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Posted 10/27/2007 7:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, my name is annie and I have lyme disease, some of the syptoms are similar to Lupus.
Mainly right now I have major swelling in my knees with intense pain. I know this happens with Lupus too I was going to ask how you deal with it. Is there anything you can do to get this swelling down?? I am on Naproxen and plaquenil two anti-inflammatorys.
I am desperate for advice. sad
Posted 10/28/2007 12:49 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Annie, You need to check with your doctor before trying anything new, but in my experience, using ice has been very beneficial and that's what my physical therapists have recommended. The ice stops inflammation . . . and it helps longer . . . but can be very painful to apply the first few times. That's why most people shy away from it. But after you've used it several times you will look forward to it if it works well for you. I was actually in tears from the pain of icing initially and now I really go for the ice because the relief last longer. Try 10 minutes on 5 minutes off 10 minutes on. The heat will cause immediately relief, but, sometimes, causes more pain later because it can cause engorgement of the blood vessels, hence more inflammation. I really don't know if the ice would be good or bad for rheumatoid conditions, as I haven't researched that condition. I have inflammatory arthritis and lupus-like issues. But you'll know after using it a couple times if it helps. Like I said, the first time can be utterly painful, but that doesn't mean it isn't helping. I hope you get some other responses. Blessings!
Posted 10/28/2007 12:54 AM (GMT 0)
another thought . . . . sleeping. . . . do you make a nest of pillows???? If not, try a pillow under each knee. I have to put an additional pillow under my ankles so my heals don't rest on the bed or they hurt too. If you gather lots of pillows you can build a great nest for each little issue. I sometimes need pillows under my arms and in other places to prevent limbs from going numb. . . hubby knows how bad I'm feeling by the number of pillows I'm using . . . when he asks how I'm feeling, I can say "It was a 6 pillow night" and he knows it was rough. If I say "it was a 2 pillow night" . . . that's as good as it gets. It takes some trial and error, but its amazing how much more comfortable you might be. Blessings!
Posted 10/28/2007 1:17 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Annie, I'm so sorry you are hurting so bad. Rosie gave you some good advice. The only thing I could add is if it is that bad you may want to go to the ER. You may need a shot of cordizone in them. It's a miracle drug. Also you might ask your doctor to give you some predisone for days when you are having these pains. You don't have to take it all the time just when you have flair ups. Also plaquenil is good but it take about 6 months to see the benefits of it. I don't know how long you have been on it. Even though you aren't usually on this site please post back and let us know how you are doing.
gentle hugs
carol
Posted 10/28/2007 6:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Annie,
I'm a big fan of arthritis creams that contain bengay type ingredients as well as salicylic acid (aspirin). There are some good horse liniments that are strong and work really good and smell better than some of the creams. Absorbine is one of them. Also, you might want to talk to your doc about take joint supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM. MSM is more of a pain killer, glucosamine increases the fluid in the joint (which is often lost in arthritis) and chondroitin mends the cartilage that lines the joints. There are also shots you can get in the joints that can help alot. I would ask for pain management for it if it is really bothering you and the pain management guy has a lot of non-medicine and medicine related things they can do. Becareful about knee surgery. If you don't really need it, it can cause more problesm than you already have, but if you need it, like my grandfather with RA, then it is a life saver and kept him walking and out of a wheelchair.
Posted 10/28/2007 4:09 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks to those who responded to my email. I am still feeling crappy today and having swelling, I will try the ice today. I am reluctant to go to the ER because they say that steriods can make the Lyme worse, so I am hoping to get it down by rest and ice.

Again thanks for all your help, Chronic Diseases suck!!!.
Posted 10/28/2007 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
Annie, make sure you call your doctor tomorrow and let him know whats going on. Call your rheumy if you have one. Keep us posted sis . . . sorry your knees are still so painful. Blessings!
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