Knee aspiration.

[kateanne]

My painful arthritic knees are getting much worse and are now very swollen which makes it feel very tight as well as painful when walking. I am thinking of enquiring about having the fluid removed. Has anyone had this procedure and if so, any information on what to expect would be welcome. Is it very painful? My gp told me its not worth it as the fluid only comes back but I'm willing to try it even if only for temporary relief.

[Hidden]

Hi kateanne,

I go along with your GP. The whole point is the fluid is caused by something - like arthritic inflammation. If you remove the fluid, and the inflammation remains as sure as night follows day it'll come back. I got to your stage and opted for a partial knee replacement. Best thing I ever did. The best!

Have you had either X-Rays or MRI to show what and where the problem really is ?

Trust me - in the end the pain will get ya and you'll beg for surgery.

John

[kateanne in reply to Hidden]

Hi John. Yes had xray a couple of years ago which , in simple terms showed wear and tear resulting in OA. i had a steroid injection which did nothing. The other knee is now the same. The swelling in both knees is worse than when I saw the GP. Thank you for your comments. Will have a think about it.

[Hidden in reply to kateanne]

Sounds very similar to my progress. I had my right knee cartilige removed, along with a clean up as there were signs of OA in 2000 and managed to survive till 2015. By then it was as you describe and surgery was the only answer.

Now, dammit, the same issue is emerging in my left shoulder. About to see a consultant next week on the options. I've had physio which has enhanced my freedom of movement but done nothing for pain. Sleeping at night now is virtually impossible.

😱 Anyway, good luck with whatever you decide.

John

[kateanne in reply to Hidden]

I know how you feel. Not just my knees that hurt. Bsck and hand problems also with me. I hate getting old!! Hope you get your shoulder sorted soon. Best wishes.

[SusieSquirrel]

Hi Kate Anne,My physio refused to drain mine as he said it just comes back. The fluid is there to try and protect your damaged knee cap. I've been prescribed a new type of knee brace for walking which has springs at each side. Costs the NHS £250 so hope it works. Especially seen as I need a one for my left too! My dad has one and he says its brilliant.

Its called a thuasne action knee reliever

[kateanne in reply to SusieSquirrel]

Hi SusieSquirrel.Thanks for your reply. I hadn't heard of that knee brace but will look into it.

Seems like my GP is right and I'm stuck with this fluid unless I have surgery. My GP told me he suffers with knee problems so he understands the pain.

[LizPod in reply to kateanne]

Hi Kateanne, I came across your thread when SS mentioned the action reliever knee brace. I actually work at Thuasne so I wanted to point you in the right direction. If you look at actionreliever.co.uk you'll find all the information and can request an information pack to take to your GP if you think it might help you. Whatever you end up doing, I hope you find a solution to helping with your knee pain. All the best, Liz

[kateanne in reply to LizPod]

Thank you for your helpful reply. Just wondering how comfortable they are as the word brace suggests to me something that constricts movement as opposed to a support.

[kateanne in reply to LizPod]

Just read the link you sent and it has answered my question. Thank you.