Knee injections with Synvisc (Health)

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We have been homesteaders since the 70's, more active at times then at others. We are both in our late 60's and two years ago started from scratch in the Tenn. hills. Just when I need my legs the most my knees are getting very bad. I have tried Vioxx, Naproxen, Advil etc. They help but I don't like taking them because of the serious side effects.

My question is has anyone out there taken or know of someone that has taken the Synvisc injections in the knees. It is made from rooster combs and is not a permanent answer as it only lasts a year, but if the results were good it would be worth doing. It replaces the worn cartilage. I want to get them but what I could find on the internet that wasn't the company's hype was somewhat discouraging. Hope you all can help. Thanks. Rita

-- Rita in TN (felfoot @twlakes.net), April 28, 2001

Answers

I read in the book "Alternative Cures" by Bill Gottlieb that we should take 1-2 grams of Glutamine half an hour before talking NSAID medication. Glutamine promotes maintaining the linings of the organs in the digestive tract.

-- Rick K (rick_122@hotmail.com), April 29, 2001.

I swear by osteo-bi-flex by sundown, it is glucosamine, chondroitin and it helps my knees alot. Boy i can sure tell when i skip a feww pills.You can buy it at any pharmacy.

-- kathy h (ckhart55@earthlink.net), April 29, 2001.

I take it that the problem is osteo-arthritis??? You mentioned Vioxx, and I have that, too... Doesn't work unless you take more than they say you need, so I don't take it at all.

If you don't mind using a really greasy cream on your legs, I make one that should help out (in addition to anything you take for it), and will send you the recipe - or a jar to try - if you email me.

I sell it retail, but, well, friends get it free, and since you are a member of the forum here, I consider you a friend. I know... Not a great way to run a business, lol!!

If the problem is not due to an old injury, ESSIAC might help. It aids in sooooo many things... one of which is arthritis. It is extremely expensive in the healthfood stores (about $40 per quart), but I think I might have its recipe somewhere. The company that makes the 'original' formula is FloraLife. There should only be 4 ingredients listed - don't bother with the ones that include watercress... It might be of benefit, but most folks are allergic to it.

-- Sue Diederich (willow666@rocketmail.com), April 30, 2001.


My DH had the Synvisc injections (series of 3) this past December. They didn't work for him. A large abcess formed on the inside of his knee that was very painful. He has been trying to prolong having a knee replacement surgery until he retires. He switched doctors in February, received an injection of cortisone(sp), and now wears a special knee brace. The new doctor said the injections may not have been given correctly. With a month of therapy, home exercise, and taking it a little easier, he is doing much better.

-- Kitty in FL (wheate@earthlink.net), April 30, 2001.

My neighbor Ms. Helen had it done a couple of months ago, and she actually seems to have less mobility now.

-- Rick K (rick_122@hotmail.com), April 30, 2001.


Thank you all so much for the informative answers. The results from the two folks that took the injections are not very enouraging!!!!! I didn't mention that I have been taking the glucosomine/chondroitin faithfully for a year now and really don't see any difference.

I will try the other suggestions, one at a time so I would be able to tell what is working. That book Alternate Cures sounds like one I would like to have. Thanks again. Rita

-- Rita in TN (felfoot @twlakes.net), May 01, 2001.


Another possibility is to take a capsule or two or flax seed oil every day. One of our Geezers (group of Habitat for Humanity volunteers that is made up of retired folks - it's their own name for themselves, by the way!) swears that it makes his shoulder pain disappear and that when he stops taking it, it comes back.

-- Soni (thomkilroy@hotmail.com), May 02, 2001.

I had the 3 syn visc shots 2 years ago Nov. and had excellent results for first year - I again went for the same shots last Nov. and results werent as good as first go around. Am now considering whether to go for a third series of shots. I am in my 60s. Did you ever go for this treatment. Larry S.

-- larry smith (larry.smith@vpl.varianinc.com), November 08, 2001.

I just ran across the correspondence regarding syn visc injections. I had these done in Dec 99/Jan 00 and found the results to be fantastic. I had had surgery on my knee and needed the lubrication. I have been great until about 6 months ago. They told me up front that it works for some and others it does not. I now am going to get it done again but now in both knees.

Although this is long after the fact, I hope everyone is doing well.

Rose

-- Rose Tripodi (pdt@icubed.com), February 11, 2002.


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