Update on my sister's osteoarthritis.

[Daisy and Delilah]

I'm not as big fan of cortisone shots. They've backfired on me and the pain gets worse.

[carole]

Yes i agree, me neither, they are not without problems.

[shepgirl]

I remember speaking to my doctor about the shots and he did explain some of the side effects but he said it was much better than taking cortisone orally. I wasn't a candidate for surgery so we opted for the shots. The first time it worked immediately and lasted not quite a yr. The second time was over 11 yrs ago and I haven't had sore knees since. The only pain is sometimes when I wake up my one knee is locked and painful but that's where the cartilage had been removed after a skiing accident, has nothing to do with the shots and as soon as I straighten my leg the pain leaves.
I also had one shoulder done more than 13 yrs ago and I still have no problem with it. So for me, I have to say it worked wonders. Probably depends on the pwerson and the severity of the damage. I hope your sister finds some relief for her knees and hope you don't go through the same for many yrs to come.

[Daisy and Delilah]

shepgirl: I should say that the shots do work in some cases. I have had two, many years ago, that did help me.
It's such a hit and miss thing with me, I decided not to try it again.

I also read several articles that turned me against them because of the after effects/side effects.

I'm happy to hear you got some relief from them. That's fantastic.

[carole]

Right now Shepgirl i think i would almost try anything myself, as i am having a terrible time with my knees, it is so weird that both my sister and I had this flare up at the same time,i did find your post very interesting reading,thank you.

Life sure throws a spanner in the works sometimes,we just have to learn to deal with it which ever way is best for us i guess.

[pomtzu]

Have you ever heard of SYNVISC? It's an injection for the knees that actually adds back the missing lubricant, and not a steroid injection that just reduces pain and swelling. My brother has had it, and it provided relief for a while, but he didn't go back for more as needed, so pretty much defeated the purpose of it.
I have had cortisone injections, and find them to be basically useless - on me anyway! They seem to be hit or miss at best.


Oops!!! I see post #2 addressed this in the first link. It goes by other names as well as Synvisc.

[shepgirl]

If the cortisone shots stop being effective I might be tempted to try that new stuff, that was mentioned. So far, lucky me , no swelling and no pain , well hardly except in extreme weather changes but not enough to keep me from going about my business.
I guess it all depends how we all react differently to different medications. And what we inherit from our family genes ....I do hope your sis and you find something that will help in any case.