Situation IS getting better:)

[Clarkey]

Hi All,

Apologize once again for not being able to go through every ones posts today as yet again running out of time at the Library and had to do some other stuff today on the internet and hope to have some time to read and respond to everyone on Saturday.

I have been running longer distance and going at a really good pace at the moment and think I ran about 6 miles 3 times a week and both knee feel fine while running with just slight pain and discomfort in my right knee and is more swollen then my left knee and there is some slight pain and discomfort and varies each day sometimes pain hardly noticeable and other days I feel the pain more.

I once in a while have pain in my left knee with some swelling at the bottom but not as much as the right and my PT did say to me that it could be a problem in the future if you do a lot of running as there is maltracking problems in that knee more then the right.

Still no letter yet from the Hospital to see Dr Brown for more IMS sessions and both my mum and sister told me the NHS will not treat me if they find out that I run 18 miles a week with a swollen knee and think my OS would not be too happy as well. I really enjoy running and good at it and cannot give into something I enjoy doing. I not giving up or reducing my miles per week running just yet and the knees will just have to put up with it for now and will be joining a running club after Easter. (do you think I am overdoing things)

Nickwclarke2012@BhamUK

[Snowy]

Hey Nick,

I think your mum and sister are being a bit over cautious here. If your OS didn't tell you after surgery that you weren't allowed to run anymore I can't imagine that he would object to your running, or why the NHS would deny you IMS sessions. The point of having knee surgery was to be able to run again, and running is a completely normal and reaonable way for a healthy person to keep fit. It's a little harder on the joints than some forms of exercise, but brings many other benefits with it such as improved cardiovascular fitness, muscle tone, and maintaining a healthy body weight. I know quite a few people who are on similar running schedules to you, as well as folk who have a more intensive exercise schedule because they're training for upcoming events.

The swelling is something to keep an eye on - if it's bad, it might be better to take a day or two off and let it settle - but it doesn't sound as though it's severe enough to be a reason to give up running. My knee still swells periodically when I really overdo things, and I usually just give it a day or two to recover and then get right back to whatever I was doing before. I think an operated knee is always going to be a little bit more sensitive; just be conscious of the pain levels and willing to rest if it gets bad.

K

[FMRCathelete]

Hey Gang, I had long post all typed out & it got wiped out, so I'll try again.  I have been trying to upload a picture but file size too big -rats!  Is cute -Serena was very proud the other day to snag my exercise band when I took a break while doing firewalkers to take a call.  Went looking for band & she was prancing around living room with the foam part in her mouth.  Gillian was looking on with envy over this new "toy".  I am doing about the same.  Knee hurts, swells, turns colors and changes temp.  No pattern I can figure out yet.  My patella seems more mobile than the other one from side to side.  Tramadol works well if I take 2, but I can't focus on anything if I take 2, so can't work like that.  Why docs won't give what works for me with fewer mental effects is beyond me -Argghh!!!!  Still 1/2 time for now.  Back to 32hrs/week in April.   Decided I can't go back full time and we will just have to make do.  Not sleeping well, last night woke up sweating or freezing cold at least 8 times.  I would think I was sick if I felt anything other than tired!

W- Glad you got your PT's attention and I think it is a great idea to go week to week.  How are your parents?  Hope they are feeling better.  When are you supposed to return to work?  We test drove Prius the other day & are now looking for good gently used one...bad time to buy one as prices pretty well fixed with gas prices on the rise.  I was going to look at Civic, but can't imagine liking as much as the Prius.

Tez- Sorry you are having more pain.  It is so hard to work and run a house, even with the help of those who care about us.  Hope you have a quiet and restful weekend.  We don't really have Puegots in the states, so can't help much.  Most important that you like it & it doesn't get bad reviews. 

RK4 -Yes you should be taking your pain meds more often -they really work better if taken before it gets unbearable -easier to keep pain away than make it go away.  With that said, I too am a bad patient & more likely to wait until unbearable   I should follow my own advice as well.  At least try to take every 8 hours (better if every 6 though).  Hope the family helping you some.

Lottie - Finding harder to get workouts in -just want to roll into a ball and sleep when I get home to shut out the pain.  I am trying to force myself, but this week has been tough.  YAY on the leg presses -awesome.   I am sure you are feeling amazing for having done it.  I would like an ounce of your perseverance. 

Robin - hope massages weren't too difficult.  Glad that the red bump is not worse and that you are leaving it be -warm compresses might help. 

Hello to everyone else - hope all is well and take care! -A

[Rknees4]

Thanks for the concern A. Just hate taking pain meds. I know I should take them more but just hate doing it.
Good plan on the part time it will be better for the knee in the long run.
Yes the family is helping they just get lazy on occasion like most of us.
Take care,
Rk4.

