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Help...Should I Go To ER?

Posted , 10 users are following.

pansypen
pansypen

The pain is to the point my hubby wants me to go to the ER.  I just took 2 Lortab 5 mg and 2 Ibuprophen.  I'm on vacation and don't know what to do. We rented a scooter.  Just arrived in D.C. last night.  Pain comes on while lying down and have to get up and then can barely walking.  Grabbed the crutches and paced...pain lifted.  I have appnt with ortho May 12.  It's been this bad for about 4 weeks.  Any movement especially while laying down is almost unbearable.  What should I do?

1 like, 35 replies

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  • pansypen
    pansypen

    Posted

    Just wanted to include that I have NOT hace KR and I have OA.  This knee has been bone on bone for 10 years.  It was reconstructed in 1975.  I've been wearing $$$$ braces on both knees for about 10 years because of laxity in joints.  The pain I'm experiencing now is like a throb that radiates into the front of my shin and down almost to my ankle, also sciatic and outside of my thigh.  The knee itself is a peircing pain.  Some vacation this is going to be.  "/  We would have cancelled it but reserved the room several months ago with non-refundable reservations.  Big mistake.
  • pansypen
    pansypen

    Posted

    * I have NOT "had" KR.  Please excuse my typos.  Thanks :0)
    • Oldfatguy1
      Oldfatguy1 pansypen

      Posted

      How are things this morning? Hope you got a little rest.
    • pansypen
      pansypen Oldfatguy1

      Posted

      Hi, the pain calmed down after I took pain meds, used Voltaren Gel on the joint, Arnicare Gel on shin, sciatic and thigh.  I also used Arnicare sublingual tablets and then finally got comfortable enough to go to sleep. I stayed off that knee today using scooter, crutches and wheelchair to get around.  Thank you so much for asking. smile
  • mary7663
    mary7663 pansypen

    Posted

    Go to ER
    • pansypen
      pansypen mary7663

      Posted

      I came sooo close to doing exactly that.  My hubby was upset.  It finally calmed down after a boatload of meds and gels.  Staying off that knee as much as possible.  If it flares like that again and it doesn't respond to the meds I will have no choice but to go.  I hope I can avoid it until I back home and see my ortho on the 12th.  Thank you! smile
  • jean68068
    jean68068 pansypen

    Posted

    I think your hubby is right.  You should get to the ER and see what is going on.  Obviously something has changed.  Don't take chances of it getting worse.  Good luck!
    • pansypen
      pansypen jean68068

      Posted

      I agree Jean, this kind of pain doesn't make any sense.  I don't know if it because it was reconstructed 40 yrs ago and now the joint has deteriorated to the point that the pain escalates to such an unbearable level....I just don't know.  If it reaches to the point of not responding to pain meds and gels, I will have no other choice but to go to the ER.  I really hope I can hold off until I get home and see my ortho on the 12th.  Thank you so much for caring and answering my distress call !   
  • Oldfatguy1
    Oldfatguy1 pansypen

    Posted

    I suggest icing the entire joint.....front and back. Take an anti inflammatory like Aleve or Motrin. Don't take an ibuproprian as the loritab may contain some of that. I would suggest the ER but not sure what they would do beings it's not your home hospital or Dr. Where is home and did you drive in or fly. Too bad you can't see the pres this time of night.....he seems to think he has an answer for everything (pardon the humor or lack thereof). Try elevating your leg or if there is a recliner in the room use that with a pillow under the bottom half of your leg and foot. Nothing worse than being away from home and being in misery. Keep us informed. The other thing, I would stay off of it as much as possible
    • Oldfatguy1
      Oldfatguy1

      Posted

      I re-read and saw where you a had already taken the ibuprofen......some narcotics are mixed with Tylenol and that dosage plus the extra can had an adverse affect on the liver if used over a sustained period. If you decide to go to ER make sure they are aware of the doseage of everything you have taken.

      Good luck. I was on the road for over 40 years and know what you are going through with hurting in the middle of the night. That hotel room becomes awfully small by morning.

    • david55379
      david55379 Oldfatguy1

      Posted

      Don't forget OFG the President "dropped the mic- Obama out" so he's not working. Lol
    • pansypen
      pansypen Oldfatguy1

      Posted

      Didn't realize Ibuprofen is contraindicated to the Lortab.  I knew not to take Acetaminophen as the Lortabl contains it.  We are from Pittsburgh and drove in...only a 4 hour drive.  I've been elevating with pillows.  Ice makes it throb even worse.  I was using ice as recent as last week and then it made the pain worse.  Heat makes it worse.  I don't understand why the ice would do that?  As for the pres, I think I'm better off steering clear of him.  No pun intended---my scooter. hehe  Thanks again for caring and all of your suggestions! 
    • mary7663
      mary7663 pansypen

      Posted

      Ice shouldn't make something throb  if you have lots of insulation and then again don't leave it on to long.

      Did you come to watch the Penguins play? I live outside DC......and have a family a Pittsburgh crazies...LOL

    • pansypen
      pansypen mary7663

      Posted

      I've actually never been to a Penguins game.  I do love my Pirates!  

      What a small world!  

      Yes, the ice should make it feel better.  Don't understand that one.

    • mary7663
      mary7663 pansypen

      Posted

      My son-in-law is from Pittsburgh and they cheer for all the teams.  Pittsburgh fans are crazy (passionate).
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