We talk about EVERYTHING else on this forum so here goes

[lady67]

I am sure this will get moved or I will get in trouble for posting it on this forum, but I posted on the ortho forum and it doesn't get near as much traffic.  I was hoping that some of my addict friends could offer some insight on a situation that is really bothering me when my life is going so great.

So, here we go.  For the past 2 months, my knee has been slowly getting worse.  It started with a little ache in the knee, but now it is to the point that it keeps me up all night.  If I have my leg straight, it hurts like hell to bend it, and if I am sitting with it bent, I can't straighten it out.  I am a teacher and several times when I go to stand up, my knee gives way when I try to get up.  I haven't injured in any way that I can remember and think of.  Can anyone give me any help with this.  I know I need to go to the doctor, but I feel like a total hypocondriac sometimes, I am wondering if it is something I can try at home first.  Right now I am living with icy hot on my knee and eating advil.

Thanks,
Susan

[usarmymedic1]

ok I hear what tuck is says about injections and yes it is true but also many alments can be cured by them if you are having pain from non tramuatic injury it might be just over use does the pain radiate more painful up or down stairs. There is alot of atatomy that crosses the knee joint so x-ray good MRI Better cause x-rays don't show tendons ligaments but also there are other theraputic Modalities that can help with paen Phonophorisis, Iontophorisis. NSAIDS are good there is aleast with the routes of them in my profile. so I would go get your need checked by an orthopoid or Physical therapist most GP's don't know how to do a propper Knee or any Orhto exam

[mtgoat911]

i am in a similiar situation, i am a retired roller derby girl
i took many hits on my left
which caused me to fall hard on my right knee
i notice that the pain goes away when i exercise on a regular basis
i also take motrin
early in recovery i had such a fear of doctors
i do not blame you for being careful
when i was 3 months clean, i asked an na friend to take me to the dentist, i knew i had to take care of myself
but that fear of pain pills was over-whelming
my doctor was my biggest dealer
do you have an na network?
5 women in recovery, who you takl to on a regular basis?
if so, ask one of those gals to go with you
xo

[momeluv]

Happy New Year Y'all!
Well, from favoring the one knee, I am now down with both of them! YIKES!
I have no med insur. at the moment, so I am left with home remedies!
The scope sounds about the best bet.  But I will have to hold off on that.
In the mean time I am using anti inflammatory meds, as well as trying to stay off
of it as much as possible.  But that won't work for long, school is back on tomorrow!
So, my 11 yr. old princess will be up & running which means mom is too!  LOL
I hope to have insurance here soon. Good luck to y'all!
God Bless & have a glorious New Year!
Love & Peace,
Deb

[mommy52]

I'm just me, but why would you get in trouble posting something about pain on addiction forum. If we don't get our pain at a tolerable level, well for me, that puts me at a n increased risk for relapse. I will do what it takes to prevent that. Blessings to you all. Good Morning. I am still up and bight eyed and bushy tailed as they would say. I have been a little overexcited/hyper, (there's another word I know, but have hard time finding it.) Wish I could go to bed at night like "normal" people and get a good night's sleep. Any suggestions?  Madlyn

[mommy52]

True to what Tuck says. Cortisone injections help pain, but then you use joint more and can injure more. I had so many injections in my knee, now I have osteonecrosis in the tibia. (Upper). Now nothing helps. Gonna have to have hardware from uni.R. medial removed and total done, when I will finall succumb. Best of luck to you and hope you can get pain tolerab;e. I smell like a walking menthol ad.  Madlyn

[lady67]

Thanks Tuck it sounds just like what you said.  It locks and pops alot.  I am going to have to go to the doctor.

[Tuck24]

From a retired pro-athlete who has had 6 knee scopes or sugeries, a cortizone injection will take care of the pain but when you don't feel anything you use it more and tear it more. Ask for some anti-inflammatories like Celebrex, Mobic etc....they are not narcotics but keep the inflamation to a minimum inside the knee. If its torn cartilege, which is how it starts, the knee will lock up on extension and pop alot. The surgery is a simple scope to vacuum out any loose cartilege and then trim all the excess or frayed cartilege in the knee. You can go home without painkillers if you choose, or try physical therapy if its something else but PT will not help torn cartilege. The only remedy is a knee scope. Hope this helps.

[lady67]

Thanks for the input guys.  We went shopping today and it was really tough.  I am going to make an appointment with my mother-in-law's ortho doctor.

[NautyOne]

Go see your doctor.  If he'/she offers you painkillers decline, and ask if there is anything else you can do other than narcotics first, cause you dont' like them, or the way they make you feel, and because you are a teacher you don't want anything that will impair you...........

I wish U the best......

Nauty...............

[flmagi]

Any pains in your back?  I have a problem with my knee, arthritis and a problem with my back which causes my knee to hurt..not arthritic. Go see a doctor and maybe a cordisone shot could help. Be careful that you don't take a fall because of walking funny due to the knee, and end up with more problems.

[lady67]

Thanks Deb, as soon as I find something that works I will let you know.  Today has been really bad.  But I am cleaning the kitchen cabinets and have been up and down a stool a hundred times since 5:00 am.  I think I am about to take a nap

[momeluv]

OMG, This just happened to me!!  About 2 weeks ago, I feel asleep at my desk, and I woke up and when I went to stand up i fell back down.  And I have the exact same thing ...
HURTS when I have it straight
HURTS when I have it bent
I use this stuff called "SPORTA CREAM"
Nothing is really helping though.  I am a retired heroin addict.  So I know how you feel about the going to the doctor thing.  Well let me know what happens and I'll do the same.
God Bless!
Peace,
Deb

[mjax024]

you definatly need to see a doctor...if ortho isn't able to help, maybe try rheaumotology. theres a few goo meds that are actually non-narcotic and can help with both major types of arthritis. my best advice would be to make sure you have a second opinion with some specialist.  congrats on 204 days!

[alienshadow]

You could have a slightly torn ligament. It dosent take much for that to happen a little twist of the knee is all it takes. I would get it looked at for sure.

[scaredmom330]

congrats on 204 day clean. sounds like athritis to me, and I have it everywhere. you might want to go to the dr for xrays. good luck

[lady67]

I guess the reason I don't want to go to the doctor is because I have gone so many days clean that I am afraid they will tell me that nothing can be done and I will have to deal with the pain with meds.  I don't want that.  I want it fixed!