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Medical Forum / Diseases and Disorders / Arthritis / April 2005Hylagen Injections
Well, a week or so ago, my Rhuematologist put 2 syringes in each knee (4 total) of what she called a very strong anti-inflammatory. Then, yesterday, Friday, I got the first week of the 5 week treatment of knee Hylagen injections. Odd, what I read on it, does not say that it rebuilds cartilage. Yet that is what the Dr's and PA nurse says it does. It's an injection in each knee, for 5 weeks, each injection date 1 week apart, with a max of plus or minus 1 day between the 1 week intervals. They were decidely worried that it must be timed right, with a max of 1 day deviation, preferrable, every visit exactly seven days apart. They said otherwise, it may not be effective. The PA who did the Hylagen injections Friday, wanted to do only one knee and see how it goes. But I bartered with her, that I had the anti-inflammatory injections in both knees at one time, so I should be ok. She finally agreed, as I wanted this to be over in 5 weeks plus the one followup appointment. I don't usually complain, but I made a big dumb mistake. I should have done one knee at a time like they recommended. I feel just like someone who just came out of surgery, post-op. It really knocked me down with strong unrelenting pain from hips to feet. At first it was fine, kinda numb in my knees, but then that wore off after about 10 hours (Lidocaine?). Then, I barely got any sleep last night, constant (both) knee pains. I am suddenly walking very slow and tenderly. This from a guy who used to "climb mountains". But, doggone it, I want to get past this knee problem. I hope the pain subsides in a few days, then next Friday I can have both knees done again (visit 2 of 5). They told me that some people have it rough, others have very little discomfort. And that the 4th and 5th visits will be more painful because the knee joints will be fuller from the earlier injections, and pushing the fluid in from the syringes will cause greater (pressure) pain as they inject the stuff. <grin> I'm going to change my knickname to Lucky---- <grin>---ouch--- Have a good weekend, I just wanted to describe how they are doing the injections now, 5 times instead of the (old) 3 times Best to all-- Lucky :-) I had these injections last summer...Only I had a total of 3 shots.... One in each knee for three weeks in a row...The first shots were the worst....But I have to say that I was uncomfortable for about the first 24 hrs..After that nada...And did they help.. I didn't really feel like they were helping that much...and now my knees are worse than ever...But you know I think that I have just waited too long to do anything... I hope that you have better results. I know alot of people do...I am just weird I guess... Cindy > Well, a week or so ago, my Rhuematologist put 2 syringes in each knee (4 > total) of what she called a very strong anti-inflammatory. [quoted text clipped - 56 lines] > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). > Version: 6.0.859 / Virus Database: 585 - Release Date: 2/14/05 "> Then, yesterday, Friday, I got the first week of the 5 week treatment of > knee Hylagen injections. > Odd, what I read on it, does not say that it rebuilds cartilage. Yet that is > what the Dr's and PA nurse says it does. 5 Shots? I'm curious, which brand are you using? I've tried Synvisc and Orthovisc so far and they are both 3 shots/3 weeks. I'm wondering if yours uses a smaller amount per shot because that may be more comfortable when the joint is really inflamed. Hylagen deffinately does not rebuild cartiledge, rather it replaces the cushioning fluid that your knee normally has - and that the arthritis wears away. My doc calls it a "liquid prostetic" > They told me that some people have it rough, others have very little > discomfort. And that the 4th and 5th visits will be more painful because the > knee joints will be fuller from the earlier injections, and pushing the > fluid in from the syringes will cause greater (pressure) pain as they inject > the stuff. Don't worry too much about the discomfort, unless the pain doesn't go away or doesn't start easing up after 24 hours, or if your knee gets swollen and warm. That's a sign you may be sensitive to that particular hylagen formula but there are several others available. You do have to take it easy for the first couple days after each needle but they should go easier and the recovery time faster as the weeks go on and the inflamation in the joint eases. I really admire you for doing two at once - the first time I got the shots I did one knee at a time and I felt like I was walking with one foot on that bubble wrap stuff for about 3 days. Made my stomach queasy even lol! I just finished another round of shots in my bad knee and the whole series of shots was *much* easier than way back when I first started. I