SynVisc does nothing for the basic problem with RA. I had the option of using it, but instead leaped into the joint replacement at Christmas of last year. I have never regreted it and feel so much better. I think my knees were a combination of RA and OA, but now I am walking without a cane (used for over a year) and can walk stairs (slower than expected, but very do-able). I will likely need to have the right knee replaced before Christmas of this year due to the continued daily prednisone but I am ready and will not hesistate for the relief!

I have the same scenerio. I'm 50 and ortho dr. says too young for a knee replacement. So I get Supartz injections to my knee by my rheumatologist. I think they are similar to Synvisc, they're like an artificial lubricant. I've had wonderful results and can get them indefinately. A five injection round lasts me 9-12 months. That is pretty much being pain-free. I take no pain meds until I feel its time to get another round of injections. Yes, its a bit unconfortable to get the injection in the joint, but almost a year of pain-free versus a minute of pinch/burn is well worth it. Go for it.

Thanks for responding..it is so hard for me to make decisions sometimes...and I needed to hear from some that had gone thru this. It would be alot easier if $$$$ weren't such a darned problem, and it's not just the cost of the procedure. The only way to get into my house is stairs...and when we built the new back porch , we left an area for a ramp..just don't have $$$ for the ramp..arghhhh..it makes me crazy sometimes!!!!
I still have not heard from the insurance co on how much they will cover...so I do have a few more days to figure this out........
Thanks again.

I have had the injections before and they really help me with my OA. The last round was about eight months ago and now I need them again. Go for it!!!

Hi...I'am a 47 year old with O.A. in both of knees.I'am almost done with a series of injections,into both knees.my Rheumatologist is doing them.She did my right knee first,and then went to my left knee.the injections i'am getting are for lubrication also,mine starts with an h thought.Forget the spelling of it.Yes,they are definitely not fun,but i have gotten about 50% relief.I cannot get on my knees for anything though,that just hurts too much.I had to scrub the cupboard out underneath my kitchen sink.For that i needed to old a thick bath towel into 3rd's.And even with that,a few minutes,like 1-2 were all i could stand.But i have heard others say where i go,that they have great relief.I think it's just one of those things,that is more of a personal decision than anything.I would try it though,instead of surgery.My dr.sprays something on my knee to like freeze th skin.It just makes it feel extremely cold.That helps with it not being something that i just could not take.And to help me the rest of the way through,i squeeze the sides of the table,i'am on.Good luck,hon.Carol

Does anyone know if Kaiser insurance covers this synVisc treatment.? I had some type of steroid shot which has been helpful, but the Dr.said it would only last a few months. Knee replacement is suggested, but I would like to try the SynVisc.

I had synvisc shots in my ankle. THey didn't help at all. I think they work bettter in knees. I had my knee replaced at 47. It was destroyed by arthritis and I couldn't work on it anymore. Some docs wouldn't do it that young, but my doc said no problem. DId a fine job too. But, you should try everything else first. If you can nurse it along for a while with injections, that will do you better in the long run. Depends on your quality of life and what you want to do. Worth a try.

I had 3 injections and if you totally relax the discomfort is minimum. I would not even call it pain for it was over so quick.

SynVisc shots. My mother has had them in both knees. For her, they helped a lot. They did not cure her knee problems, but they have helped.