Guest guest Posted March 18, 2003 Report Share Posted March 18, 2003 I can only give you my experience with Synvisc. I had the three injection series, and it didn't do diddly for me. My orthopedic surgeon said it is an " iffy " procedure at best, but we were grasping at straws at the time. It didn't change a thing for me. I wouldn't discourage you from trying it though. Could be you would be the one it would work for...it does for some. To me, it was a great disappointment. It's made from Chicken's combs, as you said. You can't be allergic to chickens or eggs or anything like that. I'm not sorry I tried it, as it was a stone that would have been left unturned. I found that getting all the weight off was the best thing that could have happened to my knees. I think i bought myself some time on the knee replacements. The knees are still shot, but I can walk for a couple of miles on a flat surface without much pain at all. If I go out on uneven ground, they kill. So...that's my story. Regards~ Jacque Distal RNY, 5/30/00 Drs. Fox and Oh 310~127 Beginning BMI 50.0 Current BMI 20.4 > > I hope this topic hasn't already been covered. I've been reading this list > for a year and don't recall having seen it in that time. Having spent many > decades at weights topping 200#, 300# and 400#, my knees are shot. Now at > 13 months post-op and 134 pounds lost, I thought I'd be much more mobile, > but walking anywhere is quite painful. (no swimming lectures, please, I > hold my weight all in my legs, which are starting to resemble numerous > lumps of half-filled baggies of water. Ugh. Won't be seen in a bathing > suit by anyone but immediate family). Anyways, orthopedic surgeon > suggested cartilageshots in my knees (both). It's three shots in two > weeks, made from a rooster's head-thingy (sorry if I'm too technical for > you). I forget what it's called. The injections are called Synvisc. > So... while I'm awaiting insurance approval for these injections I thought > I'd ask: Anybody here tried this treatment? And with what results? > > Thanks, > > Another > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 18, 2003 Report Share Posted March 18, 2003 I can only give you my experience with Synvisc. I had the three injection series, and it didn't do diddly for me. My orthopedic surgeon said it is an " iffy " procedure at best, but we were grasping at straws at the time. It didn't change a thing for me. I wouldn't discourage you from trying it though. Could be you would be the one it would work for...it does for some. To me, it was a great disappointment. It's made from Chicken's combs, as you said. You can't be allergic to chickens or eggs or anything like that. I'm not sorry I tried it, as it was a stone that would have been left unturned. I found that getting all the weight off was the best thing that could have happened to my knees. I think i bought myself some time on the knee replacements. The knees are still shot, but I can walk for a couple of miles on a flat surface without much pain at all. If I go out on uneven ground, they kill. So...that's my story. Regards~ Jacque Distal RNY, 5/30/00 Drs. Fox and Oh 310~127 Beginning BMI 50.0 Current BMI 20.4 > > I hope this topic hasn't already been covered. I've been reading this list > for a year and don't recall having seen it in that time. Having spent many > decades at weights topping 200#, 300# and 400#, my knees are shot. Now at > 13 months post-op and 134 pounds lost, I thought I'd be much more mobile, > but walking anywhere is quite painful. (no swimming lectures, please, I > hold my weight all in my legs, which are starting to resemble numerous > lumps of half-filled baggies of water. Ugh. Won't be seen in a bathing > suit by anyone but immediate family). Anyways, orthopedic surgeon > suggested cartilageshots in my knees (both). It's three shots in two > weeks, made from a rooster's head-thingy (sorry if I'm too technical for > you). I forget what it's called. The injections are called Synvisc. > So... while I'm awaiting insurance approval for these injections I thought > I'd ask: Anybody here tried this treatment? And with what results? > > Thanks, > > Another > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 18, 2003 Report Share Posted March 18, 2003 Congratulations on the 200+ lbs! I've had three arthroscopies on my knees to date, and nothing has really helped, short of taking all the weight off. Even still, I have no cartilage left, pretty much bone on bone. I REALLY need to do some more leg exercises to build up the muscles around my knees. I've babied them for so long that I overdid it...and let my muscles go to pot. BTW, the day of my WLS, I blew out my right knee in the parking lot going into the hospital. I couldn't even walk after surgery. It took a good year to heal that thing up! It still slides out of the socket from time to time...and flares up. A website? The only thing I have is my profile