Arthritis due to ACL/MCL injuries

[ramblin_rose]

Hi,
I hope this thread is ok, I'm not sourcing, just asking for non-drug advice.
I have osteoarthritis in both knees due to tearing both ACLs (sports injuries and one was just clumsiness), as a result I've had 4 knee surgeries in one knee and one in the other.
My ortho wants to try the rooster comb injection but I've read that it really only works 50% of the time and doesn't really last long (and is super expensive)
I've tried supplements (collagen and turmeric) and that doesn't seem to help.
I've changed what I eat and am exercising but have to take it slow b/c right know any and all impact on my knees is making it worse until my leg muscles get stronger.

Eventually I'll need a total knee replacement in one knee and I'm guessing the other will soon follow b/c I'm only 40 and have arthritis in both knees.

Does anyone have any ideas, I'm running out and the pain is waking me up.

 

[DixiChik]

Hi Rose...I have no cartilage left in either knee, with severe BOB pain. I have taken the Synvisc One shots for about 7 years now. I am a huge advocate IME. They DO NOT have healing properties, but "cushion" the bone/joint. I usually get 40% relief for up to a year. Your insurance should approve, if pre-certified.

I'm facing TKR (both knees) but will delay as long as I possibly can. Do you have access to a pool? If so, try swimming laps daily. This is the "kindest" form of exercise for your situation. I swim religiously for exercise, because my knees/hip cannot handle weight bearing.

I hope you get some relief, sweetie.

 

[ramblin_rose]

Thanks DixiChik! I'm in the pre-certification phase right now, just waiting to see.
There is a pool about 30 minutes from me but I do have a stationary bike I can use.

 

[DixiChik]

I'm told I'm too honest and too graphic. I'm told that I scare the hell out of people with my truth.

In keeping with that reputation, I will not sugar coat a turd and tell you it's a truffle. The injections are PAINFUL, as in "barf in the garbage can" pain. The needle is big and is being inserted into an already "angry" knee joint. It's FAR more painful than corticosteroid shots.

It's uncomfortable, but not unbearable, so please DO NOT be discouraged. Take a stick to bite down on and park close to the entrance. It's best IME to walk on "new" shots as little as possible for a couple of days. Don't expect magic instant relief. For me, it takes several days for soreness to subside, but relief lasts for several months. It doesn't take away pain 100%. IMO, only death will do that. It simply makes the pain more manageable and affords me the mobility I need.

Does your bike not "grind" your knee joints? Just asking because I can literally FEEL the bone scraping bone in both knees. The pool is a miraculous escape from reality, if only for a brief span of time.

Rose...I feel confident that your ortho can get your pre-cert approved. I DO SO HOPE that you get some relief. The shots have kept me moving for many years now, though the chicken jokes have grown lack-luster.

Good luck, sweetie.

 

[ramblin_rose]

Oh man, the corti shots hurt so bad I actually screamed. I'm not typicalky a screamer when I get hurt, I usually hold my breath and try not to yell. After one if my knee surgeries, and the really really good stuff wore off I had to crutch my way to the bathroom. On the way back I started teetering backward and naturally put the bad leg out to catch myself, that hurt like a bitch but I didn't yell. When the dilauded was not even touching the pain I quietly cried. Generally Im a trooper but shots right into my knee.....that is what kills me. I'm glad you told me though, I'd rather know what to expect.

My bike is stationary so it doesnt hurt my knees. I can gradually increase the resistance so it's not like I'm out in the wild. I would live to go swimming, the closest pool is really out of the way but I bet tgere is one close to my job, I should ckeck that out.

 

[Mycophile]

I've had 3 ACL tears/surgeries from sports and though I'm told I'll eventually have arthritis in my knees I'm doing well so far and still competing in my sport of choice though some say I'm nuts for doing so.

What's helped me has just be REALLY REALLY SERIOUS physical therapy and working out my legs at the gym constantly.

I think my dedication to it is what has given me very strong legs and most days I am lucky enough not to feel any pain but I'm not in denial about the fact that down the road I am going to be feeling more than what i feel now.


My suggestion is that once your legs are actually strong enough you make sure you get the best physical therapist money can buy and do EXACTLY what he or she says for the rest of your life and treat rehabbing your knees as if it's a 2nd job.

I know there are people who haven't dealt with knee injuries as well as I have and I think not taking the PT seriously enough is probably the main factor.

 

[ramblin_rose]

I think you're right Mycophile. I did the pre-hab religiously and started off well with the post surgery PT but it soon faded. I'm just not motivated, though I should be. It will make me feel better, help me lose weight, strengthen my legs, and probably lift some depression. I can come up with excuses as to why I can't work out that day much quicker as to why I can't. I'm only hurting myself. My husband tries to motivate me but I'm down a well right now. I've noticed that I don't see too many fat and old people so I know I need to get moving so I can be a fit old person when I get old.

Just can't seem to do it. I even shame myself (in my head) for being so lazy and such a fuck up and I know that's wrong and isn't helping.

I think I need therapy.

 

[DixiChik]

Rose...Whether you THINK you CAN or you THINK you CAN'T...You're right. The body follows the mind. Please exercise both...seek a therapist if you need one. There's no shame. DO NOT let negative thoughts and depression cripple you. This won't end well if you don't get moving.

Believe me when I say I UNDERSTAND PAIN! I swim laps EVERY DAY whether I FEEL UP to it or not. Otherwise I lose muscle tone that is essential to keep me upright on my wonky joints.

Don't be so down on yourself. Follow through with Synvisc injections. Ask your doctor about arthritis meds. Get moving...A body in motion stays in motion. IMO depression is a vicious beast waiting in the wings to take my life. I MUST FIGHT LIKE A WARRIOR.

 

[CFC]

I felt absolutely nothing from the needle when I had my hyaluronic acid knee injections (Durolane). I left and felt like I was floating when I walked. Since I only have mild OA they worked a treat and so far (touch wood) I've only needed one top-up in 5 years. I do use growth hormone as well though so that probably has helped the chondrocytes somewhat.

 

[ramblin_rose]

Dixichik-
You are totally right, bodies in motion tend to stay in motion.
I love, love, love swimming and once I start I'm usually good about keeping it up. The last time I stopped was because I had surgery.
I just need to get up off my butt and do it.