[emergRN]

Hi Gang!

I have been checking in throughout the day, but I guess it is time to post!

Nick..I remember awhile back that you posted that your doc knew you were running.  I really don't think that you have anything to worry about.  You were not told NOT to run.  It is a healthy past time for many people.  I can't imagine any health system having the power to deny care to a person by legislating their physical activities.  That is just ridiculous.  People who have a heart attack from eating badly are not refused treatment because they ate McDonald's!  Don't you worry about that!  Keep doing what you love as long as you are doing it safely, and not causing yourself any damage.  Watch the swelling!  Don't ruin your knees for the sake of the running though!

A...I hate to say that I am not surprised that you are still having pain!  To be honest with you, the pain from the plica surgery with me lasted for months.  So did the swelling.  My lower leg was swelling so bad at one point that I thought I had a DVT.  Hang in there!  I think that if you just had the plica and no other knee damage, it might go a little smoother.  We are for the most part a bunch of complex knees.

Brams...Happy Birthday Brambledad!

Lottie...you are really making me jealous!  Rub it in why don't ya!  Seriously...way to go!  Proud of you!!!  

Rk4...When do you see OS again?  I forget!

Robin...you are da bomb!  Keep up the good work!

Snowy...I hope you had a good lunch!

Tez....Hi Tez!  I see you were up again last night!  Your stupid o'clock is not that late here!

Events of the day..hmm!  Well, I got word today from our provincial health care plan that they will not cover any of the cost of my surgery in Vancouver because I went private,  They won't even cover what it would have cost here.  I called them to see if I had any other course of action.  I told her the short version of my story of the past year and a half.  She was horrified.  She told me that I could have applied for pre approval, but because of what I told her, she told me that I might be able to do the process in reverse.  She told me that I should contact the director for the billing with the government.  She thought that with my story that I may actually be able to not only get back what it would have cost here, but maybe the entire cost of the assessment and procedure, and my travel for myself and my escort!  So, I sent off a very long email with the entire story listed.  No names of course!  Then again, all he has to do is type in my plan number and it is all going to show up anyway!

My luck is going to have to drastically change if that scenario actually plays out.  I just wish I could speed this along.  I know I am getting a nice tax return this year, but I can't file until I find out what is going to happen with this.

I bought a Chopat strap today to see if I can calm down this patellar tendon thing.  I don't know if I am supposed to feel anything immediately, or if it is something that will help relieve it over time.  I don't feel any improvement, so I am guessing that it will off load the tendon, and with time it will help it settle down.  I actually don't like how it feels in that area.  I hope I have it on right.  It doesn't seem like rocket science, but the tension is a bit hard to figure out!

I slept last night!  I guess the chiropractor thing worked.  I slept from 11:30-0530h without waking up!  I don't know if that was because of the back or out of pure exhaustion.  I guess tonight will tell the story!

Well that is all for now folks.  I think I need some ice!  I am flared up!

W

[Rknees4]

Hey W,
In 15 days or the 30th of this month.  The weather here is just going to be incredible here for the next week.  Tomorrow sunny and 21 C. Can't believe it actually,, it has been above 16 C all week.    Wish I could package it up and send it to the island for you to enjoy.
Catch you later. How is your Dad's back making out?
Rk4

[tez27]

Evening or morning or whatever time it is in your neck of the woods,
RK4 I dont want you to be too lonely in the middle of the night so I'm posting to let you know you aint alone this morning, as W said I was up last night as well but really didnt have anything to say, I think you guys must be kinda fed up of know of me moaning about lack of sleep.

A sorry things are still painfull, and the tramadol makes you brain fuddled, It did for me too at the very beginning when I was only taking them for migrane's which was fine cos all I needed to do was take a couple and sleep, but once I started taking them for the knee pain it quickly became easier and I felt less fuddled and was able to function better with them tbh its what has allowed me to work through some really horribly painful days.
I'm pleased you can keep your hours down at work for now, I really hope it helps.

W I hope your folks are doing better today, as for you excellent news on telling your PT what you think about your treatment recently, there is no way he can give so many clients a decent service at the same time, what would really annoy me is your paying for an individual session and thats what you should receive.
Good luck with trying to get some money back for the surgery etc, in my opinion you should be entitled to a full refund after being forced to go elsewhere for treatment, after your original OS more or less washed his hands of you, fingers crossed you get whats due.

