Baker Cyst - osmosis patches

[Neonkitty]

Hi dear folks, I am awaiting my GP appointment Friday about my RA/biologic fears and this Baker Cyst. Just wondered if any of you had heard of the Osmosis patches to go behind the knee? I know theoretically how they draw out the fluid into a powder in the patch overnight and I believe there is tourmaline crystal/powder in it, but does anyone know if they are safe? Or has anyone ever tried them? I am using my micro wheat pad, as an ice pack too cold for me at the mo. (It has an effect to make me rush to the loo in cold weather and with these knees that isn't always going to be a successful race!! I do feel ice may help more, but have to pluck up courage as I don't like doing it. I will do it upstairs so I am near the loo! I am sceptical about many of these wonder products but someone told me it had worked for them too. A shoulder bursitis.

I am not allowed another Kenalog injection on it as it is too soon since the last, but my problem has been having to tap/kick open my porch door regularly to let the cat in as it has swelled in the snowy wet weather (door not cat!!) and so has the front door. They always go back to normal about March so no use shaving bits off! Have to jab door with my foot with a pair or sturdy soled (Reiker) shoes on but my rheumatologist said this will have aggravated the joint and made the cyst come back full. I hope my GP will write to to see if at least the Rheumatologist may try and drain the cyst direct.

Neon Kitty x

[Hidden]

neon kitty the answer is a cat flap and train your cat to use it! mine soon got the hang of using one.Kicking the door or even worse kicking ( just joking !) the catr is not the answer.

why are you afraid of the biologics?

[Neonkitty]

Hi Summer, my husband refuses point blank re cat flap. Cat is a notorious hunter and brings wildlife in. it would help as the cat has us up and down all the time. I can't win in this one. I read so many positive things about the biologics and how soon they take effect, especially Enbrel it sould seem, and then saw on a link someone who had developed MS quite soon after starting biologics. The casual way one US manufacturer also stated it could cause cancers - it hasn't been proven. I know there is no certainty of what eill happen and my joints need something better but i habent had a talk with anyone at the hospital more than - you need to be on a biologic. I need to research more and come to a de vision, but like many people I have seen write about their decisions, they don't always coke quickly. Anyhow, I will see what the GP says Friday as thsttime is the earliest appointment in the afternoon and I csn't come round from the joint stiffness in my legs to do a morning appointment at the

docs. Must go let that cat in. Wonder if I could give him his own key?! xx

[Neonkitty]

De vision?!! Argh. Decision. Apols. My hands still coming round. Early!

[allanah]

Hi, we had a cat flap that had a magnet on the collar so when the cat came in it would open automatically for him and close behind. For some reason also she didn't bring in mice when we had the magnetic flap and her habit of bring other cat friends home stopped! Also could she not be encouraged to come in a window, mine always jumped up?

Ye I always worry about side effects of the drugs but my family who were not as lucky for biologicals to be invented now have major mobility problems so for me I want to avoid the joints getting worse, so that's why I wanted to go ahead.

Hope the cyst improves soon.xx

[Hidden]

Hi Neonkitty

Here at NRAS we have not come across the 'Osmopatch' and, when looking for further information, can only find American websites so it would certainly be worth discussing this with your GP if you are considering trying the patch.

In terms of your worries about the biologic drugs this is something that we are often asked about on the NRAS helpline and I think it's completely understandable to feel apprehensive. However, the latest research has concluded that there is no evidence for an increase in risk of solid cancers with the anti-TNF biological therapies above that which would be expected for the rest of the RA population. There may be a small increased risk in skin cancers so patients are encouraged to be vigilant in noticing any changes to their skin, but fortunately this is one of the more easily treatable cancers.

There have, as you have read, been cases of individuals developing nerve disorders including MS when on anti-TNF therapy so these drugs should not be given when there is a clear history of multiple sclerosis or similar disorders. However, in most of these cases the symptoms resolved themselves when the drug was withdrawn.

It is important to be aware of potential side effects of drugs but of course it is just as important to weight up the potential benefits to be gained from trying a new medication, and many people do get on very well with the biologic drugs, with around two thirds of patients experiencing some benefit after 6 months of treatment.

If you want to find out a bit more about the biologic drugs you can download our, 'Biologics, the story so far...' booklet from our website: nras.org.uk/help_for_you/pu...

I hope you manage to get some relief from the Baker's Cyst soon.

Kind regards

Sarah Kate

NRAS