile before you could walk? I need new knees...bone on bone. Glucosamine Chrondroiton helps alot, but I can't do stairs that well, let alone lunges and such.
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"What you WANT is irrelevant, what you've CHOSEN is at hand." --Mr. Spock
Posted on: 11/17/06 2:45 PM ET
Ok, it was my hubby who had the knee replacement and not me, but since I babied him back to health, I hope this helps you guys. Am sure LindaE will pipe in here with her experiences.
He was in the hospital for 3 days, I think. Drain tube. Leg in one of those exercise machines, forget what they are called, but it supports the leg while slowly extending it up and down. Had to use it for an hour or so twice a day. Knee area swollen beyond measure. They started p.t. the next day. Crutches for a week - 10 days. He had out-patient p.t. for several weeks afterwards, and had to use the exercise machine at home. On Coumadin for a couple of weeks which meant back and forth for blood tests. Support stockings had to be worn. He was supposed to stay off work for 3-4 weeks, but of course he didn't. As soon as he could drive safely, he was back at his job.
Once he got past the post-op period, it really was not painful per se.....but if he took a hard step or turned the wrong way on it, it really did hurt him.
DH's major complaint was that his knee was so very swollen for so long. Doctor assured him it was normal, and that everyone is different and not to compare his outcome to other people's experiences ...there were a lot of guys at the fitness center who had one done and so they were all comparing notes. I really think it was almost a year later that the swelling finally went away but the knee now looks pretty much like his other one.
He really didn't have a choice in getting it done, so he just bucked up and adjusted very well to it. There are limitations, but none that have stymied his daily activities. He had to change or eliminate a few exercises at the fitness center. He is supposed to have it checked yearly, but of course he has not done that. Criminy. Men.
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He was in the hospital for 3 days, I think. Drain tube. Leg in one of those exercise machines, forget what they are called, but it supports the leg while slowly extending it up and down. Had to use it for an hour or so twice a day. Knee area swollen beyond measure. They started p.t. the next day. Crutches for a week - 10 days. He had out-patient p.t. for several weeks afterwards, and had to use the exercise machine at home. On Coumadin for a couple of weeks which meant back and forth for blood tests. Support stockings had to be worn. He was supposed to stay off work for 3-4 weeks, but of course he didn't. As soon as he could drive safely, he was back at his job.
Once he got past the post-op period, it really was not painful per se.....but if he took a hard step or turned the wrong way on it, it really did hurt him.
DH's major complaint was that his knee was so very swollen for so long. Doctor assured him it was normal, and that everyone is different and not to compare his outcome to other people's experiences ...there were a lot of guys at the fitness center who had one done and so they were all comparing notes. I really think it was almost a year later that the swelling finally went away but the knee now looks pretty much like his other one.
He really didn't have a choice in getting it done, so he just bucked up and adjusted very well to it. There are limitations, but none that have stymied his daily activities. He had to change or eliminate a few exercises at the fitness center. He is supposed to have it checked yearly, but of course he has not done that. Criminy. Men.
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Bev
Posted on: 11/17/06 3:36 PM ET
In reply to Cathy Loves Fabric
Cathy
I haven't had the injections and don't know anyone who has, but, looking at what there is out there on the web about them, at least the side effects/adverse reactions profile looks very mild. Some episodes of pain and swelling (but you have THAT already) that seem to dissipate and occasional infections (from the med or from unsterile procedure? who knows?)
I'd go back and talk to your Doc again and see what your other options are. If it is looking like a knee replacement might be down the pike, I'd say the injections would be well worth a try first. In the best case scenario, they might give you enough pain relief to be able to do some physical therapy, some yoga AND some walking --enough to maybe actually stregthen the joints. OR, at least buy you some time before you do actually have to contemplate replacement.
In the worst case scenario? They don't work or You're one of the few who have pain, swelling, get an infection, etc...
Knee replacements are MUCH more painful and risky. And with the lupus, I'd be worried about an autoimmune reaction to the replacement materials...etc. Any surgery with Lupus is harder than surgery without lupus... And, 48 is so young to have to even utter the words "knee" and "replacement" in the same sentence. They don't last all that long...it would only be your "First" knee replacement. I'm about your age and I know I'd do anything to put off that particular "first" as long as possible.
Re: the Baseboards--get a SWIFFER.
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I haven't had the injections and don't know anyone who has, but, looking at what there is out there on the web about them, at least the side effects/adverse reactions profile looks very mild. Some episodes of pain and swelling (but you have THAT already) that seem to dissipate and occasional infections (from the med or from unsterile procedure? who knows?)
