patellafemoral osteo diagnosis
evrhpfl posted:
I'm a relatively healthy 55 year old woman...and have been a waitress ALL my life. I was recently told by an orthopedic surgeon that I have fairly severe arthritis in bo."th knees. In the left, I can't sit and can walk only with pretty severe pain, not to mention TONS of clicking and popping. No way can I straighten or stand on the right knee.
He said, "there's nothing we can do for it, no surgery would help you, it's progressive. Here's some naproxen, call me in four weeks."
That pretty much takes away my ability to support myself with absolutely NO direction whatsoever! The more I think about it, the more appalled and dissatisfied I am with that consult. No MRI, no real tests. He looked at old x-rays online, three quick views that showed nothing. Did a little manipulation and sent me on my way.
I refuse to accept that as an end! Without the ability to walk...and walk A LOT...I am homeless. That just can't be the END of it all! Don't specialist treat osteoarthritis as well as rheumatoid?
I asked about braces since it's screaming painful. He said, "well, you could wrap it if you wanna keep it warm or something but nothing really does much good." He said, "well, you COULD get cortisone injections" then changed the subject!
And the more I write out what this guy said, the more upset I get. What doctor gives you a DEVASTATING diagnosis and then says, "I got nothing for ya, have a nice day, and pay your copay on your way out" Okay, HE didn't say that last part, his receptionist did!
So I'm going to put on the $50 knee brace I bought at CVS and get ready for another brutal night at work. I would SO appreciate some advice! I feel like a bomb got dropped in my life and it's just "too bad! Here's an aspirin!"
I've worked SO hard all my life...raised two kids waitressing and bartending. I'm back in college but only a sophomore and YEARS from having a degree that will help me get out of the restaurant industry. And NOW...another devastating thing about this knee thing is I can't sit! I think the reason it's so bad right now is from sitting in class! So...walking is OUT. Sitting is OUT. How do you support yourself from a recliner?? That's the ONLY time I'm out of pain.
Thank you in advance to anyone who has some advice!
He said, "there's nothing we can do for it, no surgery would help you, it's progressive. Here's some naproxen, call me in four weeks."
That pretty much takes away my ability to support myself with absolutely NO direction whatsoever! The more I think about it, the more appalled and dissatisfied I am with that consult. No MRI, no real tests. He looked at old x-rays online, three quick views that showed nothing. Did a little manipulation and sent me on my way.
I refuse to accept that as an end! Without the ability to walk...and walk A LOT...I am homeless. That just can't be the END of it all! Don't specialist treat osteoarthritis as well as rheumatoid?
I asked about braces since it's screaming painful. He said, "well, you could wrap it if you wanna keep it warm or something but nothing really does much good." He said, "well, you COULD get cortisone injections" then changed the subject!
And the more I write out what this guy said, the more upset I get. What doctor gives you a DEVASTATING diagnosis and then says, "I got nothing for ya, have a nice day, and pay your copay on your way out" Okay, HE didn't say that last part, his receptionist did!
So I'm going to put on the $50 knee brace I bought at CVS and get ready for another brutal night at work. I would SO appreciate some advice! I feel like a bomb got dropped in my life and it's just "too bad! Here's an aspirin!"
I've worked SO hard all my life...raised two kids waitressing and bartending. I'm back in college but only a sophomore and YEARS from having a degree that will help me get out of the restaurant industry. And NOW...another devastating thing about this knee thing is I can't sit! I think the reason it's so bad right now is from sitting in class! So...walking is OUT. Sitting is OUT. How do you support yourself from a recliner?? That's the ONLY time I'm out of pain.
Thank you in advance to anyone who has some advice!
