Using flexiseq - tips please

[Broseley]

I have recently been discharged by my rheumy, despite my crippling knee pain which he thinks is OA. I am still on half mg pred, and take blood thinners so can't take NSAIDs. I'm waiting for an XRay result.

Lovely people on here have suggested I use Flexiseq. I have just started to use it. No noticeable effects yet, but it says it might take a few days.

The instructions say to allow it to dry for 10 minutes. If you apply it morning and night as instructed, this means waiting around with a bare leg before you can get dressed or get into bed. Apart from anything, it's too cold here in the UK to do this! Any tips please?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

See this re applying -just scroll down to find knee video.,

And probably needs a bit longer that a few days-

flexiseq.com/pages/how-to-a...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Was the knee pain significantly better with 1 or 2mg pred? If so. why won't they let you use it as the OA painkiller - 1mg pred is far less risky long term than any of the NSAIDs. The Pain Clinic here has a hissy fit about NSAIDs - doesn't turn a hair about my pred dose which is a lot higher than yours!!!

As for bare legs while waiting for it to dry, sure your dressing gown covers enough? And I have the heating on in the winter ...

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRpro]

No need - just roll trouser/pyjama leg above knee up - as video shows 😊

[Broseley in reply to DorsetLady]

Unfortunately my knees are too fat to roll my trousers up! However my nightie is OK. Just cold. 10 minutes seems like an eternity when your leg is so cold! I laid in bed last night with just my right leg sticking out - luckily I sleep on the right hand side.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Broseley]

Lay a towel over the exposed bits! Always an old-fashioned HWB if you won't put the heating on. I work on the assumption I can't take my pennies with me and I will be warm in this world when the weather is so bad - I'll be warm enough in the next since I'm assuming I'll be downstairs!!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Broseley]

As PMRpro says you can cover the upper and lower leg with something -towel, throw, cardigan… it’s only the bit you apply the cream to that needs to be open to the air..,

[Broseley in reply to PMRpro]

I'm guessing you don't want anything touching it while it's drying, including a dressing gown. It's cold here now, 16⁰ in our house this morning, and I refuse to put the heating on in June. Though it is supposed to be warmer next week.

Regarding pred use, I was thinking of doing this as I have plenty, and especially as we are off on holiday in early July, to an AirBnB at the bottom of a steep hill from the bus stop. A first floor apartment up some external steps. Plus we won't have a car. I will take a walking stick, but 6 weeks ago I was able to walk normally and I don't want this issue to spoil my holiday.

[BedfordBoy]

Hi Broseley, I first bought some about 3 years ago on a work colleague's recommendation. And nothing happened! So I gave up with it and tried various other methods for my knees. Everything I tried seemed to have a limited effect or limited duration of benefit. Then one day I decided to try the flexiseq again but instead of waiting for it to completely dry I used the wife's hair dryer on it to speed things up. To my surprise it stated to work for me. After a few days I was feeling much better so I started to think about why it wasn't working originally. I came to the conclusion that it was the heat that made it sink into my flesh and amplified the effect. So next I didn't use the hairdryer, just rubbed it vigorously until dry, this creating heat. The effect was good. Now I use flexiseq every day when I know I'm going out. It's dear but I'd be lost without it now. Give it a try like I did. Hope you have the same effects!

[Broseley in reply to BedfordBoy]

Thanks, the issue escalated when my left hip 'went' and I had to cancel my holiday. I tool 5mg extra pred and not only did the hip resolve but so did my knee! It's been fine ever since...

[BedfordBoy in reply to Broseley]

Glad you've found a solution! Excuse my ignorance but what is pred? Is it the same as Naproxen?The reason I ask is that I was going to ask the doctor for a replacement drug as I've been using Omerprazole/ Naproxen for 10 years or so and I'm not sure if they're doing me any good any more.

Every bit of knowledge gained is a help. Thanks.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to BedfordBoy]

Pred is shortened version of Prednisolone and is a steroid. Also called corticosteroids, and are anti-inflammatory medicines used to treat a range of conditions.

They're different from anabolic steroids, which are often used illegally by some people to increase their muscle mass.

On this forum they are used by patients to reduce inflammation caused by PMR and GCA -Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis.

[BedfordBoy in reply to DorsetLady]

Hi Dorset Lady, thanks for the clarification. I was flicking through the forum and noticed the word Flexiseq which prompted me to join the discussion.I've had 3 "cortisone" injections in my knee over the years but the last one barely made any difference, unlike the first one which was a great benefit. Like many people in pain, I'll try virtually anything eh!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to BedfordBoy]

I’m an advocate of Flexiseq as well - had 3 joints replaced so used it a lot before then (plus cortisone injections). Still use it now for grumbling shoulder - hoping that won’t need any surgical intervention!

Interesting comments about your use of flexiseq… but you definitely don’t want oral steroids [amended -for arthritis].

I was on them for just over 4 years for GCA -thankfully I’ve been in remission for last 8 years.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to DorsetLady]

"but you definitely don’t want oral steroids…"

Not unless you develop PMR or GCA which are the central topics on this forum!!!!!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRpro]

I meant for arthritis - BB has that, not PMR nor GCA….have amended…

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to DorsetLady]

I was thinking of possible future events. Or others who found the thread as he did and then developed the fear of pred ... Too many of those already!!!!

[BedfordBoy in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you for your advice and I hope you're feeling better as time goes on. All the best!😉

[Broseley in reply to BedfordBoy]

Sorry to cause confusion. I guess I assumed everyone on this forum has PMR and /or GCA.

[BedfordBoy in reply to Broseley]

No, I was just browsing the forum and your post caught my attention. Any knowledge I pick up is a bonus eh!

[Broseley in reply to BedfordBoy]

Thanks for the advice re flexiseq. I'll try that next time.

[BedfordBoy in reply to Broseley]

You're most welcome 😉