thought my doc was joking when she told me she was done because I barely felt it! The trick is going back for another series *as soon as* you notice the shots wearing off and *before* the inflammation really starts coming back. Less inflammation = an easier shot. YMMV but here's something to try. Just before the shot get an ice pack and ice the bejeezus out of your knees. That way you don't feel the anesthetic shot nearly as much. Then ask you rheumy to inject both shots quite slowly, instead of just "getting it in there". May sounds strange but my doc tells me that injecting slowly has a different effect on PH levels and results in much less pain - same as carefully pushing a pin through a balloon so that the balloon stays whole. You will most likely feel the fluid itself for the first series of shots while but hopefully you will stick with it. Have they recommend physio? After a long time of walking in pain we develop awkward walking habits to help keep pain away but also triggers new aches as we start walking more properly again. I\Physio can really help strengthen the under-used muscles we now need again. I know this was a bit long winded but as Red Green says "we are all in this together" :-) Feel free to email me. Skip <snipped> > 5 Shots? I'm curious, which brand are you using? I've tried Synvisc and > Orthovisc so far and they are both 3 shots/3 weeks. I'm wondering if yours [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > we start walking more properly again. I\Physio can really help strengthen > the under-used muscles we now need again. <snipped> Hi---- I'll try to remember to ask them what type they are injecting when my next shots come up. I'll also ask them why the 5 shots instead of 3 shots. Also, It sounds like you have had a second series of shots some years later? I guess I thought it would be a series of shots, and it lasts a lifetime? On these shots,I'm still trying to learn :-) My Rhuematologist mentioned that she will decide on Physical Therapy after she sees how the shots are doing. Before the shots, they did do an ultrasound on my knees. As far as Physical Therapy, I just finished up one series of 8 appointments on my neck, which was a tremendous help, and a later series of 8 appointments on my lumbar and left hip, which maybe helped 50 percent on the pain, and then "leveled off". My hip became a diminishing returns thing, so they finished up the appointments without extending into more appointments. Sheessssh---I'm starting to sound so "old"----<grin> Best to you---- :-) Ron > Hi---- > I'll try to remember to ask them what type they are injecting when my [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > lifetime? > On these shots,I'm still trying to learn :-) (snip) > Sheessssh---I'm starting to sound so "old"----<grin> > > Best to you---- :-) > Ron Hi Ron Old? Never! We just get to start griping earlier ;-p I was told the shots could last a year, depending a person's situtation and activity level. My right knee is currently at 9 months and will chug along fine for a while longer. The left knee, my bad one, usually wears off after 7 months or so. I keep a close eye on how they feel and take advantage of fewer aches and less pain to be more mobile and to get them movng as much as I can. I just make sure I rest them when they need it. I don't know if the shots slow the progression of the OA but I do find it much easier to keep my joints flexible, and myself more active. I won't ever run or jog again, or climb stairs without grumbling, but I can walk comfortably, go out to socialize and see festivals etc, and I sleep far better then I have in years. For me, it's worth getting jabbed in the knee about once a year. Here's wishing you good sleep and easier moving :-) Skip <snip> > same as carefully pushing a pin through a balloon so that > the balloon stays whole. > Skip i wish you wouldn't have said that, skip. i just know i'm going to go out and buy a gross of balloons just to see if i can do that! sigh . . . i can still hang spoons on my nose, adjust my living wig, swing-snap fingers, balance an egg on another egg, remove a nickle from under a glass without touching it, remove a table cloth from under dishes, stack towers of stones, do the vulcan hand greeting, and assorted other useless things.LOL kate > <snip> > [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > > kate Balance an egg on another egg!? I bow down before you in stunned amazement. I had no idea that was possible! Lol! I did try the ballon thing. Had loads of fun too but now I'm off to get some eggs. (grin) Skip {{{{{{{{Ron}}}}}}}}}} Can't finish your post, it gave me the willies. Man, one at a time!! DeeTee ________________________________ DeeTee and Bob Taggart http://www.marykay.com/dtaggart3 http://mysite.verizon.net/vze8fwov/ ________________________________ > Well, a week or so ago, my Rhuematologist put 2 syringes in each knee (4 > total) of what she called a very strong anti-inflammatory. [quoted text clipped - 56 lines] > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). > Version: 6.0.859 / Virus Database: 585 - Release Date: 2/14/05 > Well, a week or so ago, my Rhuematologist put 2 syringes in each > knee (4 total) of what she called a very strong anti-inflammatory. > > Then, yesterday, Friday, I got the first week of the 5 week treatment > of knee Hylagen injections. > Odd, what I read on it, does not say that it rebuilds cartilage. It doesn't not rebuild cartilage. What damage has happened cannot be undone. It is a replacement lubricant/fluid to help prevent further damage. > Yet that is what the Dr's and PA nurse says it does. They are lying to you. You should be very, very cautious and maybe consider visiting a new RD. > It's an injection in each knee, for 5 weeks, each injection > date 1 week apart, with a max of plus or minus 1 day > between the 1 week intervals. All those treatments have taken 3 weeks up to this time. Ask why yours are 2 weeks longer. Is he milking the insurance angle? > I don't usually complain, but I made a big dumb mistake. I > should have done one knee at a time like they recommended. > I feel just like someone who just came out of surgery, post-op. > It really knocked me down with strong unrelenting pain from > hips to feet. I had no pain, none whatsoever. I believe it was in the cooling spray before the injection, and the slow, slow, slow method the PA took. He didn't rush a bit. That can effect many of the treatments we receive for our arthritis. ... I can resist everything except temptation. My first shot in the first knee..Oh I almost passed out...He did both knees at once...The second one was easier...The next two sets of shots went really well...I just wish that they had been the miracle I was hoping for....I know TKR is what I am in line for...But I can still walk...LOL..I am trying to do knee excercises and use Ice to help with the swelling...I am not ready for the TKR...Maybe I am use to the pain... I have FM pain also and my knees and joints have hurt ever since I was a little girl...I take Lortab for the FM pain...So maybe that is why I can bear it... And speaking of the FM...Maybe that pain is why my knee shots didn't work...Maybe alot of the pain is just FM...In July...I will be eligible for medicare...So I will have two insurances...Maybe I will start to think about knee replacement then...But what will The rest of my joints think of me...When the knees get to be brand new and the rest of my joints have to keep suffering...LOL... I pray that your knee shots help.... Cindy >> Well, a week or so ago, my Rhuematologist put 2 syringes in each >> knee (4 total) of what she called a very strong anti-inflammatory. [quoted text clipped - 32 lines] > > ... I can resist everything except temptation. > Well, a week or so ago, my Rhuematologist put 2 syringes in each knee (4 > total) of what she called a very strong anti-inflammatory. [quoted text clipped - 51 lines] > Best to all-- > Lucky :-) boy! i've done the recent epidurals, but this sounds like something i'd try to avoid. how 'bout i just offer (((((((ron)))))))) and wish for painless shots for you and applaud your courage? please baby yourself afterwards. it sounds like you really deserve at least that. kate > --- > Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). > Version: 6.0.859 / Virus Database: 585 - Release Date: 2/14/05 Hi---- Well, about Monday evening, the pain was reduced signifigantly. Tuesday, much better, I could actually sleep at night. The Hylagen shots were last Friday. Pain not all gone, but liveable. It's still a strange feeling, like my knees are not mine. Feelings like a level of numbness, and swelling feeling (although the swelling has gone down in both knees), and a "disconnected" feeling like the knees are not truly still a part of me. I can control them fine, though. Friday, I get more shots in both knees, and I'll be asking them some of the questions posted. Thanks allot for all of your posts. I get a feeling that I'll be posting Friday or Saturday if the knees react like last time, 'cause I won't be walking around doing other things. :-) Best to all---- Ron (Lucky) :-) > Well, a week or so ago, my Rhuematologist put 2 syringes in each knee (4 > total) of what she called a very strong anti-inflammatory. [quoted text clipped - 49 lines] > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). > Version: 6.0.859 / Virus Database: 585 - Release Date: 2/14/05 Hi Ron, how did the shots go today? Inquiring minds want to know lol! Hopefully a bit easier Skip > Hi---- > Well, about Monday evening, the pain was reduced signifigantly. [quoted text clipped - 81 lines] > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). > Version: 6.0.859 / Virus Database: 585 - Release Date: 2/14/05 |
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