I'd go back and talk to your Doc again and see what your other options are. If it is looking like a knee replacement might be down the pike, I'd say the injections would be well worth a try first. In the best case scenario, they might give you enough pain relief to be able to do some physical therapy, some yoga AND some walking --enough to maybe actually stregthen the joints. OR, at least buy you some time before you do actually have to contemplate replacement.
In the worst case scenario? They don't work or You're one of the few who have pain, swelling, get an infection, etc...
Knee replacements are MUCH more painful and risky. And with the lupus, I'd be worried about an autoimmune reaction to the replacement materials...etc. Any surgery with Lupus is harder than surgery without lupus... And, 48 is so young to have to even utter the words "knee" and "replacement" in the same sentence. They don't last all that long...it would only be your "First" knee replacement. I'm about your age and I know I'd do anything to put off that particular "first" as long as possible.
Re: the Baseboards--get a SWIFFER.
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I am going for a level of perfection that is only mine... Most of the pleasure is in getting that last little piece perfect...Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just keep showing up and doing the work.
Chuck Close, painter, printmaker, photographer
Hope has two lovely daughters: Anger and Courage
St. Augustine
Chuck Close, painter, printmaker, photographer
Hope has two lovely daughters: Anger and Courage
St. Augustine
Posted on: 11/17/06 3:44 PM ET
Okay here is my story and I am sticking to it..
I had bone on bone in the left knee (the right one is just about there) the pain had was an issue I was tired of dealing with. The ortho. doc said when I was ready he would do it.
With my DH pushing we decide it was time 2 years ago (note I was 52 at the time).
I was hospitalized for 3-4 days.
Was up the next day walking on the knee. Also in one of those machines that forgot the name also.. it moves you leg back an forward for a long time.. did it about an hour or so 3 times a day both in hospital and when I got home.
I used a walker for about 2 weeks, Had P.T in my home for 4 weeks twice a week for an hour or about.
A home nurse came to my home to draw blood one a week to check the level being I was on Coumaden(sp).
I was off work for 3weeks my DH work from home most of those weeks so he could help get me in the leg machine.
I did work from home for 3 weeks after that before returning to office.
Oh I forgot I did use a cane for a week or so not very long after the walker.
The P.T. show me how to go up and down stairs after about a week. we did a lot of different things that you do everyday but don't think about.
He had me riding my excerise bike about week after I was home for 5-7 minutes each time.
Oh something else that may help those that are having problems with your knee is excerise bike riding strenghtens the musles around the knee which will help with the pain.
Also weight lose ( I am over weight and really need to lose some) would like to before I end up getting the right knee replaced.
Knee problems run in families My father had his knee replace when he was 50 and had to have it worked on a second time about 12 years after wards.
but.... the proceedured is better today than it was when my father was 50 it is greatly improved. I may not need a second replacement or I may... That depends on who it wears over time.
I do excerise about once a day on either an excerise bike of treadmill and also do some strenghtenin excerises to build muscle.
I have some really sad and disgusting pictures of my knee a about a week after the surgery it was alot of different colors at that time.. I have not put them on the web.
I hope this answers most of your questions.
I had bone on bone in the left knee (the right one is just about there) the pain had was an issue I was tired of dealing with. The ortho. doc said when I was ready he would do it.
With my DH pushing we decide it was time 2 years ago (note I was 52 at the time).
I was hospitalized for 3-4 days.
Was up the next day walking on the knee. Also in one of those machines that forgot the name also.. it moves you leg back an forward for a long time.. did it about an hour or so 3 times a day both in hospital and when I got home.
I used a walker for about 2 weeks, Had P.T in my home for 4 weeks twice a week for an hour or about.
A home nurse came to my home to draw blood one a week to check the level being I was on Coumaden(sp).
I was off work for 3weeks my DH work from home most of those weeks so he could help get me in the leg machine.
I did work from home for 3 weeks after that before returning to office.
Oh I forgot I did use a cane for a week or so not very long after the walker.
The P.T. show me how to go up and down stairs after about a week. we did a lot of different things that you do everyday but don't think about.
He had me riding my excerise bike about week after I was home for 5-7 minutes each time.
Oh something else that may help those that are having problems with your knee is excerise bike riding strenghtens the musles around the knee which will help with the pain.
Also weight lose ( I am over weight and really need to lose some) would like to before I end up getting the right knee replaced.
Knee problems run in families My father had his knee replace when he was 50 and had to have it worked on a second time about 12 years after wards.
but.... the proceedured is better today than it was when my father was 50 it is greatly improved. I may not need a second replacement or I may... That depends on who it wears over time.
I do excerise about once a day on either an excerise bike of treadmill and also do some strenghtenin excerises to build muscle.
I have some really sad and disgusting pictures of my knee a about a week after the surgery it was alot of different colors at that time.. I have not put them on the web.
I hope this answers most of your questions.
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