Steriod shot in knee, ???

[Bocephous]

One thing I haven't seen mentioned here if one does decide to get knee replacement is the "ice machine" I got issued one to take home and keep with my surgery, but have heard of others that did not....so if you're in that latter category, BUY ONE.[/B

I was told 5-6 years ago that I needed a new knee. I've been working as a Pipefitter since 1976 in construction/maintenance/shutdowns, etc. Now I'm paying for all those years of abuse. I've been wearing a knee brace for 4 years now, and have been on a wait list for replacement for 6 months (after waiting 1 1/2 years to see the surgeon).
When it happens (which sure as heck will be in the middle of haying), I will be looking for one of those "ice machines". Glad you said it helped, as I had heard of them before and have wondered if it would help me if and when the surgery happens.

Why have you been on a wait list, and why did you have to wait to see a surgeon?

 

[TnAndy]

Why have you been on a wait list, and why did you have to wait to see a surgeon?

You apparently didn't notice his location. Politicians in the US hold the Canadian model up as an example to copy. Apparently it's great unless you actually need to use it. /sarc

 

[keljan11]

Why have you been on a wait list, and why did you have to wait to see a surgeon?

I live in an area of southern British Columbia where a lot of people want, (and do), retire in because of the weather. Therefore there are a lot of aged people breaking hips, etc. from falls. The surgeon who is to do my replacement is supposedly very sought after, and hospital operating room access is quite fully used. I'd rather let others who need emergency surgeries get theirs done before my. I'm still walking on my own, and Tylenol is one of my best friends.
I put it off for 3-4 years to keep working, so part of this is my fault. One of my favorite sayings is "Carry on as if you're normal".
It is what it is. And yes the Canadian medical system takes its time

 

[Alien]

Years ago I had a steroid shot for tennis elbow. It worked.
A year ago I had a cortisone shot in my thumb. It didn't work. Around the same time I had a shot into the palm of my hand for dupingtons. It didn't work. Two operations later to straighten and release fingers.
Years ago (about 35) I had steroid shots into my spine. Didn't work. I had a Laminectomy.
4 years ago I had CT guided Cortisone shots into my spine again. Didn't work. Had a second Laminectomy.
5 weeks ago I had another round of CT scan guided Cortisone into my spine. Didn't work so possibly my 3rd Laminectomy is looming.
However, unfortunately for me, the Dr damaged a nerve with the needle and I haven't been able to walk more than a few meters since. In fact I was laid up in bed for 4 weeks going nuts. Very painful experience.
I can get up now but not for long and bombed on painkillers.
I will in future refuse any cortisone needle treatment as for me they just cause grief.

 

[Molalla1]

Years ago I had a steroid shot for tennis elbow. It worked.
A year ago I had a cortisone shot in my thumb. It didn't work. Around the same time I had a shot into the palm of my hand for dupingtons. It didn't work. Two operations later to straighten and release fingers.
Years ago (about 35) I had steroid shots into my spine. Didn't work. I had a Laminectomy.
4 years ago I had CT guided Cortisone shots into my spine again. Didn't work. Had a second Laminectomy.
5 weeks ago I had another round of CT scan guided Cortisone into my spine. Didn't work so possibly my 3rd Laminectomy is looming.
However, unfortunately for me, the Dr damaged a nerve with the needle and I haven't been able to walk more than a few meters since. In fact I was laid up in bed for 4 weeks going nuts. Very painful experience.
I can get up now but not for long and bombed on painkillers.
I will in future refuse any cortisone needle treatment as for me they just cause grief.

For these and other kinds of treatment I have always used a doctor that uses ultrasound to guide that d@mn needle in.

 

[jrwalkerpa1]

There are so many variables in knee issues, that it's nearly impossible to guess what will work from one person to the next.

My right knee is arthritic and has been giving me problems on and off for about 5 years. Overall I've had decent success with the steroid shots but it has varied wildly. I guess I've had about 10 total. Most of the time I get relief for 3-6 months but there have been exceptions. In 2017, they didn't last more than 6 weeks or so. However I got my most recent shot in June 2018. While I still have some pain, I don't yet feel I need another shot after 13 months. Why, I have idea other than I have lost some weight

The chicken shots didn't work at all for me, but they work well for many. I'll eventually need replacement surgery but right now I'm too fat and too young. One of those issues is up to me, the other will solve itself!

 

[keljan11]

One of the things that made my surgery wait time so long was my line of work. I was a Pipefitter, and the first vet I saw said:
a) I was too young, and still working.
b) having the surgery while still working in my trade, the replacement would probably only last around 5-8 years. Then I'd have to do it again, and there are only 2 lengths of replacement parts available, apparently.
c) pain will bring me back to see the vet again.
d) the bugger retired before I got the chance to see him again

What made me go see him in the first place was every time I crossed my knee, it clicked. Also it also popped out (somehow) on occasion. To straighten it, I had to hold the knee in that position with my hand, flick it out and it would pop back into place. Major pain, had to walk the pain off, then go back to work. I'm now "retired", and only farming for pleasure (right.....) And still waiting for the new surgeon to find a space/time to fit me into the schedule.

 

[Bocephous]

You apparently didn't notice his location. Politicians in the US hold the Canadian model up as an example to copy. Apparently it's great unless you actually need to use it. /sarc

I did notice his location. I wanted him to explain real life gov't health care to the people that are pining for it.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Reading these replies has me thinking about someone on another website that I used to frequent. It has been awhile but as I recall, he was maybe 30's or so and had a knee replaced but had complications. He had had like seven ops and was scheduled to go back to have his knee numbed and "exercised" to break up scar tissue. EEK!

 

[Steppenwolfe]

I did notice his location. I wanted him to explain real life gov't health care to the people that are pining for it.

Why? Got an axe to grind?