Knees

I got a shot in my right knee Wednesday. Hurt more than last time because they are using Synvisc now instead of Hyalgan. This means only one shot every six months instead of a series of three, one each for three weeks. However, Synvisc is much more viscous (thick) and the Dr. injects three times as much, making it more painful. But less pain as a result of the shot is the goal and it works.


Will get the shot in the left knee on Aug. 17, first available slot open. The Doctors here don't want to do both knees on the same day because of the added discomfort of the single shot versus three shots. After experiencing the discomfort of the single shot I think I would rather have gotten both the same day and been done with it for the next six months. It wasn't all that bad, but I am not looking forward to doing it again in August.


Anyway, my right knee should be much less painful for a few months, again.

Ladder

I obtained an extension ladder, so now I can fix the woodpecker hole in my wall after the chicks leave.

I will also replace the shingles that the wind blew off my roof as soon as the pain in my arthritic knees eases enough for me to climb the ladder.

I have been barely able to walk for the last two days. I don't think I can make it up the ladder right now. But I am really looking forward to getting up on the hot roof and nailing down roof shingles (not).

Knees

I went to see the orthopedic surgery people and found out that my osteoarthritis is not yet bad enough to need new knees.

I am going to get shots of sodium hyaluronate directly in the knees (ouch). I have to get one in each knee once a week for three weeks. Will have to do this every six months.

If the cartilage and miniscus get torn up enough to let the bones touch (left one is close) then the hyaluronate will do no good (if the bones are touching adding lubricant is just a waste of lubricant)and I will need knee replacement.

I am supposed to get the first series of shots in October.