Synvisc Nightmare

[kathyjo53]

Any class action suits out there? In an attempt to be proactive in maintaining my knees, i took my doctors advice to have Synvisc injections in my right knee. After the second knee I had severe swelling, pain and complete instability when trying to walk. My doctor aspirated 30 cc of fluid from my knee. She then shared with me that the UPMC system insists that they use the Synvisc, a protien from chicken combs instead of a new synthetic shot that hhas less "pseudoseptic: reactions such as what I was experiencing!! I was just aspirated this morning and have as much swelling as I had before. I scoured the package inserts before I agreed to prodeeded and saw NOTHING evn close to the pain and symptions I have...Bewre!

[Rjb58]

I had a horrible reaction to Synvisc injections as well.  I developed a fever and had to go to the hospital after the ortho Dr extracted 65cc of fluid from my knee.  The fluid returned in less then 30 mins.  The pain was horrible and I was unable to walk for 2 wks.  I called the company and not a return call was made.  I hope they do have a class action suit so this crap will stop and the public doesn't have to suffer.

[wellness4him]

You should go to www. synviscsurvivor. blogspot. com and contact that person. Remove spaces in address.

[Dr Vinod]

Class action or a representative action is a form of lawsuit where a large group of people collectively bring a claim to court. You can always think about this.
In orthoapaedic injuries/cases the treatment normally is conservative and steriod shots and injections are given to delay the operation. Some cases respond miraculously.
If the doctor does explain the pros and cons and if in good faith he tries to treat till he goes for Total Knee Replacement it is fine.
But if you are harrassed and the motive is not good you can think about the legal angle.
There is a thin line of difference and try to find that out before you take any steps.
Take care!

[babsy55]

I had almost the same experience. Had both knees injected (about 2 years ago now). The left one swelled and Dr. aspirated. We waited another week for the final shots, did them, and I ended up in the ER twice. Both knees swelled, terrible pain, couldn't walk. They aspirated my knees and sent me home. They swelled again, called 911, and they hauled me back to the hospital, where they admitted me overnight. Aspirated both knees at least 3 times in the hospital. All the Dr would say was that he was baffled. That sometimes these reactions happen if you're in the second round of injections, but they're rare for the first round.

So, long story short: the Synvisc did no good, they probably aspirated it all out anyway, and last year I had 2 TKRs. At least that's providing some relief. I'm 53.

Did you ever find out about a class action?