The next step on the journey took place today. After trying the RICE program (rest, ice, compression, elevation) for 9 weeks it was time to see an orthopedic doctor to really combat the torn meniscus. His diagnosis? The meniscus MAY be torn but the real culprit causing the swelling and pain is arthritis. The only cure replace the knee- but that is the end of the line. Before we get there, we'll be draining the fluid and shooting cortisone into the joint. I hate needles, but I'm sick of the pain. Replacement surgery is really not an option for me, but for now I'm getting the shots and the physical therapy. On the right- the orthopedic practice; on the left what they took out of my knee today!
I remember when I was a child, the older members of our community thought of a broken hip as a death sentence. Now my friend’s Dad broke both hips, and they “just” replaced them and his life goes on. Is there a reason yo7 can’t do a knee replacement or is it more a really strong, “don’t want to?”
Oh dear sorry to hear your latest news. Hope they don't need to do knee replacement, but if that is the last option to be pain free maybe it will be worth it.
A friend of mine is in his mid 80s and he has had both knees replaced and both hips. He is strutting around like a spring chicken now.
eek....i'm not liking the sound of that at all .. especially as I'm getting a lot of knee pain which I'm pretty sure is arthritic. you must be feeling pretty fed up with it all .
so sorry to read the bad news. Hope they can help you and the replacement is a succes.
( A brother in law have replaced both. Can even drive a cab now.)
Hope you get some relief with the cortisone Ann. I need a knee replacement my knee is bone on bone I have had cortisone injections which didn't work and physio which does help a little I struggle to get about but do have good days and bad days depending what I have been doing.
You poor thing. I hope the cortisone shot brings you some relief. I had a torn meniscus and surgery to repair years ago and it was great. I know two people who had double knee replacements and are both doing well. Good luck to you and feel better soon!
Ouch, sorry to hear about your knee Ann. I know just how you are feeling. After two shoulder operations I still have chronic pain and a permanent injury. You do what is right for you and I hope you are feeling better soon xxx
I too hope the shots help relieve your pain. Bad knees are no fun at all. I'm facing replacement on mine, have put it off for 20 years (!) and don't think I can put it off too many more. Good luck!
I don't think surgery for knee replacement is complicated. It is the recovery period that worries me. But I agree that it should be the last option. Hope you get better with your current medications.
Thank you all so much for your warm well-wishes. I am happy to say that I think the draining and cortisone shot have made some progress. I am of the mindset that the body has everything it needs to heal and that is usually how I approach wellness- give the body the tools it needs to get the job done. But in this case the swelling was too extreme and even though I was doing was right, it wasn't enough. Hence the visit to the orthopedic dr. who diagnosed correctly that the issue was really the osteoarthritis. Once the swelling is down I will return to the acupuncturist to continue treatment and probably a massage therapist as well. I've been doing a lot of research and there has been great success in not only treating the pain with these two methods but also stimulating repair of the cartilage which is very encouraging to me. I am already seeing some positive results from my first treatment- less pain and a bit more movement. So I'm happy I went- even though that liquid is one of the ugliest colors I've ever seen!
So sorry you are having knee problems, Ann. Scary that they withdrew so much fluid.
I am sharing my story with everyone: I have rheumatoid and osteoarthritis and reached a point of almost constant knee pain. Two orthopedic surgeons said I would need both knees replaced, but like you, surgery is not an option right now. I went to about 6 weeks of physical therapy with a gifted therapist, joined the Y so I could swim again and spent more time in meditation. The results have been amazing. Most days I am pain free, but if I fail to do the exercises, the pain sneaks back. For me, different things work at different times. Good luck!
Oh dear, you poor thing. Sometimes a knee replacement is the best option, I know my step mother is now getting around so much better after she had it done
@kjarn@daisymiller
Thank you Kathy and Daisy! Yes, after the treatment I am doing much better.
@eudora Thank you for sharing that Diane! I know a lot of people are sold on the replacement surgery, but all my research has shown that those joints wear out just like the natural ones so why do such drastic invasive surgery then? I see a PT this week but my long range plan after this initial "crisis" will be to alternate acupuncture and massage therapy along with a collagen suppliment to help rebuild the cartilage. This program has been followed by a lot of people with great success. I know I won't go back to the way I was in my 30's but even just a few days after the draining and cortisone shots, I am feeling and walking much better so I think I'm on the right track. We have a pool here in our community which eventually I will probably take advantage of but right now it's just too cold! I am of the opinion the body does have the ability to heal itself if given the right tools. It sounds like you have done that!
January 14th, 2019
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A friend of mine is in his mid 80s and he has had both knees replaced and both hips. He is strutting around like a spring chicken now.
( A brother in law have replaced both. Can even drive a cab now.)
Thank you all so much for your warm well-wishes. I am happy to say that I think the draining and cortisone shot have made some progress. I am of the mindset that the body has everything it needs to heal and that is usually how I approach wellness- give the body the tools it needs to get the job done. But in this case the swelling was too extreme and even though I was doing was right, it wasn't enough. Hence the visit to the orthopedic dr. who diagnosed correctly that the issue was really the osteoarthritis. Once the swelling is down I will return to the acupuncturist to continue treatment and probably a massage therapist as well. I've been doing a lot of research and there has been great success in not only treating the pain with these two methods but also stimulating repair of the cartilage which is very encouraging to me. I am already seeing some positive results from my first treatment- less pain and a bit more movement. So I'm happy I went- even though that liquid is one of the ugliest colors I've ever seen!
I am sharing my story with everyone: I have rheumatoid and osteoarthritis and reached a point of almost constant knee pain. Two orthopedic surgeons said I would need both knees replaced, but like you, surgery is not an option right now. I went to about 6 weeks of physical therapy with a gifted therapist, joined the Y so I could swim again and spent more time in meditation. The results have been amazing. Most days I am pain free, but if I fail to do the exercises, the pain sneaks back. For me, different things work at different times. Good luck!
Thank you Kathy and Daisy! Yes, after the treatment I am doing much better.
@eudora Thank you for sharing that Diane! I know a lot of people are sold on the replacement surgery, but all my research has shown that those joints wear out just like the natural ones so why do such drastic invasive surgery then? I see a PT this week but my long range plan after this initial "crisis" will be to alternate acupuncture and massage therapy along with a collagen suppliment to help rebuild the cartilage. This program has been followed by a lot of people with great success. I know I won't go back to the way I was in my 30's but even just a few days after the draining and cortisone shots, I am feeling and walking much better so I think I'm on the right track. We have a pool here in our community which eventually I will probably take advantage of but right now it's just too cold! I am of the opinion the body does have the ability to heal itself if given the right tools. It sounds like you have done that!