My brothers' knees

[aheart]

My brother couldn't get the knee replacement he needs because of his MS, as an alternative he looked into chichens comb injections. Can anyone tell me how effective they have been for others. Many thanks.

[twopack]

Surgery is important.  Some surgeries are even critical.  But if you have a knee replaced and are then unable to do the rigorous therapy required you could end up in a state worse than before the surgery.  It sounds like your brother has a lot of disability from his MS.  Joint replacement might not be the best route for him.

I would still be wanting to get a second opinion though.  Some surgeons have ideas on alternative surgical procedures that could decrease pain but require less physical rehab for recovery.  There is also bracing available that might decrease his pain and increase his mobility at the same time.

Mary

[grannyhotwheels]

I had a major surgery last January and I did about as well as anyone else would have with or without MS... It may or may not put someone in a relapse but I would think the surgery would be a lot more important....

I'll be praying,
Carol

[aheart]

My brother lives in MI & I Wa. so we are far apart. I see I got an assortment of replies. I am sure his specialist considered many things in my brothers case before making the decision. My brother can barely walk with the aid of a walker, and his balance is getting bad. I will suggest he get a second opinion because your right its a quality of life issue.
I hate this disease. It hit my brother's lower intestantial tract & he has a foley for urinating too. He gets so hot he feels like he is on fire and has to wear a cooling suit or keep the house freezing. He can't even talk without constantly yawning, and that's just part of it!
Thank you much everyone-God Bless-Pray for a Cure

[angela5674]

I had surgery on 5/13 and started a relapse beginning or mid-June.  However, I also had a lot of stress in my life at that point, my aunt died, etc.  I've often wondered if my surgery put me into a relapse.  I seriously doubt I'll ever know for sure.

Angela

[essdipity]

Well, some people do have relapses following surgery, but certainly not everyone. I've had 2 surgeries since diagnosis with no problems of that sort.

I think it's a quality of life issue. I would certainly seek another opinion.

ess

[SarahL2491]

I'd want a 2nd opinion on why he can't have the knee surgery, sounds sorta off the wall to me.

[twopack]

That was supposed to be WORTH trying once.

Also, even if these injections work they only give relief for about 6 months.

[twopack]

I had a series of three injections of a product called SYNVISC.  I think it is the product you are talking about.  It was many, many years ago.  I remember thinking the first one had done some good but had no improvement after the second and third.  It was considered experimental by my healthcare insurance carrier at the time.  I think it is available as a one time injection now.  If they won't do surgery this would be worst trying ONCE.

I have had a knee replacement.  It was done before I was diagnosed with MS but I surely had the disease at the time the surgery was done.  I do think my recovery was a little slower than average since I fatigue easily and have some muscle problems.  My surgeon knows my diagnosis now.  It's noted on the chart BUT he didn't seem to care much.  He certainly never indicated I wouldn't have qualified just because of the MS.

I don't know your brother's limitations or why he was told he couldn't have the replacement surgery but if he thinks that surgery will help and there is a way for him to do the therapy required afterwards I would encourage him to get clarification or see another surgeon.  People with MS aren't believed to have any greater problems with surgery than people without MS.

If  your brother is able to walk with his MS I REALLY think he needs to take another look at the replacement surgery.  It could very well keep him on his feet longer.

Mary

[Lulu54]

It appears from what I find by googling this, that this is a therapy that has been shown to not work.in a large number of studies but there is plenty of anecdotal chatter about it helping.  

I'm curious as to why the doctor ruled out knee replacement because of his MS?

Lulu

[jcrain9663]

You might be talking about hyaluronic acid.  That's what comes up in a google search.  It is used to aid reduction of inflammation and as a joint lubricant.  I used it for horses 20 years ago, and it was the successful use in sport horses that prompted its use in people.

I think whether or not it's helpful depends on too many factors for anyone to advise you over the internet.  Ask his doctor if hyaluronic acid will help.  It's widely used these days for joint pain, particularly in the knee.  The only thing I do know is that it's not believed to be very effective for patellar (knee cap) arthritis.