Knee Update

Well I went to the orthopedist today and it looks like I degenerative arthritis in my right knee.  He basically said that the back of my joint looks like shag carpet on the x-ray.  right now it's all inflamed and everything.  So they know that I can't have anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) so they are going to do a joint fluid infusion therapy on it (provided that I get pre-approval from the insurance company).  Basically it will be injections directly into the joint with the same kind of fluid that the body automatically makes to lubricate the joint.  I'll have one shot a week for three weeks and it should last for 6 months.  Then I wouldn't have to have any more treatments unless the pain comes back.  I'm hoping by then end of that 6 month period that I'll have lost enough weight to lessen the pain but probably by the time I'm in my 50s or 60s I'll need a cane or wheel chair.  Oh well.

Aaron Stay positive, I have seen the good and the bad of this working in the medical field.  You can fight this just like you are fighting obesity, no time to give up now.  There is plenty of people here that will tell you about knee pain and when they got there weight down, nothing! ALL GONE!  For get that cane and wheel chair crap, you are going to kick this in the ass!

Hugs Kristen

Hi Aaron, I agree. hang in there. Before I started this adventure the arthritis in my ankles, knees and back were so bad that I could not walk more than a short distance and could only shop stores that had carts. Even doing this, it would not take me long before I experienced pain in my knees and back. And pre-surgery that was with anti-inflamatories! Of course I had to give up my anti-inflamatories when I had the surgery. I really missed them in the beginning. Now I am walking all over the place. I don't need a cart to go shopping. It takes a long time before my knees hurt. They still make clicking noises quite easily. But it does not seem to affect my day to day activities. It is too difficult to predict what happen as you continue your road to success with your weight loss. Things can only get better as you go forward from here! I have faith! Debbie

You know Debbie, what I really missed were the affects of the pain pump when I got out of surgery.  I was still feeling the affects when I got home and I could almost run up the stairs of my townhouse LOL  I do miss the NSAIDS mainly because of my back.  Little did I know that it was also helping my knee too.  I figure that with more weight to lose and it doesn't really hurt when I'm doing my walking (just kinda feels loose in there) then getting the weight to come off won't be a problem.

Kristen, I'm going to try and stay positive about it.  If worse comes to worse then I could just opt for knee replacement in the end.  But I think you're right, with the shots now and the weightloss in 6 months, I could nip this in the bud. :) HUGS!  Aaron

Aaron,  I hope the injections work for you.  Are they using synvisc (sp)?  I know it stinks when you can't use the NSAIDS they would normally  prescribe.  I am having a problem with my back and have not been able to take NSAIDS for it.  I have however had 3 epidural injections.  OUCH! 

Hi Kim! Yeah it's synvisc.  Must be pretty expensive stuff for them to have to get insurance approval to do it.  I tell ya, my insurance it getting major hits this year LOL.  I'm sorry about your back!  I have lower back troubles and I don't even wanna think about getting shots for that!!!  My primary care gave me a prescription for Ultram but I'm kind of afraid to take it.

Aaron, First of all you have come so far on many levels, you are apparently a very strong person.  All the advice from everyone here is advice to live by.   Just take it one day at time, I know that is easier said than done. I have to remind  myself of this all the time.   I have know people who have had two knee replacements and a hip replacements and still move faster getting around than people who have not.   Your are on the right path.  Try to stay positive and keep moving on.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.Hugs, Terri

Thank you Terri :)  So how are you doing? Hugs! Aaron