Here I go again!

[Cynrob]

RTKR done 3 years ago, and I am extremely happy with it! Like many, I had waited way to long to have it done, and I vowed not to do that again. Two years ago I started having intermittent mild to moderate pain in Left knee. This fall the pain hit me suddenly and like a ton of bricks. I've spent the last 3 months going back and forth with an orthopedic doctor that I was referred to. After some useless physical therapy, and several Dr. visits he finally did an MRI suspecting that I might have a meniscus tear. Instead, he admitted that it showed my arthritis was far worse than the xRay (from over a year ago) had indicated. Needless to say I am not happy that it took so long to get to this conclusion. He's now willing to give me a cortisone injection so I am going to get that next week and then find someone new.

The first cortisone injection should give me a few months relief while I find a good knee surgeon. From my past experiences any future injections will not likely be as effective or lasting so I need to get with it. I liked my last surgeon, but it was done at the VA and I'm not willing to go through that waiting process again (2-3 year waitlist). I appreciate the information on this site so much, but finding a good surgeon is still overwhelming. In particular, I need a surgeon that is willing, able and hopefully experienced in doing a cementless knee since I have an allergy to the bonding agents.

 

[SusieShoes]

Hi @Cynrob! One link that might help your surgeon search is the Consumer's Checkbook for Surgeons. The ratings are helpful and you can find those in your area. Best of luck. I know what you mean about those injections eventually not giving you the relief you'll need.

 

[Cynrob]

That's a fantastic place to start!

 

[Jockette]

Just my experience, but I never had any success with cortisone shots. I even had a gel shot that didn’t do anything other than hurt a lot as it went in, then it took 2 days before I could walk normal again. No pain relief, though.

 

[Celle]

I've had cortisone shots into my elbow. The first one worked very well. The second one, not so well.

 

[SherrieT]

I’m another one who had no luck with shot. The novicane wore off in a couple of hours and it hurt more than ever. Hope you have better luck

 

[Cynrob]

I've had good luck in the past with the first injection. In fact I looked back at my records and with my Right knee, the first injection gave me 5 months relief, the second lasted 3 months and the third lasted 3 weeks. Also, when I had a foot problem and had cortisone injections it was exactly the same: 5 months, 3 months, 3 weeks. Of course they won't give them to you but once every 6 months so anything beyond the first one is pointless.