It’s been almost a fortnight since I had a Cortisone injection into my arthritic left knee to relieve the almost constant pain and to delay what is probably the inevitable knee replacement surgery.
Initially, after seeing a consultant, I was told that I was on the list for a total knee replacement which could happen as soon as four months time. Then, I did the research and discovered that the recovery can by long and the outcome not always optimum.
Thus on my next visit, I persuaded the consultant that I wanted to try a Cortisone injection and that was arranged. I was also told, that should I have the injection I would be ineligible for surgery for six months. I took the chance.
Unfortunately, the injection was not the success that I’d hoped for.
Returning to the physiotherapy department (that’s where I got the injection) and discussing the situation, it was decided that I should get the surgery. There was some uncertainty as to whether I was still under the consultant (otherwise, I’d have to be re-referred by my doctor) but a couple of phone calls by the physio confirmed that I was and an appointment was booked for next month.
When I mentioned that I had been told that I’d need to wait six months before I could have any surgery, the physio was a little confused as the usual time span is around twelve weeks. Maybe the consultant was just trying to sway me toward the op. in the first place?
The physiotherapist has given me some muscle exercises to do.
These are the same movements as I’d be expected to make post-surgery so it was thought that strengthening the knee muscles before hand would make recovery that little bit easier.
I just need to discipline myself to do them !
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