on the AMOS list... <A HREF= " http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/profile.phtml?N=947483760 " >\ My profile</A> If you mean something on the synvisc...I'd do a websearch. You never know..it may help you. According to my orthopod, it isn't a real hopeful or successful treatment, but it does work now and then for some. Unfortunately I didn't fit into that catagory, but at least I gave it a try. I'm waiting to hear if there is something else to try. So far, I haven't had to go for anymore coritisone injections, and that is my next alternative. That is the only thing that does help after awhile. But don't like to do that unless I am totally crippled up. Replacement is my very last option, in my opinion. And I want to be GOOD and old...not just old when I do it...haha! Sorry guys if you think this is off topic...but it IS a comorbidity that sometimes does not go away. I think the subject line is correct too. Regards~ Jacque Distal RNY, 5/30/00 Drs. Fox and Oh 310~127 Beginning BMI 50.0 Current BMI 20.4 > > I'm nearly 5 years out from about 430lbs and a 200+ weight loss. These > sweet knees have carried me well until recently (and gradually worse over > the last year). I just had to have cortisone in the left and it still is > very weak. I was hoping there would be something out there like what you > are describing. At this weight, bit might help. At 400+lbs nothing helped > but staying off of them. Now like you, I can shop and live a fairly normal > life as long as I dont try to walk too fast or too far, climb, or stand say > beyond an hour, like that. Moderation. Still, I'd sure like to try > something with a high percentage of good to fair results. Do you have a > website? > > hugzzz > flo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 18, 2003 Report Share Posted March 18, 2003 Congratulations on the 200+ lbs! I've had three arthroscopies on my knees to date, and nothing has really helped, short of taking all the weight off. Even still, I have no cartilage left, pretty much bone on bone. I REALLY need to do some more leg exercises to build up the muscles around my knees. I've babied them for so long that I overdid it...and let my muscles go to pot. BTW, the day of my WLS, I blew out my right knee in the parking lot going into the hospital. I couldn't even walk after surgery. It took a good year to heal that thing up! It still slides out of the socket from time to time...and flares up. A website? The only thing I have is my profile on the AMOS list... <A HREF= " http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/profile.phtml?N=947483760 " >\ My profile</A> If you mean something on the synvisc...I'd do a websearch. You never know..it may help you. According to my orthopod, it isn't a real hopeful or successful treatment, but it does work now and then for some. Unfortunately I didn't fit into that catagory, but at least I gave it a try. I'm waiting to hear if there is something else to try. So far, I haven't had to go for anymore coritisone injections, and that is my next alternative. That is the only thing that does help after awhile. But don't like to do that unless I am totally crippled up. Replacement is my very last option, in my opinion. And I want to be GOOD and old...not just old when I do it...haha! Sorry guys if you think this is off topic...but it IS a comorbidity that sometimes does not go away. I think the subject line is correct too. Regards~ Jacque Distal RNY, 5/30/00 Drs. Fox and Oh 310~127 Beginning BMI 50.0 Current BMI 20.4 > > I'm nearly 5 years out from about 430lbs and a 200+ weight loss. These > sweet knees have carried me well until recently (and gradually worse over > the last year). I just had to have cortisone in the left and it still is > very weak. I was hoping there would be something out there like what you > are describing. At this weight, bit might help. At 400+lbs nothing helped > but staying off of them. Now like you, I can shop and live a fairly normal > life as long as I dont try to walk too fast or too far, climb, or stand say > beyond an hour, like that. Moderation. Still, I'd sure like to try > something with a high percentage of good to fair results. Do you have a > website? > > hugzzz > flo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 18, 2003 Report Share Posted March 18, 2003 , I don't know about those shots, but there is something similar...hyaluronic acid. It's injected into the synovial fluid in the joints. I know it's done on humans in the same sequence. My only experience with it was having a horse with bad hocks (back " knees " ) treated this way. It cured his problem. From Webster's Dictionary online: Main Entry: hy·al·uron·ic acid Pronunciation: " hIl-yu-'rä-nik-, " hI- & l-yu- Function: noun Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary Date: 1934 : a viscous mucopolysaccharide acid that occurs especially in the vitreous humor, the umbilical cord, and synovial fluid and as a cementing substance in the subcutaneous tissue Jac ''Always saddle your own horse.''