The following is a patient experience sent to us in August of 2016. The patient had right knee pain and went in for PRP therapy. We like to post real life, patient experiences, to show the human side and answers to questions about this treatment type.
What was your injury that was treated with PRP?
I have had severe osteoarthritis since 2010 with a double hip replacement in 2012. The hip replacements were with another provider. Currently, I am struggling with pain in my knees (especially my right knee)
Why did your physician decide to utilize PRP for this injury?
He didn’t. He allowed me to make the decision after giving me a number of options for addressing the pain.
What medical facility did your physician perform this treatment?
It was performed in a treatment room at the doctor’s office.
Did your physician have you follow a specific protocol the night before your PRP treatment?
Not really. We discussed the procedure on Tuesday and an opportunity came open for me to have it done on a Thursday. When I arrived on Thursday I was given a form with suggestions for preparations that were to take place a week prior to the injection. They were pretty standard such things such as not using my anti-inflammatory medications and being well hydrated. I had been in a great deal of pain and had not been taking on enough fluids….they could not take my blood and I had to come back a week later. During that week, I took the necessary steps to be prepared
Do you remember how much blood was drawn from you? After they drew the blood, how long did you have to wait before the platelet rich plasma was ready for use on your injury?
10cc, less than 20 minutes
What did the physician do to prepare the injury site for injection?
He used a kit which included prepackaged wipes for cleaning the injection site.
Did the physician use ultrasound as a guide to place the platelet rich plasma?
No
How did the injection feel? Explain. And do you remember how long the PRP treatment took? If you had pain, how long did the pain last? Any swelling?
I compared the initial pain to being hit the knee with a hammer. It was substantial. A high level of pain lasted for about 30 minutes then I returned to the pain level I had when I entered the office. I did not have swelling.
After treatment, did your physician wrap the treatment site? If not, what did he do post treatment?
No wrap. He recommended I stay off it for a day, apple ice and not resume my anti-inflammatory medications for a week.
What was your physicians post PRP treatment protocol for you? Restrictions? Rest? Exercise? Stretching? Pain medication? Any specific directions you had to follow?
Some of this is answered above. His recommendation was for me to begin moving after the rest and to do get back to a level of exercise that would help me deal with the arthritis more effectively.
One of the lessons I have had to endure over the last several years is that arthritis can be a “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” condition. The exercise makes things feel better but excessive movement is often the source or root of the problem.
How much was the PRP treatment?
$400 and my insurance would not pay anything.
Final thoughts…
I want to add that I had the procedure done around seven weeks ago. The first five weeks went really well but the last two weeks I have had the return of some pain. I am to see my doctor again in about five weeks.
My issues may be related to more than just the arthritis and if I do not improve then something else may need to be done. However, if we collectively feel that a second injection would be the better option then I am all on board as long as I can afford it.
The thing I like best is the fact that my body is being used to heal my body…..such a positive thing.
If you are experiencing knee arthritis and would like to request PRP help in your area — CLICK HERE!
