I've got bilateral osteoarthritis. Orthopedist recommends for me to have Synvisc-One injections. Anyone have experience with this? Cortizone shots haven't really been effective for my long term pain management. Can't take ibuprofen or other NSAIDs due to being on blood thinner. Acetaminophen doesn't work. Insurance has approved it so I am thinking why not. Just curious what others have experienced with efficacy. My cursory research shows it is under 50%. Thanks.
Synvisc-One for Bilateral Osteoarthitis
- Thread starter viking63
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Not the info that you are looking for, but consider this:
when the pain gets to be debilitating consider joint replacement. I've had two total ankle replacements and a hip. Spent years with pain and lots of nsaids. My joint replacements were life changing. I was 68 when i started the surgeries and I was done with high impact sports or work and medicare plus personal insurance helped make it doable. Maybe you are much younger. I've known so many people with successful knee replacements and i know a couple of people who have done both knees at the same time.
I hope the Synvisc injections work for you, but don't put off joint replacement if you don't have to.
when the pain gets to be debilitating consider joint replacement. I've had two total ankle replacements and a hip. Spent years with pain and lots of nsaids. My joint replacements were life changing. I was 68 when i started the surgeries and I was done with high impact sports or work and medicare plus personal insurance helped make it doable. Maybe you are much younger. I've known so many people with successful knee replacements and i know a couple of people who have done both knees at the same time.
I hope the Synvisc injections work for you, but don't put off joint replacement if you don't have to.
Synvisc injections are basically a modern name for
gell of chicken combs. Works for some, just like other injections. A friend of mine has gone with Synvisc some time ago, - does not want to go through that again. Needs surgery, but refuses.
This involves three injections now??
As mentioned by Farcyted, I would consider your age and pain level. May work for two weeks, may work for six months.
I myself had both knees replaced 7 yrs ago, and a shoulder 12 weeks ago. Knees were so much easier.
gell of chicken combs. Works for some, just like other injections. A friend of mine has gone with Synvisc some time ago, - does not want to go through that again. Needs surgery, but refuses.
This involves three injections now??
As mentioned by Farcyted, I would consider your age and pain level. May work for two weeks, may work for six months.
I myself had both knees replaced 7 yrs ago, and a shoulder 12 weeks ago. Knees were so much easier.
Appreciate your input. May I ask what was the trigger point for your joint replacement? The pain? Doctor's or families insistence? I am one of those who usually thinks just live through the pain (thanks dad) it will get better. I have come to realize that is not the where I am right now but old habits die hard as they say. I recently had discussion with coworker who had both knees replaced. Looking back he told me he should have had it done sooner and not gone through the years of pain. Much to consider. Thanks.
Regarding the bolded may I ask what was the reason? Didn't work? Adverse reaction?
Synvisc-One is a single injection. Orthopedist says the injection typically last 6 months but results may very.
I am 61 and have been dealing with knee pain for over ten years. Usually NSAIDs would help but can no longer take. Some days are good, some not. I think it makes sense to start with the injections and see what happens prior to considering replacement surgery. But your, Farcyted and my corworkers comments have giving me reason to think about replacement surgery sooner rather than later. Thanks.
My left hip will be 16 next April 30.
My right hip was 8 last August 28.
I was referred to a faculty physician at UIHC because of my "young" age. Could have(should have) done the first one a few years earlier. So much pain, life discomfort. The second one had no pain/discomfort,....but when I went to putt I had to wait for the joint to quit bouncing around before engaging the stroke.
Officiated HS hoops through the whole process. Still going his season.
Many clients know my story and ask "when did you know?"
Figure out when you can't deal with it any more,.....wake up post-surgery an go "why did I put up with that for so long?" The second replacement happens much faster and should be an easier post-surgery protocol.
My right hip was 8 last August 28.
I was referred to a faculty physician at UIHC because of my "young" age. Could have(should have) done the first one a few years earlier. So much pain, life discomfort. The second one had no pain/discomfort,....but when I went to putt I had to wait for the joint to quit bouncing around before engaging the stroke.
Officiated HS hoops through the whole process. Still going his season.
Many clients know my story and ask "when did you know?"
Figure out when you can't deal with it any more,.....wake up post-surgery an go "why did I put up with that for so long?" The second replacement happens much faster and should be an easier post-surgery protocol.
What does your ortho say about replacement? Knowing your history they will give you the best advice. Due to your age and state of deterioration they might still want you to try the injections first, so if that’s the case it might be best to start so you can either feel better or eliminate that therapy and move forward with a replacement
She had mentioned she did not wish to go through the initial pain again from the injection
Just one ankle here, but I absolutely agree with the difference post surgery/recovery. I walk without ankle pain now, and it feels pretty amazing. Next up will likely be my thumbs.
I know a LOT of people who say that. I wish I had replaced my ankle a lot sooner. I was nervous about the fact that they remove the joint completely...and once you do that, there's no going back, ya know? Well, my fears were unfounded.
If it is one or two joints, seriously consider joint replacement.
Didn't work for me, but worth trying. Finally had 2 total knee replacements, first couple weeks were a *****, but sure glad I did it now.
May or may not apply to OP, but losing weight has tremendous impact to reduce knee pain. Even if you already have osteoarthritis.
It's a bit complicated, but the #1 thing is that there comes a time when you just realize that the potential benefits outweigh what you are going thru. Any fears of surgery (the 5% risk of complications, etc) become secondary. When your issues affect the function and enjoyment of almost every part of your life. Sleep, walks, exercise, long car rides, golf, getting into ISU games, travel. When you realize that your bad joints slow you down way more than what the rest of your body is capable of and what you should be doing at your age yet.
Also, for me, since ankle replacement was fairly rare with not great success from the 80's thru early 2000's (ankle fusion was the typical treatment to get rid of the pain) my decision became easier when I found out how far the procedure had advanced in the last 15 years. Plus, I stumbled onto a doctor in sioux city that had done 100 such surgeries and was at the forefront of such work. Finding a doctor that is experienced, you like, and trust makes the decision easier. And, as I've said many times, I was born at the right time.
I agree with almost all the previous comments. I know someone who has been getting injections every 3-4 months for the last 4 plus yrs. The injections work for her but it’s inevitable she’ll get bilateral knee replacements in less than 3 yrs. Frankly she should’ve gotten them 2+ yrs ago.
Another family member had both knees done within 6 months of each other about 4 yrs ago and is experiencing a much better quality of life.
Another family member had both knees done within 6 months of each other about 4 yrs ago and is experiencing a much better quality of life.
Are you able to do everything you could do when your knees were healthy? I used to be a runner but my knees are so bad now I really can’t/shouldn’t. I’ve wondered if a replacement you allow me to run again.
He recommends the injections as first step. Honestly I've only had one visit with him for the initial evaluation. He came highly recommended though.
I feel it makes most sense to try the injections first. Why replace the engine when a tuneup may fix the problem.
After my initial research it seems the injections were not that effective. Wanted to see what others may have experienced.
