[Villageswimmer]

Originally Posted by sunnyatlast

That is $285 well spent!

But many people will NOT pay anything out of their own pocket. They demand first-dollar coverage, including for when they have shot themselves in the foot by being cheap. They're saving pennies to spend thousands, plus endure long-term agony.

I agree but my impression was that the OP wasn't aware that such a test exists.

Thank you, OP, for the heads up. I hope you are feeling better. Please keep us posted on your progress with the reversal.

[applesoffh]

My orthopedist in NYC recommended Synvisc shots for my knees about 5 years ago. We went through the entire allergy routine, including allergies to chickens, hens and eggs, to which I am not allergic.

After the third shot (protocol at that time was up to three shot per knee, spaced 2 - 3 weeks apart), I couldn't move. It was as though the entire lower half of my body was encased in cement. After a strong course of anti-inflammatories, I was fine. Turned out I was allergic to the chicken combs. Who knew? My doctor was amazed, as was I.

Originally Posted by sunnyatlast

It seems to me that people should also be aware of allergens from donor stem cells and chicken combs in the injected Synvisc, Orthovisc, and stem-cell replacement materials:

"What is Synvisc-One made from?

The injection contains a gel-like mixture made from a substance called hyaluronan (pronounced hy-al-u-ROE-nan) that comes from chicken combs." (Manufacturer link below)

And

"ORTHOVISC® is derived from bacterial cells, not rooster combs or other avian sources. This makes ORTHOVISC® the only non-avian sourced viscosupplementation injection with proven pain relief for up to six months, so patients with avian allergies (like allergies to poultry, feathers or eggs) do not need to worry about an allergic reaction.

ORTHOVISC® is the only injection made from ultra-pure hyaluronan, a naturally occurring lubricant found in healthy joints. In fact, ORTHOVISC® has the highest concentration of hyaluronan among all FDA-approved viscosupplements.
(Manufacturer link below)

And

Stem Cell Replacement Drugs:

"January 24, 2013
(CHICAGO) – Rush University Medical Center is conducting the nation’s first clinical study of an innovative stem cell drug, Cartistem, to repair knee cartilage damaged by aging, trauma or degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis.

Cartistem is manufactured from mesenchymal stem cells derived from allogeneic (donor) umbilical cord blood. Umbilical cord blood is a readily accessible source of high-quality stem cells, is associated with minimal health risks and carries relatively few ethical concerns.

The stem cells are mixed with hyaluronan, a natural polymer that plays a major role in wound healing and is a building block of joint cartilage..."

What Is Synvisc-One & How Does the Knee Injection Work?

Benefits of Orthovisc Injections - Orthovisc

https://www.rush.edu/news/press-rele...knee-cartilage

[paulascorpio]

Regarding Synvisc, Orthovisc and Stem Cells. I had my own stem cells injected. The bone marrow was taken from my spine.

[paulascorpio]

I see Dr Nguyen tomorrow. I pray for some knowledge from this medical fiasco and pain.
I do understand people not wanting to spend the $$ for the metal testing but if it can avert months of pain and more surgery, what is it worth to you??

[cquick]

Thank you for your post. Until I started looking into knee replacement, I had never heard about the possibility of an allergy to the metals in the replacement. I have had the coin test and I am going to take the blood test before I consider surgery.

[sunnyatlast]

Originally Posted by paulascorpio

I see Dr Nguyen tomorrow. I pray for some knowledge from this medical fiasco and pain.
I do understand people not wanting to spend the $$ for the metal testing but if it can avert months of pain and more surgery, what is it worth to you??

Thank you for bringing this to the forum. A lot has been learned from it that we can use if/when we get into your situation.

It sounds like you're on the right track now and prayers are going up for you. Be sure to write when you're better.

[bagboy]

Originally Posted by paulascorpio

I see Dr Nguyen tomorrow. I pray for some knowledge from this medical fiasco and pain.
I do understand people not wanting to spend the $$ for the metal testing but if it can avert months of pain and more surgery, what is it worth to you??

Prayers and crossed fingers for you !!!

[kpdandjad]

Hi, we are looking at Stem Cell instead of a knee replacement. Did the stem cell proceedure work for you?

[maryanna630]

I think stem cell therapy is the medicine of the future but I believe the experience and skill of the practicioner is critical. This is true, of course, in any procedure.

[paulascorpio]

Went to Dr Nguyen today. It was stated that my Zimmer replacement does have nickel components and I am highly reactive to the nickel. My symptoms: Pain, knee clicking, itching etc are all symptoms of rejection. To be sure, they are sending me for a 3D Bone Scan and blood work for auto immune symptoms. They were all very kind and caring which was a big change from my current doctor. I see Dr Nguyen again on 6/19 for my results and course of action. All I keep thinking is: a simple $200 blood test would have averted all this pain and my doctor could have just suggested it like Dr Nguyen. Here I am one year later in more pain with suffering needlessly when I should be fine at this point.

[Villageswimmer]

So very sorry you had to endure all this. Glad you're now heading in the right direction. Try to stay positive. Please keep us posted. Best wishes and prayers for your speedy recovery.

[cathyp]

Dr. Nguyen did a knee revision after 2 years of pain from a surgeon who said the replacement was "perfect". Dr. Nguyen replaced the ceramic part that was slipping. I trust him greatly.

[paulascorpio]

CATHYP did he do the revision on you?? I don't know anyone that has had a revision. I don't even know what to expect. Dr Nguyen's office though has been wonderful.

KPDANDJAD I had Dr Purita from Boca Raton, FL who teaches worldwide stem cell replacement. It is a painful procedure (the first series)
and it did work (pain free for 10 months) but then I grew spurs on my knee. It works for some. It is not covered under insurance as it is considered experimental. I was willing to try anything not to have surgery. Is it worth considering: weigh the cost vs possible outcome.

To everyone that has sent prayers and well wishes, I thank each one of you. I need all your prayers.

[cathyp]

Paula-yes Dr. Nguyen did the replacement and my knee feels entirely stable unlike the 22 months after the original surgery.

[PattyCakes]

My knee replacement is 14 years old and was done in Nevada by a very well known, and extremely skilled surgeon. He did not give me an allergy test. He did, however, upon learning that I was allergic to nickel, insert a ceramic coated knee replacement. I've never had a moment's problem, and was the poster child of quick recoveries. I didn't know the test existed or was used for this purpose. Thanks for the helpful information.