Quote:
Originally Posted by Holliday
Umm...just going to toss out the suggestion that "get a new orthopedic doctor" should be on your to-do list. I know, I know, I'm like a broken record with this "change doctors" bee in my bonnet every time someone's doctor tells them something stupid, sorry.
I don't think he's a horrible doctor. I've gone to him a handful of times, most recently over 18 months ago, maybe 2 years ago. Prior to that maybe every six months.
They'd take x-rays of my knees every time to see the further decline. Technicians would look aghast when looking at my x-rays. One told me she'd never seen knees in such bad shape at my age.
Doctor advised the only thing to do is TKR but I had to hold off as long as I could take it. He's given me cortisone like shots in my knees twice and offered them as often as I'd like.
Not only do I have zero cartilage in both knees, but both have really big bone spurs growing on either side of my knees. So much so, my knees are wider than my legs, sorta. Dtr said it was the body's attempt to compensate for the degeneration and my weight.
Plus serious issues with inflammation in my knees, that is now under control.
So whether or not he's a good doctor, there's not a lot he can do for me, other than replace the knees one at a time, or give me cortisone shots. I'm keeping this in my back pocket but so far the gym hasn't necessitated it.
We talked about SynVis injections (that replace the cartilage with a gel) but he said they had a low success rate. I asked about taking supplements like glucosamine drinks and he said they did nothing and I shouldn't waste my money.
I haven't been back to him in almost 2 years because as I've lost weight the pain in my knees became bearable and lately, missing. When I'd go to him, it was because I was in agony.
Funny, as I type this out I think that maybe you're right Holliday. Thanks for the food for thought.