topic Re: Knee replacement in Among Friends

Knee replacement

crazered — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 12:30:51 GMT

My Dr is going to give me a jell shot in the knee. Has anyone had this and does it work? He has said I will need knee replacement eventually. I am on the fence getting surgery but I do realize Woddle and do not walk correctly. Need suggestions on recovery time etc. I realize this may not be what happens to me. But I like to have others expetiences

thank you

Re: Knee replacement

Vivian — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 13:08:44 GMT

I'm not sure what gel you're referring to. Do you have more details? I've worked out for almost all of my soon-to-be 69 years and have the knees to prove it. I have had cortisone injections in my knees, but those only offer temporary, albeit welcome, relief. I also had a series of five injections...something derived from some sort of rooster cartilage I think. It didn't work at all. I just read recently that there's a new product that is being injected but I know nothing about it. If that's what you're getting, I'd love to know more. I work out five days a week and it would be nice to enjoy my classes without pain.

Re: Knee replacement

CalminHeart — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 13:14:47 GMT

Is your shot the one with hyaluronic acid in it?

I had a series of 5 shots in my knee about 5 years ago. They contained hyaluronic acid and were very expensive; we had to get special authorization from insurance. The shots helped me about 40% and let me go fairly comfortably another 3 years without a full knee replacement. However, I wish I had the knee replacement as soon as the dr recommended it. It was a month of difficult recovery but it changed my life. I can now do things I haven't been able to do in years and years.

Re: Knee replacement

docsgirl — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 13:33:05 GMT

@crazered wrote:
My Dr is going to give me a jell shot in the knee. Has anyone had this and does it work? He has said I will need knee replacement eventually. I am on the fence getting surgery but I do realize Woddle and do not walk correctly. Need suggestions on recovery time etc. I realize this may not be what happens to me. But I like to have others expetiences
thank you

I had a right total knee replacement in June, 2011 and it never healed completely. I still experience a lot of pain. Two other ortho surgeons reviewed all surgical and post-op notes and DVD and said it was a textbook surgery but every once in a while, for no known reason, they just don't heal properly. Lucky me! My neighbor had the exact same surgery by the same surgeon within weeks of mine and said it was the best thing she ever did.

I now have bone on bone arthritis in the left knee. My new surgeon gave me the set of 3 gel shots in August and I still feel pretty good. He said that within a month of receiving the final injection I would know whether or not they were effective. He said they are 50/50. Fortunately for me, they worked and enable me to continue to work and get around. Like you, I will eventually require the surgery but am not looking forward to it. I won't lie to you...it's a rough surgery and recovery but so many have gotten though it and say they've never felt better. Sometimes I think I should just have the surgery and get it over instead of postponing the inevitable. Good luck in whatever choice you make. docsgirl

Re: Knee replacement

ASTP — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 13:52:09 GMT

Yes, I had that gel injection twice. It worked for a short time only. It has to be it'd by your insurance first. Expensive. I eventually had right knee replacement. Glad I did it but be mentally ready for it. I am a teacher of 4 year olds so I did it as soon as I got out of school for the summer. Spent 3 days in hospital, 3 weeks in an in-patient rehab facility which was great. Spent all summer doing physical therapy. Went back to school in September although wasn't recommended. Hard time doing stairs for quite awhile. So, I would say at least 3 months of therapy. I hope this helps you.

Re: Knee replacement

patticakes — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 14:19:33 GMT

Crazered-I just had my second round of Synvsc One injections about five weeks ago. I had the first set, also on both knees, in April. The first set lasted about seven months and you can have them every six. I would say they gave me about 70-75% relief. This set has given me relief but not as much. I would say about 50%. Yes, they are very expensive and you have to get an authorization from your insurance before they'll cover them. Also, there are different types of gel injections; however, the Synvsc One is just one injection not a series. Also, I'm sure you want to know about the injection itself. My doctor uses the freezing spray and I didn't find the injections to be painful--just a little uncomforable with the pressure of the serum going in. I also took their advice and iced the injections spot on and off for 24 hours and kind of rested. I didn't have any real down time or swelling or pain at the site of the injections. I hope this works for you and you get some relief. Knee pain is no fun!

