In reply to @cindymattern "I was told that anything I did was a 50/50 chance because my left knee is..." + (show).. .. I copied another reply starter, new, don't know how to do start header for a reply.
If your TKR is still swollen for soooo long, suggest you read the threads about TKR nickle [and other metals] allergies. I am looking at all the options myself for Left TKR. I am 82 y/o lady not yet bone on bone, without family to support me. My MD friend told me to get it done and not wait until I was 92 or 102 as the anesthesia is harder on our brains, the more senior we get.
I had a trip to 3 months of PAIN from hell with hyaluronic acid shots [non animal]. The Synvisc hyaluronic acid shots [have animal ingredients] that you used are not for bone on bone. They just make the medics richer.
BTW, your 'I'm trying to avoid knee replacement' is probably impossible! You will just be older, broker, and less fit by the time you do TKR 5 or 10 years down the road!
I have been to 4 surgeons. They don't want to do robotic surgery on 82 y/o bones with osteopedia. I have found patients from different surgeons and that is helping me decide. Only one surgeon in Orlando, FL does lateral [go in from side] surgery so the scar is on the side and less important things are cut!
I have an offer of $3,200 for stem cells from umbilical cords etc. My Chiropractic Dr says they are more active with better stem cells than your own which are of course, older. Research says your own stem cells are safer. My research says stem cells are also NOT for bone on bone and will eventually lead to a TKR.
Difficult decision, like a crap shoot! LOL! Good luck, Wish me good luck, too!