77 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:patellafemoral osteo diagnosisI'm a relatively healthy 55 year old woman...and have been a waitress ALL my life. I was recently told by an orthopedic surgeon that I have fairly severe arthritis in bo."th knees. In the left, I can't sit and can walk only with pretty severe pain, not to mention TONS of clicking and popping. No way can I straighten or stand on the right knee.<br />He said, "there's nothing we can do for it, no surgery would help you, it's progressive. Here's some naproxen, call me in four weeks."<br /><br />That pretty much takes away my ability to support myself with absolutely NO direction whatsoever! The more I think about it, the more appalled and dissatisfied I am with that consult. No MRI, no real tests. He looked at old x-rays online, three quick views that showed nothing. Did a little manipulation and sent me on my way.<br /><br />I refuse to accept that as an end! Without the ability to walk...and walk A LOT...I am homeless. That just can't be the END of it all! Don't specialist treat osteoarthritis as well as rheumatoid? <br /><br />I asked about braces since it's screaming painful. He said, "well, you could wrap it if you wanna keep it warm or something but nothing really does much good." He said, "well, you COULD get cortisone injections" then changed the subject!<br /><br />And the more I write out what this guy said, the more upset I get. What doctor gives you a DEVASTATING diagnosis and then says, "I got nothing for ya, have a nice day, and pay your copay on your way out" Okay, HE didn't say that last part, his receptionist did!<br /><br />So I'm going to put on the $50 knee brace I bought at CVS and get ready for another brutal night at work. I would SO appreciate some advice! I feel like a bomb got dropped in my life and it's just "too bad! Here's an aspirin!" <br /><br />I've worked SO hard all my life...raised two kids waitressing and bartending. I'm back in college but only a sophomore and YEARS from having a degree that will help me get out of the restaurant industry. And NOW...another devastating thing about this knee thing is I can't sit! I think the reason it's so bad right now is from sitting in class! So...walking is OUT. Sitting is OUT. How do you support yourself from a recliner?? That's the ONLY time I'm out of pain.<br /><br />Thank you in advance to anyone who has some advice!
freemeofpain12 responded:
First of all, I feel really terrible about what you are going through. I have been going through something very similar. Second of all you need to find a new doctor, preferably a rhumotoligist and finding a good one won't be easy, but orthos are known to be fat headed jerks. Don't believe him and get a second opinion asap. Good luck to you!
Report This| Share this:patellafemoral osteo diagnosisFirst of all, I feel really terrible about what you are going through. I have been going through something very similar. Second of all you need to find a new doctor, preferably a rhumotoligist and finding a good one won't be easy, but orthos are known to be fat headed jerks. Don't believe him and get a second opinion asap. Good luck to you!
klbapb responded:
I have the same question
Caprice_WebMD_Staff replied to klbapb's response:
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Report This| Share this:patellafemoral osteo diagnosisHi Klbapb and welcome to WebMD,<br /><br />You're responding on an old thread begun months ago. Be sure to read all five pages of this discussion and if you still don't have your own questions answered, try starting a new discussion on the board with your own.<br /><br />To do that, hold your cursor over the orange Post Now button on the upper right and choose 'Discussion' from the drop down menu which appears. Fill in the subject line and body of the message (you can ignore the poll part if you want) and Submit. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0">
jmarie45 responded:
I have Osteoarthritis also,the best thing I ever did was have a knee replacement. I went to the doctor and received the same treatment as you, than I went to an orthopedic doctor and he fixed me up. I had one of my knees replaced about 3 years ago and now the other knee is going fast, the only option is surgery recovery is about 6 weeks you will not regret it.
Report This| Share this:patellafemoral osteo diagnosisI have Osteoarthritis also,the best thing I ever did was have a knee replacement. I went to the doctor and received the same treatment as you, than I went to an orthopedic doctor and he fixed me up. I had one of my knees replaced about 3 years ago and now the other knee is going fast, the only option is surgery recovery is about 6 weeks you will not regret it.
armyhoney1 responded:
I am also going through the same thing. I am only 32 though. I've had problems with my knees my whole life and was always rough with them despite the problems. I went to see an orthopedic and he said that my cartlage is fine but my knee caps are not in the right spot. He game me shots in both my knees and they were fine for a few months but now they hurt real bad again...esp in the morning. I refuse to get more shots...it hurt worse than child birth lol. My dr said that I will need surgery to fix my knee caps but right now that's not an option. So I'm just dealing with the pain and wear my brace when it gets real bad. Luckily I don't work but I do have a toddler and an infant so I'm always running around. I also have stairs and can hardly walk up or down them, My knee does this horrible grinding sound and I can feel my knee cap slidding when I walk. I think you should get a 2nd opinion on your knees. Good luck.
