Wellness

[aubnwa01]

I had the series of 3 Synvisc shots prior to my 1st TKR in 2005 & my dr.'s office had to get a written authorization that my insurance would cover it before they'd even order the Synvisc.  I think I had the 3 shots over a period of a few weeks in late 2004 & they didn't help me.  Cortisone helped some, but he'd only give me a couple of shots & wouldn't do more.  Since the Synvisc was quite expensive, they didn't keep it on hand at the large hospital owned clinic practice where he practices & wouldn't order it until they knew it would be paid for.  I sort of recall them telling me it was about $300 per shot at that time in 2004, but it was still fairly new.  I think it's made from chicken combs/parts & I joked with friends that I was having chicken lips injected into my knee!

[Evie2004]

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@RedTop wrote:

I am 5 days post-op from my second knee replacement.   Synvisc was tried too late prior to my first surgery, and was of no benefit to me.   I did not go that route this time.   I had one cortisone shot that gave me only 7 days of relief, so I did not waste time on that either.   

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@RedTop  I remember your surgery was coming up, glad to see that you have had it & hope all is going well! 

I am wondering if the whole procedure (so far) is any easier, since it was your 2nd one done..I assume you are in the home PT phase. I had my right TKR done about 18 months ago & this has been the best few months I have had in years..my other knee has also deteriorated, but I am walking (not running) so well, I am not sure I want to go through it again..I am 70, but afraid to wait too much longer. I guess I am just curious if it is any easier the 2nd time around? Here is hoping for a speedy recovery for you!

[IMW]

I’ve used both the 3 and 1 shot versions over 19 Times, every 6 months for 10 years. Initially I got 5-6 months total relief.

Now I get partial relief for less time. 

Still it is worth it for me since it eases much of the pain.

I would suggest elevating legs after each shot and using ice to stop swelling. Also, I lie down when getting the shot it hurts less. For me the shot is not much more painful than a flu shot.

Good Luck!

[BROWNEYEDMOM1]

I was getting cortisone shots every 3 months and get only about 4-5 weeks relief before it starts hurting again. My doctor asked if I would like to try the Synvisc Injection. I had one in early August and he said if it was going to help to give it 4 weeks. At  4 weeks I was not pain free but my knee was not as stiff as it normally was. I am going tomorrow to the dr and will probably get a cortisone shot as that really helps the pain. I would definitely try the Synvisc shot- I didnt have any type of reaction to it and I am glad I at least tried it. I am 59 and my doctor wants me to try to wait a few years  for a TKR. I am ok with that as i am scared to have it done, but know at some point I will have to go through with it.. Good luck!

[RedTop]

@Evie2004, @NAES1

Thank you for your kinds words and encouragement.   I am 6 days post op, and do not feel this surgery is any easier the second time around.   

Since I opted for surgery much earlier than the first time, I did not deteriorate so far and my first measurements are what some people spend weeks of therapy to achieve.   I am 62, and what’s getting to me the most is the overall discomfort; I am not comfortable in any position.  I am grateful as each day passes and stay focused on tomorrow being better than today.  

I am right side dominant, and had surgery on my right knee, so I feel more physical challenges with everything I do.  I know I will get myself where I need to be, but the journey from here to there seems overwhelming.   That statement comes from facing the reality my husband is not physically up to the hands on challenge of caring for me, so I feel guilty for drawing him into this long process, and pray for the strength to do all I can for myself.    

My left leg was closed with staples 5 years ago; my right leg has dissolvable inner stitches, and has a tape and adhesive sealer over the incision.   A solvent will be used to remove the adhesive next week.  I am experiencing a lot more swelling this time which only adds to my discomfort.   I am staying ahead of my pain, but have cut back on the amount of my daily pain med to what I need to function.   

I am glad surgery is behind me.  Arthritis was just starting in this knee 5 years ago, but progressed rapidly.   I’ve spent the last year on the side lines of my life, and needed to go ahead with this surgery in hopes of being able to enjoy my 60’s.   I am not so sure I would want to be dealing with this recovery in my 70’s.  

[Mmsfoxxie]

@NickNack, I've never had cortisone shots or any series.  Three times now I've had the Synvisc one shot in both knees. The first time I had it, the doctor said it would last about six months, if at all.  It lasted over a year.  The second time, about a year.  I got one in May or so this year and I thought it didn't work at all but about two months in, I'm much better.  It doesn't kick in right away.

I'm almost bone on bone in the right knee but not so bad in the left one.  At night, I use a small pillow under the right knee to be comfortable.  I might not be as bad off as you, though.  I walk with no problem.  Exercise almost everyday, even Zumba.  I modify my movements when I have to.  Stairs are a problem if they are too high.

The last time I went in for my shot, my doctor said that I should use the every six month schedule but I won't go unless there is enough pain to indicate a need to go.  Those shots hurt, lol.

I hope you find the right solution for your pain.

[NickNack]

Thank you for your feedback @Mmsfoxxie.  I would be interested to have current x-rays to see how bad the doctor thinks my knees are.  I can walk with no problem, too.  I can go up stairs fairly easily, but my knees creak/crack and it does bother me somewhat.  I can walk up several flights though.  My knees hurt a little bit all the time, but really bother me and disturb my sleep at night.  I thought the shots probably hurt a lot.  I think cortisone shots hurt, too.  I'm not looking forward to having them, but having some relief from the pain would be great.

[Mmsfoxxie]

@NickNack, ask your doctor what the difference is between SynviscOne versus the series of three.  And interestly, this injection hurts the most in the knee with less cartilage.  It's quick, though.  They try to fool you by spraying some kind of cool stuff on your knee first, lol.

[NickNack]

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@Mmsfoxxie wrote:

@NickNack, ask your doctor what the difference is between SynviscOne versus the series of three.  And interestly, this injection hurts the most in the knee with less cartilage.  It's quick, though.  They try to fool you by spraying some kind of cool stuff on your knee first, lol.

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@Mmsfoxxie  Okay, I'll ask him about both of them.  SynviscOne is the main one that comes up in a search.  I wondered if that was the new version and they weren't doing the others anymore.  Maybe not though.  I would certainly rather just have one injection if it worked as well.

[Evie2004]

@RedTop thinking of you in the coming days..I remember the first week at home was pretty hard..my husband was my caregiver, we had a couple of crazy episodes that week (funny now, but not then) 

We actually switched sides on our bed, as it was easier to get out of his side & closer to our bathroom. I also recall not being able to get comfortable with positioning..we must have tried dozens of pillows & positions! I slept in my recliner a few nights.

I truly understand your frustration, but please try to take it all one day at a time! I used to tell myself, NEXT WEEK will be better & it usually was.

i too had the incision glue & steri-strips..the incision did not seem to cause the pain..it was just that darn flexion/bend...& I had a lot of swelling that took a long time to resolve (I thought). I may consider having the other one done next spring, really don't want to wait too much longer.

So hang in there, you are a strong person & I know you will do very well..thoughts & prayers being sent.& hugs to your husband!