I don't like to say too much on my blog that is negative, but some of you know that I have been having excruciating pain in my left knee. You may also know that the problem was diagnosed as arthritis and yes, I do have it. However, this pain was like nothing I've ever experienced. I have a high pain tolerance and couldn't figure out why this pain was landing me on my backside so to speak.
My left knee is swollen and I've tried everything I could think of to help with the pain. The female doctor that covers for my doctor when he is away put me on Celebrex last fall. Last month she added Pennsaid to the mix. Come to find out that I shouldn't be taking these medicines with my blood pressure meds, so stopped them both and began to take ibuprofen. That seems to work better than anything else, along with some Mentholathum* Deep Heating, which I bought in the US. This particular rub cannot be purchased in Canada and so I tried ordering from Amazo*n. com, but they will not ship it to my destination. *sigh*
Anyway, yesterday I went to the doctor for my regular meds and mentioned the pain and swelling in my knee. He took a look and told me I have water on the knee. Wow! I didn't realize this could be so painful.
The doctor ordered x-rays, which I went and had last night. He also ordered my three-month blood tests, which I have to fast for. That meant I couldn't eat after 6pm and so I couldn't take the ibuprofen because it has to be taken with food. Well, it was a LONG night for me. The pain was terrible and I got very little sleep. I headed out to the lab this morning to have the blood tests done and the parking lot was full. So was every parking space for two blocks. So, I had to park and walk two blocks to the medical center. Try walking that far and back again with water on the knee. I thought I'd die, but of course I didn't.
I came home, had breakfast, took the ibuprofen and rubbed some of the deep heat into the knee joint. It took me hours to get the pain back under control and even now, the knee is still throbbing. So this was an especially rough day for me.
Now I have to wait for the results to go to my doctor. Then if it's possible, he will use a needle (ouch) to take the water off the knee. It could be caused from my arthritis, infection or bursitis. There are also a couple of other possibilities. If anyone has ever experienced water on the knee, or if you are a health care professional and know how I might get a little relief, I would like to hear from you. ~Blessings, Mary~
oh Mary you poor thing, ouch, we do have a product here called deep heat if that's similar to what you're looking for. I could find some for you if you like :-)
ReplyDeleteMary - I feel so bad for you. I think you need to rest and keep it elevated as much as possible until you hear from the doctor. It's too bad you had to walk for the tests today. That certainly didn't help!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry you couldn't find a handicapped parking space! Let me know if I could send you some Mentholatum.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds bad. Hopefully, the ibuprofen will kick in more and more. Take it by the handful if need be. :)
ReplyDeleteWonder why Americans can order prescription drugs from Canada but you folks up there can't purchase over-the-counter meds from America and have it shipped to you>? That's just plain ridiculous. Let me know if there are any restrictions against sending it to you in a package (inspections or customs etc.) and I'd be glad to get some mentholatum deep heating rub for you. Wish I could give you info to help you with the problems with the water on the knee but I have no clue what to do for that. Peace! And keep that ibuprofen handy!
ReplyDeleteGood grief! So sorry for your pain and praying for some good news and relief for you~
ReplyDeleteI will be praying for you.
ReplyDeleteMary,
ReplyDeleteWhat an ordeal you have been going through! I will say a prayer for you. I hope you are getting some relief now from the intense pain.
Hugs and prayers,
Renie
I read this after I emailed you on FB. Mary, I will email you again.
ReplyDeleteDear Mary,
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for all the difficulty you have had. I was just thinking to myself, I could have dropped you off at the lab, had I lived closer to you. As to the Mentholatum, I, too, could mail you some, if possible. Why is there restrictions on it?
Have you tried heat? That helps me when my back is hurting.
I'm praying for relief for you.
Mama Bear
You pain, I feel!!!!
ReplyDeleteI do hope that draining will help relieve the pressure. I've know others who have had the problems, and they all ended up with knee replacement after every other treatment failed.
You're in my thoughts.
Mary...I am so sorry to hear of your suffering. Chronic pain is something no one should have to endure. I hope the Ibuprofen works and that the doctor is finally able to relieve your pain. I will keep you in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteMary,
ReplyDeleteI hope you are feeling some relief by now... I have no suggestions...but will pray that it will soon be better.
Oh no, dear Mary, I so hate the thought of you in so much pain:-( I know you enough to know that you're not a complainer so for you to mention this, I know it has to be hurting severely!! Hopefully the xrays and blood tests will give you some answers and the doctor can decide what to do next. I've never known anyone to have water on the knees so I have no idea what can be done or used to relieve it. Please know that I'm thinking of you and anytime you need to talk, I'm here for you:-) xoxo
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you're in such pain, Mary. I've had fluid in my knees a lot of times, but have never had it drawn out or done any treatments besides water therapy exercises in a pool. I took an arthritis pain med that really helped for a while (Arthrotec) but it also hurt my stomach and was beginning to give me ulcers so I had to stop taking it. I don't take anything now for my pain. I just deal with it day to day and adjust my activities as I need to. I do take Tylenol occasionally but it only takes the edge off the pain if anything.
ReplyDeleteHope you find something that works and gives you relief soon.
Love and hugs,
Diane
PS: If Bertha or I could send you the Mentholatum, would Customs allow it through????
Dear Mary...I have no pat answers unfortunately. You really need to know what is wrong with the knee first. Hopefully you will get some answers soon. My knee is still swollen 5 months after surgery and I go to the US to get Aleve. It works best for me.
ReplyDeleteMary, I am sorry that your knee is causing you so much pain. I have a friend who had water on her knee removed with a needle and she said the relief was immediate.
ReplyDeleteI will ask her what else she was told to do.
God bless.
I am so sorry about that..... I have never had water on my knee and I cannot imagine how terrible that would be........ Deep Heat huh! wonder why you cannot get it there? Wonder if I could send some? Could just put on the inventory skin cream. Do you want me to try... There is also a product called Icy Hot and it is wonderful! Let me know if you would like me to try to send that your way........don't want you hurting my friend............
ReplyDeleteHi Mary,
ReplyDeleteI am playing catch-up with my bloggers here so i'm sorry to be late to tell you how bad I feel for you. I have/had bursitis of the hip so I understand the pain you are in. I had some cortisone shots into the area with no relief from the pain. I have had to take percocet from time to time but nothing on a regular basis.
I hope all your blood tests come back o.k., and that you can find some relief for your knee. I will be praying for you. Take care my friend. j)
Mary, many years ago I was taking Jr lifesaveing classes at our local pool. Someone being "funny" pushed me in causing me to hit my knee on side of pool. They drove me home, dropping me at end of driveway, I almost could not make it to house. When Mom got home my leg was same size from thigh to toes. I have the scar to this day from where they took 2ccs of fluid out. I do know your pain!!
ReplyDelete