Knee Aspirations, knee problems etc

[ge0rge]

OK so i had my knee aspirated Friday - didn't seem the Dr did a very good job as there was still synovial fluid in and around the cap after the visit - felt like going back in and asking for it to be done properly but i really dont like having it done in the first place. Today the knee has swollen up again, already, looks like im going to have surgery or sulfasalazine to stop it from producing lots of synovial..

Dr seems to think its my knee 'coating' thats causing the additional synovial fluid - but try getting anything other than a hotch potch rushed answer from a NHS dr - not saying theyre all bad -just the ones I seem to come into contact..

Has anyone ever taken Sulfasalazine - seems like the side effects listed on the brochure are only half of the actual side effects possible..
Are there any alternatives to a hard drug and surgery - anything natural i could take?! Its also a massive PITA because i have to wait 6 weeks or so for the Dr in my area who can do such aspirations to become available.. £85 to have it done privately but they still want £255 for a 'consultation'...

Becoming a bit despondent with the waiting, pain and faffing around really - just want it sorted pronto. Any advise would be most gratefully welcomed...

Edited by ge0rge on Saturday 28th April 23:25

[The_Doc]

This can't be done on the internet.

I'm sorry, but I'm a knee surgeon and there's no way I can make sense of your problem properly and in a fashion that is professional without sitting down with you, examining your leg and getting some Xrays.

Advice over the web is only going to confuse.

Go back and ask your doctor to either explain things better, or refer you on to either a Rheumatologist or an Orthopaedic Surgeon

[drdc1971]

Hi Ge0rge

Much as it pains me as a rheumatologist to agree with an orthopod, The Doc is entirely correct - guessing the nature of your problem without getting a full clinical history, examining you and getting some blood tests is going to be worthless. You need to speak to the team looking after you and be guided by them.
For what it is worth, sulfasalazine is actually pretty well tolerated if that is what you end up on.
Arthritis Research UK have a good website with sensible information rather than internet horror stories.

David

[ge0rge]

Cheers for the info guys, appreciate the internets a pretty poor place to get diagnosis - good to do some initial research to better arm oneself with before going back i guess...