Even more fun with knees

[rolanni]

So, back from the knee doctor, who tells me that the fact that my knee is starting to hurt again this soon after the codeine shot means that I win. . .gel shots.

Providing the insurance company agrees, that is.

Moving on the assumption that the insurance company will agree -- and no way I can afford these shots if they don't -- the plan is to have me come in once a week for three weeks in November.

I seem to remember from our previous conversation about failing joints that several people on the f'list have gone the gel-injection route. Anybody want to give me an overview of what I can expect? I find it interesting that the doctor admits that nobody knows why it works, or what happens to the lubricant when it. . .dissipates. However, it does seem to retard the wearing away of cartilage, with no other apparent side effects. They think.

Herm.

In other news, still trying to decide if going to see the 9 at the buck-a-head showing tonight starting at 8:50 is a smart move. For sure I wouldn't get to sleep before midnight. On the other hand, I know where they keep the caffeine. Decisions, decisions.

Comments

Knee injections (Hyalgan or Synvisc)

[(Anonymous)]

This past summer, when your knee started to flare up, I left you a message recommending that the knee injections would be helpful, if your physician suggested them. I have, to date, had two sets of Hyalgan injections in my left knee; they are given 1 injection per week for three weeks, and then they wait 6 months, and give another set of injections. There has been a marked improvement in the comfort level in my left knee after two sets of Hyalgan injections, which my orthopedic specialist suggested was unusual for the site of my pain (the patellar furrow) but he isn't going to stop giving them to me as long as they continue to help me.

After each injection, you feel a lump in your knee, but it does not feel uncomfortable; it is "just there". About the time the next injection comes due, you have reached the point where you don't feel the first one. Then, with the second one, there is that feeling of "something there" again, but no real pain. Ditto for the third injection. I would say that about two weeks after the third injection, you don't really feel anything any more. Relief from the arthritis pain may take several weeks to fully realize, but hopefully it will come.

Yours,
M.C. Thomson, Harrisburg, PA

Re: Knee injections (Hyalgan or Synvisc)

[rolanni.livejournal.com]

Thank you; that helps a lot.