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Posted 3/16/2013 4:13 PM (GMT 0)

about 9 years ago, after jogging, I suddenly developed severe knee pain, both knees but worse in my right knee. After putting up with it for a few years, I finally had arthroscopic surgery on my right knee. The left knee got better on its own. They repaired two meniscus tears and smoothed out many areas (arthritis). I recovered nicely and got my life back. A week ago, after using the treadmill, once again both knees started hurting and the pain has worsened. It is severe. There is swelling and the right knee has a few black and blue spots. Both knees hurt all the time and walking makes it even worse. I teach and I am not looking forward to Monday (we have this week off).

My knees do not lock up, and sitting I can stretch my knee and bend it smoothly. I suspect again that I have a cartilege tear and arthritis.

I made an appointment to see my ortho guy in mid-April (I was hoping it would go away by then, but instead things have worsened).

I’m not sure what to do. To make matters worse, I’m starting hormone therapy (Lupron; I am currently on Casodex) on Wednesday (one of the SE is weight gain and someone said it can really aggravate joint problems). So far, I have not done anything other than 2 tylenol last night. I hate taking drugs. Any recommendations? Tylenol, ibuprofin, aleve, heat, ice?

Gimpy (and grumpy) Mel
Posted 3/16/2013 4:30 PM (GMT 0)
sounds like you might need Tylenol 3 or something prescribed. I did have some joint pain a few months after Lupron but my treadmill use seemed to make it go away. Good luck.
Posted 3/16/2013 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
A good physical therapist can give you a proper diagnose, give your specific exercises, stretches, and treatment. I don't think anyone can do that here.
Posted 3/16/2013 4:58 PM (GMT 0)
With all of my knee issues..just like yours, injections, then the same surgeries on both knees at same time, never once did I have black and blue spots on them. I did alternate between ice and heat, 20 on 20 off. Next they did total knee replacement on right, said I needed left in 5 years. I lost 100 pounds and both are doing much better. Don't think I will ever do left...recovery for right was very difficult at best. The spots black and blue concerns me though.
They had me on hydro condone during the entire time, started before injections otherwise I could not stand up after sitting or walking any distance, but getting up was terrible. Good luck..look in the spots.
Posted 3/16/2013 5:22 PM (GMT 0)
My advice: See your ortho guy. In the meanwhile, take drugs.

Now that you are on HT it is a waste of opprobrium to hate all drugs. Some drugs are much easier to hate than others.
Posted 3/16/2013 5:59 PM (GMT 0)
I tore knee cartilage for the first time 46 years ago and completely blew my other knee four years later. The scars from the rebuild are not pretty but, unlike my most recent surgery, I can at least show them in public. While I limit my activities (running???) I've found that glucosimine has kept me mobile and mostly pain free for 20 years. This is despite having osteoarthritis for some 15 or 20 years. I'll pop an occasional generic Aleve but that's much more the exception than the rule. I generally restrict those for backpacking trips. X-rays say I've been pretty much bone on bone for at least 10 years so it must be working.

Of course, I talked with a ortho more than once so I know just what my knee problems are and gotten more than one shrug about being too young for a replacement.

So, get diagnosed, fixed or shrugged, and find what works to keep you mobile after that. Most with knee problems aren't as blessed as I've been thus far. My primary exercise is swimming to avoid joint stress and build up the muscles supporting the knee joints.
Posted 3/16/2013 11:36 PM (GMT 0)
sorry to hear you have to deal with that too. Not fun.
I've had joint pain most of my adult life - gout, arthritis, injury, etc, and ibuprofen has been the best for me. Large amounts, just over the limit listed on the bottle (doc said to because of my weight). I dislike the drugs too but given the choice between pain and pills - I take the pills.

There is stronger stuff if you need it. For example: a good scotch or a little anything with rum. I don't recommend beer as it makes you pee too often which is a problem if it hurts to walk.

Andrew
Posted 3/16/2013 11:54 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the input. I am not looking forward to hobbling in to work tomorrow!

This is most depressing, and so far I have not had any SE from Casodex (such as...depression!)

Mel
Posted 3/17/2013 12:21 AM (GMT 0)
that is a bummer -- sorry to hear it. I hope some rest and pain relievers help until you get a pro to weigh in on things.

Longer term, you might want to try out an elliptical. I was having more and more trouble after using the treadmill, kinda defeated the purpose. Switching to an elliptical and my skeleton works again.
Posted 3/17/2013 12:24 AM (GMT 0)
They make you work on Sunday? Or has the Casodex taken your short term memory?

smilewinkgrin  

Posted 3/17/2013 12:54 AM (GMT 0)
Mel,
My father threw in the towel and had double knee replacement. He said after all he endured he wished he had done it sooner. He was 75 when he had the second knee completed and he has been golfing and swimming every day since he turned 76 and has absolutely no trouble today. The knee replacements took a while to recover from but he was taken off the golf course, could not walk long distances, and had trouble getting out of a chair. He visited many specialists and injections in the knees, had taken pain pills ~ none of it worked for him. To see him today is a blessing. He got his life back.

Tony
Posted 3/17/2013 1:26 AM (GMT 0)
I42:

LOL!!! Did I say NO SE???

Maybe I meant I don't KNOW the SE!

Mel
Posted 3/17/2013 2:31 AM (GMT 0)
Mel,
My knees have been progressively getting worse for years. I am an avid skier, but my pain has increased to the point that I am afraid that I may not be able to take a sharp turn while skiing. I have been diagnosed with arthritis, and my GP has had me on glucosamine with MSM for several years. My next step is the injections with the rooster combs, which I hear works well for a while. If you find something that helps in the meantime, let me know. My pain on some days is almost crippling.

Paul
Posted 3/17/2013 1:13 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry to hear this, Mel.

I've found Aleve to be superior with joint and back pain. I've never had much call for it, but my mother, who suffered from joint pain for years, got me to try it. It works. I use aspirin for everything else and when any pain I might have is minimal.

I have noticed over the past 4 years the popcorn sound in my knees getting worse. Started taking Glucosamine/Condroitin/MSM Complex that worked real well after about 60 days. Got PCa and read about Condroitin, so I stopped that altogether. Knees started aching and cracking again. Read about Krill Oil and anasthaxin (sp)... found Schiff Joint Care and gave it a try. Worked within 3 weeks. Cracking and popping stopped and knees felt better. Haven't gotten a new jar, $37.50 for a 30 day supply, and my knees are back to cracking. Sigh. Guess I see $37.50 being spent in my near future...

I also walk on the treadmill. It's what I have at home and I like the control that I have with it and my ability to pace the workout. But my doc told me that a recumbent bike or an eliptical trainer was the way to go. I prefer the treadmill, so I guess I have to learn to deal with the discomfort...

You might be a better candidate for the knee injection...ultraglide, or something of the like. I was not... too young. :)

I'm a third grade teacher... I feel your pain. wink
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