Re: Knee replacement

LIndaMJ — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 15:02:48 GMT

@crazered, I had the third shot of Synvisc November 30 and have gotten 98% relief. Back in May I had the first set of 3 shots with the same results and they lasted 5 1/2 months before the pain started to come back. If only the FDA would approve a similar product for the hip joint.......😀!

Re: Knee replacement

crazered — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 16:30:05 GMT

Thank you for the responses. As far as jell,shots I really don't know much. He said they are $1800 a shot. I go Tuesday to discuss what is best for me. I also have bone Spurs and arthritis. I am really hoping he can just remove that and it will be better. Three years ago I had an autroscoopic (know that is spelled wrong )in my cartridge same knee. I did not do any rehab and went back to Dr he gave me some exercises .. I was diagnosed with breast cancer so I forgot about knee pain .I was off knees allot going thru chemo being in bed 20 hrs a day. But that is behind me now so I must face another hurdle but hopefully not as bad as cancer.

Keep posting I need opinions

thanks again

Re: Knee replacement

Goodie2shoes — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 18:13:20 GMT

I had a total knee replacement left knee in May of 2015, it's doing very well, glad I had it done. I went thru cortisone and synvisc injections and therapy prior (about 2 yrs)but eventually it became replacement time. I just had a left achilles tendon repair on 12/16 due to the degenerative tears in my tendon from the osteoporosis that ended up causing the knee replacement. The knee problems caused me to limp. Did you get all of that ? It's crazy I know but hopefully the injections will help to delay the possibility of a replacement for you. Overall I am glad I had it done, no more knee pain and I can walk the stairs ! Best of luck to you

Re: Knee replacement

151949 — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 18:15:29 GMT

The fact is that sooner or later when you have arthritic knees the doctor will recommend replacement surgery. IMO - attempting to put it off does not make anything any better, and you could be causing damage to your hips and back by walking on bone on bone knees. I think as soon as the doctor recommends it - best to have it done.

Re: Knee replacement

gmkb — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 18:28:24 GMT

I would question that $1800 figure. I had the series of three and they came to about $600 each, which comes to $1800 total. Medicare and my secondary covered most of it.

These injections are for mild to moderate osteoarthritis. They are not for severe degeneration. They will offer about 6-8 months of relief. I had them in May of 2015 and do not have any knee pain at this time.

It is a gelatinous substance that lubricates the knee.

Re: Knee replacement

RedTop — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 18:56:05 GMT

The injections do work for many, but did not work for me. In my situation, the injections were not tried until I had already decided it was time for joint replacement, and had an ortho consult. The ortho surgeon suggested we give Synvisc a shot, so that I had covered all options before scheduling the surgery. The first shot reduced the stress and tension in my knee for several days, but that feeling wore off quickly. The other shots did nothing as far as I could tell.

I suffered for 13 years before accepting it was time for surgery. I made that decision when I realized my mobility was declining rapidly, and predicted I would not be able to walk within another year if I didn't do something to help myself. My medical doctor treated my knee issue with NSAIDS and even arthritis medication, but when everything quit working, and I was grinding bone on bone with every step, it was time for surgery. I just wrapped my mind around what I had to do, and did it, in order to get my life back. I had an awesome experience with my surgery and recovery, and am focused on moving forward.

I too had a waddle and limp, and did not walk correctly. Being off balance put me at increased risk for falling, but also put stress on my good knee, spine, and hips. In hindsight, I should have consulted an ortho surgeon much sooner, and been treated more aggressively. I am thankful the new joint took care of all of my issues. Best wishes to you with your knee journey.

Re: Knee replacement

crazered — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 23:48:07 GMT

I think the $1800 is a series of three shots or one shot larger dose. At least that is what I was told by his nurse. $600 x 3 is $1800. Right? I hope to find out more next week

Re: Knee replacement

Kachina624 — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 00:25:47 GMT

I wouldn't waste my time with shots if my doctor told me I needed a TKR. I had mine in May 2011, and have never regretted that decision. I've been fine ever since, at least my knee has. I have a feeling the younger you are, the easier your recovery.

Re: Knee replacement

gmkb — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 08:46:03 GMT

@crazered wrote:
I think the $1800 is a series of three shots or one shot larger dose. At least that is what I was told by his nurse. $600 x 3 is $1800. Right? I hope to find out more next week

----------------------------------

The only reason I questioned the figure was that in one of your original posts you had said $1800 per injection. I think we are both on the same page now.

