Question for DUers with arthritic knees

[cmd]

Have any of you had Synvisc treatments? If so, how well did it work? I have severe osteoarthritis in my right patella and am considering this treatment. I'm not ready for a knee replacement yet, but eventually will have it done.

[MADem]

1. You learn something new every day here!

I had no idea what it was, so I looked it up--made from CHICKEN COMBS! http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic3/synvisc.htm

Synvisc® (hylan G-F 20) is an elastoviscous fluid containing hylan polymers produced from chicken combs. Hylans are derivatives of hyaluronan (sodium hyaluronate), a natural complex sugar of the gly-cosaminoglycan family. Hyaluronan is a long-chain polymer containing repeating disaccharide units of Na-glucuronate-N-acetylglucosamine.

Here's where you can go to get FDA info on it, not that that would help much, necessarily: http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/consumer/synhal.html

[cmd]

2. Cool

It doesn't surprise me. It is a very expensive cartliage injection that is supposed to last at least six months. I've read a lot about it but didn't know it was made from chicken combs.

[Quakerfriend]

3. One of my old neighbors had bilateral synvisc treatments

on her knees. She said it worked great. She was 64 years old when she had it done.

Have you tried taking Hyaluronic Acid as a supplement yet??
Some rave about it's positive effects on their arthritis!

[cmd]

5. I've taken Glucosamine Chondroitin

and I've tried gin and grapes. My family doctor suggested cherry juice today; but since I am now in the severe catagory, he thinks I am past the point where these treatments will help my right knee. I take them for my other aching joints.

I'm 62. I hope to have a few more years in me before I have to have a replacement. Glad to know Synvisc helped your neighbor.

[MADem]

7. Gin and grapes? Is that a real treatment?

Or do you just mean you get hammered with gin or wine to ease the pain?

[cmd]

8. I heard about it on DU and Theresa Heinz Kerry

I think it probably is the placebo effect, but since I like white raisins and a little gin never ruined a day for me, I decided to try it. Last week John Kerry has arthroscopic surgery on his knee, so I don't think it works all that well.

Here is a link to an article about it.
http://arthritis.about.com/od/alternativetreatments/f/raisinsgin.htm

[Digit]

4. Try this instead....

http://www.bionicare.com

I had 5 shots in the knee and it did not do diddley for me.

Now, they have this new thing which will give you alot of relief.
I have heard it grows new cartilage.
My ortho said that all his patients have had good results.

It is not cheap, about $4000 for the first knee, the second is cheaper. WC won't pay for it...at least for me. I am still trying.

Good Luck!

[cmd]

6. Interesting

I doubt my insurance would cover it. I had another cortisone shot today. The last one lasted almost six months. I have pain but don't get the shot until I can not longer walk.

Hope you can find coverage for this procedure. I understand your pain.