I thought it might be time for a short update.
I started the gel injections in my right knee almost 2 weeks ago and have had 2 injections already. My last one is next week. I will need patience with this treatment as it isn’t designed to give immediate improvement. Based on what I have read, it is effective in 50-60% of those receiving it. I expected a higher success rate after everything I have heard from various sources about how good it works. And the level of effectiveness cannot be determined until 4-6 weeks out from the first shot. A bit discouraging, but my choices are limited and this was the next step to achieve some relief. If successful, however, the time line fits my needs related to my husband’s further testing and possible treatment this summer.
That said, there have been some minor noticeable changes ... even in the short time since the first shot.
Before this treatment, I was totally tethered to a walker. Even with that support, stepping on the right leg was at times was so painful. My over-the-counter medications and wraps had stopped providing any relief. I’d wake up in the morning and be immediately depressed by the thought of having to deal once again with this painful knee all day long. I felt very restricted even within the condo.
After the first shot, the intensity of that pain seemed to abate some. In fact, I was thrilled to be able to use only a cane on occasion. And a few times I could walk unaided, like Frankinstin’s Monster, but still without any aids. I also noticed that my over the counter medications were working once more.
The second shot showed more minimal improvement. So I am encouraged.
I still sit too much. I am expected to favor it during the 3 weeks of treatment, but it will be good to be more active as time passes.
So that is it. Pretty boring when you are mostly housebound! Hoping that I can schedule a knee replacement in early fall. And I am really really hoping my husband does not need surgery. He has never had surgery in his 78 years of living. I, on the other hand, have lost count of how many surgeries I have had. Modern medicine has had a very large hand in keeping me alive over my 78 years. My husband has not had that experience - a surgery would be a difficult choice for him. But that question will be addressed this summer.
7 comments:
I can understand any trepidation your husband might have about possible surgery; my knee replacements were my first surgery and you do think about the possible risks. So glad to hear that you've noticed some improvement from your injections already; that has got to provide a psychological as well as physical boost!
I am hoping you see continued improvement. Patience can be such a tough thing when you are anxious to get moving. I hope your husband doesn’t require surgery either. You have a lot going on medically over this summer. Take care!
Just to be able to move about my condo without a walker or cane is definitely a psychological boost for sure. It is amazing how much we take for granted - until it is taken away from us.
Oh! This is very encouraging news about the gel shots!!! I so hope they continue to work better and better for you over time. And yeah - I've had my share of surgeries - all later in my life and although I know new knees are in my future, I'm not looking forward to them. I don't do very well with general anesthesia, although I think it's possible that that is not what they use for knees - I guess I'll find out when the time comes. Really glad to read your update :-)
I've learned that there is a lot of variation in methods and materials when it comes to total knee replacements. I had to 'shop' for a surgeon who would do bilateral TKRs and didn't have general anesthesia, so interview surgeons and choose one who doesn't use general anesthesia along with other criteria of your choice.
Thankfully I have never had a problem with general anesthesia (8 times). In fact, I prefer it. But I know it can be a problem at any time. And, of course, in a person like my husband who has never had it, you just never know. I had a friend who broke his ankle and needed surgery to fix it - and died on the table before they could even address his ankle problem. He had never had surgery before so they didn’t know there could be a problem. So anesthesia is not without risks for sure. I agree with Michelle - shop around. With nerve blocks they can do a lot.
I'm so glad to read the gel injections are helping already, and you're feeling some better, Elaine. And I am glad you are feeling encouraged. Being able to walk without a walker - I can only imagine how much that improves things!
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