Whatever you decide, I wish you well. (edited to correct typo)

Re: Knee replacement

crazered — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 11:56:10 GMT

Update: went to the Dr he wants to wait for knee replacement. He suggested the jell shot. If it works. We will try it until it doesn't. If not we will go from there. I put my faith into his expert opinion. I was ready for the knee surgery but glad at this time he is trying something els. Hope the shot works for awhile. I am fully aware it is not the solution..

thanks again for your suggestion and opinions.

Re: Knee replacement

Mmsfoxxie — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 14:58:12 GMT

Hi, @crazered. I had the Syncvis One injection ti on in both knees in August of 2014. For the first few days, the pain was a little worse, then I was almost like new. Seemed like a miracle.

Fast forward to now. I'm sure it doesn't help that I've gained 15 lbs due to easy and inactivity but I would guess that the injection had worn off and I need to see my doctor again. He had suggested another would be needed by February or March of 2015 but I didn't need it and I didn't see the point of having the procedure when there was no pain. For me, that freeze spray did not dull the pain of the injections....they hurt.

My right knee is almost bone to bone but I have no pain walking, just doing stairs. No wobbling except for prior to my injection in 2014. I will be seeing my doctor soon to have new x-rays done to see if it's the weight causing the problem or more wear and tear.

Re: Knee replacement

RedTop — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 16:51:50 GMT

Once you start the Synvisc injections, you need to continue with the entire series of shots to obtain maximum effect. If the injections work, you can continue taking them for an extended period of time. The orthopedic surgeon who gave them to me, said he had one patient who had been taking them for 7 years; was still doing well, and not looking at joint replacement anytime soon.

I suffered for 13 years before agreeing to the surgery that saved my life. Had I seen this orthopedic surgeon much earlier, the Synvisc would have likely made a huge difference, and eased my pain and suffering. I absolutely believe the earlier this injection treatment is started, the more successful it will be.

Re: Knee replacement

sfnative — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 18:38:19 GMT

@docsgirl wrote:
@crazered wrote:
My Dr is going to give me a jell shot in the knee. Has anyone had this and does it work? He has said I will need knee replacement eventually. I am on the fence getting surgery but I do realize Woddle and do not walk correctly. Need suggestions on recovery time etc. I realize this may not be what happens to me. But I like to have others expetiences
thank you
I had a right total knee replacement in June, 2011 and it never healed completely. I still experience a lot of pain. Two other ortho surgeons reviewed all surgical and post-op notes and DVD and said it was a textbook surgery but every once in a while, for no known reason, they just don't heal properly. Lucky me! My neighbor had the exact same surgery by the same surgeon within weeks of mine and said it was the best thing she ever did.

I now have bone on bone arthritis in the left knee. My new surgeon gave me the set of 3 gel shots in August and I still feel pretty good. He said that within a month of receiving the final injection I would know whether or not they were effective. He said they are 50/50. Fortunately for me, they worked and enable me to continue to work and get around. Like you, I will eventually require the surgery but am not looking forward to it. I won't lie to you...it's a rough surgery and recovery but so many have gotten though it and say they've never felt better. Sometimes I think I should just have the surgery and get it over instead of postponing the inevitable. Good luck in whatever choice you make. docsgirl

@docsgirl

Based on my experience, please don't rule out that something untoward occurred during surgery. Also, did your surgeon use computer aided navigation during your surgery? If not, then he/she had to eye-ball where to and at what angle to remove the top of the shin bone (tibia), etc. Mistakes are not common, though most surgeries are "clean."

I came away with damage to two nerves in the area of the knee, which made my left foot numb and my toes paralyzed. My surgeon told me that is the first such instance for him in his 20 year practice. My left leg will never be the same and I've had to change my gait. I will stop here, because it makes me angry. (Before retiring I was Head/Surgical/Training, so am very, very familiar with this surgery.)

Hope things will eventually get at least bit better for you.

Re: Knee replacement

PatsyCline — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 10:52:13 GMT

@crazered wrote:
Update: went to the Dr he wants to wait for knee replacement. He suggested the jell shot. If it works. We will try it until it doesn't. If not we will go from there. I put my faith into his expert opinion. I was ready for the knee surgery but glad at this time he is trying something els. Hope the shot works for awhile. I am fully aware it is not the solution..
thanks again for your suggestion and opinions.

Prayers and blessings to you.