This summer, I counted umpteen days when I was thankful that I lived in Canada. Our health care is excellent and when services aren’t covered by the government, I can usually count on my work benefits to do so.
In August, Dr. Elliott, my sports med. doctor, suggested a Durolane injection for my knee. He felt that my knee needed to be treated as osteo-arthritis, not as a typical tear or injury. The durolane, he said, is a one-time injection that would lubricate the knee and help protect the joint for up to 9 months. I asked if it would mask any pain and was told ‘no’. Dr. Elliott felt it would be a win-win.
Usually I trust doctor’s advice without question but this time, I hesitated. I needed to do more research first. And, I needed to find out if there really was something wrong with my knee.
The first thing I did was check my benefits plan as the injection is expensive – really expensive. Mine did not cover it, but my husband’s did. Now, it was just a matter of choice; would durolane be right for me?
I searched on the web and everything I read was negative. My sample size was limited, though; I couldn’t trust it. I called my chiropractor to see if he had ever heard of it – no. I checked a medical site and found all sorts of information about the drug and, while it did sound like it would help, I still wasn’t convinced. What I really needed was a diagnosis.
My MRI was at the beginning of September and I just got my results two weeks ago. Yes, there is a tear – a micro one at the back of the knee. Should I worry? No, said my doctor, because I am not showing any clinical signs; it is more like osteo-arthritis, he said again. Dr. Elliott also told me that since running is directional movement, the knee is more controlled. If I were a hockey, soccer or basketball player, it would probably mean taking time off. Thank goodness that I run.
Once again, Dr. Elliott suggested Durolane to offer more cushioning to that area of the knee. The decision suddenly became easy. I did want it to make things more comfortable for me. It did seem that it would only help. Sold.
This past Thursday, I headed to Dr. Elliott’s office for my injection. As expected, my knee was sore but I was able to ride the next day, and run just two days later. Progress.
And now I am more confidently building my mileage base and feeling ready to run for both distance and speed – but not at the same time yet. Soon, though, very soon.
Was great watching you race yesterday! Glad you are on the mend and kudos for doing all the research before deciding ๐
Wow! I think I would have researched it a ton before deciding to get it too! It sounds like you made the right decision! Yay for making progress! ๐