Wellness

[NickNack]

I made my appt. with the orthopedic surgeon to try to get the Synvisc injection in both knees.  I couldn't get in until November 8.  I've been waking up in the middle of the night with knee pain and having to take ibuprofen.  When I saw him four years ago he said that insurance made you get cortisone shots first, and if they didn't work well then you could have the Synvisc injections.  The cortisone shots I got at that time didn't last long at all, so I'm hoping Medicare doesn't require you to do that.

[I am still oxox]

I am getting my gel injection next week, when I saw the doctor initially he said the I would getting same benefit from both and the single shot is quicker

[Gooday]

I had an arthroscopy for two meniscal tears.  At that time the surgeon (who I worked for, for 17 years) told me the knee had lots of arthritis that didn't show up on x-ray or MRI.  A few months after the scope, I got an injection of Monovisc.  It's the same component of Synvisc and Supartz but it was a single injection.  Fortunately, it worked. 

If your arthritis is too far gone and/or you have bone on bone, do not waste your time.  There has to be some joint space for the medication to be injected to.

[NickNack]

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@Gooday wrote:

I had an arthroscopy for two meniscal tears.  At that time the surgeon (who I worked for, for 17 years) told me the knee had lots of arthritis that didn't show up on x-ray or MRI.  A few months after the scope, I got an injection of Monovisc.  It's the same component of Synvisc and Supartz but it was a single injection.  Fortunately, it worked. 

If your arthritis is too far gone and/or you have bone on bone, do not waste your time.  There has to be some joint space for the medication to be injected to.

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Thank you for your feedback @Gooday.  I've never heard that about there being lots of knee arthritis that doesn't show up on x-rays or MRI's.  That's interesting.  The orthopedic surgeon that I'm going to is very reputable and is also a good friend of my sister and her husband.  I don't think he would do anything that he didn't feel was the best thing for me to do.  I honestly don't think it's time for me to have surgery, but I'm willing to listen if the surgeon thinks it's time.  I'm not having any trouble getting around.  I have just been having more pain lately.  This morning I had to get out of bed at 4:30 just to take ibuprofen.

[Cioci Carol]

I’ve had these injections several times over three years, they work but like everything else it wears off.  As needed I take my prescription anti inflammatory medication which I try to limit.  Some days are good and some days are not, end result replacements but only as a last recourse, good luck and do feel better.

[I am still oxox]

@Cioci Carol

Gel or cortisone, I thought they will not do the gel injections very often

[NAES1]

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@RedTop wrote:

@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.  

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        For RedTop ~ 

         I had started a reply over six days ago and each time (Xs2) I had to either stop or tend to a phone ringing at 10pm, then on the second one..(written in a long series of information why I was not here for almost three weeks, then _________* cancelled due to too much info. where I am the main legal witness for something that just was not true concerning an elderly neighbor), but definitely wanted you to know that I read every word of your very precise event post procedure!!!!

 I agree - "I don't think anyone in their seventies could go through this unless they were in a professional rehabilitation center, a long with (almost) 24/7 care.

I have known you to be a very strong woman, and your age will be your strength to recover quickly....not close to a 70+ year old. BUT! Sure there are many that do have the {same}; all depends on the caregiver and assistance. 

 I had no idea that your husband was having any health issues, nor, unable to be a complete help / care giver to you. I am sorry to learn that.  I can say:::: ICE ICE ICE.

This week will, if I read correctly, is the appointment for the solvent ` to remove` the adhesive.

 Sending you great healing thoughts and a prayer for "no pain" much longer.

 Thinking of you during this time and will definitely stay in touch while you return to your get up and go once again. What is nice ( if that is acceptable) that you have been through this before. 

 Sending you a hug and many positive sincere prayers coming your way. I shall wait until further updates. Stay as sweet,strong and safe as I know you from each postings..."well, almost each post" ..... Awwh,,,,,,,,,,you are one of the good ones ~~

[I am still oxox]

It as taken since Oct 1 to get my shot approved by insurance, it has taken over a week to get Caremark to process it.

I got a cal from the Drs coordinator at 5pm today, my cost for this will be $385.00 wow I was floored by that

[Evie2004]

@NAES1, I had my first TKR last year, just as I was turning 69 & rehabbed here at home, with my husband as my caregiver..I plan on having the other one done done in the spring..and hopefully plan to be home afterwards..my husband & I are in pretty good shape for the shape we're in! 😊

@RedTop, hope your recovery & PT are going well this week! And that pain is easing some by now! 

[NAES1]

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@Evie2004 wrote:

@NAES1, I had my first TKR last year, just as I was turning 69 & rehabbed here at home, with my husband as my caregiver..I plan on having the other one done done in the spring..and hopefully plan to be home afterwards..my husband & I are in pretty good shape for the shape we're in! 😊

@RedTop, hope your recovery & PT are going well this week! And that pain is easing some by now! 

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         @Evie2004,

       I had not been here today, buckeye mom...but so glad that you were able to read what I 'tried to send' to RedTop. It's great to learn that you at sixty nine will supposedly be doing very well when spring comes again. Also, the sweet husband care giver is close by. Even though I have not had any tkr surgeries, nor know of anyone in my family....

  ~(as yet)~ having any.

I am very aware -pain- post procedure, affects each / differently, i.e., pain tolerance.

   I am noticing that you have to be in great condition when you undertake this possibly close to being seventy.

          Now! How great is that? 

 This is very sweet of you to correspond to RedTop and 'there' to answer questions if she asks. Many patients do very well from what I have read, others, not so well.

 hopefully we will hear back when RT feels stronger and is on the mend to recovery. 

 Since this is only a guess, I believe {this one} the (R) knee, being her dominant one, there could possibly be more frustration vs the other, some years ago.

   I did post ICE ICE ICE; she is resting so will should hear something in a few days. Stay close, as I am- - hoping to hear some positive healing news.

You are truly a good friend to have, comparing notes.

  to have known you. 

It would be an A+ if she had a devoted one hundred percent in home assistant. She really thought this through and for several reasons, but was not able to go forward with the scheduling.

Thank you for being here for her. I appreciated she posting back to the both of us after

           ___it was over!

  Also, `great to hear you are in good shape. Not many can identify with that.  

Hope to hear from you if I should be absent and trace back for your news.