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Alternatives to knee replacements

Posted by rorygrabowsky @rorygrabowsky, Jan 2, 2021

I 'm looking for people that have had injections of some materials into the knee that can give me some info that will help in my decision. The arthritis in both knees are always creating clicking sounds. I don't have pain in the knees, but it's affecting my balance and creating pain in other parts of my legs and more. Please help me.

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rorygrabowsky | @rorygrabowsky | Jan 7, 2021

You are absolutely right. No surgery works the same for everyone, but I do thank you for your effort. Stay well.

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ellerbracke | @ellerbracke | Jan 8, 2021
In reply to @contentandwell "@glokart1957 I would definitely seek another opinion. I have known a number of people who have..." + (show)
@contentandwell

@glokart1957 I would definitely seek another opinion. I have known a number of people who have achieved significantly more comfort with help provided by a different surgeon. It can be worth the time and money if you are having problems after a year.

@ellerbracke The big downside of stem cell is of course that it's costly and as @clbs commented it doesn't work for everyone and does not last. It's a lot of money to spend when it's a gamble. I have heard of a number of people who had it and got no relief.
JK

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@contentandwell : Yes, I know that stem cell therapy, as well as PRP injections, are a gamble. And the cost can be significant. I believe stem cell is around +/- $ 6000.00 out of pocket. However, if it works, and avoids/delays TKR by 5 years, that is $ 100.00 per month. Worth it to me. Once the bones in your knee have been cut for the implant, that’s permanent. As I mentioned several times, I have been lucky to not have had any major issues with the TKR, works almost as well as my other knee - but still..... not a fan.

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2 replies
win sturgeon | @cobweb | Jan 8, 2021
In reply to @ellerbracke "@contentandwell : Yes, I know that stem cell therapy, as well as PRP injections, are a..." + (show)
@ellerbracke

@contentandwell : Yes, I know that stem cell therapy, as well as PRP injections, are a gamble. And the cost can be significant. I believe stem cell is around +/- $ 6000.00 out of pocket. However, if it works, and avoids/delays TKR by 5 years, that is $ 100.00 per month. Worth it to me. Once the bones in your knee have been cut for the implant, that’s permanent. As I mentioned several times, I have been lucky to not have had any major issues with the TKR, works almost as well as my other knee - but still..... not a fan.

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the key to using stem cells is to do your homework. Their are some shady operations out there. I used Regenexx, but i kow their are others, like Mayo who are good. Some use dead stem cells so beware.

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rorygrabowsky | @rorygrabowsky | Jan 8, 2021
In reply to @ellerbracke "@contentandwell : Yes, I know that stem cell therapy, as well as PRP injections, are a..." + (show)
@ellerbracke

@contentandwell : Yes, I know that stem cell therapy, as well as PRP injections, are a gamble. And the cost can be significant. I believe stem cell is around +/- $ 6000.00 out of pocket. However, if it works, and avoids/delays TKR by 5 years, that is $ 100.00 per month. Worth it to me. Once the bones in your knee have been cut for the implant, that’s permanent. As I mentioned several times, I have been lucky to not have had any major issues with the TKR, works almost as well as my other knee - but still..... not a fan.

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Thanks a million

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rorygrabowsky | @rorygrabowsky | Jan 8, 2021
In reply to @cobweb "the key to using stem cells is to do your homework. Their are some shady operations..." + (show)
@cobweb

the key to using stem cells is to do your homework. Their are some shady operations out there. I used Regenexx, but i kow their are others, like Mayo who are good. Some use dead stem cells so beware.

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How did Regenexx perform for you and how long since you did the procedure and how many knees did you do???

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1 reply
win sturgeon | @cobweb | Jan 8, 2021
In reply to @rorygrabowsky "How did Regenexx perform for you and how long since you did the procedure and how..." + (show)
@rorygrabowsky

How did Regenexx perform for you and how long since you did the procedure and how many knees did you do???

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Did one knee, pretty bad. Had stem cells on that knee about 5 years ago. My goal was to avoid another TKR. I do not play tennis anymore. I do a lot of biking and gardening. I can knell on the stem cell knee and i use a stem cell brace which is great for golf. I tend to do PRP every other year. That takes care of my arthritis. Yes, it is expensive, but i am avoiding what was one miserable time in my life. I have friends who have had good luck and those who have had bad luck with their TKR. They cannot get on their knees to garden etc. I made the decision. My Dr says i will never have to have TKR as long as i keep up with PRP. I am now 80 and glad i made the decision. Currently have 3 hole in ones in golf. Hah

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rorygrabowsky | @rorygrabowsky | Jan 8, 2021

Is the biking that you do, both outside and inside and what resistance do you use. I have an exercycle and looking to someone that will guide me on the resistance. God Bless!!!

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2 replies
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jan 8, 2021
In reply to @rorygrabowsky "May i ask what is PRP???" + (show)
@rorygrabowsky

May i ask what is PRP???

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Is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) a Safe and Effective Treatment for Osteoarthritis of the Knee?: https://www.healthline.com/health/osteoarthritis/platelet-rich-plasma-knee

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1 reply
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jan 8, 2021
In reply to @rorygrabowsky "Is the biking that you do, both outside and inside and what resistance do you use...." + (show)
@rorygrabowsky

Is the biking that you do, both outside and inside and what resistance do you use. I have an exercycle and looking to someone that will guide me on the resistance. God Bless!!!

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@rorygrabowsky I use lower resistance (1 to 3 on a scale of 10) when I just want to get mild exercise and it is kind of like a warm up or an easy outdoor bike ride. I use the higher resistance 5 to 8 when I'm trying to build more strength and help with the cardio. I'm not sure there is any correct answer here. It depends on your current health and what you like to do (in my non medical opinion) 😊 Here's some information on the topic...

Exercise Bikes: Resistance Vs. Duration: https://www.livestrong.com/article/552542-exercise-bikes-resistance-vs-duration/

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