Report This| Share this:patellafemoral osteo diagnosisI am also going through the same thing. I am only 32 though. I've had problems with my knees my whole life and was always rough with them despite the problems. I went to see an orthopedic and he said that my cartlage is fine but my knee caps are not in the right spot. He game me shots in both my knees and they were fine for a few months but now they hurt real bad again...esp in the morning. I refuse to get more shots...it hurt worse than child birth lol. My dr said that I will need surgery to fix my knee caps but right now that's not an option. So I'm just dealing with the pain and wear my brace when it gets real bad. Luckily I don't work but I do have a toddler and an infant so I'm always running around. I also have stairs and can hardly walk up or down them, My knee does this horrible grinding sound and I can feel my knee cap slidding when I walk. I think you should get a 2nd opinion on your knees. Good luck.
Grandmajese responded:
I'm there right next to ya, it's gotten so bad that I'm afraid to go back the doctor. My sugestion...a new doctor and SSI. Thats what I'm doing, I have no choice. Good luck
Report This| Share this:patellafemoral osteo diagnosisI'm there right next to ya, it's gotten so bad that I'm afraid to go back the doctor. My sugestion...a new doctor and SSI. Thats what I'm doing, I have no choice. Good luck
Grandmajese replied to DavidaDavis's response:
enzyme therapy? joint hydration?
jankearney123 responded:
I've had this same dx since i was 13 and 14 not the ostheo part but the kneecap problem. They did (sarcasm here) a neato surgeries at that age and did archaic surgeries at that time i was told 2 years after the surgeries when i still could not get around.
Ice is my firend. Luckily i am self employeed but i still gotta move! They told me that I have moderate to severe arthritis in the joint however tghey refuse to do replacements. Its just as well untill i can strengthen my quads ( the only thing that will help) and or scrapijng under the knee cap orthoscopically (which i won't do because i had it done once before and it didn't do anything) Even tho you walk a ton and are physically fit you must strengthen the muscle on the inside of your leg of your quad. straight leg lifts help and once you get to a good thirty holdind for ten second eac and then doing in sets of ten with a 30 sec. break in between for each leg then you may start adding weights on the thigh. Don't ever let anyo9ne try to put weights on your ankles its a real killer!
I don't know of any real solution tho i do know they can take out knee caps because i had a friend many years ago. Its very dangerous because igf you don't have a knee cap and you are to fall its serious business. But with technology today I would imagine they'd just replace the whole joint and call it good!
I've been the gamit of orthos and most have horrible bedsides and they've all told me pretty much what i'm telling you. Strengthen the quads. recumbrant bike. I'm very overweight so that isn't on my side but you sound in good shape if you weight tables but that doesn't mean that you have strong quads because you learn to use other muscles to compensate. Go to a good gym and get a trainer and see what they think of your quads and the such. They can be helpful in strengthening if you make sure they know you have a kneecvap problem with arthritis. and guess what when you support yourself from a recliner then your back gets jacked so its not a good idea!
well i'm very tired so thats all iu have for tonight good luck in your quest if you find out anythuing for us I'm only 52 let me know.
Ice is my firend. Luckily i am self employeed but i still gotta move! They told me that I have moderate to severe arthritis in the joint however tghey refuse to do replacements. Its just as well untill i can strengthen my quads ( the only thing that will help) and or scrapijng under the knee cap orthoscopically (which i won't do because i had it done once before and it didn't do anything) Even tho you walk a ton and are physically fit you must strengthen the muscle on the inside of your leg of your quad. straight leg lifts help and once you get to a good thirty holdind for ten second eac and then doing in sets of ten with a 30 sec. break in between for each leg then you may start adding weights on the thigh. Don't ever let anyo9ne try to put weights on your ankles its a real killer!
