Bad Knee***

Hi all:

I posted about this before, I think, but, allow me to restate. I have fluid (swelling) around left knee in general AND what appears to be a bakers cyst (a collection of this fluid) located on the inner part of my left leg near the joint where the upper leg connects with the lower leg. I saw ortho, he drained and gave shot. That did not get rid of all the baker cyst fluid, and, only very slightly helped the swelling in general. Ortho says this is caused by underlying arthritis. I am not sure if this is due to my Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA), or, could this me osteoarthritis just in my knee area.

My rheumi gave me a very low dose of prednisone to try out for a week. I understand that high doses and/or taking prednisone long term leads to bad stuff. I have not tried the pred yet, but today, I think I will.

Anyways, aside from biologics, what can be done to reduce my baker's cyst dramatically and the general fluid all around my knee? I assume treating the arthritis is what is key, but, how? Rheumi also recommended Otezla for the PsA. But, I gag/choke taking pills, and, the possible side effects, weight loss, did not appeal to me, since I am grossly underweight right now. So, looking for another safe med/plan that can help me knee. Appreciate suggestions.

Thanks..

Shaggy...

Hi Straydog:

Thank you for your reply and the information. The "lump" on the side of my thigh, I would like to rip it out myself. It is a big smaller than a golf ball. I would not mind too much if it came to surgery, as long as I did not need a general anathesia due to my TMJ and neck issues make intubation bad.