Synvisc questions

paulgul

I'm writing on behalf of my 88 year old mother, she has been suffering with arthritis in her knee for several years and its getting to the point she has a job to walk. A few years ago she had a coarse of steroids but over time they had less effect and the doctor has now stopped them. She has made enquiries about a knee op but (possibly because of her age) they seem reluctant to do anything.
I have just read elsewhere about Synvisc injections and wondered if they are available on the NHS or only private. Has anyone else had any experience - good or bad- of these injections.
Any advice welcome.
Paul

valval

hi welcome did she have oral steroids or injection??? never come accross what you are talking about but some one will be along soon to help her age should not be a problem my aunt was due to have one when in her 80s (she had a stroke so had to be put off) val

paulgul

It was injections, about 3-4 months apart (I think)

dreamdaisy

Steroids are not a long-term solution to the problem, and from what I've read about these Synovic injections neither are they. My suspicion is that they are only available privately as the only info I could find about price was on an American website ($13400 was the quote). The best long-term solution is a new knee and it could be that your mum is being denied this due to her age (which is very unfair, especially if the rest of her is in good health).

Some people with OA find that supplements such as glucosamine can be helpful, fish oils too, and with regard to her mobility she may find using a stick of benefit. This should be held in the opposite hand to the affected joint so as to give the maximum amount of easing. I wish you and your mum well. DD

elnafinn

Has your mother asked why the consultant appears to be reluctant to operate? They are always telling patients to wait until they are much older - it seems we just cannot win without a fight.

My mother had a TKR at age 85 and the consultant weighed up the pros and cons of her quality of life at the time. She had a lot of energy and fight in her still and many interests and the problematic knee was holding her back. Finally he agreed to operate. I have no idea how your mother is at present but the consultant told us that if my mother had been content to sit in a chair and be pretty inactive then he would not have even considered the operation. I have to admit it was not all plain sailing post op but she got there in the end. She will be 89 later on this year.

Elna

paulgul

Thanks for the replies,
First, mum does use a stick, in fact I don't think she'd get far without one, I don't think she has tried any supplements, certainly worth trying. Regarding an operation, she went through her GP and seen a consultant a couple of months ago and he basically told her to try pain killers (Co-codamal) and come back in 6 months time, she was rather disappointed at his attitude.
Next time she visits her GP I will get her to ask about Synvisc and see what response she gets.

Paul

dreamdaisy

Has she had any Xrays taken of the affected joint? It could be that if the ortho saw these he may have decided that the knee isn't actually bad enough to warrant an operation. Mine are but I have to wait another two years before I will be considered as I'm too young (I'm 53!) Elna's right, sometimes we cannot win. It could be that your mum may find two sticks better, or even a rollator. I have one of those and it's a godsend. DD