Holland had a 10 AM appointment in Chehalis for a knee injection. We left early, to stop at Wal*Mart, to return the wireless blue-tooth mini printer we bought the other day - Holland tried for hours to get the thing to connect with his laptop & phone: no go; so, it was returned this morning.
I did finish the Clive Cussler novel I was reading last night; so, this morning I grabbed this one, to take with me, to read in the doctor's office lobby.
Then, we grabbed a breakfast biscuit combo at Wendy's (which was surprisingly good); on our way to the medical complex, where the injection would be done.
Knee pain injections are minimally invasive, nonsurgical treatments, that can reduce pain, inflammation, stiffness, improve mobility, and support healing; offering (1) temporary (2) long-term relief depending on the type of injection used. This morning, Holland's left knee was injected with a biologic substance - shot directly into the knee joint. The type of injection given is commonly used for osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, ligament or tendon injuries, and cartilage damage = given the jobs he has done throughout his life (cowboy, serviceman for telephone pole equipment, oil roughneck, drywall construction worker & business owner) from age 14 to mid-40's; when an on-site construction job-related disability changed his life direction, Holland no doubt suffers a degree of all of the mentioned inflammations. His knees, shoulders, and back are aflame 24/7/365. Injections are considered when mainstream treatments like physical therapy, medications, or lifestyle modifications fall short of pain management.
The injection was of Hyaluronic Acid Gel (Viscosupplementation), which provides lubrication and cushioning to the joint, mimicking natural synovial fluid. Pain relief typically develops gradually, with strongest effects between 5–13 weeks post-injection = the doctor stressed this to Holland, so he wouldn't immediately expect instant relief. Benefits can last 3–6 months, and repeated courses may be administered if needed = I pointedly asked the doctor if Holland would need follow-up appointments, and was told "no" … we'll see. Viscosupplementation may also help delay the need for knee replacement surgery = both of us, are hoping this is the end result.
If the injections don't work, Holland is considering Stem Cell Injections, that would use stem cells from the patient’s bone marrow or fat to potentially regenerate cartilage and reduce inflammation = I am praying he gets this idea out of his head! Collecting stem cells is risky - and this treatment is in it's exploratory period: I'd rather my husband not be a medical guinea pig. But, he will do what he wants to do; once his mind is made up, I can object all I want to … but he's gonna do what he's gonna do.
On another note: Holland invited me to sit in on the procedure - this is a major shift in his macho sphere. I was glad to be included. I was pleased that he broached the topic, himself. I was happy to be an acknowledged Wife. I am excited that he is finally understanding that 2 ears are better at hearing what doctors are saying … & 2 heads are better than 1, when important decisions are being contemplated.
The Clive read was never read & the Tablet was not used, either.
The drive back home was pleasant, & traffic behaved, too.
Back home, Holland went upstairs to catch some zzz's: and I stretched my muscles:
Supper was simple tonight - and we tried a new biscuit: we'll be buying it, again.
As I welcome this Shabbat in with thankful heart & a glass of red wine, I am reminded that some of the richest parts of life can’t be bought, collected, or displayed like trophies or prizes … they are simply felt. I’m thankful for every quiet moment that reminds me just how beautiful an ordinary life can be.
