the results from my ortho DR

**sandman28** · May 2nd, 2008, 11:47 AM

I dont know if most of you guys know my history but I was injured 2 years back and have been having chronic ankle pain since. Well I saw the doc and he explain that my initial injury has healed but now it has caused a bad case of arthritis in my ankle
which is causing the pain he has put me on anti inflamitories ,creams, chondroiton
along with some exercises I have to complete on a daily basis. has anyone had any experience with chondroiton and does it work. I really really really hope so I am on my third missed season this summer and it depresses me to see the guys I normaly play with out on the tour around the country in pictures and wanting to be there so bad. It especially is tough when my partner calls me from hermossa or fort lauderdale telling me I wish you were here and how good the tourney is going. This is my last ditch effort because the Dr told me only 2 other things can be done and that is injections and if they dont work IM done because the only other step is to fuse my ankle together , my father had hisankle fused and he can barely walk so that is not an option I think I will just play with the pain if it doesnt heal or get a cortisone shot after each tourney. I am 32 years old I refuse to achknowledge that my career is done. So if any of you can shed any lite on this subject please let me know. would be good to hear that someone was having similar issues and was able to see improvements with the chondroiton. thanks

**lovemyboys** · May 2nd, 2008, 11:50 AM

I dont have a clue about it....But I do want to wish you good luck, and you do have youth on you side so I hope all will go well!

**Band Mamma** · May 2nd, 2008, 11:54 AM

I know a teen who has had her ankle replaced (from a cadaver. We call it Freddie.) due to a car accident. She walks just fine and now that a couple of years have passed, she is getting into sports again- despite her refusal to go to physical therapy.
I don't know anything about the other stuff, but perhaps replacement would be an option instead of fusing. She had pins in her ankle after the accident and I remember how much it hurt during that time. In comparison, the healing from the replacement was a breeze.

**BiggJeff30** · May 2nd, 2008, 11:54 AM

I have severe osteoarthritis in my left knee. I've had 3 ACL replacements, my meniscus removed and 4 scope surgeries. Doc had me on Celebrex which seemed to help but then it was found to cause a ton of internal organ issues. I didn't think it helped me enough to justify it's risks.

I tried a glucosamine/chondroiton supplement but it didn't do anything for my pain at all.

The only thing I've found that works are the cortisone injections once every 6 months and a lot of ice.

Good luck with your rehabilitation.

**4Jayzzz** · May 2nd, 2008, 11:56 AM

Never heard of it but I wish u much success and i will say a prayer for you.

**stilltryin08** · May 2nd, 2008, 02:00 PM

Sandman, I had an ankle FUSION 13 years ago! WORST thing I ever did. I have such pain in my knee, hip, and BACK know. There is now, as mentioned earlier, the possibility for Ankle replacement. I actually have my first consultation for this in 2 weeks. I am excited! I have waited for this possibility for 23 years when I first injured myself. I walk goofy because of the fusion and it really didnt solve any problems I was having. I would advise against it, just because of my own bad experience. But from what most DR's tell me. Whenever you fuse one joint, all the joints around it have to make up the difference which in turn results in pain/injury to those areas.

Just something to think about. If you want more info on what I had done (fusion) and what I am considering (replacement) you are more than welcome to PM me.

**Tarheelgirl** · May 2nd, 2008, 02:32 PM

I also don't know anything about it, but good luck to you. If you don't mind me asking, exactly what is your career? I missed your introduction post.

Welcome BigJeff30. I am sure Rick is very glad to see more men join the community.

**Band Mamma** · May 2nd, 2008, 07:24 PM

My family doc gave me a box of sample Celebrex for (here it comes, welcome to the boards, LOL) period issues (AKA TOM). I tried to tell him of the recall issue. He said it was was never recalled and it was fine for me to take. Well, it turns out that's true, it was never technically recalled, but there are issues with the medication. Thanks for confirming for me that I am once again right! It's such a shame that patients have to do so much of their own research to take care of themselves. I pretty much pay mine just because he has the power to order blood tests and write scripts for me.

Originally Posted by BiggJeff30

I have severe osteoarthritis in my left knee. I've had 3 ACL replacements, my meniscus removed and 4 scope surgeries. Doc had me on Celebrex which seemed to help but then it was found to cause a ton of internal organ issues. I didn't think it helped me enough to justify it's risks.

I tried a glucosamine/chondroiton supplement but it didn't do anything for my pain at all.

The only thing I've found that works are the cortisone injections once every 6 months and a lot of ice.

Good luck with your rehabilitation.

**sandman28** · May 3rd, 2008, 06:35 PM

tarheel I was playing beach volleyball proffesionally till my ankle went out any type of ankle replacement is out of the question once I do that I am done for good if anyone watches NBA and they remeber grant Hill he was going thru the same thing as was able to come back from it I just have to pray it gets better if not I am done.

dcindy68 · May 3rd, 2008, 06:42 PM

I am sorry to hear about that, I played Basketball in Jr High and High School and blowed my knee out real bad,, Now every time it gets cold or I over do it, it hurts to high heaven,,,,,,
I wish you much luck and I hope everything will work out for you so that you can return to doing what you love.....