-- Connie Reeves, at age 100, upon induction to the Cowgirl Hall of Fame " Head up, heels down. " mailto:jholdaway@... http://www.pictureitdigitaldesigns.com/ http://members.cox.net/xxxfarmpaints Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 18, 2003 Report Share Posted March 18, 2003 , I don't know about those shots, but there is something similar...hyaluronic acid. It's injected into the synovial fluid in the joints. I know it's done on humans in the same sequence. My only experience with it was having a horse with bad hocks (back " knees " ) treated this way. It cured his problem. From Webster's Dictionary online: Main Entry: hy·al·uron·ic acid Pronunciation: " hIl-yu-'rä-nik-, " hI- & l-yu- Function: noun Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary Date: 1934 : a viscous mucopolysaccharide acid that occurs especially in the vitreous humor, the umbilical cord, and synovial fluid and as a cementing substance in the subcutaneous tissue Jac ''Always saddle your own horse.''-- Connie Reeves, at age 100, upon induction to the Cowgirl Hall of Fame " Head up, heels down. " mailto:jholdaway@... http://www.pictureitdigitaldesigns.com/ http://members.cox.net/xxxfarmpaints Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 18, 2003 Report Share Posted March 18, 2003 Before having knee replacements at the age of 45, we tried Synvisc injections in both of my knees. These injections are supposed to promote the fluid that pads things to increase. It is made of the stuff that Jac was talking about. To learn more about it you can go to: http://us.synvisc.com/aboutsynvisc/index.asp It works with some people, but not with all. I think you still have to have SOME fluid left in the joint for it to work. I had NO fluid and was walking bone on bone...no padding of any kind. Which is why the navy replaced my knees at age 45 and 46. I was the youngest one done at the Bremerton Navy Hospital ever. FWIW.....My sweety, , had the injections about 4 years ago in both his knees and it has been very successful! Debbie in Gig Harbor (170cm medial) ladybostons@... http://www.cafeshops.com/copsstore Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 18, 2003 Report Share Posted March 18, 2003 Before having knee replacements at the age of 45, we tried Synvisc injections in both of my knees. These injections are supposed to promote the fluid that pads things to increase. It is made of the stuff that Jac was talking about. To learn more about it you can go to: http://us.synvisc.com/aboutsynvisc/index.asp It works with some people, but not with all. I think you still have to have SOME fluid left in the joint for it to work. I had NO fluid and was walking bone on bone...no padding of any kind. Which is why the navy replaced my knees at age 45 and 46. I was the youngest one done at the Bremerton Navy Hospital ever. FWIW.....My sweety, , had the injections about 4 years ago in both his knees and it has been very successful! Debbie in Gig Harbor (170cm medial) ladybostons@... http://www.cafeshops.com/copsstore Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 20, 2003 Report Share Posted March 20, 2003 I'm worried about the knees as well. I've never heard of these shots and suspect that they've come along since my knee surgeries. I've had both knees " scoped " and that helped tremendously. That's where they go in " lap " and clean the shredded stuff up. The doctor warned me that they weren't new knees. One was right before WLS, the other just a few months after. What's the deal with liquid Vioxx? Is it supposed to be easier on the tummy? I'd love that. I did read that 1000mg of glucosamine a day helps and I take it. I use my knees for rowing, etc., but try to protect them as much as I can. I have a feeling I'll be leaving this party on a different set of knees than I arrived on. in Austin RNY April 1998 Re: cartilage injections > , > I had the injections late last year and the knees still hurt like heck. > I also take liquid Vioxx. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 20, 2003 Report Share Posted March 20, 2003 I'm worried about the knees as well. I've never heard of these shots and suspect that they've come along since my knee surgeries. I've had both knees " scoped " and that helped tremendously. That's where they go in " lap " and clean the shredded stuff up. The doctor warned me that they weren't new knees. One was right before WLS, the other just a few months after. What's the deal with liquid Vioxx? Is it supposed to be easier on the tummy? I'd love that. I did read that 1000mg of glucosamine a day helps and I take it. I use my knees for rowing, etc., but try to protect them as much as I can. I have a feeling I'll be leaving this party on a different set of knees than I arrived on. in Austin RNY April 1998 Re: cartilage injections > , > I had the injections late last year and the knees still hurt like heck. > I also take liquid Vioxx. