hurwitz5 Posted September 17, 2013 #1 Share Posted September 17, 2013 Need advice. Had some knee discomfort previously and got a cortisone injection in the knee from my local doctor. Has anyone gotten cortisone shot in knee from ship's doctors? It's an alternative if knee gets worse during my cruise. Hope my knee is fine, but sometimes there is a flare up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobandalice Posted September 17, 2013 #2 Share Posted September 17, 2013 I would suggest doing a shot prophylacticlly by your physician before you leave. I would not trust, nor would I expect ship medical staff to provide such a service. Plus, you know it will be done correctly by your medical expert. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hurwitz5 Posted September 17, 2013 Author #3 Share Posted September 17, 2013 But if you couldn't see your regular doctor because you are traveling Would the ship's doctor administer a cortisone shot? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Essiesmom Posted September 17, 2013 #4 Share Posted September 17, 2013 Probably not without seeing your medical records and indication for it. EM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redhot1 Posted September 17, 2013 #5 Share Posted September 17, 2013 There is a new procedure that you may talk to your Dr about. Its a series of 3 shots into the interior and anterior of your knee that is rooster syrum. If you have insurance its covered, with prior approval. I have been trying to stave off a complete knee repacement and have had the series 2 times now. Every 6 moths and they do help. It mask the pain and does give ypu better results than cortizone. But ask your Dr about it, they7 Are aware and are using it. I know several of my friends that have used them and good results. It doesn't renew the damage but it does help it and can help to postpone knee replacement.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bighairtexan Posted September 17, 2013 #6 Share Posted September 17, 2013 Just like if you went to your GP or your internist (at least my internist) won't give you a shot into your knee because ortho isn't their specialty, I would be surprised if a ship's doctor would be willing to do that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HelenREMfan Posted September 17, 2013 #7 Share Posted September 17, 2013 I agree with the above. I have just had 2 shots in my knees..... the 2nd one yesterday from the orthopaedic consultant. I have though in the past had one from my GP in my local surgery but that was only because he was happy to do it. I would think it would depend on the level of experience and maybe previous specialism of the ship doctor on board. So that is a completely unknown factor. I once had a GP who had previously been a surgeon and she tackled my ingrowing toenail in her surgery without batting an eyelid. She was good too !. Anyway I hope my knees are good to go for the next 2 weeks...leave on Sunday :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
floridatravelersforlife Posted September 17, 2013 #8 Share Posted September 17, 2013 My DW receives these injections (aka hyalgan) to avoid the final treatment ie knee replacement. Her protocol is 3 injections spaced one week apart. The injection sometimes is painless sometimes painful Swelling is normal and ice is required with rest. This is not like taking an aspirin and requires expert technique. The chances are high that a ship's doctor would NOT have the skill to administer the shots. Second it is prescheduled treatment ( the serum has to be ordered in advance), and effective on only some knees Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ex-Airbalancer Posted September 17, 2013 #9 Share Posted September 17, 2013 I am have durolane injection this Friday , I know the treatment is not cheap about $500 , my insurance will cover it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elkay68 Posted September 17, 2013 #10 Share Posted September 17, 2013 There is a new procedure that you may talk to your Dr about. Its a series of 3 shots into the interior and anterior of your knee that is rooster syrum. If you have insurance its covered, with prior approval. I have been trying to stave off a complete knee repacement and have had the series 2 times now. Every 6 moths and they do help. It mask the pain and does give ypu better results than cortizone. But ask your Dr about it, they7 Are aware and are using it. I know several of my friends that have used them and good results. It doesn't renew the damage but it does help it and can help to postpone knee replacement.:) Rather than having the shot in a series of 3, you can also have it in 1. i have had it 2X (a year apart). It works and I have had it done prior to going on vacation. For me it works better than cotizone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gracie115 Posted September 17, 2013 #11 Share Posted September 17, 2013 But if you couldn't see your regular doctor because you are travelingWould the ship's doctor administer a cortisone shot? Very doubtful without xrays, records. An alternative, my doctor provided me with a 7 Day Prednisone pack, you know the step down kind, 7 pills one day, 5 the next...etc....just for this kind of situation because I have knee and back problems. I never had to use it but it was nice to have in case I had a flare up. Just a thought... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestLakeGirl Posted September 17, 2013 #12 Share Posted September 17, 2013 Doubtful that an on board procedure like this would be covered under insurance so it might be astonishingly expensive even if the doctor would do it and who knows if the medication would be on board? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Turtles06 Posted September 17, 2013 #13 Share Posted September 17, 2013 Need advice. Had some knee discomfort previously and got a cortisone injection in the knee from my local doctor. Has anyone gotten cortisone shot in knee from ship's doctors? It's an alternative if knee gets worse during my cruise. Hope my knee is fine, but sometimes there is a flare up. I totally sympathize with you, as there have been some times when I've desperately needed a cortisone injection in my knee. However, injecting a steroid into the knee joint is not something just any doctor can do, and it's hard to imagine a ship's doctor doing it (I'm not sure I would want one to). In my case, it's always been done by a trusted orthopod or rheumatologist. Why not talk to your own doctor well before you leave and inquire about alternatives? Perhaps you can take a prescription strength anti-inflammatory while you are traveling. I wish you a pain-free and wonderful trip! PS: the advice above about having a series of injections of joint fluid replacement (Synvisc or competitors) applies to people with arthritis who are currently in pain. It's not something you do when you aren't having any symptoms from your arthritis -- the injections don't halt the progression of the disease, they just treat the pain (for those folks for whom they work). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
