Log: Pain clinic treatment/ procedures: knees/shoulders

[Jefe]

Ok,

Had a consultation with my pain management doctor. I’ll be getting nerve block injections next week. They may put some metal mesh electrode implants in the knee at a later date. No pain meds.

No word on shoulder treatments.

I’ll update this as it goes along. Implants sound interesting. I thought there might be some interest on the journey start to finish.

I also got approved to get treatment at the Veterans hospital at no cost. There could be other treatments available there.

Patella tendon wore away on the backside of both kneecaps so they are bone on bone with the front of knee. Meniscus damage that can’t be repaired. Popleitus muscle deep in both calves slight tear, can’t be repaired. Bursa removed from one knee, I can’t remember which.

 

[Samson250]

Ok,

Had a consultation with my pain management doctor. I’ll be getting nerve block injections next week. They may put some metal mesh electrode implants in the knee at a later date. No pain meds.

No word on shoulder treatments.

I’ll update this as it goes along. Implants sound interesting. I thought there might be some interest on the journey start to finish.

I also got approved to get treatment at the Veterans hospital at no cost. There could be other treatments available there.

Patella tendon wore away on the backside of both kneecaps so they are bone on bone with the front of knee. Meniscus damage that can’t be repaired. Popleitus muscle deep in both calves slight tear, can’t be repaired. Bursa removed from one knee, I can’t remember which.

Very interested in this!

 

[Jefe]

Very interested in this!

With all the old man/training around injuries/joint posts this is good timing for people.

Except for me, I’m in a lot of fucking pain!

 

[TripppleP]

Are they doing a genicular nerve block? If so, it’s commonly followed up with an ablation. I could see them potentially using a stimulator in that area for pain control but I have only ever heard of this for spine. Typically these are done following exhaust most common treatments like basic corticosteroid injections though.

 

[Jefe]

Yesterday I had the test run with the local anesthetic injections, 3 each knee.

Couldn’t feel anything in either for about 2 hours. He said do something that normally causes pain. I did stairs and squatted down to tie my shoes instead of sitting. No pain within 2 hour window of getting the shots.

10 hours later at work I had patella pain in one knee right away. Burning inflammation pain but less intense. 2 hours later minor pain inside both knees.

Woke up today. Knees are overall 80% reduction in pain. Doc said some people get relief for a day, some for a few weeks.

In about 2 weeks we’re doing nerve ablation.

No treatment for shoulders yet. We didn’t have time to discuss it was there was some kind of elderly emergency going on.

I did sleep well. Took me an hour to stop limping out of habit. Helped my back loosen up.

I got approved at the VA for my knee and they actually do acupuncture and massage. I’ll know more about that tomorrow.

So far, very worth it.

 

[Jefe]

Follow up after local anesthetic injections was unremarkable. Scheduled the nerve ablation for next month. Still no word on shoulder treatment.

 

[Jefe]

Knee ablation today, just got home.

I chose to stay awake for the procedure, I don’t recommend it.

I can’t feel much of anything due to lidocaine inside the knee. Feels kind of crampy inside.

Back feels great since I’m not limping around with the little bit I walked.

I need a nap. I’ll go to the gym tonight and report back in a few days.

 

[Jefe]

3 days after ablation. The pain from the procedure is still lingering but getting better. Original pain is greatly diminished. I’ll call it a success for the time being.

 

[Jefe]

2 weeks post ablation. Pain relief isn’t quite where I need it to be. Doc said wait a few more weeks as the pain relief should continue to set in.

If it doesn’t improve, it’s time for Curonix peripheral nerve stimulator.

 

[Jefe]

Pain got WORSE from the ablation but it’s back to where I started.

Thinking about a second opinion or just leaving it go.

Acupuncture, Thai Chi, and stretching are still effective.