I don't know of any real solution tho i do know they can take out knee caps because i had a friend many years ago. Its very dangerous because igf you don't have a knee cap and you are to fall its serious business. But with technology today I would imagine they'd just replace the whole joint and call it good!
I've been the gamit of orthos and most have horrible bedsides and they've all told me pretty much what i'm telling you. Strengthen the quads. recumbrant bike. I'm very overweight so that isn't on my side but you sound in good shape if you weight tables but that doesn't mean that you have strong quads because you learn to use other muscles to compensate. Go to a good gym and get a trainer and see what they think of your quads and the such. They can be helpful in strengthening if you make sure they know you have a kneecvap problem with arthritis. and guess what when you support yourself from a recliner then your back gets jacked so its not a good idea!
well i'm very tired so thats all iu have for tonight good luck in your quest if you find out anythuing for us I'm only 52 let me know.
Report This| Share this:patellafemoral osteo diagnosisI've had this same dx since i was 13 and 14 not the ostheo part but the kneecap problem. They did (sarcasm here) a neato surgeries at that age and did archaic surgeries at that time i was told 2 years after the surgeries when i still could not get around.<br /> <br />Ice is my firend. Luckily i am self employeed but i still gotta move! They told me that I have moderate to severe arthritis in the joint however tghey refuse to do replacements. Its just as well untill i can strengthen my quads ( the only thing that will help) and or scrapijng under the knee cap orthoscopically (which i won't do because i had it done once before and it didn't do anything) Even tho you walk a ton and are physically fit you must strengthen the muscle on the inside of your leg of your quad. straight leg lifts help and once you get to a good thirty holdind for ten second eac and then doing in sets of ten with a 30 sec. break in between for each leg then you may start adding weights on the thigh. Don't ever let anyo9ne try to put weights on your ankles its a real killer! <br /> <br />I don't know of any real solution tho i do know they can take out knee caps because i had a friend many years ago. Its very dangerous because igf you don't have a knee cap and you are to fall its serious business. But with technology today I would imagine they'd just replace the whole joint and call it good!<br /><br />I've been the gamit of orthos and most have horrible bedsides and they've all told me pretty much what i'm telling you. Strengthen the quads. recumbrant bike. I'm very overweight so that isn't on my side but you sound in good shape if you weight tables but that doesn't mean that you have strong quads because you learn to use other muscles to compensate. Go to a good gym and get a trainer and see what they think of your quads and the such. They can be helpful in strengthening if you make sure they know you have a kneecvap problem with arthritis. and guess what when you support yourself from a recliner then your back gets jacked so its not a good idea!<br /> <br />well i'm very tired so thats all iu have for tonight good luck in your quest if you find out anythuing for us I'm only 52 let me know.
Andalyn responded:
I'm 61 years old and less than a year ago I had severe OA in most of my major joints and my knees were the worst. I started taking boron (a trace mineral) 3-6 mg a day plus a supplement like Knox gelatin. At this time my pain medication is cut in half plus sometimes I feel so good I skip a dose. Search the internet, you will find lots of information about boron and it is a cheap supplement. Make sure you get all your vitamins, minerals, and trace minerals. I'm sure you've heard of the honey & cinnamon treatment or gin soaked raisins. Both are rich in boron. Compared to a year ago, I feel like a new woman. Good luck!
Report This| Share this:patellafemoral osteo diagnosisI'm 61 years old and less than a year ago I had severe OA in most of my major joints and my knees were the worst. I started taking boron (a trace mineral) 3-6 mg a day plus a supplement like Knox gelatin. At this time my pain medication is cut in half plus sometimes I feel so good I skip a dose. Search the internet, you will find lots of information about boron and it is a cheap supplement. Make sure you get all your vitamins, minerals, and trace minerals. I'm sure you've heard of the honey & cinnamon treatment or gin soaked raisins. