Nine weeks post op, which brings be to two thirds of the way to "normal" recovery. I am feeling some major changes in the way I can move and my confidence while moving about. I do however still have pain with movement and certainly more after Physio.
Unfortunately, I don't have just back pain to worry about. I have osteoarthritis in my knee and it has been really inflamed with all the extra pressure from Physio and walking. This week I had an orthopaedic surgeon tell me once again that it is time to have the knee replaced. Thankfully he even agreed that with everything else going on it would be prudent to wait. So wait I will, but in the meantime, I had an injection of synvisc.
Synvisc is a fluid injected into the knee that creates a cushioning between the bones when there is nothing natural left. That's the layman so terms but here's what I found to describe it technically. "The injection contains a gel-like mixture made from a substance called hyaluronan (pronounced hy-al-u-ROE-nan) that comes from chicken combs. Hyaluronan is a natural substance found in the body and is present in very high amounts in joints. The body’s own hyaluronan acts like a lubricant and a shock absorber in the joint and is needed for the joint to work properly."
It works for me and if you have osteoarthritis in the knee it may work for you too. I was first told I needed a knee replacement eight years ago. I have been managing with these injections and anti inflammatory medication since then. Since May I have not had the benefit of the anti inflammatory because with a fusion you are taken off them. It has been a tricky balance for me. Growing bones, which is required for the back to fuse means no anti inflammatories until the back is fused. It has been a painful process because I have arthritis in various parts of my body which drugs were concealing now I feel all of it. The knee screams at me the loudest. It got really nasty when I started Physio. I knew I needed the Physio but the pain was making it impossible.
My usual orthopaedic surgeon has moved to Ottawa and while he will still see me I'm not willing to travel that far for an injection. With a new referral, I expected to wait forever to see someone. As luck would have it, I called and heard a very familiar voice. It was my previous doctors receptionist who knew my history. Within a week I had an appointment and within two weeks I had the injection. I felt so relieved. He seems to be a good doctor so I'm happy all around.
The injection causes swelling and some pain and requires you to lay low for a few days so no Physio for me this week.
The pain fog has caused me to jumble a few appointments this week and even though I had reminders in my phone the fatigue and pain has thrown me off.
So back on track by next week. I have to be in Toronto next week and the week afterward for testing and appointments. At that time we will know if all is well so far. I'm doing my part, though it is increasingly difficult not to reach or bend or carry, I'm not doing it. I'm walking daily and going to Physio which has given me more strength and mobility. I'm well on my way, provided that X-ray next week tells me everything is still in place. Fingers crossed!
Unfortunately, I don't have just back pain to worry about. I have osteoarthritis in my knee and it has been really inflamed with all the extra pressure from Physio and walking. This week I had an orthopaedic surgeon tell me once again that it is time to have the knee replaced. Thankfully he even agreed that with everything else going on it would be prudent to wait. So wait I will, but in the meantime, I had an injection of synvisc.
Synvisc is a fluid injected into the knee that creates a cushioning between the bones when there is nothing natural left. That's the layman so terms but here's what I found to describe it technically. "The injection contains a gel-like mixture made from a substance called hyaluronan (pronounced hy-al-u-ROE-nan) that comes from chicken combs. Hyaluronan is a natural substance found in the body and is present in very high amounts in joints. The body’s own hyaluronan acts like a lubricant and a shock absorber in the joint and is needed for the joint to work properly."
It works for me and if you have osteoarthritis in the knee it may work for you too. I was first told I needed a knee replacement eight years ago. I have been managing with these injections and anti inflammatory medication since then. Since May I have not had the benefit of the anti inflammatory because with a fusion you are taken off them. It has been a tricky balance for me. Growing bones, which is required for the back to fuse means no anti inflammatories until the back is fused. It has been a painful process because I have arthritis in various parts of my body which drugs were concealing now I feel all of it. The knee screams at me the loudest. It got really nasty when I started Physio. I knew I needed the Physio but the pain was making it impossible.
My usual orthopaedic surgeon has moved to Ottawa and while he will still see me I'm not willing to travel that far for an injection. With a new referral, I expected to wait forever to see someone. As luck would have it, I called and heard a very familiar voice. It was my previous doctors receptionist who knew my history. Within a week I had an appointment and within two weeks I had the injection. I felt so relieved. He seems to be a good doctor so I'm happy all around.
The injection causes swelling and some pain and requires you to lay low for a few days so no Physio for me this week.
The pain fog has caused me to jumble a few appointments this week and even though I had reminders in my phone the fatigue and pain has thrown me off.
So back on track by next week. I have to be in Toronto next week and the week afterward for testing and appointments. At that time we will know if all is well so far. I'm doing my part, though it is increasingly difficult not to reach or bend or carry, I'm not doing it. I'm walking daily and going to Physio which has given me more strength and mobility. I'm well on my way, provided that X-ray next week tells me everything is still in place. Fingers crossed!
RSS Feed
