saw another post regarding knee issues figured id ask about mine

[chrtylee]

abt 3 years ago I had a cortisone injection in my left knee as 80% of the cartilage was completely gone, and the orthopedic told me in 3-5 years id probably need knee replacement surgery. I have a crab job, and no insurance so id rather not be in debt the rest of my life. But, my knee is acting up again, and now that it is relatively cold 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit my pain is back, and worse than before. sometimes my knee shifts and pinches the nerve causing my whole leg to go numb, because I also have tendonitis from going years without it being treated at all. I tried physical therapy but after 6 months I could not afford it, and wasn't seeing an improvement, not to mention that after every session I had to use crutches for about 2 days and I was going once a week. so what im wondering is if I should just get the surgery or if theres a longer lasting option than cortisone injections?

[skullandbones]

I'm not a doc but have played one on occasion! (ha). Seriously, having been in the medical field all my career, I've seen a lot of these situations (23 years at a large teaching hospital).

Long story short: get surgery as the cortisone is a stop gap method of treatment. You have been very lucky it lasted this long. I suggest you try to find a surgeon who does athletes knees and has a successful outcome ratio. They will have you back on the field catching passes in no time (relatively speaking). BTW, I had a hip replacement from athletic injury and was back at work on a cane in three weeks (anterior vs lateral procedure). So they are doing better and better at getting you back into the game. Good luck, WEK.

[tfalk]

A friend of mine had some relief for a couple of weeks when they injected Synvisc (sp?) into his knee but as mentioned above, it's only a stop gap. He gave up and had the knee replaced... according to him, he should have done it sooner, completely free of pain... I had 3 cortisone shots in my shoulder that lasted 2-3 weeks before I gave up and had it replaced.... same experience, should have done it 2 years earlier.

[68GT500MAN]

Not to be political, but, will you be covered under the new insurance mandate?

[chrtylee]

no I will not be, as I can not afford it. I currently make no more then $300 a month if im lucky. as far as the replacement goes I wanted it done a few years back when I had insurance, but the orthopedic said the don't like to do it at that age, im only 24 now.

[sheephearder]

I can tell you my experience about knee replacements. I had total replacement in both knees this year. Right one 2-18-13 & left one 3-18-13. Best decision I ever made. After 30 years of horseback and 6 years of OA, they were bone on bone. Now after 10 months, I can run(if needed) and play with my grandson and I can stand in line at checkouts without any pain. My quality of life is much better than before as I can help others instead of being helped. IMHO, you want be sorry the sooner you have it replaced.

[drdracing]

I was scheduled for total knee on 12-18-13. Chose instead to try prolo-therapy. There are many versions, mine consisted of stem cell and platelet injections harvested from my own marrow.(from my hip). still too early in the process to know if it helped, but very hopeful. If you choose to do the total just remember, at your age, this will not be the last one you have to go through. Either way, do you research! Best of luck. Dr. D

[Lynnhowlyn]

I can tell you my experience about knee replacements. I had total replacement in both knees this year. Right one 2-18-13 & left one 3-18-13. Best decision I ever made. After 30 years of horseback and 6 years of OA, they were bone on bone. Now after 10 months, I can run(if needed) and play with my grandson and I can stand in line at checkouts without any pain. My quality of life is much better than before as I can help others instead of being helped. IMHO, you want be sorry the sooner you have it replaced.

x2 on the knee replacement.

At age 62, I had both of my knees replaced at the same time in 2008 (would need to look up the exact date - but it doesn't really matter at this point) and as sheephearder said - was a great decision. Old motorcycle injury on the left side and a genetic "gift" from my parents of the right. Doing both at the same time was a bit of a challenge - when I woke up post surgery and for the next couple weeks ('cause i didn't have a good leg to stand on) - but it also meant i was only out of action for one surgery/recovery cycle. Only long term downside for me is difficulties in getting down on knees - not much "meat" left over the knee caps any more, so they are a bit tender.

When you get it figured out financially - find a good surgeon (I used the ortho guy who looked after the Portland Trailblazers) and go for it. Last word of advice - what ever the post-surgery physical therapy - follow it to the letter!

Good luck.

Lynn

[Steven K]

I would think obamacare was better suited for someone like you than many of us with your income so low. If not, can't you qualify for medicaid?