Nick I agree with the others and really dont think any Dr should refuse you treatment because you run every day, I think maybe your Mum and Sister just worry about you, unfortunatly the worry about your kida never goes away no matter how old they get, my Son is in the process of buying a scooter to get him back and forward to work, and I know for a fact there will be even less sleep going on in my house when he's out and about on it, he might be nearly 20 and 6ft 5 but hes still my baby [ok rather large, hairy baby].

Robin good for you getting back to work I hope the knee copes without too many problems, I still wish you lived over here so I could come and use your magic  massage hands, from the sound of things you care and give a really good service to your clients.
How about the red noduley thing is there any improvement in it? if not are you going to go back to see someone about it? if it still looks as it did on the last photo you put up it is quite noticeable, and as long as your convinces it is what the Docs say it is...fine, but if your not sure a wee visit wont go wrong.

Lottie good for you on the mega workout, me thinks your some kind of super human being, and please send me some of your energy, I find it enough just dragging myself to work and if I'm lucky doing a  quick basic pt session before collapsing in a heap, though I must be doing something right cos the weight is still creeping down slowly but surely...go me!!!!!!!

Brams happy birthday to you lovely Dad he sounds like a real character.
The way you describe your toes sound funny but I don't suppose it feels very funny when its your toes and knee's that is swelling and changing temp,
I really hope the Lyrica continues to help things feel better.

Snowy and Super any news on the ski trip? I hope it happens soon I assume the ski season must be coming to an end soon, and I would love to see some geek ski photos.  

Anyone else out there I hope all is well with you
Take care Tez            

[Rknees4]

Hey Tez glad to see your light on but not glad you are not sleeping.  Moan away girls, I hear you. Nothing worse than not sleeping for days or nights on end.
Take something for tha pain and go back to sleep.
Take Care big hug ,((Tez)) from Canada.
 Rk4

[emergRN]

Oh the folks!

Dad is improving, but he is working it to the max with Mom.  He had here washing his face in the morning....huh?  I told her not to be so foolish.  There is nothing wrong with his arms.  I can tell you that if he was in the hospital, we would help with what he couldn't do, but you are expected to do what you are able to for yourself!!  He is also "liking" the flexeril a little too much.  He was cutting back on the Voltaren and still taking the muscle relaxants every 8 hours.  He is doing the opposite of what he was told to do.  Mom tried to tell him, but he won't listen to her.  I called him yesterday and told him that if he wasn't spasming, then lay off the flexeril.  Take it at bedtime if you want!  Keep taking the anti inflammatories.  I think he likes the "stoned" effect of the flexeril!  Not good!!

I also told him to go for a massage, but he thinks that if it doesn't work in one session, then it is no good!  I told him to go to PT for some U/S and IFC...he won't do that either.  He is so bleeping stubborn!  I have no more advice for him!

Mom is being the trooper as usual.  She did refuse to go down in her basement yesterday to light their wood furnace.  Dad is cheap with the oil.  He went down and did it.  So, he isn't that bad.  Mom came down here and loaded up my wood box, even though I told her not to.  She is going up to visit her father today, and to stock up his fridge in his room....and to restock his brandy supply.  Apparently he has consumed three bottles of brandy since her last visit.  Oh well, he is almost 96 years old.  So what if he wants to get a buzz on!  What is it going to do...kill him???

I was having a chat with mom last night about her knees.  She actually needs two knee replacements.  I guess her good knee is not that good afterall..lol!  Oh my!  This is going to be fun, and I want to move!  I guess my sister is going to have to take over somehow.

W

[Clarkey]

Hi All,

Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend and are not in too much knee pain and any other body parts that might feel sore. I working this weekend and made the mistake of going to my local cricket club yesterday evening and said I will just go over for 1 pint then walk back to my flat and ended up having 3 pints and was back for midnight and had to be at work at 6am. This afternoon I am meeting up once again with the Asperger lady at a café/bar down my local high street and might take her to watch the rugby at the cricket club and not really a big rugby fan just be nice to introduce her to my friends at the club. I once again had a chat with the brain doctor and the other regulars I know well. The cricket season starts on Easter weekend and met some of the players I have not seen since September and was nice to chat to them as well. I think I do not really have Aspergers that badly as I can easily chat to the members at the club that many adults on the autistic spectrum find it hard to do, chat and communicate.

It is Mothers Day in the UK tomorrow and my Mum is in South Africa visiting my sisters, brother-in-law and her grandkids and will fly back the Thursday before Easter Sunday. I think in the States Canada & the rest of Europe celebrate it later on in the year and think it too early to celebrate it 3 weeks before Easter Sunday as the weather this time of the year is still hit and miss and be better to celebrate it in May. I am going to celebrate Mother’s Day with the majority of Europe as she away for the formal Mothers Day so make up for it when the International Mother’s Day comes up.

