Advice needed please

[Beautifulmovement]

I’m currently experiencing a minor flare in my knee, there’s swelling and pain but no heat. I’ve been taking naproxen and codeine for the past few days but it’s not making any difference to the state of my knee. I spoke to the hospital yesterday and they told me that I can only been seen in two weeks time. So I went to the GP who told me there’s nothing he can do. I’m also taking these tablets that line the stomach because of the naproxen but I just feel horrendous, like I want to be sick everywhere.

Should I cart myself off to A&E or just wait until my appointment? I don’t want to keep taking naproxen or codeine because they are making me feel unwell. I know this is ultimately my decision but I just feel so alone in making it.x

[Mhairi54]

How much codeine are you taking? Is it the 30/500 or the 8/500 tablets? I couldn't handle 2 x 30/500 tablets (made me really sick and dizzy) but was ok on 1 x 30/500 + 1 x 8/500. My GP also prescribed me an anti-sickness medication which really helped. Worthwhile going back to ask your GP again if you feel like you can't wait until your appointment. Your GP doesn't sound particularly sympathetic or understanding leaving you like that....

Hope that makes sense! Mhairi.

[Beautifulmovement in reply to Mhairi54]

Hey, I’m on 4 codeine tablets a day and two naproxen. I think it’s the stomach lining med that is making me feel nauseous and the pain meds making me feel woozy. I’ll go back to the docs. Thank you for taking the time to reply.x

[nomoreheels]

Hiya Sabrina, long time no speak! Well, I really think the GP you saw wasn't particularly helpful but I'm not sure it's an A&E situation either. Is there another GP in your Practice you could see perhaps? You need help for two things, your knee inflammation & not tolerating your ppi which needs to be taken with your your NSAID. It could be that naproxen & codeine isn't the best mix for you but a more empathic GP would be preferred. Otherwise you've two weeks to wait, not really an option.

[Beautifulmovement in reply to nomoreheels]

Hey, so lovely to hear from you! How are you?

Sorry to ask a silly question but what is a ppi? X

[nomoreheels in reply to Beautifulmovement]

Proton pump inhibitor, a stomach protector such as omeprazole or lansoprazole, we take them with NSAIDs to protect us from stomach ulcers.

I wouldn't dismiss oral steroids out of hand. If it's only a short course they're less likely to be high dose & so less symptomatic. They will act on the inflammation, what you're needing just now. I've never had the side effects some have here, maybe with a try, you may not either, not everyone does.

I'm not doing too bad thanks. x

[Nettac]

I don't think A and E would be thrilled to see you. They are so busy, plus you'll probably have to wait hours . Though I do understand how much pain you are in.

Your GP sounds rather unsympathetic. If it were me I'd make another appointment to see a different doctor.

Hope things improve for you soon.

[Beautifulmovement in reply to Nettac]

Thanks Nettac. Yes I will ask to see another doctor for sure. He offered me a steroid tablet if it hasn’t changed by the end of the week but I’ve never taken those before and I’ve not heard nice things about the side effects.x

[Nuttyshirlz]

I would rebook with different doctor as soon seem to no more than others. So I found when I first started out on this path.keep knee up to rest as much has you can xx good luck hope it gets sorted xx

[Beautifulmovement in reply to Nuttyshirlz]

Thank you.x

[Mhairi54]

Like everyone has said, a fresh pair of eyes can make all the difference. I would go back and ask to see a different GP.

[Beautifulmovement]

Thank you so much for all your help and advice. I will definitely ask to see another GP and see if they can alter my pain meds and that stomach lining med. 🤢

It was really disheartening to walk out of the GP surgery with no extra help, he was more concerned about checking if it was infected, which is no bad thing I guess.

I think I’m just really scared that the arthritis is damaging my knee joint whilst I wait to be seen which is why I was considering A&E, can damage happen that quickly?x

[BuffMummy]

Hi beautifulmovements, I take naproxen when I have a flare up and the tabs to protect your stomach. I don’t like it, I’m left feeling light headed and plays with my memory. I generally feel ‘out of it’.

I can’t believe you have just been left to get on with it and your next appointment is sometime away. If you are feeling unwell I would advise you go to A&E especially if the meds are not working.

Take care of yourself and keep us updated with how you get on

😊

[Beautifulmovement in reply to BuffMummy]

Thank you. Yea the tablets do make me feel like it’s hard to function, and you always have to weigh up what is the lesser of two evils, feeling like a zombie or being in pain.

I looked at going private but the fees are extortionate! So I’ve contacted the hospital again and asked if I can see them sooner.x