@SQUEEKY2 (and Jay as well).
My knees are pretty much down to bone on bone, no cartilage left and bunches of bone spurs showing up on x-rays. It sounds like you two are in much earlier stages and you should definitely be seeing a specialist to see how bad the deterioration is and what can be done to slow the progression. I wish I had done that years ago. Rather than merely symptom relief you should be finding out which interventions are available for you so you can perhaps not be left with knee replacements as your only option.
For a year or two my pain Dr. was doing Synvisc injections which had perhaps a 20–30 percent improvement at best. I suspect it was primarily because I had already lost so much cartilage, if not all.
However, if you’re in the early stages it may be more beneficial for you. Do some research on it. As long as you don’t have an allergy to eggs, the only downside is that they may not work. So it’s not really that risky to try. Unlike steroids, there are no other known side effects to Synvisc or similar compounds.
At this point for me, the only real option would be knee replacements. But I’m just not ready to accept that yet, especially considering its both knees.
So I survive on NSAIDs and the lowest possible amount of Norco I can get by on (at this point 2–4 per day). Considering that’s the same dosage I started out with years ago, I figure that’s pretty good all things considered. I’m aware of how quickly daily dosages can spiral upwards and out of control, so I watch it like a hawk determined to keep a lid on it.
It definitely affects my mobility and even which stores I shop at. If they can’t be bothered to get even one electric cart for their customers then I can’t be bothered putting myself in pain for hours afterward just to spend my money toward their profits.
But you should definitely be seeing a Doc regularly who will track things via x-rays and likely can use some interventions which can be helpful since it sounds like you’re still in the early stages.
Definitely find one experienced with Synvisc. The surgeon whom I was initially referred to was not even willing to try. Had a very negative attitude and all he wanted to do was operate. Find yourself one willing to think outside his box a little.
The other thing on the horizon which has already had some success for injured athletes with damaged joints is PRP. That stands for Platelet Rich Plasma. Do some research on that as well. They basically use your own blood so it’s also relatively non-risky. There are also some YouTube vids about it.
Composing members:
0
Composing members:
0
