Has anyone had the Synvisc injections?

[Kikko]

I have had left knee problems for at least 4 years now.  Dr. has given me quite a few injections into the knee.  Now he is suggesting Synvisc injections. This is injected once a week for three weeks and is supposed to provide up to 6 months of knee pain relief. I was wondering if anyone has had this treatment and if there are any side effects from it?  And does it really work and last as long as they claim?????  Thanks,  Kikko

[USMCBio]

I have been getting the Synvisc (3 injection series) for several years now.  They have done wonders for me.  I have never tried the one shot version, but as I understand it, it's the same medication just more of it at once.  When the injections wear off, I have trouble walking and my knee hurts all the time, and OTC anti-inflammatories just don't seem to cut it.  I have had my left knee operated on twice now, and after my last surgery (8 or 9 years ago) they told me I was too young for a knee repladcement at 40.  The injections have been keeping me going until I can't put off the replacement anymore.

The injections have become routine, and I'm in and out of the ortho's office in a matter of minutes.  They shots are generally not painful when I get them either.  I try to take it easy for a couple of days after each shot, and it takes about 3-4 weeks (from the first shot) for the medication to take full  effect, but the pain relief usually last between 6 months to just over a year for me.

[Njojean]

I have Kaiser and they wont pay for Synvisc, so it is out of pocket for me, how much will this cost? I am bone on bone now on one side of left knee, need help fast, the Cortisone does not work much anymore.  Any advice is welcomed

[Mackinawman]

Had my first 3 shot treatment of Synvisc 1-1/2 years ago for a very painful and stiff knee. Just started my second series of three shots today.  Someday will probably have to bite the bullet for a knee replacement.

[MaacoMan]

I have very bad authritus in both knees. The Doctor started with Cortazone  shots and a day later I felt like a 18 year old.It lasted a month and then the pain comes back so bad! I can't go upstairs or walk long at all.It's hard to get out of a chair. Then he gave me another cortazone shot and again another 30 days of feeling great! Then he said lets do synvist one. I went on Christmas Eve 2015 and I'm in more pain now then ever! It didn't do anything for me! I called and the gave me a pill for the swelling but nothing for the pain. I saw the bill to Blue Cross it was 7600.00 I feel like I got screwed! I'm 57 and have a ten year old son. Since my knees started to go I cant move like I use too. In 4 years I went fro 200 pounds to 325 pounds. I want my old life back  

[Butterfly_1710]

I had both my knees done the right knee is in so much pain swelling the pain is up micaft to down my thigh and I wouldn't recommend the shot to anybody they ended up giving me prednisone pill to bring down any inflammation and my shots were given to me last week Monday and here I am at the night and 11 today and I am still in a whole lot of pain and I spoke with the doctor that gave it and he says oh well we can take the injection out I was like huh I don't know but never again

[jj2mtn]

I'm a 56 year old male and have been dealing with OA in both knees for at least 5 years. I have been getting Orthovisc shots in both knees every 6 months for at least 4 years now. I get the 3 shot protocol o 1 shot in each knee for 3 weeks. Typically it takes about a month after the 3rd shot to notice the pain has subsided.

It is typical for the 1st and second shots to not hurt that much, but the 3rd shot usually hurts more. I attribute the additional pain of the 3rd shot to the fact that the bursa sack in the knee where the fluid is being injected is full by the time of the 3rd shot and the pain is due to the fluid expanding and causing pressure in the knee joint.

The treatment works for me and has provided significant relief of pain. It's not a complete miracle though. I still have some low level pain from time to time in my knees, particularly in the left knee, but it makes it manageable and so far has allowed me to avoid surgery.

I also tried the single shot Synvisc injection, but that did not work as well for me as the 3 injection Orthovisc, so I have returned to the 3 injection method.

One really big issue for injection pain is the angle the physician uses to inject the fluid. My understanding is there are 3 injection angles lower lateral, mid lateral and upper lateral. My physician uses a mid lateral angle for my injections and that's not very painful. He once changed the injection angle to upper lateral on me and the pain was really severe and almost put me through the ceiling, so that's something to be aware of.

I've talked to a bunch of other people who also are receiving these injections and for the most part, they seem to have a similar experience with some to a lot or relief of pain and the relief seems to last for 6 months to 1 year before they need to have injections again.

[Drodsaxman4184]

I am 62 and received my first injection today. Prior to the first injection I was running 3-4 times per week. How long should I wait to run? My chronic pain was meniscual related so not sure what to expect in this early stage. Should I wait to run? My Ortho stated only stationary bike workouts? Anyone?

[Beachgal9000]

Had my first Synvisc One shot today 12/1/15, Have had tow surgeries on each knee. I am hoping that this shot lasts for awhile