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 20, 2003 Report Share Posted March 20, 2003 It was pretty new when I had the Synvisc injections a little over 3 year ago. Wish I could say that anything that I have done for my knees have helped, other than losing the weight of course. I've had three arthroscopic sx's, with only minor positives in one of the knees. It took well over a year for it to heal up, though. I guess I'm a slow healer, since a couple of months after the Synvisc injections, I blew my knee out the morning of my WLS, and that, too, took a full year to heal up. REALLY babying these babies now! Regards~ Jacque Distal RNY, 5/30/00 Drs. Fox and Oh 310~127 Beginning BMI 50.0 Current BMI 20.4 I'm worried about the knees as well. I've never heard of these shots and suspect that they've come along since my knee surgeries. I've had both knees " scoped " and that helped tremendously. That's where they go in " lap " and clean the shredded stuff up. The doctor warned me that they weren't new knees. One was right before WLS, the other just a few months after. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 20, 2003 Report Share Posted March 20, 2003 It was pretty new when I had the Synvisc injections a little over 3 year ago. Wish I could say that anything that I have done for my knees have helped, other than losing the weight of course. I've had three arthroscopic sx's, with only minor positives in one of the knees. It took well over a year for it to heal up, though. I guess I'm a slow healer, since a couple of months after the Synvisc injections, I blew my knee out the morning of my WLS, and that, too, took a full year to heal up. REALLY babying these babies now! Regards~ Jacque Distal RNY, 5/30/00 Drs. Fox and Oh 310~127 Beginning BMI 50.0 Current BMI 20.4 I'm worried about the knees as well. I've never heard of these shots and suspect that they've come along since my knee surgeries. I've had both knees " scoped " and that helped tremendously. That's where they go in " lap " and clean the shredded stuff up. The doctor warned me that they weren't new knees. One was right before WLS, the other just a few months after. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 21, 2003 Report Share Posted March 21, 2003 Yes, they are painful, but not something you can't live through. LOL You have been through worse, I guarantee. I wish you luck with getting the insurance approval (they are really expensive shots...around $500 a shot times 2 for the both knees ...so $3000 for the total treatment for both knees). I also wish you the best in that this works for you. It worked beautifully for my . Debbie in Gig Harbor (170cm medial) ladybostons@... http://www.cafeshops.com/copsstore -----Original Message----- From: andrea My ortho doc suggested the Synvisc injections for me because I have a bone-on-bone situation in each knee. My knees are quite painful. Apparently it's a " liquid cartilage " and lasts for up to a year. Only one batch of injections per year allowed. Although it doesn't work for everyone, I don't think there are any nasty side effects, just three painful (I'm a major wuss) knee injections, three Mondays in a row. Will find out whether insurance approves them in a few weeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 21, 2003 Report Share Posted March 21, 2003 Yes, they are painful, but not something you can't live through. LOL You have been through worse, I guarantee. I wish you luck with getting the insurance approval (they are really expensive shots...around $500 a shot times 2 for the both knees ...so $3000 for the total treatment for both knees). I also wish you the best in that this works for you. It worked beautifully for my . Debbie in Gig Harbor (170cm medial) ladybostons@... http://www.cafeshops.com/copsstore -----Original Message----- From: andrea My ortho doc suggested the Synvisc injections for me because I have a bone-on-bone situation in each knee. My knees are quite painful. Apparently it's a " liquid cartilage " and lasts for up to a year. Only one batch of injections per year allowed. Although it doesn't work for everyone, I don't think there are any nasty side effects, just three painful (I'm a major wuss) knee injections, three Mondays in a row. Will find out whether insurance approves them in a few weeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 24, 2003 Report Share Posted March 24, 2003 Dave, These injections have been around for about 4 years, but used more in the last 3 years. They are very expensive that is why they aren't done a lot AND they don't work for everyone. The scope surgery you talked about didn't do a thing for me...in fact it made things worse. So....two new knees later.... As for liquid Vioxx I can't offer any personal information about that. I used regular vioxx right after the knee replacements because the MUSCLES were really rebelling and I needed to keep the inflamation down. But the Navy moves slowely and I had to take pills not liquid. Debbie in Gig Harbor (170cm medial) ladybostons@... http://www.cafeshops.com/copsstore Re: cartilage injections I'm worried about the knees as well. I've never heard of these shots and suspect that they've come along since my knee surgeries. