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Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Shoulder Arthritis

Posted by heyjoe415 @heyjoe415, May 18 7:43am

I have to get my left shoulder replaced at some point. Cortisone shots are not working anymore. Has anyone had Hyaluronic Acid injections in their shoulder? These are usually referred to as gel injections. I'm aware insurance probably won't cover it. That's ok.

Thanks. And if you have had these injections, how did they work for you?

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heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Sep 27 8:03am
In reply to @robcfl "In reply to @heyjoe415 I am 82 yr old Lady who walks my dogs and kept..." + (show)
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In reply to @heyjoe415 I am 82 yr old Lady who walks my dogs and kept fit. The plan a year ago was for Hyaluronic Acid Injections [knee- yes I know that's different] to relieve pain while I did PT to build muscles pre TKR. My experience with a pre and post dye shot plus 3 Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Arthritis was a NIGHT MARE. Each shot hurt worse that the last one. The final injection was unbearable!
Yes Original Medicare pays for the shots, but some how my pain was over the moon. And my exercise went to zero for maybe 4 months! I live alone, so had to save steps to do necessary survival things. Eventally I started PT. I am interviewing Knee surgeons and will soon have TKR.
Hind sight for me says that I would have paid for PRP or Stem Cells to get pain relief, strengthened the muscles pre TKR surgery.

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Hi rebcfl,

Just to clarify, the gel injections caused pain and forced you to take 4 months off. Is that correct?

I had both knees replaced in 2022 at age 67, and I'm ecstatic with the results. I got a cortisone shot or two but imo they don't work well. Never had a gel shot. And I have heard from other people that the gel shots cause pain.

Sounds like you are getting specific leg muscles in shape before TKR. That is an excellent idea. Your recovery will be better as a result.

All the best to you for rocking on at 82!!!!!!! Great work and dedication. I truly respect that. Too many people over 65 use age as an excuse to not exercise (or they think that going to the gym and doping the same, easy exercises is progress when it isn't). They fall back on a lot of themes about aging and health (the old heal more slowly, the old can't lose significant weight, the old can't significantly improve their health, and on and on). BS I say.

I know there are people with underlying conditions who have a much more difficult time than those of us blessed with decent genes. I admire their persistence in the face of daily challenges. They are real heroes and inspirational. To all of you who fall in this category, thanks for refusing to take the easier path.

Joe

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