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Cartiva - Has anyone had it?

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krista4435
krista4435

I'm looking looking at looking at getting looking at getting this. Anyone with experience here?

4 likes, 836 replies

836 Replies

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  • palmetto24648
    palmetto24648 krista4435

    Posted

    Instead of looking for my previous post, I thought I would just start here....

    I'm one week post op on my first implant. In case anyone from SC is looking on here, I have a super surgeon to recommend.... Dr. Michael Tollison in Greenville, part of the Bon Secours hospital system. He is very experienced with the Cartiva, doing about 35 each month. 

    I had similar experiences to those who have posted here....nerve block worked for about 24 hours, then about 24 more with the pain meds, then advil for a couple days more. I sometimes take advil in the evenings when the swelling bothers me, but I probably could soldier through it alright. (Grin)

    I have tried to behave and keep it elevated most of the time, but I'm extremely active and it's hard for me to sit still. I probably have been on my feet more than most.... no adverse effects other than some aching that goes away quickly.

    Ladies, if you are wondering how to handle some of our "chores" with one foot out of the water, my hubby came up with a cool invention: he filled a two gallon zip bag with sand, and then cut twelve inch lengths of a pool noodle. He stacked those on top of the bag and duct taped them in place. Now, the sand keeps the device planted in the tub, and placing my foot on the the noodles keeps my foot out of the water! I've been able to shave my legs without once getting the dressing/bandages wet! I have a small step stool that I sit on, so yes, I will be thrilled to actually get down in the soaker tub soon, but this works and my legs are shaved.

    I will respond to private messages if you wish to ask about the doctor or the hospital -- from the other posts, it looks like choosing the right doctor is a must.

    I consulted with five before I chose; I also called and talked with the director of clinical ops at Cartiva before my surgery. I'm very detailed when I research. 

    My surgeon also has done enough of these to see that sometimes the implant needs to sit "out" from the bone a bit further, to ensure that there is no bone on bone post op. This is an innovation that is a minor tweak but it showed me that he is careful, detail oriented, and has his patients' best outcomes in mind. 

    I will do my best to update as I get further along....so far, I'm quite happy with having ditched the crutches and only using a cane occasionally. (Grin)

  • edwin30710
    edwin30710 krista4435

    Posted

    I have worse pain than before the implant. Terrible outcome for me. Can't walk more than 50 yards. Shame. Dr. could care less. I know many claim success but not me. 

    • NancyMN
      NancyMN edwin30710

      Posted

      So very sorry Edwin.  How long has it been since the implant?   Is it possible that you just need more time to heal?  Also, inflammation can cause more pain.  Are you icing, taking anti-inflammatory drugs, etc.?   I hope you are able to consult with another doctor.  There must be something that can be done.
    • patricia32684
      patricia32684 edwin30710

      Posted

      Hi Edwin, I am also curious how long ago did you have the surgery? I am just thirteen weeks out. I started " gait training" therapy 3 weeks ago and I can say that I am now on neutral ground... meaning I am right where I was before surgery. Therapy is time consuming but I have had improvement, because the day I walked into my first session I was miserable & I never thought I'd be able to do some of the movement's I am now able to do such as lift myself up on my toes for only a few seconds... I can do it... but it does hurt. Honestly there was a time that I would give anything to be where I am now. That being said I completely understand how you feel...& I was told by my surgeon to give it 6 months ...he told me that even before I had the surgery... I am also a hairstylist & I just got out of the boot & 1/2 weeks ago at my salon.. my toe swells up like a sasuage by the end of the day and I elevate whenever I get a chance & ice at the end of the day.. I also have to take Ibuprofen on a regular basis around 400 MLG. every 5-6 hours. I hope that you have some improvement over time.. take care 😊

    • edwin30710
      edwin30710 NancyMN

      Posted

      Have done it all as suggested. 8 months of bad pain
    • krista4435
      krista4435 edwin30710

      Posted

      I'm very sorry that your surgery wasn't sucessful. I wish that it worked for all.

      I have not read any of your previous posts and you may have done everything I'm about to say, so this is just a general comment to everyone here only.

      I can't stress enough that Cartiva is only half the solution. My personal opinion is that considerable research for yourself and getting a very experienced foot specialist should increase your personal success rate."A bat is only as good as the person swing it. "

      I wish everyone finds a solution that works for them.

    • julio6297
      julio6297 edwin30710

      Posted

      Same here Edwin, I am having mine removed in a few weeks and having a fusion done.  And because of the removal of the bone in the joint they now have to do a bone graft in order for the fusion to work.  Ugh.
  • edwin30710
    edwin30710 krista4435

    Posted

    It has been 8 months. Sad
    • Gerry1234
      Gerry1234 edwin30710

      Posted

      me too, had it at Cleveland clinic and still in pain. Next appt with doc is day before thanksgving. He won’t give me a fusion. States it,s too soon! I had it done 2/15/18
    • patricia32684
      patricia32684 Gerry1234

      Posted

      I had my surgery 2/20/18 I have had improvement but a very little bit... still in pain compariable to how I was before the surgery... not at all what I was told or what I resurched prior to the surgery
    • fusor2000
      fusor2000 patricia32684

      Posted

      How bad was your arthritis prior to surgery?  My surgeon agrees that the worse it was the longer the recover. I was on the lower end of pain and disfunction. I had my surgery just 5 weeks ago. No pain at all barefoot in home with good ROM. Mild discomfort only in shoe. I can easily walk 3 miles or more. Practiced golf at driving range for first time in 4 years yesterday (as I also had a total hip), no problem.  I guess I hope, in my case, there is no reversal of recovery. My surgeon stated he only had one Cartiva that was not doing well. Also, had a friend with Cartiva a few weeks ago and appears to be progressing nicely. Her surgeon is definitely more conservative. Still getting therapy, no driving, and in orthopedic shoe. I was out of shoe the day stitches were removed. No PT at all needed (used to be a therapist), and driving since day 3 (probably against orders). 
    • patricia32684
      patricia32684 fusor2000

      Posted

      So my arthritis pain was on a scale of one to ten about an 8.... I am a hairstylist. Dr. said that I was a good candidate for the Cartiva implant & that he wouldn't have done the surgery if I was so far gone. I was trying to avoid a fusion...p.t. has helped...& It's a day to day process of healing for me.. surgery was 2/20/18 & Dr. said I need to give it 6 months at least... so glad to hear that you are having such success!

    • patricia32684
      patricia32684 Gerry1234

      Posted

      Hi Gerry, I have a follow up appointment tomorrow morning with my surgeon, I am shocked that your Dr. doesn't want to see you till Nov... how many times have you been in since your surgery 2/15 ? I had my surgery 2/20/18 & this is the second follow up for me after surgery.. not including the one 2 weeks after to have the stitches removed.

  • edwin30710
    edwin30710 krista4435

    Posted

    Yes many success stories but not me  sad I can no longer play with my kid. Rehab made it worse  wish it worked but no way   Walk like an old old man. Sad man here. Told I would be on dwts in two weeks. No way. I use a cane
    • patricia32684
      patricia32684 edwin30710

      Posted

      So.. during my time on this site it has been up and down for so many patients... I told my surgeon that the Cartiva implant should NOT be presented as a " quick recovery" the only advantage that you can hope for is to have r.o.m. as apposed to none with a fusion...the recovery time is not worth the procedure as far as I am concerned.

    • Gerry1234
      Gerry1234 patricia32684

      Posted

      You are so right. Fourteen weeks and still in pain. Saw doc last week. Next appt is day before thanksgiving.won’t give mea fusion. States it’s too soon. So frustrated,
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