Totally Frustrated

[go2coda]

First a bit of history.  I have had knee issues off and on for years.  I played sports and had a few injuries to my knee all of which were written off as "knee sprains".  To make a long story short I have been having sharp shooting pain in my knee for the last few weeks and had it give out once.  I saw a GP and was referred for an MRI.  I received the results all of which were "unremarkable, normal limits". 

At this point I am totally frustrated and am not sure what to do next.  I can function pain free most of the time.  However, if I turn or step wrong I have pain that stops me in my tracks.  If I had a desk job I probably wouldn't worry, but I am a performer and need to be confident that my knee is going to hold.  and not wonder when I am going to move wrong.  I guess I just don't get how everything is normal, but is still so painful.

Any advice would be great...

Thanks

[plantgeek58]

Hi,
I'd advise going back to your GP and getting a referral to an Orthopedic specialist. MRI's don't catch every injury. I've heard that their accuracy rate is about 80%. One of mine missed a meniscus tear that my OS found when he scoped it. So just because the MRI didn't find anything, doesn't mean there's nothing wrong. An OS will be much more qualified than a GP to help you figure out what's going on.
Terre

[Lyndsey]

Hi,

I agree completely with Terre. If I were you I would definitely set up an appointment with an OS. Pain that stops you in your tracks isn't usually something to mess with, nor is it normal, even if it isn't constant.

Good luck with everything!
Lyndsey

[go2coda]

Thanks Lyndsey and Terre,

I mostly needed someone to tell me I wasn't crazy.  I was hoping to have a diagnosis after the MRI and I guess I will just have to keep pushing for answers.  Thanks again.

[go2coda]

Thanks Lucky,

I am in the process of potentially finding a OS in a bigger town...I live in a small town, and am a little unimpressed with the options in town.  So, I think I will be waiting until closer to Christmas (barring any new developments...) when I am back home in a bigger city with lots of doctors to choose from. 

Just out of curiosity, does any know if MRI's actually will show stretching of ligaments?  I can only assume that my real injuries are so old now that they aren't going to be so obvious, and perhaps have healed poorly.  Its just odd that my GP immediately though ACL after some poking and prodding and I have had many of the symptoms and yet no MRI findings. 


Thanks again.

[bavage]

Irregardless of how the OS read the MRI, if you have pain and unreliability,something sure as heck is causing it. MRI's are no where near the very accurate range ( My meniscus was diagnosed as torn
and they removed 1/2 of it when they operated).

Your best, most inexpensive solution, is to use the existing MRI for a second opinion. 

Keep on 'em, they aren't close to perfect.

[Plumb]

Your best bet is to go see an OS.  Talk about a scope procedure.   Looking under the hood to see what is wrong. MRI's are not always accurate. Pain is a sign something is wrong.  Keep pushing to see a specialist but be prepared for a surgical peekabout.  Look for a sports medicine OS

[eaglemom]

Just a thought for you.  Since you know your going to the city for Christmas and are wanting to see some os's I'd set some appointments now.  You might have to wait several weeks to even set an appointment.  Plus many people take vacations and offices might not have full staffing to see new patients.  Call now and get appointment - you can always cancel them if you change your mind or decide something else.  eagle