I have severe osteoarthritis in most of my joints. My question today is related to my knees. my orthopedic surgeon and I have tried physical therapy, ice and heat therapy, anti inflammatories (which I'm unable to tolerate due to high blood pressure and severe gastrointestinal problems with them - also allergic to medicine in Aleve). A couple of weeks ago I elected to try a cortisone injection into the knee. I did notice a slight improvement for about two or three days, but after that things have gotten much, much worse - I'm having more pain and mobility issues that I was before the injection.
My surgeon and I have discussed trying a Euflexxa injection at my next appointment (in 1 1/2 weeks). We have chosen the Euflexxa because I am allergic to bird feathers and Synvisc states if you have an allergy to any bird products, including feathers, not to use it.
1) Do you feel the Euflexxa injection is the appropriate next step in treatment? Or should I just give in to having the knee replacement surgery that I've been informed is a definite in my future?
2) My surgeon wants to give me all three Euflexxa doses in one injection at the same time rather than doing one injection for three weeks in a row. He told me that some doctors do this with Synvisc and have had good results with it. Part of his reasoning for this is to limit the chance for infection or complications with the injection/s. He said he's more comfortable giving me one larger injection than giving me three injections over the course of three weeks. Do you agree with this and are there any increased side effects that could happen doing it this way?
3) If the Euflexxa injection works to reduce my pain and mobility issues, are there any other joints that this injection can be used in - i.e., my shoulder, ankle, etc.?
Thank you for any and all advice/information you can provide.