I've had more or less constant pain in my right knee for 18 months
Posted , 9 users are following.
hi, i hope someone can help me out with this issue, i'm really depressed and worried. I'm having debilitating pain in my right knee, its constant and stopping me living any form of quality of life. It started around 2 years ago and i eventually saw my GP who told me it was probably because i'm overwieght and it could be arthritis - to be expected at 64!
As usual i carried on, eventually having physio, and then an injection in my knee. All the while needing to take pain relief. Of course the pain killers became ineffective and there have been times i've not been able to walk. I live alone and i guess many of you will know pain especially in the night is not a good thing. I have had depression on and off for years, but it has really got worse.
After a talk with my Gp i was referred for an MRI - I see him this week to talk about the results. Then yesterday i had a letter from the hospital asking me to go back for an x ray. This has really worried me - why would they need to do an x ray ? What could the MRI have shown up ? Questions questioons???? Could anyone here possibly give me any idea of why etc especially if it's happened to them PLEASE
i hope to hear from people soon. kind regards lynn
0 likes, 15 replies
denisek64 lynn66766
Posted
I also had an x-ray after a mri it's just to get the full picture of what's going on sounds like you will be having a knee replacement sometime good luck and hope all goes well
mary12001 lynn66766
Posted
Dear lyn,
I would ask for an MRI scan not an X-ray.
An a-ray on a piece of 'tin' wont show anything, which is basically what your new knee is.
I had my knee done on 13/02/2016 and I am still in a lot of pain. I begged for an MRI scan and that showed issues with the patella.
I am now having to undergo another operation to have the patella resurfaced.
I am also of the opinion that shards of the cobalt chrome knee cap i had fitted have come away into my blood stream, because somedays I am extremely exhausted. I have read somewhere that can happen.
Where did you have your knee op an what type was it?
Good luck anyway, I do feel for you because Im going through similar problems and wished to God I have never had it done.
Oldfatguy1 mary12001
Posted
Mary, most Xrays anymore are digital with a lot more depth and accuracy than the old picture that was hung in front of a light. Surgeons need both for proper and complete diagnosis.
I'm in the US and he really here we get Crags 1st then depending in the amount of bone damage they see, Kris or even bone scans are ordered. Cost is also an issue. If they find what they need with an Cray they can proceed and save a $1000.
lynn66766 mary12001
Posted
hi Mary
thank you for replying. I havn't had a knee replacement, and hope i don't have to go through that. I have had an MRI but have now been asked to go for x rays. take good care lynn
alan31891 mary12001
Posted
regards alan
Michy mary12001
Posted
Hi Mary Just Asking if you had any "blood test/urine results showing raised levels since your Surgery?
I'm 6 months Right TKR and Not Happy with Recovery and Pain/Warm
Now my bloods are showing Higher Levels and Thinking there's an Infection from My Implant I will "demand" an MRI I'm in The UK
Thanks Michelle
Oldfatguy1 lynn66766
Posted
Xrays read bone, arthritic conditions etc while MRI read soft tissue damage like tendon, ligament, meniscus structure. Surgeons need both for a couple evaluation and diagnosis. In my part of the world, stays usually come 1st. Just a guess, nothingbmajoe on the MRI but they want to look at the bone on bone situation the arthritis has created. Again, just a guess as I've been in therapy with lots of people over the years that have had that sort of routine.
jenny80029 lynn66766
Posted
Are you in UK?
Don't worry, it is good they are doing an Xray, as you will know how things are with respect to your osteoarthritis. Your GP has told you that is the most likely diagnosis.
What is your BMI? They may advise weight loss as part of your treatment.
lynn66766 jenny80029
Posted
Hi Jenny
yes i'm in the uk. I guess i'm worried because really this is the first time in my life i've been like this, and i truly appreciate how lucky i am in that respect. why are my bursa so swollen if it is arthritis? Somedays i can't even bend my knee and other days it feels like my kneecap is loose or 'floating'. i never understood why i didn't have an x ray first especially the cost factor. anyway i hopefully will be ok. Thanks for replying and take care regards lynn
robin15577 lynn66766
Posted
Hi! I understand your worried but try to remain calm. An x-ray will let them see the bones I think more clearly than MRI which I think focuses more on tissue related things. I am not in medical field but I do believe they show different problems. X- ray probably wants to see arthritis in knee. That’s what I had done. The results were bone on bone.
So this could be perfectly normal in just ruling out actual cause of pain. It’s a good thing.
Hang in there everything will be alright.
CHICO_MARX lynn66766
Posted
First, don't assume anything...wait to see the doc. Second... Why a GP when you should be seeing a knee guy? Next, MRIs can be inconclusive. I had four, followed by four knee scopes to fix the problems. Wait to see the doc for answers but I'd be talking to an orthopedic surgeon at this point.
Oldfatguy1 CHICO_MARX
Posted
Chico, that's our US way.but in some countries their system dictates a different protocol. Any more, I go to a cop for sinus infections and basic lab work, the rest of the time its a direct line to a specialist because that's probably where I'll wind up anyway. My PCP also handles my pain med cocktail but if this over kill on the opiate problem doesnt ease up I may be going to the voodoo Dr in cajan country.
Oldfatguy1
Posted
jenny80029 Oldfatguy1
Posted
I was confused there...a "cop" in UK is slang for a policeman!
I am flailing for failure...much easier!
Yes, in UK on NHS it is GP first, often on several occasions, then referral to specialist if deemed appropriate. This may be an extended scope practitioner, then after that maybe a consultation with a surgeon. I was practically crawling along on my hands and knees by the time I got to see surgeon!
However, on the positive, it gave me a chance to lose some weight!
Info on ESP.... copied and pasted...
Extended Scope Practitioners (ESP) are specialist Physiotherapists who work in an extended role alongside a Medical Consultant. If you are referred to an orthopaedic clinic you may be seen by an ESP instead of the Consultant or their Registrar.
CHICO_MARX Oldfatguy1
Posted