I have sustained an injury at work and the top of my right arm is sore and swollen and tender to touch and very sensitive and even hurts while sending text messages on my mobile. All I did was pick up some divots on the fairways with a long stick with a nail sticking out at the bottom to pick up the divots and put it in a bucket. For those that know nothing about golf it when the golfer takes out chunks of turf by hitting the ground with their golf club head. I will wait another 2 to 3 weeks to see if the swelling goes down and  see if the pain becomes less before seeking medical advise. I do get pins and needles in my right hand while driving long distance and been told might be carpel tunnel syndrome as I have been using a lot of vibrating tools at work over the 12 and a half years I have been there. Think I a typical male wait till it gets worse before seeing my GP as it might just be an overuse problem and maybe fine next week again.

Snowy, thanks once again for you helpful and useful advise about running with a swollen knee and agree that my mum & sister are be too cautious and it shows that they care about me and my health. Mr Green told me it fine to run and so did Dr Brown and think the NHS would be happy to give my IMS sessions as I have a very healthy lifestyle and would like to treat more patients like myself that keep ourselves fit and healthy. Yes might risk wearing out my joints faster then usual and it is something I will come to terms to when it finally happens and the norm to have knee and hip replacements at retirement age and is such a routine procedure nowadays.

A, I had my medial plica removed and it took me 18 months to fully recover from the surgery and at one stage my right knee felt worse then it did pre op and thank god I saw Dr Brown for IMS sessions that really reduced the knee pain. I still have swelling now at the bottom of my right knee by the portals and can be painful at times.

Rk4, sorry you have sleeping problems and pleased that the weather is warmer where you are. It is never nice taking meds and does give side effects and I had to take olanzapine for over 7 years and never really needed to take them since January 2006 and been 2 months now since I stopped taking them and feel so much better for it and no longer feel like a space cadet and do not have to go to bed so early anymore. My GP should have taken me off them sooner.

W, it is never nice when you see your parent’s health go down and hope they get the treatment they fully deserve. I agree with Tez, hope you get a full refund as you got messed around a lot and a full refund will be one small consolation.

Robin, yes the guy has some issues and not taken it personally. It nice when the stitches are no longer there and should pop out soon! I am glad you are reaching good speeds on your spin bike and bet it feels great.

Brams. I hope you are now feeling a little better now and will take some time to get over Josh as you had him for a long time and like losing a family member as we get very attached to our pets! Glad the Lyrica is working well for you and are feeling the benefits from it.

Lottie, how has Reggie been this week and read on your FB status the photo of the headless rabbit and cats like to showing you what they just caught did you get R to pick it up off the carpet. I watched the MasterChef 2012 Grand Final and glad that Shelina won she deserved it.

Hello to everyone else and hope you are all having an enjoyable weekend.

Nickwclarke2012@BhamUK   

[Clarkey]

Hi All again,

Had a good 2nd date and think it went well and think she might just want to form a friendship rather then a relationship and as you know she also has Asperger syndrome and is very shy and nervous even though she knows me well and has a stress ball to squeeze. I notice she looks away from me at times when she chats to me and not being rude it just that some adults on the autistic spectrum do not like looking into peoples eyes. I have known her for over 2 years as she attends the same AS support group I attend monthly the next group meeting is on Wednesday and will be the last every meeting as if you been a member of the group for more then 2 years are asked to leave the group so new adults with AS can join up. My friend with AS has been in his group for 10 year and not been asked to make way for new members so a bit unfair really. I feel confident enough to continue the group myself and will arrange to meet up once a month at a Pub in Birmingham City Centre and can arrange to go out for meals and do activities such as bowling, cinema and theatre and happy to be the group leader and would enjoy doing it.

Maybe should really get my swollen arm checked out as it is rather painful and can put up with pain but not getting less and even sore when typing on the keyboard and did take some anti inflammatory tablets this morning but the pain and swelling is still there. I am not really a hypochondriac and can put up with a lot of pain and discomfort before seeking some medical help but it is starting to become annoying and hope the pain and swelling goes away over the next couple of days. I also very rarely go to A&E unless the pain is really bad or need urgent medical treatment as I have a high pain tolerance.

Going to the cricket club shortly that was open all afternoon for the Rugby and will see a few familiar faces there. The downside is I have to be at work at 6:30am tomorrow morning so cannot have a late night and at least I have the next 2 weekends off work after this weekend so can put up with one more late night with little sleep!

Nickwclarke2012@BhamUK

[Brambledog]

Hi everyone!

