Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction.
So I have seen my Arthritis DR had two different shots cortisone and another one was a lubrication shot forgot what it was called, needless to say did not work. I see him again on June the 30th. It's been 4 weeks since I see him and my knee has only gotten worse! I now have to sleep with a pillow between my legs hurts if they touch! have to wear a brace and constantly limping, also have a burning feeling in the center of my knee or around it. I can't believe how painful it is since he said I still have cartledge in my knee! it's not bone on bone on. I do a lot of walking which doesn't hurt too bad, just after I get home and lay down it starts throbbing bad!!!!Sounds like I may be looking at a knee replacement...not looking forward to that scares the crap out of me! I have heard more bad then good! what does any one else think about this? please feel free to give your advise good are bad!
If you are doing ok when actually walking a knee replacement maybe later on. Usually they wait until it's bone on bone and it's hard to walk but every case is different and surgeons vary.
I was using a pillow between my knees for a long while before I got to knee replacement stage. I still use a pillow because of my knees. I know it's awkward to have to do that.
I'm sorry you are having knee trouble. It's not an easy road having arthritis in knees. Do you use ice to cool the pain down? Or does warmth help?
The majority of Knee replacement surgeries are very successful and improve the quality of life for people.
I was 46 and had both mine done and I can walk so much better. I still have some pain at times but it's nothing like it was. It use to be agony to walk.
Admittedly the surgery itself is rough. Not going to lie. And the rehab and therapy is tough. But the end result is worth it.
I can ride a bike again and walk further. Though I have arthritis in my feet so that hinders things.
There's a guy across the street from me and he had his knees done about 8 yrs ago. He mows his lawn, rides a bike, goes to the YMCA to exercise. he says he has no pain. Lucky him. He's doing great.
I know a lady in her 60's. She had a replacement a year or so ago. She had some issue but it was linked to a bone disorder they discovered she had but even with that complication. Hers turned out ok in the end too. And she's doing well.
I know yet another lady who is in her 30's. Had both hers done 6 months apart. She is doing great.
I would encourage you to think positively towards knee replacement surgery. And ignore any horror stories you may have heard.
Hopefully it will be a while before you actually go for it and I hope in the meantime there is better help and pain relief for you.
I'm sorry the injections didn't help. I have read that some people notice that shots make things worse.
I remember years back I had a cortisone shot in my knee and it made it worse for weeks after. Did not help.
There are Hyaluronan injections such as Hyalgon, Synvisc where you have a series of them over several weeks. It's not a single injection.
Have you tried those yet? If you still have cartilage maybe they may help. Some people get relief with these hyaluronan injections.
I wish you all the best.
Things can change within a year.
It sounds like you are suffering and when pain interferes with quality of life that's when it's so hard. I've been there and it's tough. And yeah pain can still occur even if there is still some cartilage. You may have something else going on in your knee too that the doctor has overlooked. Always a possibility. I hope your appointment on the 30th goes well for you and the doctor is able to give some answers.
Maybe more x rays and an MRI should be in order.
An MRI is a good idea. It can reveal so much more than just an x ray.
If you are dissatisfied with your doctor maybe look for someone else if it's an option.
Yes you are so right. The physical therapy is paramount to the success of the surgery. It's the most important part. I was diligent with my PT and 3 years on I still do the exercises regularly. Things get stiff and tighten up if I don't them. Maybe that is why I reached a good range of motion because I was so tough on the PT. I just pushed through it even with tears and I did it at home too in between my PT appointments.
Definitely let us know how things go on the 30th.
Good luck.
And I give you a hug too cuz I know how tough this is.
I would like to suggest an old fashioned remedy that has helped me after I fell on my knee. A castor oil pack. You take white wool flannel or white cotton flannel and pour cold pressed castor oil onto it. It doesn't need to be dripping with oil. Place the castor oil soaked flannel around your knee, then wrap plastic around it, then wrap a towel around your knee and then wrap a heating pad around it. keep it on for about an hour. If you would like to buy cold pressed castor oil and white wool flannel or white cotton flannel you can find it at www.baar.com
It has reduced the pain in my knee when Aleve and Tylenol didn't help.
Sometimes the simple or old fashioned remedies are the best.
Take care.