Leg swelling again.

[Bailybiscuit]

I had fluid taken off both my knees nearly 2 weeks again and steroid injections put into each knee. My knees have been wonderful but now the left one seems swollen again with a pain behind the knee at times. I spoke to my Dr yesterday about it but she says I should wait until I have been assessed the second time for a Biologic as it is known to be my Arthritis. Has anyone had their legs swell up after a steroid injection and fluid being drawn off? Can they take it off again without giving a steroid injection? I like the way my legs felt and hate to think of the weeks I will be waiting to start Etanercept with painful swollen legs. ( The right one feels like it is doing the same but not as bad yet.)

[farm123]

I have had a period of this when uncontrolled. They did not want to just take fluid off when mine were swelling - I think it was that it would just fill straight back up. Do you mean GP or rheumy consultant? Do you have an easily accessible rheumy team because it was best for me to ask their advice first before GP for anything RD related and they could authorise a larger dose of steroid that could be injected not that it always made a difference. It is also directly on their records how many times you have had any injections/issues. Farm

[Bailybiscuit in reply to farm123]

I actually asked my Dr as I thought I could have a Bakers cyst because of the pain and I thought a scan or x ray would show if I had. My Dr says even if I had it would be managed with pain killers. I do have a nurse number but feel they might think I am being impatient and I only had it drained less than 2 weeks ago.

[farm123 in reply to Bailybiscuit]

I cannot remember when your 2nd assessment should be but sometimes giving them a 'heads up' on what is happening gives them time to formulate a plan and fit you in at the earliest opportunity and arrange for knees to be injected at the same time although they do not like doing them too close together. Farm

[Bailybiscuit in reply to farm123]

I see them in 2 weeks so the legs would have been done a month by then. i just don't know if I should wait as I am being impatient or whether they would think it reasonable for me to phone. if my legs would be likely to do it again in as short a time I may as well wait as doubt they would want to do it again after that. This is a complicated disease and until fairly recently I thought I only had polymyalgia, although Dr suspected something else.

[farm123 in reply to Bailybiscuit]

If you can manage it probably would be best to wait and they can see how things really are but 2 weeks is nothing if you are normal but when things are playing up 2 week can seem a very very long time (been there). Yes this disease certainly has it twists and turns, ups and downs (30 years experience!). Unfortunately once you have the go ahead it can still take time to sort the drugs, get them delivered and a nurse arranged to show you the first time. Farm

[Bailybiscuit in reply to farm123]

I have been told once I get on the biologics they should help the swelling, but I have been reading of other people with this problem and having to have arthroscopies and them not working. Surely those people would be taking something that if it works for their Ra it should work for their knees?

[farm123 in reply to Bailybiscuit]

Once you get the right drug for you and the disease is under control the swelling should ease/stop. Trouble is there is no telling which is the right one for you. It depends on the aim of the arthroscopy as they are used for many reasons therefore there are different outcomes for everyone. Farm

[latebird]

Hello,I have RA which is in remission at the moment.I do have very badly swollen legs and feet especially in hot weather.Nothing really helps this swelling very much and i am reluctant to have my legs drained as they would simply fill back up.It is a real nuisance as i cannot wear shorts and cannot buy shoes that fit.Do explore what is available to you to ease the swelling but it may only be a temporary measure as gravity has a big say in the matter.all the best.

[Bailybiscuit in reply to latebird]

So it is normal to fill up again is it? I had hoped not.

[latebird in reply to Bailybiscuit]

hello again, well for me it probably would be the case .Having the legs drained means wearing heavy stockings all the time.elevating the legs does help a little.For me nothing really has been very effective.However, you can work with your team to develop helpful strategies for managing the condition You may very well see better results. It is very much trial and error and can be a bit bothersome.

ii

[Bailybiscuit in reply to latebird]

Thank you. I feel that they don't really care. I had pointed out my knees and said what a problem they were and the nurse just agreed they had fluid on them. When she asked if there was anything else I wanted to ask I asked about draining them. i feel nothing would have been suggested if I hadn't asked.