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 24, 2003 Report Share Posted March 24, 2003 Dave, These injections have been around for about 4 years, but used more in the last 3 years. They are very expensive that is why they aren't done a lot AND they don't work for everyone. The scope surgery you talked about didn't do a thing for me...in fact it made things worse. So....two new knees later.... As for liquid Vioxx I can't offer any personal information about that. I used regular vioxx right after the knee replacements because the MUSCLES were really rebelling and I needed to keep the inflamation down. But the Navy moves slowely and I had to take pills not liquid. Debbie in Gig Harbor (170cm medial) ladybostons@... http://www.cafeshops.com/copsstore Re: cartilage injections I'm worried about the knees as well. I've never heard of these shots and suspect that they've come along since my knee surgeries. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 27, 2003 Report Share Posted March 27, 2003 Dave, I am the one that takes the liquid Vioxx. My dr. found that it came in liquid form so I take 1 tsp. a day. The pharmacy accidently filled my perscription with pills one time and I didn't chekk the bag before I left on vacation. I tried a pill and it caused stomach pain, which I don't have with the liquid. After a week without the Vioxx I now know how much it helps me. I have also had the injections. For the money they were a waste for me. I will still probably need knee replacements but I am waiting until I can retire, which is still a few years down the road. Good luck, they may work for you. Re: cartilage injections > > > I'm worried about the knees as well. I've never heard of these shots and > suspect that they've come along since my knee surgeries. > > > > Homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG > > Unsubscribe: mailto:Graduate-OSSG-unsubscribe > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 27, 2003 Report Share Posted March 27, 2003 Dave, I am the one that takes the liquid Vioxx. My dr. found that it came in liquid form so I take 1 tsp. a day. The pharmacy accidently filled my perscription with pills one time and I didn't chekk the bag before I left on vacation. I tried a pill and it caused stomach pain, which I don't have with the liquid. After a week without the Vioxx I now know how much it helps me. I have also had the injections. For the money they were a waste for me. I will still probably need knee replacements but I am waiting until I can retire, which is still a few years down the road. Good luck, they may work for you. Re: cartilage injections > > > I'm worried about the knees as well. I've never heard of these shots and > suspect that they've come along since my knee surgeries. > > > > Homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG > > Unsubscribe: mailto:Graduate-OSSG-unsubscribe > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2003 Report Share Posted April 17, 2003 I'm nearly 5 years out from about 430lbs and a 200+ weight loss. These sweet knees have carried me well until recently (and gradually worse over the last year). I just had to have cortisone in the left and it still is very weak. I was hoping there would be something out there like what you are describing. At this weight, bit might help. At 400+lbs nothing helped but staying off of them. Now like you, I can shop and live a fairly normal life as long as I dont try to walk too fast or too far, climb, or stand say beyond an hour, like that. Moderation. Still, I'd sure like to try something with a high percentage of good to fair results. Do you have a website? hugzzz flo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2003 Report Share Posted April 17, 2003 I'm nearly 5 years out from about 430lbs and a 200+ weight loss. These sweet knees have carried me well until recently (and gradually worse over the last year). I just had to have cortisone in the left and it still is very weak. I was hoping there would be something out there like what you are describing. At this weight, bit might help. At 400+lbs nothing helped but staying off of them. Now like you, I can shop and live a fairly normal life as long as I dont try to walk too fast or too far, climb, or stand say beyond an hour, like that. Moderation. Still, I'd sure like to try something with a high percentage of good to fair results. Do you have a website? hugzzz flo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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