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MedHelp Member's Question

Has anyone had the Synvisc injections?

by Kikko, Apr 11, 2007 12:00AM
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
Member Comments (47)

by kneeone, Apr 19, 2007 12:00AM
I just received my first shot of Synvisk on 4/18/07, and within minutes my knee pain was completely gone.  There is still a little stiffness, but so far I feel like my knee's are new.  I still have 2 more shots to get and I can't wait to see how I feel....  I was told that for some people it works on the frist shot and some it takes all 3 shots before it works.  i guess I got lucky.  I can now continue playing softball as before the shots I couldn't run, now I am as fast as I used to be...

by Kikko, Apr 19, 2007 12:00AM
To: kneeone
thank you for the encouraging information.  I hope you continue to do well with it.  Did your doctor tell you how long it will last and how often you can get the series of injections?  Kikko

by kneeone, Apr 20, 2007 12:00AM
The shot last's up to 6 months, but I need to ask how often I can receive the treatment.  I played softball last night and I had absolutely no knee pain and I was able to run and slide, something I couldn't do for a few years now.  It has made playing soooo much more enjoyable.  I wish that I had known about this treatment sooner.

by Kikko, Apr 20, 2007 12:00AM
To: kneeone
I am so happy for you.  Just don't overdo and cause more damage.  If you find out more about the treatments, do post it.  I won't be seeing my Dr. for another few weeks.  But I do think I will give it a try.  I might not get as good results as you did.  I am 66 yrs old.  And if you are playing softball, you are young! Good luck to you.   Kikko

by kneeone, Apr 21, 2007 12:00AM
I am 36, but my doctor told me that I have the knees of an 80 year old.  There was an elderly lady that my doctor said was 86, getting the same treatment as me.  I have had 2 knee surgeries and the cartiligde is dissintigrating so I am on borrowed time.  But I will let you know how the other treatments go next week.

by kneeone, May 03, 2007 12:00AM
I received my 3rd and final shot yesterday, and I feel like a million bucks !!!!!!!!
  Hopefully this feeling will continue for over the 6 month time frame.

by Kikko, May 05, 2007 12:00AM
To: kneeone
Hi Kneeone,  So glad the shots have worked so well for you.  Saw my Dr. and he said I first needed to have the knee joint "cleaned" out with an arthroscopy as cartledge wear is very visiable on the exrays.  Had that done and now just have to wait for swelling to go down before he can start the injections.  I will be very happy with even some relief and postponing the fact that I will need a replacement with a few years.  I'll stall on that as long as I can!  Keep up the good work and God bless you.   Kikko

by bracs girl, May 18, 2007 12:00AM
yes i have had the synvisc injections and that was one of the best things!!!!!
i have had two series in my right knee. each series lasted 6 months. now i have a pretty bad problem with my left knee and i am trying to get a prior authorization from my ins. co to approve it, however they want 90 days of conservative therapy befor they will approve it. i work in a pharmacy, i'm trying to come up with the money myself to get started on the left knee. i can not beleive ho much better my knee was and the things i could that i had not been able to

by Caren Kosen, May 31, 2007 12:00AM
I had the injections in both my knees 2 days ago. Immediatly after the injection one of my knees actually started to buckle. I have had pain in both knees since. I called my MD who recommended to ice them. Last night my knee felt like it popped out. I have read all the side effects and this does not seem to be the norm. I have a appointment with my Orthopedist today. I am very reluctant to have the next set of shots next week. I seem to have more pain now then I did prior to the shots..Both knees are increadably stiff as well.

by alexjbip, Aug 29, 2007 10:05PM
To: My knee esperience
I didn't have too much pain in both knees but they felt like "rusted hinges" so my Ortop. Doc. recomemended  the Synvisc injections, tomorrow I am going to get the second injections and next week the third one and last. So far so good. After the injecctions I got a little pain but not a bid deal, I hope this will be a final for at least couple of years. Am I too optimistic?

by Sports fanatic, Sep 06, 2007 08:58AM
I have been doing knee injections for about 6 years now. I did Synvisc the 1st yr.,Supartz the last 4 and this yr. my Dr. recommended Synvisc again. Did well for the first 2 shots. I just had my 3rd two days ago. Woke up this morning and I could not walk. I had to call in at work. I have never had this problem before the shots have always worked great lasting up to a year. However this time is a totally different exp. The pain is almost unbearable. I am still waiting on my Dr. to call. I am wondering if I should not have stuck to the Supartz.                                                                                

by vega_mite, Nov 23, 2007 06:20PM
I had a referral to an orthopod to get the Synvisc injections, but when I saw him he told me they didn't work.  As a result I didn't get them.

by rudie588, Jan 14, 2008 08:53PM
Started with a work injury to both of the knees.  Then I had scopes on both knees.  Therapy didn't work to well. Arthiritis followed.  I just completed 1 session of synvisc ( 3 injections in each knee for three weeks).  Didn't get much relief.  My right knee swoll up and caused so much pain.  My doctor recommended a bone scan to make sure there isn't a tumor on my knee. (They saw a spot which could be from the injection site or maybe a tumor).  I am pretty much bed ridden.  I will not get those shots again.  I am really disappointed that they didn't work.  But I am happy for all of you that have had success!!!!!! Today he gave me a cortisone shot in my right knee.  Hopefully my scan comes out okay.  But what happens after that is questionable.

by Shannon388, Mar 01, 2008 11:21PM
To: Anyone!!!!
I'm sitting here reading all these pros and cons regarding Synvisc and wondering what to do for my knees!  I'm 45 yrs old and have had problems with my left knee since I was 15.  I have NO cartilage in my left knee due to the surgery they did when I was 15.  (gymnastic injury)
Of course...that surgery set it up for arthritis.  Over the past 7 years or so both