Among Friends

[gmkb]

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.

[RedTop]

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. 

[crazered]

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

[Kachina624]

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. 

[gmkb]

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@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

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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)

[crazered]

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. 

[Mmsfoxxie]

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.

[RedTop]

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.   

[sfnative]

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@docsgirl wrote:

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@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

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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

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@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.

[PatsyCline]

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@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.