Injection #1

Yesterday afternoon was my appointment at Orthopedics for my first of three Euflexxa injections.  While it's true that I've had these before, but this is my first time with my new orthopedic (required due to a change in insurance).   For some reason, I got very nervous while I was sitting in the waiting room.

The assistant called me back, checked my blood pressure, and had me sign a consent form for treatment.  Then she laid out the supplies for the orthopedic and had me sit on the table.  All of my nervousness subsided when the Orthopedic came in.  She somehow has a very calming presence about her.  She did a great job, and the injection went about as well as I think it could have.

She suggested that I put heat on it later to help the gel better dissipate within my knee.  And she stayed in the room with my until I could stand with my full weight on my knee and hobble on out.

I did have a chance to ask what she thought about me possibly doing a half marathon in 2014, using the Galloway method.  She said she was a fan of 'keeping moving' and as long at my knee can tolerate it, that sounds like a fine idea (that was music to my ears).  But if the longer distances cause pain, I should stop. And I should be aiming for a finish, not a specific finish time. And she reminded me that it takes at least 6 weeks after the final injection before the treatment takes 'full effect' and that I should refrain from excess activity until that point.  I already knew this, and have no plans to return to running until Feb.

All in all, I feel that injection #1 was a success.