trochlear dysplasia, patellofemeral degeneration, large joint effusion, synovitis, medial meniscus injury, popliteal cysts

[FlaringFascinator]

Have been suffering with knee problems since the end of January. GP insists they are due to falling over last September, but results of an MRI requested by an orthopaedic consultant, show all of the above. They say it’s due to rheumatoid arthritis/disease. They have said that I now need to see my rheumatologist (July 8th) to see how they want to manage it. I was just wondering if anybody had any gems of knowledge to share about what has worked for them, what they have tried, and what questions I should ask the rheumatologist. Tbh it’s really impacted my quality of life - I can’t kneel, bending knee is difficult. I keep going - walking, gardening etc but I’m a lot slower than I was this time last year. Thank you in advance 🙂

[Madmusiclover]

I only have one of those (stage 4 patellofemeral degeneration assumed to be osteo, plus a bit of other wear and tear and am having a new knee this autumn! (I too was gaslighted but not by my GP). I’m surprised you’ve been referred back to rheumy. I had steroid injections on and off. They helped a bit but they were not really treating the right thing in my case. They took the swelling down though.

[FlaringFascinator in reply to Madmusiclover]

Thank you. I do seem to be given the runaround atm but I’ve had enough - I’m 53 and still want a fair amount of mobility. Just hope they get something sorted with treatment before too much damage is done. Good luck with the new knees 👍🏻

[Madmusiclover in reply to FlaringFascinator]

Let us know how you get on.

[oldtimer2]

Sounds to me as if a new knee is needed? That would be an orthopaedic surgeon specialising in knees then. Yes, you would require input from the rheumatologist, but why isn't the orthopaedic surgeon discussing this? My sister (who also has Rheumatoid Disease) has had both knees replaced with great success.

[FlaringFascinator in reply to oldtimer2]

Thank you for the info. I’m looking forward to my appt in July to actually find out what they propose. I don’t want surgery if it can be helped but to me there seems to be a lot to put right 🤷🏼‍♀️