Just What I Knee-ded

I've given the xrays, the DVD of the MRI, and ultrasound of my knee to the Orthopedist. He reviews them and reads the reports. I describe to him the problems I experience with my knee and we discuss the location/incidence of pain and swelling.

"The findings of the investigations are consistent with what you are telling me." Point to Chris for credibility.

"Your knee isn't the worst that I've ever seen. The only way to resolve it, is through surgery. You are a terrible candidate for surgical intervention. A routine procedure becomes very high risk for you. And this isn't an emergency; it's completely elective." Point to Doc.

We agree to stabilize it in a brace. He suggests a product to reduce swelling. I can't tell if it's latex-free. He doesn't know, so he gives me one to sample only. He says he would like to offer some anti-inflammatories as part of the treatment, but since I'm allergic to NSAIDS, he can't even suggest a topical that may help. Even topicals have a degree of systemic effect. I did not know this.

I learn that for the brace to work properly, I have to put the buttress in a particular spot. Problem is, that spot is the central pain site. At least I'll know if I've got it on right.

It's definitely supporting the knee. But I can't cheat-walk anymore. Cheat-walk is the term I use to describe how one changes her gait and stride to compensate for tears in the cartilage and tendons of her knee. When one cheat-walks, pain is reduced. Granted, it probably causes other problems by loading stress or something, but the primary benefit is pain management.

Day one: Brace in position for 12 hrs.
Knee lock up incidents during that time: One.
That is an improvement of 11 lockups over the same time period.

Day two: 12 hrs.
Knee lock ups: One.
I can live with that. Maybe the pain will improve too. I'm on it too much right now to really judge any improvement.

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