Bad Knees

[Bird]

I guess this is actually a not related topic, but I was wondering whether anyone has had these Hyalgan injections.

I've been having a tough time with my right knee for quite some time and my wife had been fussing at me to see a doctor so the 18th of last month, I went to see an orthopedic knee specialist. X-rays showed a good cushion between the bones of the left knee and none in the right knee. He said, 'You don't need surgery yet." So he injected cortisone in the knee and said if that fixed it for 4 to 6 months, we'd do it again. However, it helped only for a week or less. So I saw him again Thursday and he said it was up to me whether I go ahead with the surgery or try the Hyalgan; 5 injections, each one a week apart.

It seems the knee surgery is quite common, but I tend to think of surgery as a last resort, so plan to try the Hyalgan but don't know anyone who has tried it, so thought I'd ask here.

 

[Bedlam]

Sorry to hear of your bad knee. I have problems with both knees.Just curious about the shot you had of cortisone was it painful to get? I look forward to the others explanation of Hyalgan I can offer this link.
HYALGAN® (sodium hyaluronate) - Osteoarthritis Knee Pain Treatment
HYALGAN - sodium hyaluronate Solution
I assure you that you and I aren't in the minority. The more I talk to people the more I hear stories.

 

[rekees4300]

Wife had knee replacement surgery in 2006. It's a big deal and should be a last resort. She was hospitalized for 3 days and that was followed by 13 weeks of therapy for 1 hour 3 times a week. In my wife's case Dr. said alternatives like Hyalgan could be tried but would only be a temporary fix at best. Every case is different so Hyalgan may be worthwhile for you?

 

[whistlepig]

I guess this is actually a not related topic, but I was wondering whether anyone has had these Hyalgan injections.

I've been having a tough time with my right knee for quite some time and my wife had been fussing at me to see a doctor so the 18th of last month, I went to see an orthopedic knee specialist. X-rays showed a good cushion between the bones of the left knee and none in the right knee. He said, 'You don't need surgery yet." So he injected cortisone in the knee and said if that fixed it for 4 to 6 months, we'd do it again. However, it helped only for a week or less. So I saw him again Thursday and he said it was up to me whether I go ahead with the surgery or try the Hyalgan; 5 injections, each one a week apart.

It seems the knee surgery is quite common, but I tend to think of surgery as a last resort, so plan to try the Hyalgan but don't know anyone who has tried it, so thought I'd ask here.

I went through something similar with my right knee last fall due to a torn cartilage. They started cortisone shots and that got me through the summer. Then I tripped last fall and finished ripping the cartilage. The pain was then unbearable. No sleep and no position I could put my leg to relieve this pain. I had arthroscopic surgery. The surgery wasn't that bad. My knee is still a bit tender and gets stiff in cold weather. But the pain now is bearable. Cortisone is just a quick fix. They told me that going in. All I asked was that they get me through that summer. And the cortisone did do that.

 

[Bird]

Sorry to hear of your bad knee. I have problems with both knees.Just curious about the shot you had of cortisone was it painful to get? I look forward to the others explanation of Hyalgan I can offer this link.
HYALGANｮ (sodium hyaluronate) - Osteoarthritis Knee Pain Treatment
HYALGAN - sodium hyaluronate Solution
I assure you that you and I aren't in the minority. The more I talk to people the more I hear stories.

The doctor mentioned something about an anesthetic with the cortisone, but anyway I wish I'd watched him do that injection. But I was lying on my back on the table and he said something about freezing it and I felt something cold either sprayed or swabbed on the side of the knee then a pin prick right at the surface, so I was waiting to feel the needle go the rest of the way when he said, "That's it." So to answer your question, "Nope, not painful at all." The doctor did give me a brochure on the Hyalgan and their claim is that it does not interfere with any other medication, does not have the side effects of steroid injections, and that it can be used repeatedly for years.

I have a neighbor that I seldom see, but last Fall he was out in the yard on crutches, so I went out to ask what happened and he'd had knee surgery on both knees. While I haven't really done any research, or even asked the doctor, I've heard that the knee surgey is usually good for 8 to 10 years. Now, realistically, I figure that's about my remaining life span, but since I might last longer, I don't want to have the surgery too early for it to last as long as the rest of my body lasts.:laughing:

 

[Big Bri]

My mom started the treatment 6 months ago, she has gone from not going up stairs or walking very far to riding a bike with my kids. it has helped her a lot.
she went to see a surgeon and he recommended the shots. . . they seem to be working well.
Good luck

 

[whistlepig]

The doctor mentioned something about an anesthetic with the cortisone, but anyway I wish I'd watched him do that injection. But I was lying on my back on the table and he said something about freezing it and I felt something cold either sprayed or swabbed on the side of the knee then a pin prick right at the surface, so I was waiting to feel the needle go the rest of the way when he said, "That's it." So to answer your question, "Nope, not painful at all." The doctor did give me a brochure on the Hyalgan and their claim is that it does not interfere with any other medication, does not have the side effects of steroid injections, and that it can be used repeatedly for years.

I have a neighbor that I seldom see, but last Fall he was out in the yard on crutches, so I went out to ask what happened and he'd had knee surgery on both knees. While I haven't really done any research, or even asked the doctor, I've heard that the knee surgey is usually good for 8 to 10 years. Now, realistically, I figure that's about my remaining life span, but since I might last longer, I don't want to have the surgery too early for it to last as long as the rest of my body lasts.:laughing:

Arthroscopic isn't that bad. Surgery at 8:00AM. On my way back home an hour and half later. Crutches for two days and off work for a week. Cortisone works great. But, as the doctor told me going in, it's temporary and it's going to have to be fixed. I think you are referring to knee joint replacement. If it hurts I get it fixed. I'm going to flat wear this body out. I don't want anything left over when I'm done.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Downtime for knee surgery will vary. I had orthoscopy for torn meniscus and a PCL injury. I was out of "action" for seven weeks back in 06' but beat the prediction by one week. I hear other people talk about being back at work in a week.

For me, it was instant relief for knee pain but I was sick for a week from the anesthesia. I started therapy the very next day after surgery with a "bucket" close by.

 

[Pops15]

Bird,
What kind of surgery was the doctor talking about?
I know a couple guys that had arthroscopic knee surgery when they were in their mid 40's. Their down time was only a couple weeks and the repairs have held up well.
Knee replacements are a different story. My wife's uncle was told his knee replacement would last 15+ years. He's on his 4th one in 13 years. Also have a friend who had to have her knee replacement replaced after only 7 years.
I've never heard of Hyalgan but I'd be inclined to try that rather than have a knee replacement.
On the other hand you might want to consider what your health might be like a few years down the road. It's better to have the surgery while you're younger and stronger. My Mom had a hip replaced at around 74 years old and breezed through the recovery. She's now 84 and I doubt she could handle the surgery or recovery if she had to go through that again.
Best of luck to you whichever route you decide to go.
Pops

 

[Egon]

Good morning Bird. I'm sorry to hear you have a bum knee. That can be very painful and really limit your activities.

I can not help with your question but am very interested in the results. My Brother in law Had replacement knee surgery about 10 years ago. Recover took a little while for him but the procedure made life a lot more enjoyable for him. He is now in his early 90's.

Keep the faith.:thumbsup: