Osteonecrosis/ Avascular necrosis

I have this in my hips , shoulders and knees with etiology unknown. It occurred post covid.
Has anyone had any successful treatment of this problem besides joint replacement surgery?

@coramayo What a difficult diagnosis with no idea what caused it. I included a link to a previous discussion on the same topic that you should find helpful.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/111592/

There are also some groups where you also post your question. One is on bones and diseases and the other on joint replacement.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/arthritis-and-joint-conditions-268850/
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/joint-replacements/

Do you have to make a decision soon or are you gathering information?

I have already had 2 joints replaced and scheduled for a third surgery in a few weeks. I will have to have a fourth surgery since my right shoulder bone has already started to collapse.
So it will for both shoulders and hips collapsing in one year. I just found out I have it in both knees but still early maybe stage one or two.
I feel desperate to find a doctor to over see my care
I see in the Mayo Clinic link you provided AVN can be treated with blood thinners and cholesterol lowering medication. I’m already taking osteoporosis medication.
Trying to find a doctor who can recommend and manage this medication approach to treatment. I’m sure it’s in many joints in my body.
Finding challenging to find a knowledge doctor. Possibly an endocrinologist and or Rheumotologist. I have been to several over this past year.

What is your diet, to begin at the basics for good joint health? When I gave up sugar in my diet, I could actually feel the improvement in my joints without any additional medicines so it seems to me that I should recommend this as a basic treatment, and then look for medication which does not cure but aids in lessening pain. Certain exercises improve muscle strength around the joints, but that recommendation needs to come of the therapist who knows your particular condition better. Patients need to look to a balanced and improved diet as a starting point, even though sometimes it is a little late to prevent replacement.

Thanks for your feedback. I do generally try to eat healthy and am not a sweet eater. I’m sure diet can help to contribute to overall health . Just frustrating seeing my joints fail. Which there was more I could do.
Thinking of going on blood thinners and cholesterol medicine to see if it helps with the lack of blood to my bones( avascular necrosis)

@coramayo, this must be so difficult for you. Yes, finding the right doctor to oversee your care can be very challenging. Have you been to a major medical center or university/teaching hospital? If you are considering The Mayo Clinic (Minnesota, Florida, Arizona). Here is the link:
https://mayoclinic.in/1mtmR63
The Mayo Clinic also has a Care Network of hospitals which have access to all Mayo’s knowledge. That link is:
https://mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic/care-network/members
Let me know what you learn.

Has anyone experienced Osteonecrosis/ avascular necrosis (AVN) in multiple joints post covid. I’m 2 years post and have had both hips and shoulders collapse . Have found AVN now in my knees too.
Have not been able to find treatment except for surgery.
I had covid 2 years ago. Was not treated by steroids, so etiology not know.
Was treated for a possible Autoimmune problem with IVIG.
Can’t find anyone else who has this diagnosis in
With multiple joint collapse.

i think i should just do a complete list of symtoms on my self, it will be 3 yrs for me this December, i noticed my hips and knees act like they will give out, and there is a little pain when it happens, it comes and goes, like i said before with other things that comes and goes, this long covid seems to have a mind of it's own and does what it whats when it whats to, i have other joints that bother me now off and on too, it's really getting old!! there are so many other things too that come and go..i pray for all of us that it will get the @#$%^&** out of our bodies..hang in there, i know i'm not giving up!

Have you had intensive blood work done by a Rheumotologist and endocrinologist to find possible other causes for your joint pain ?

yes, at mayo clinic..