cortisone injection and knee aspirated - an update

[HappyD34]

Hi all. Well today I had my diagnosis which is I no longer have inflammatory arthritis. I now have RA. Knee swollen for 3.5 months, great service from NHS but a lot to take in. Knee aspirated and 25ml taken and had cortisone. I was genuinely expecting my knee to have deflated but I measured it when I got home and it’s still 40cm , maybe I’m expecting too much 🙄😁. Will be on methotrexate and because of you lovely bunch of people ( new family) with your tips and feedback I was able to get injections instead of tablets. Hoping to start meds in a weeks time after training with ra nurses 😀. Praying it works well for me and trying to go in with positive mindset. Best wishes to you all and may you sleep as tho you are on clouds 😘

[janmary]

diagnoses are just words……but now you have a clear path to 🤞effective treatment.

Hope it doesn’t take too long to help!

[medway-lady]

I thought it was the same thing. But it doesn’t matter anyway. I hope the meds work for you. Xx

[Cat-E]

I never measured my knees when I've had them drained but I could tell the swelling had gone down as the tightness had gone, can you feel this? Maybe most of the fluid came from inside the joint so the external measurement will remain the same 🤷‍♀️ Also I think you need to wait a day or so for the steroid to work, you have had a massive needle inserted which in itself could cause some swelling, good luck 👍

[HappyD34 in reply to Cat-E]

Hi Cat -e , thanks for your reply. Yes my leg definitely feels better as it’s not so tight as you say. All new isn’t it when you start , lots of questions but you don’t know what you don’t know so a learning path . I have my list of questions for the rheumy nurses 😘

[stbernhard]

Good luck with Methotrexate. I hope it'll work well for you.

[oldtimer2]

I've had lots of diagnosis words used over the years, from Rheumatoid Arthritis when I first started (it certainly looked like an absolutely classical presentation) to palindromic arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis (!), and recently vasculitis,,,,It doesn't really matter what the label is, the treatments available are similar and, currently, still at the trial and error stage, although hope is dawning for a more tailored approach.

So....I wouldn't take too much notice of what words are used to describe your condition. Keep good records yourself of your symptoms and signs, with photos if applicable. Be polite but persistent in seeking help and expect to achieve a good standard of control of your condition whatever the label. Good luck!

[HappyD34 in reply to oldtimer2]

Morning Old Timer2 , thanks for your helpful reply. I know, fixated on a label , daft, it’s the symptoms I guess and keeping this beast quiet 🤐. Good advice re notes and persistence . Hope you have a great weekend xx

[Green230461]

Sorry you have the diagnosis but welcome to the RA WARRIORSthe club no one wants to be in! Best of luck to you 😃

[TassieTiger]

I’ve been on methotrexate injections for well over 10 years as the tabs weren’t doing the job. The new injectors are better for me. Expect to change the dosage when needed. I’m on 25mg a week. It has been a game changer for me as I recall how bad the pain and swelling were before. Not sure if you’re aware of it but need to watch when you take folic acid. I inject on Fri and take folic 5mg Sun to Thurs. Alaso you’re immune system will be compromised. I’m sure you know this but watch infections. Tell health officials you’re on MTX and I’ve been told that there’s a card to carry with you with blood test results(apparently). Blood tests every three months even when stable as MTX is strong stuff. Saying that I’m immuno-suppressed I’ve never had covid. Had sepsis so watch your health. Good luck on your new journey.

[HappyD34 in reply to TassieTiger]

Hey Tassie Tiger 😁thank you so much for your reply. I’m really touched by people taking the time to reply. Wish I could return the favour, hopefully one day I can. Sounds like you had a rough time and to have had sepsis must have been quite frightening. Glad you’re over that and may you continue to do well xx

[Happy5]

Good to read your progress, all the best with MTX hope it works you should know about 3 months in.