Bakers cyst

[Callabag64]

Just been told that my 4 inch bakers cyst can only be remedied by knee replacement !! Was referred for knee replacement in Jan . Told too young and to “walk through the pain” . And as long as steroids still working that will do ??

[Gnarli]

No it blooming well won't! You've had some pretty torrid times already and, after 30 years of RD, you are no wimp. What do they mean by 'too young'? Without being offensive in any way you must be in your 60's already so, surely, having some quality of life now is really important for anyone approaching retirement. We are all lectured on the importance of staying active in later life so how do they expect you to do that when you're having such pain and difficulty in moving? I'm sorry for the rant but your situation makes my blood boil. In your position I'd be tempted to contact PALS, your MP, your GP - anyone who could help you get this sorted out for you. Huge hugs for you if you want them

[Callabag64 in reply to Gnarli]

Thank you for your reply, yes I am almost 65, and am most certainly not a wimp, and since finding this forum, have had many rants, I do not usually advocate Dr Google, but you can find info on there sometimes that even the gps do not seem to know, and of course this forum is a wealth of information. So glad I found it.

[dwsurquhart]

Get on a good biologic. I am on tocilizumab and it made my baker's cysts go away in about 3 weeks while also getting my systemic inflammation down to a normal number in around 4 weeks.

[Callabag64 in reply to dwsurquhart]

Been on many biologics and currently on Rituximab, seems to make no difference as RA and Osteo in that knee.

[Chalmers]

Hi, I was 61 when I had knee replacement, (pleased with it), but guess what, still got Bakers Cyst.

[Callabag64 in reply to Chalmers]

Oh dear, I am going to ask them to remove it

[oKerrio]

I was offered a tkr at the grand age of 36 but I turned it down!

[sule]

I had a total knee replacement at 43. I am now 64 and it is still working well! Before this, I had about 9 steroid injections in the joint. During this very painful period, I had a Baker's Cyst behind my knee; an arthroscopy solved the problem and it hasn't returned. My knee, however, was too bad to have any more injections hence the replacement at an early age. I have been told that keeping my weight down is why the replaced joint has lasted. If I were you I'd ask for a second opinion.

[Callabag64 in reply to sule]

Thank you, I really don’t want to have a knee replacement at the moment, I know an arthroscopy could be done, as I have read about it, but Gp does not see to know about that . ???

[sule in reply to Callabag64]

Really?? It is a routine op. usually you can go home the same day. I'd phone the surgeon's secretary and ask if you could have an appointment to discuss possible knee arthroscopy because you were almost immobile from the pain. ...Good luck.

[Leics]

I had an arthroscopy on my shoulder and although it took a while and plenty of physio I was able to use my arm again after nearly two years and a busted collarbone which was a stress fracture I did just lifting a coffee. It worked very well and touch wood it’s been good for about 4 years so far. If a replacement isn’t on offer then my experience of arthroscopy is it’s a very good alternative.

[amyammons]

I too have had a bakers cyst behind my knee. I had my right hip and right knee replaced at age 62 last year, and am scheduled for a left hip replacement in 2 months. When they say ‘too young,’ I respond that I care about quality of life right now! I want the replacements and I’ll deal with whatever comes down the road, then! Don’t let them put you off

[Hidden]

I presume they looked at just doing drainage? I am being looked at for this too and seeing once I get on main meds for RA whether it goes down or just needs draining.

[Callabag64 in reply to Hidden]

Hi there, I have had this particular knee drained and injected 5 times in the past year, works for a while.

[Biofreak]

I am finding that doctors these days are adopting an attitude of shoulder shrugging and seem quite prepared to let you suffer instead of being proactive in treating patients whose lives are blighted by chronic illness. We are having to fight our own corner all the time to get reasonable treatment from health "professionals". Now I know there are good doctors out there but you only have to read posts on this site to realise that some people have had an appalling lack of help from their doctors.

I would complain to your GP practice manager and request a second opinion from another doctor at the surgery because you are not prepared to carry on walking through the pain as you want a decent quality of life as pain free as possible. Good luck.

[Callabag64]

Thank you for your comments