didicruiser Posted September 17, 2013 #14 Share Posted September 17, 2013 A ships doctor is in no way qualified! Imho Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waterloomarc Posted September 17, 2013 #15 Share Posted September 17, 2013 I have had to get cortizone shots in my shoulder on a few occasions in the past and I get nervous having my Orthopedic do it. I can't imagine letting a ships doc do it! But that's my opinion only. Just outright guessing but I would surprised if they're kitted up to even do it. I was under the impression the were just there to handle emergencies. While I'm sure extremely painful I don't think a joint requiring cortizone would qualify as an emergency. (I know when my shoulder acts up I literally can't move my arm) As for cost, it's been my experience that bills are usually significantly less when there's no insurance involved. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackdiamond Posted September 17, 2013 #16 Share Posted September 17, 2013 There is a new procedure that you may talk to your Dr about. Its a series of 3 shots into the interior and anterior of your knee that is rooster syrum. If you have insurance its covered, with prior approval. I have been trying to stave off a complete knee repacement and have had the series 2 times now. Every 6 moths and they do help. It mask the pain and does give ypu better results than cortizone. But ask your Dr about it, they7 Are aware and are using it. I know several of my friends that have used them and good results. It doesn't renew the damage but it does help it and can help to postpone knee replacement.:) I assume you mean that it does not reduce the damage, not renew the damage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hapytocruise Posted September 17, 2013 #17 Share Posted September 17, 2013 You might want to try a knee support. I had terrible knee pain in one knee and wearing the support was so helpful I purchased one for my other knee when it began to get the same pain. After wearing them for a few weeks - no more pain but I still wear them when I know I'll be doing a lot of walking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CI66774 Posted September 17, 2013 #18 Share Posted September 17, 2013 Seriously doubt it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baseball fan Posted September 17, 2013 #19 Share Posted September 17, 2013 I would talk to your dr to get a plan as to what you can do yourself. I would not want to see the ship dr unless I absolutely had to. Then again I travel with my own mini-medicine cabinet... Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samiii Posted September 17, 2013 #20 Share Posted September 17, 2013 From experience: NO. I had my knee give out and requested a cortisone shot. Dr advised he couldn't do it. Got an Ace bandage and cane. Do what you can before boarding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
runner15km Posted September 17, 2013 #21 Share Posted September 17, 2013 For a knee issue expect to receive ice and 2 Advils . Make sure you have travel ins. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sabookkeeper Posted September 18, 2013 #22 Share Posted September 18, 2013 I have been getting injections in my knees for 6 or 7 years now. I started getting them in a series of 3 shots over 3 weeks and now I get Durolane which only requires one shot. My orthopedic surgeon gives me my shots. I don't think I would want a ship's doctor to give them even if he says he can. My understanding is that it is important that the needle is put into the correct spot in the knee. When I am getting close to needing a shot, I wear my knee brace and it allows me to delay the shot sometimes for 1-2 months. Bottom line is that it is your decision, however, you may want to see if you can get your shot before you leave on your cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ex-Airbalancer Posted September 18, 2013 #23 Share Posted September 18, 2013 I have been getting injections in my knees for 6 or 7 years now. I started getting them in a series of 3 shots over 3 weeks and now I get Durolane which only requires one shot. My orthopedic surgeon gives me my shots. I don't think I would want a ship's doctor to give them even if he says he can. My understanding is that it is important that the needle is put into the correct spot in the knee. When I am getting close to needing a shot, I wear my knee brace and it allows me to delay the shot sometimes for 1-2 months. Bottom line is that it is your decision, however, you may want to see if you can get your shot before you leave on your cruise. I am getting a shot on Friday, can you walk after getting it ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
runner15km Posted September 18, 2013 #24 Share Posted September 18, 2013 I am getting a shot on Friday, can you walk after getting it ? I walked right out of doctors office, shot took a few days to kick in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spookwife Posted September 18, 2013 #25 Share Posted September 18, 2013 But if you couldn't see your regular doctor because you are travelingWould the ship's doctor administer a cortisone shot? a reputable one would NOT, not without seeing your med history. and who says it is something that is routinely on board anyway? you were told that if you think this will be a problem to see your doctor BEFORE you travel and get one. In my family that is called pre emptive medicating.. downing nl Aleve before getting into the car for a 8 hour drive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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