Knee Injections

[grace7777]

Hi all.

Has anyone ever had a knee injection for RA?  My friend suggested a clinic that specializes in knee injections, but I weary about them.  The clinic's right near my house and on their web site they have pretty detailed information of the process, but I thought it might be smart to get real advise.
If you'd had the procedure done, will you take a look at this link for me? http://www.northwestkneeclinic.com/services/knee-injections/  to see if this is accurate?  
I'm in a lot of pain, and I'm running out of ideas.  
I appreciate your time.

Thanks!

Grace

[carolanivey]

No, I'm not a nurse, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night... :)  (I hope you've seen that commercial, or that joke just fell REAL flat! lol

Nope, not a nurse, just 45 years of experience. :)  My daughter, however, is in her final semester of nursing school, and I like to think part of her decision to be a nurse is all the fabulous professionals she's come in contact with through my journey.

[lucygirl159]

I just recently joined this forum, and glad I Have. carolanivey answered a question of mine. I just responded today, then saw your question. Like her, I have also had many injections. In knees, shoulders, elbows, and heels. It's not fun, but sure worth any discomfort you go thru. I haven't looked at the site you mention, but I will.  I don't know how bad your pain is of course, but if you are experencing pain , and not being able to go up and down stairs, or walk properly, belive me you will want to kiss your Dr. after the injection. I know I did! I think  they always numb the area, before the injection, they did with me each time. So go for it girl! You'll have a new lease on life!!!!!
lucygirl159   PS, carolanivey sounds like she may be a nurse!

[carolanivey]

You're very welcome! :)  You too, enjoy that lovely city of Seattle.

[grace7777]

Hi Carol!,

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my question. I find relief in your experiences. Phew! I'm just sorry that you had a bad experience when you were just a child.
I have scheduled my appointment at Northwest Knee Clinic for the first week in February. If you think it's helps, then it's definitely worth it. I was genuinely concerned about the fluid draining, but now I'm not so worried.

Thank you again. It's refreshing to get such detailed and well written advise from a kind person. .

I hope you have a wonderful afternoon.

Grace  

[carolanivey]

Yes, this looks pretty accurate. I've had my knees drained and injected several times in the past. As years have gone by, the technique for performing the procedure has been refined and it is much less painful than it used to be.

I've had the needle inserted from the lower inside of the knee, and from the upper outside. I don't think it matters as long as the needle gets inside the sinovial lining in order to get the excess fluid out and the medication in. I've never had it done with my knee completely straight or bent at a 90 degree angle as the web page describes - there is usually a pillow placed under my knee so it is slightly bent.

I can attest that having the lidocaine numbing medication administered first goes a long, long way toward preventing undue pain/discomfort during the procedure. Having had a really BAD experience the first time I ever had it done (as a child), I've never quite gotten over pre-injection anxiety even though today's techniques are much gentler. Once the lidocaine goes in, I relax completely. Less anxiety = less pain.

In general the procedure takes only a few minutes. They'll put in a needle and remove excess fluid first, which is sent to the lab for testing. It may be clear yellowish, or cloudy depending on how much inflammation is going on. After that, through the same needle (they try not to stick you twice) they'll inject medication, such as cortisone, that will quiet the inflammation. Relief from pain and swelling is usually temporary but it can last several months to a year or more if you are careful not to overwork the joint.

I haven't had experience with hyaluronic acid injections, just cortico-steroids. Since I've been on a combination of methotrexate and Enbrel, I haven't needed my knees done for a few years, which is good because they don't like to inject cortisone more than once or twice a year. It can have long-term side effects on the bone if it's used too much.

After the draining/injection you'll probably be advised to rest and stay off your feet as much as possible for a day or two in order to give the medication a chance to do its work. You'll feel a lot of relief right afterwards so it may be tough to take it easy. :)

Hope this helps. Good luck!