Good to see your post Nick, must be nice to be seeing everyone's posts again!! I agree you should get that arm seen to, it doesn't sound like just a bruise, and you don't want any more problems!! Hope all is well wth it....

Ive had a busy few days with my elder daughter's parents evening at school (she's a hard working star pupil, so I love it!) - unfortunately it was very spread out, but I didn't take my crutches and reckon I must have covered about a mile or more going round all the classrooms, up stairs, etc. The place is like a rabbit warren! Then I came home and had my dad's birthday do at our house, so I cooked a massive beef casserole with loads of port and herbs and veg in it like he loves, and a nice rich gravy....yum. Also made a rice pudding with nutmeg, it was lush, but we all at far too much, and then they all had birthday cake on top!   upshot of all was that I massively overdid things that day, and had a hell of a night with it! Luckily the epsoms worked their magic again and I got through it without taking the tramadol. Yay!

Very strange the next day, felt very distant and wobbly, kept knocking stuff over and being clumsy   then got a very painful headache right on one side of my forehead - ouchy. It went fairly fast though, so just a blip. Had to go out to take some paperwork in for my new work venture, so more walking, some over cobbles and up steps, so had the full work-out   but by the time I got back I was exhausted and went to bed for a couple of hours sleep,which I NEVER do! Husband was great, bless and fashioned some sort of tea for us all...

Been much better today, hoovered, laundry, paperwork, etc all done. Phew! Just about to go into town to get my mum a present and card - thought I'd get her a little sparkly Swarovski owl. She has collected owls since she was young, and actually has an eagle owl of her own in an aviary at their house! It's something I know she'll love, so I just hope the jewellers have one!

I am upping the Lyrica dosage today. It's been getting a bit worse again lately, I've had the weird stuff in my toes quite a bit. Len the Left has been unhappy recently and swollen, and Rhod the Right joined in again last night, so I just think the dosage isn't quite right yet. I'm expecting to be slightly woozy tomorrow, but as its Mothers Day, I reckon I can get away with it!

Just going to have a tiny gripe here....I resent it a bit that on Mothers Day I only get a couple of hours of it with my children and husband before we have to start the in-laws dance (they go mental if we don't stay for at least a couple of hours of bowing and scraping lol  ) We go to see my mum and dad in the evening, and obviously I love seeing my mum, but it takes all evening cause they live fifteen miles away and we always stay for tea there. So I spend the day trolling about the county getting more tired and sore, and wishing I could just loll at home all day.... Selfish I know, but it's the truth!!!

Hugs to all out there, and hoping all the knees, arms, shoulders, feet and toes are behaving themselves for you and allowing full enjoyment of the day!  

Brams  

[emergRN]

Hi Folks!

I just want to throw something out there to see what you all think!  I was having a chat with another nurse friend this morning(most of my friends are nurses), and I was telling her of my PT woes.  She brought up something that I have thought about before, but never pursued.  We have a really good physiatrist here, and she thinks I should get a referral to see him.  Obviously, he specializes in rehab!  What do you all think?  Have any of you ever gone to one?

W

[Lottiefox]

W,

What is one of them?!    If they can help, yes, go see them!! 

Brams - Lyrica makes me clumsy. Plus I have tended to need a nap some afternoons. If your body says you need it, take it. CRPS likes to be busy but it also needs you to refuel and recharge.

Nick, I wonder if you've jarred the upper arm/shoulder with the divot instrument? I have had a terrible pain in my elbow this week (just get used to bits hurting so thought nothing of it until I couldn't lift a weight with my trainer in a certain way!) and my trainer said its likely to be an impact injury from boxing with my punchbag. It too has kind of made my hand feel weird and has been a bit swollen. I put some Volatarol gel on it, might be worth a try with your shoulder over the weekend.

I am pooped out. Did 20 miles on the spin bike yesterday, longest I have ridden for a while. Needed a break from resistance work, see elbow trauma above! Spent today having  my botox redone, and lots of chores in the garden and house....am more tired than gym!

Wine! Hugs to all xxxxxxxxxxxx

[emergRN]

Lottie,

Here's a definition for you:

Physiatrists, or rehabilitation physicians, are nerve, muscle, and bone experts who treat injuries or illnesses that affect how you move

Rehabilitation physicians are medical doctors who have completed training in the medical specialty of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). Specifically, rehabilitation physicians:

    Diagnose and treat pain
    Restore maximum function lost through injury, illness or disabling conditions
    Treat the whole person, not just the problem area
    Lead a team of medical professionals
    Provide non-surgical treatments
    Explain your medical problems and treatment/prevention plan

W