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Anyone ever have injections like Orthovisc in their knees?

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Posted 7/9/2014 8:13 PM (GMT 0)
I started out by having the hylagan shots in my left knee,  which is a series of 5 weekly shots and at first, had them every year to year 1/2 (never hurt once).  After 5 years, the Dr. did the Orthovisc - series of 3 shots in both knees and they didn't do anything so needless to say, I had the left knee replaced at 45 yrs old.  Six months after the left was replaced, I had the right knee scoped (cartlidge cleaned up) and I haven't had one single problem with either knees since.  I would replace it again in a second.  I notice my back and leg pain decreased significantly and my posture is much better because now I'm not walking at the "lean" to try and keep pain down.

The biggest difference I've heard and experienced personally is trust and faith in the surgeon that is doing the work.  I've been with my surgeon for over 30 yrs now and I told him he wasn't allowed to retire until the other knee needs done (which hopefully now the really bad one is better, I won't need to). smilewinkgrin

Best of Luck whatever you decide.

PS:  The best advice I was given by people that have had their knees replaced was to work extra hard at the excersises you do immediately after.  The more you do and longer you do them, the more movement you get back and the quicker it all heals.

Brenda

 

Posted 7/9/2014 9:17 PM (GMT 0)
My hubby has had a partial, it helped..he 's had injections, they also helped.. But he was still having some nagging pains..and got therapy to release the fascia around the knee...and this helped him tremendously...i would want a test to confirm also..because with fibro we could be having soft tissue issues that make the joint hurt..

My husband had one knee that they said we will just go in and clean it up..so a mini surgery.. The surgeon came out after and said it was not as bad as he suspected..so he went theough a surgery when he probably needed the fascia released...i know it can be confusing and we want to take their word on things..

But he wouod say try the injections..and get the fascia checked
Posted 5/8/2015 4:11 PM (GMT 0)
After tearing the meniscus in my right knee 4 years ago in a fall at work, i had surgery to repair the tear. Both of my knees have significant cartilage loss due to OsteoArthritis and general wear and tear of the joint. I checked out the various injections and found that since I am allergic to feathers that Ortho Visc was the best option. My ortho sprays a numbing agent on the area so that I do not feel any pain with the injection. I do feel pressure and can feel the liquid, but that is all. They worked so well for me with the right knee that I decided to get them in my left as well. My ortho has also added cortizone to the injection so that I have added relief with the left knee without having to deal with the second needle. I would recommend them highly. I get them every six months.

I am with you on not wanting the knee replacements. My sister who is 10 years older than me has had three knee replacements in her left knee and two in her right knee. She is kn constant pain.
Posted 1/10/2017 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
Has anyone had these Shots on their shoulder? I just came across this thread and had to ask. I have been seeing my ortho for 4 months now for my shoulder. MRI says I have bad arthritis with small tears and inpingements? I have had the steroid shots for burcitis. no help. Had one inner joint injection of steroid with no help. He said the other alternative is these Orthovisc injections. or see the his shoulder specialist for orthoscopic surgery. My insurance will not cover the shots and he said there is about a 50/50 chance of them working anyway.. I am 49 and way to young for a joint replacement so I don't want to go there...
My deductible on my insurance stinks and surgery will set me back much more than these injections..
Any comments would be appreciated..
Thanks
Fred
Posted 7/7/2019 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
I have a torn meniscus in my right knee and was told by a surgeon, after getting an MRI, I need surgery to repair it. I went to my pain management doctor for a second opinion. He said I should try the orthodox shots and I did. I got my last one about 2 1/2 weeks ago. My knee was starting to feel really good and then, about 4 days ago, turned the wrong way to reach for something and my knee has been killing me ever since. I am using anti-inflammatories, stdms , ice and a compression bandage which has calmed the knee die but not 100%. I am now so confused, do I just wait and see if the soreness and pain does still go away or do I go for meniscus repair surgery. I have arthritis in the knee also but not to the extent where that is painful. I would appreciate any advice anyone has for me?
Posted 7/8/2019 12:59 AM (GMT 0)
Hello & welcome to the forum. You can wait a few days to see if the pain lessens. I am not sure what type of injection your dr gave you, can you clarify what it was? If it was a steroid injections all that will do is help calm down irritation. The injections the members in this thread are talking about is to treat arthritis, these injections will not heal a tear of the meniscus.

Some meniscus tears can heal on their own if they are very small. Most drs prefer to leave those alone for that reason. Your MRI report will state exactly what was seen, you should request a copy of the written report. Since you are undecided on this, I suggest that you get a 2nd opinion with either a knee specialist only or a sports medicine dr. I've had some tears repaired. Granted it's still surgery, but the post op recovery is very manageable.

Take care.
Posted 7/8/2019 9:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Eileen, and welcome! I have never had a problem with my knees so I’m no help to you but I wanted to suggest that you post in the arthritis forums also. You might get more of a response.

I hope you do get some help with this problem. It’s horrible when you have such pain. You need to be able to walk comfortably. Please let us what what you end up doing. We do care about you.

Sherrine
Posted 7/9/2019 6:00 PM (GMT 0)
I had the 3 weekly orthovisc(not orthodox) shots in my right knee , finishing about 3 weeks ago. I did have an MRI, which was ordered by the surgeon I went to in February. I have a copy and a disc of the MRI , but it's all Greek to me. The surgeon diagnosed a torn meniscus and gave me a choice of doing nothing or having the surgery. I understand the surgery is an outpatient procedure and not too serious. The thing that scares me is the recovery. Coming home and being helpless, especially back in Feb as my husband was diagnosed with cancer again and told he would have to go thru immunology treatments. He's already been through chemo and had radiation treatments 3xs. As I didn't know how he would be, I did not want to be in a situation after surgery where I would be totally helpless, even if it would just be for a short time. Then a month ago I decided to go to my pain mgmt Dr and let him check the MRI results and see what he had to say. He recommended I try the Orthovisc shots. All was going well until a week ago when all of a sudden my knee started to hurt more then it ever had. As I said, I really can't tell if it is the meniscus tear, or if I overextended when stretching my calf muscles. The pain runs up the back of my calf, knee and thigh., And also right in the center of the front of the knee. I go back to the pain mgmt Dr next week for follow up. I'll see what his opinion of all this is, but I'm now considering surgery. My husband goes for cat scans tomorrow and we will also get the results next week. Hopefully he'll be cleared and then I can go for the surgery. If anyone has had any experience like this after getting orthovisc shots I would love to hear from them.
Posted 7/11/2019 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Sherrine, your response is much appreciated.
Posted 7/11/2019 4:51 PM (GMT 0)
Straydog, I've given you more info on my post above, hopefully, they will answer your questions. I agree about getting g a second opinion which is what I thought I was doing with the pain mgmt dr. I guess now I need a 3rd opinion. sad You say you've had the meniscus tear surgery. After you recovered, was your knee good as new. Could you resume your normal activities. I like to go for long walks, but am now afraid to. Also, I'm on my feet a lot at home, as most daily chores , laundry, cooking, cleaning, etc., require this. I wonder if these activities will be easier after meniscus tear surgery. Thank you
Posted 7/12/2019 12:46 PM (GMT 0)
Eileen, if you will come over to the arthritis forum I will be glad to answer your questions the best I can.
Posted 7/14/2019 2:37 PM (GMT 0)
Ok, which arthritis group Straydog?
Posted 7/25/2019 3:10 PM (GMT 0)
E, I am sorry, I just found your post. Please post in the Osteoarthritis forum if you are still interested.
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