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Fluid in my knee

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Posted 8/2/2013 10:07 PM (GMT 0)
I fell (0ver luggage), back July 2, 2013. I went to my gp and she sent to an orthopedic surgeon who told me that he had fluid on his knee for 5 months one time and it would go away. I did not like him, I did not go there to hea his troubles.

I had an appointment with my pm doc on the 24, the first thing she said was what happened to your knee, I told her, she advised me to wrap it and if it was not better when I go back which is the 21st of Aug. she would take the fluid out, I dont know why I didnt go to her in the first place, but the pain clinic is call spine specialist and pain management.

Well, my wonderful grandson made me fall again on the same knee, not on purpose of course so it looks like I will be getting the fluid out, anyone out there had that done, does it hurt alot or a little?

Thanks for any input,

Kathy
Posted 8/2/2013 10:45 PM (GMT 0)
I had it done. I have RA. They put in a small needle with some numbing medication (maybe lanicane?) that process hurts a little-especially if like me you don't do well with the cane meds-the doc told me to tell him if it hurt because he can use more of the numbing stuff so as the needle was going in I was going "It hurts it hurts it----it's numb" literally two it hurts a pause and a it's numb.
The second needle is larger but it doesn't hurt going in you may feel a little preasure, then I told the doc "That feels weird" when he was drawing out the fluid-He said "You should not feel anything at all so how is it weird?" I said that it felt gurgly. He was mildly concerned that I wasn't fully numb.
However, a little later when it should have been wearing off I was fully numb for several hours.

All in all this is not that bad-the idea scared me more than the procedure was worth.
Posted 8/2/2013 11:07 PM (GMT 0)
Ditto to sjkly. Anxiety may play a bigger part, anticipation, unfamiliarity. It feels weird because it's not like we run around getting this done all the time, so it's something different.

You may find it's not nearly as bad as you fear it to be. I've yet to hear a patient yelp out!

Good luck to you.

Sookie
Posted 8/3/2013 12:24 AM (GMT 0)
Kathy have had it done without numbing & with. Insist they numb you up because it makes all the difference in the world. It is not one of my favorite things to do but always feels better getting that fluid off. Try to stay off of that leg as much as you can before you see the dr.

Take care.......Susie
Posted 8/3/2013 12:54 AM (GMT 0)
thank you all for your help, makes me feel better already.

Kathy
Posted 8/3/2013 12:59 AM (GMT 0)
If they want to inject steroids while they are in there let them.
Posted 8/3/2013 7:49 AM (GMT 0)
Kathy I have horrible knees, multiple surgeries and even a replacement. Can't believe you got a joke for an Ortho! I hate to see Medicare and Humana pay those bills.

The others are right, its not anymore painful then getting injections but it's more creepy to watch and makes me nervous! They've always numbed my knee as the needle goes in and also used steroids after to make sure it stays calmed down.

I've had my Ortho do them but the last few were done by my Neuro/PM. Its a fairly easy procedure that PA's and even NP's are taught to do.

Your going to see improvement faster getting it taken care of. Yes that Dr may have had fluid in his for 5 months but why? When its easily enough taken care of.
Posted 8/3/2013 8:41 PM (GMT 0)
I'm curious if your doctor, is pushing his own belief or agenda on you by trying to compare him "sucking it up" or whatever, with his knee. Not to mention, not everyone has the same experience, even if they have the same Dx. Who is he to know what you are feeling/experiencing?

I know it's been said over and over but really, it's probably one of the easier things you'd go through as a CP patient. (Given the battery of gauntlets we're usually subjected to).

I would ask directly and confirm, that he's going to give you lidocaine first, (and wait for it to take effect)....some even spray the skin before the needle insertion, mine does,....and confirm what to expect as he aspirates the fluid,...and ask/confirm if he intends to inject cortisone as well, and ask him to explain why he will, or why he won't.

Feel comfortable, and if you don't feel safe with this doctor, this is such a common procedure, I'm confident you can find one who will take care of you and treat you with dignity, and minimize your discomfort.

Best of luck to you.

Sookie
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