On Tue, 16 Oct 2007 17:50:07 -0700, Jane <googlemail2003@yahoo.com>

Hi Jane,
I've been getting Synvisc shots for 4 years now. One knee gets them
every 18 months and the other every 8-10 months.  For me, Synvisc
works better then Othrovisc.  Ymmv of course.   The idea is to replace
the synovial fluid in the knee and protect the damaged cartiledge,
which reduces the pain.  If you haven't had the shots before it might
take a few weeks before you notice an improvement, esp if you
currently have alot of inflamation, but you will notice an improvement
sooner with each following set of shots.  These days I feel a
difference within 48 hours of the first treatment.
 
I want to be honest here - the literature makes the shots sound as
easy as licking a stamp.   Everyone is different and getting an
injection under the kneecap can range from extremely easy to extremely
queasy.  For the first and second series of shots, I do recommend
using an icepack, combined with a local freezing before the Syvisc
shot.  Again, this is personal and should be discussed with your
doctor.

Are the shots fun? No. Would I recommend them?  Absolutely. They won't
get rid of every ache but it's a small trade for increased mobility.
And sleeping though the night, waking up rested, which will help your
mood so you can go to physio and rebuild muscles, which helps you feel
better, which helps your mood so you can go for a short walk.........

hth
Cinnamin.

I've had different versions of them for the last three years, mostly in my
left knee which causes me the problems.  They are great.  The last one was
Supartz - most of the difference is the manufacturer.  Try to get the doctor
to use some lidocaine befor he/she puts the Synvisc or equivalent in.  Ice
when you get home fifteen minutes on, and fifteen minutes off.  I had
improvement almost immediately.  The last series of shots were fine until I
got the last one.  The doctor found out I had bursitis and after she shot
that with a steroid, I have felt great ever since.  Mine usually last about
18 months or so.  Good luck.

Looks like I was a bit too optimistic when I thought my knees felt
better.  Probably was the Lidocaine lasting longer than I expected.

Anyway - I'll be getting my second Orthovisc shots this week and third
the next.  If it allows me to take a short walk with my husband and
stand for more than five minutes without wanting to cry it will be
more than worth it.

The shots weren't as bad as I had expected.  Didn't really matter
though.  If it helps a few seconds of pain is more than worth it.

Just had my second round of shots.  Haven't noticed much difference
yet.  I know I shouldn't, but I'm getting discouraged.

The main problem is I cannot have surgery.  I have a VERY bad back
problem.  I've had it for five years and there is no prospect that it
will ever get better.  For one thing I cannot sit.  I can recline in a
special chair for about 15 minutes but then I have to either get up
for a while or lie down.  I spend a lot of time lying down.  Also, any
major change in the way I walk would put my back into spasms for
sure.  Finally I would not be able to do the PT necessary to
strengthen my knees.  I've already had PT for chondromalasia.  There
wasn't much they could do that did not make my back worse.

So I'm very nervous about these shots not working.  My ortho did
mention cortisone if these don't work but I  know you can't take those
kind of shots for years.

Are there any minimally invasive cartilage replacement surgeries?