Posted by Terry on September 15, 2003 at 19:12:17:
In Reply to: Synvisc posted by Ian Page on July 10, 2003 at 22:37:29:
: I had Legg Perthese disease and still have periodic pains in the hip. Currently at the age of 30, I feel I'd rather wait as long as I can until I have to get my hip replaced.
: Has anyone tried using Synvisc (joint fluid normally used to relieve pain in knees) for hip osteoarthritis? This fluid acts as a shock absorber in between joints and relieves the pain due to OA.
I am 49 years old and have been suffering terribly over the last 3 years. I had L.P. when I was 8. First I spent a year on crutches, then two years in a brace. Then another year on and off canes & crutches. Symptoms of arthritus began to show when I was 46 and started in my knees. Now it is in my hips, back ,and ribs. All of my files from childhood have vanished. My present doctor highly recommends Synvisc. It won't work on my left knee because of cartilage damage but might help my right knee. The problem is the cost. I have rotten insurance. The procedure is about $1,000 per knee. I know one person who had it done and said it did take away much of the pain but not all and that it worked for a long time; well over a year. If your insurance will pay for it I would suggest you do it. Let me know!
Good luck, Terry.