Date: 04.03.2007
From: Rachel
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Subject: Please Help
Sorry to bother you but I'm in desperate need of some help, Since October 2006 my right knee has been very sore, when I'm walking it hurts just below my knee cap and when I'm relaxing it hurts at both sides of the joints, i went to see my GP who gave me pain killers and said to come back in 2 weeks if it was still sore, unfortunately the pain didn't go, it started getting worse, i went to see my GP 8 more times trying 7 more different types of pain killers until he decided to refer me to an orthopedic consultant, I went to see the Orthopedic consultant on the 27th December 2006, i had an X-Ray that came back with no abnormalities, I then had an MRI scan that came back the same way, Two days after seeing the Orthopedic consultant i had to go to an A & E department at my local hospital as the pain had gotten that bad i couldn't walk on my leg, they gave me some crutches but told me they couldn't do anything but give me some more pain killers, My life since the 29th December 2006 has altered completely, i couldn't return to work after the Christmas break so am now working from home (luckily i can do that in my job), the pain is the same, but more problems have occurred, every morning my knee is so sore and stiff it takes about 30 minutes to get out of bed, my knee keeps going hot and changes from a normal skin colour, to red and sometimes purple, it aches constantly, and I'm still on crutches as I'm unable to put my body weight on the leg as it hurts to much, the pain is in the same places as before, but my foot on the same leg has also started hurting, what is quite strange and hard to explain is, i also get a feeling of freezing cold liquid going though my knee and foot, strangest feeling i've ever had, I been back to see the Orthopedic consultant but he told me he didn't have a clue what it could be, he's now referred me to a pain clinic and a physio to make to walk again, I'm getting quite worried, all my symptoms seem to be suggesting Arthritis but none of the tests (X-ray and MRI) have shown this, and i'm worried that if they take away the pain and help me to walk again, i might be doing more damage without even knowing Again sorry for bothering you, but I'm desperate and in need of some advice, Thanks for anything you can tell me
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Date: 05.03.2007
From: Trina
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Subject: Re: Please Help
Hi Rachel, It sounds really awful for you. It does sound like something is definately not right there. I'm not really sure what to suggest as you seem to have done all the correct things in contacting your hospital etc. Why not give Arthritis Care's helpline a ring. They are very helpful and may have some ideas. I think the key thing here is 'leave no stone unturned' just because they can't find anything amiss doesn't mean there is nothing wrong. If you are in that much pain there is plainly something going on... Arthritis Care's helpline; 0808 800 4050 (10am-4pm weekdays) ACs website: http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/PublicationsandResources/Helpline Let us know how you get on...
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Date: 13.03.2007
From: Rachel
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Subject: Re: Please Help
I've just got me appointment though for the Rheumatologist, 30th April, it seems ages away, i've also got my appointment coming for the pain clinic, i havent heard anything yet, i can't believe it's been nearly 2 weeks since i last saw a professional and they still havent got rid of the pain, or made it easier to live with.
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Date: 26.04.2007
From: Van
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Subject: Re: Please Help
Hi Rachel I can sympathise with you, as my knee is painful, (all over my body and joints hurt as well but not constant like my knee). The way you described your pain is the way i feel. I have just been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritas, however my first blood test showed negative and my second showed a low count, so don't rule out anything from one blood test. My X-Ray didn't show anything either. I am fortunate that the specialist i am seeing actually listens to me, however i did ask her if she wanted to live with me for a while because she has not seen me at my worst, (I think my husband liked this idea because she is young, slim and pretty). Anyway, don't give up, be a pain in the neck to the medical profession until you get satisfaction, and pain free. Hope it goes well for you
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Date: 16.05.2007
From: Lin Williams
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Subject: Re: Please Help
Hi Van, Really sorry to read your story, it must be awful, I have similar knee problem (right leg) I saw an orthapaedic consultant 2 weeks ago and was sent for an urgent MRI scan last week, still awaiting results, but I was told that I have osteoarthritus in the knee joint itself but have also shredded the cartilage which has left small particales floating around my kneecap. best cure I have found so far is a painkiller called arthrotec prescribed by my gp with really helps, also try elevating your leg with a heat pad on it, another good one is to have a nice warm bath when flare up occurs. Hope this helps
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Date: 08.08.2007
From: Elaine
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Subject: Re: Please Help
Hi Rachel Just read your story, really sorry to hear you are in so much pain. You have all my sympathy. About six years ago, I had a very painful right knee which would often give way whilst walking. I was also seen by an Orthopaedic Consultant who couldn't find anything wrong. Several joints then became painful & swollen few months later so I went back to my GP who did blood tests, and 'guess what' the results were normal but referred me to a Rheumatologist. After more tests I was diagnosed first with Palindromic Arthritis because of it's intermittent nature; but a couple of years later it became more persistant and Sero-Negative Inflammatory Arthritis was the diagnosis. Sorry, I am not able to give you much information on my success with medications because I'm very sensitive, reacting to many of them & with serious allergies to concider. At the moment I am relying on painkillers, which I know is not an ideal situation long term. I had just started a course of Acupuncture for pain relief but made the problem worse after three sessions because of my sensitivity. oh well, it was worth a try! Hope your appointment with the Rheumatologist went OK and are getting closer to some sort of a diagnosis and more important successful pain relief. Best Wishes Elaine
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