Wellness

[3JJJ]

I'm looking for input on regenerative medicine (adipose).  My knees are a mess and I do not want to have TKR.  I've been looking in to this and it seems to good to be true.  Other than the fact that insurance doesn't cover it, it seems great.  Anyone have any experience with this?  Thanks.

[Love my grandkids]

@3JJJ  Have you discussed with a *medical* professional? 

If something sounds too good to be true it probablly is.

[pdlinda]

@3JJJ   I was just curious regarding why you are excluding TKR in your planning for your damaged knees.

I had my right knee replaced in 2019 and am very satisfied with the result.

[We rescue cats]

@3JJJ I have just finished up with a series of injections in my knee, they told me it will be several weeks for it to work but it is already better than it was. I read that cortisone is a better choice but I cannot tolerate it. My issue is arthritis that has caused degeneration of the cartilage.

[3JJJ]

Yes, I have.  The people who use it (of course, they love it and tell me I'm an excellent candidate and I "should" have very good results).  And my PCP who said she doesn't know alot about it but has known of 3 patients who had it and had no success.  

I have also been researching an excellent orthopedic surgeon for my sister who is having issues and regenerative medicine is listed in his list of qualifications.  We haven't seen him yet.

[3JJJ]

My sister had 2 TKR and they were nightmares.  I don't want to go through the pain and downtime they require.  I don't have any one to help me take care of things.  I want a non-invasive solution, if possible

Thank you all for your input.

[Meowingkitty]

I had tkr 6 weeks ago and I'm already walking a mile on an indoor track, water aerobics 3 times a week. Just finished 6 weeks of PT. Yes it hurts for the first week. That's what drugs are for. After that it's not so bad. My doctor told me that injections don't work in the long term. 

[Carmie]

I looked into it but decided against it.  I tried every injection out there, physical therapy and whatnot and my knees kept getting worse, especially the right knee.

I got to the point that I could no longer walk, or bend my knee.  Even sitting down was painful.

My cartlidge was gone.  I was bone on bone and scraping the bone away.  

I couldn't wait any more and I had no quality of life.  I chose the quick fix.  I had a TKR.  It was the best thing I ever did and I was sorry I put it off so long.

My right knee is pain free and I can bend and balance on it.

My left knee is also bone on bone...it fact, I looks worse than the  right on X-rays , but is not terrible painful and I have complete range of motion.

When it hurts too much for me to bear, I will have another TKR. My surgeon is the best in the area. Almost all of his patients have very little pain afterwards and are back to normal in three weeks.

If you want to give Regenerative medicine a try, don't wait until you knees are too far gone.

New Cartridge won't help much if your actual bones are damaged beyond repair.

[Snowpuppy]

I have osteoarthritis in one knee. My PCP suggested platelet rich plasma injections where a patient uses their own blood to regenerate an arthritic knee.

Not covered by insurance but I am considering the procedure.

Mayo is working on experimental knee/hip regenerative cartilige treatments for non arthritic patients.

ETA: the body is always looking to heal itself. If you are considering alternative therapies like regenerative medicine understand that these can take time as they are meant to work with the body. They are not a quick fix.

[jlkz]

@Carmie 

You may want that great surgeon to do the second knee, so sign up before he retires or moves away to a more lucrative practice.  A friend had this happen to her a while ago.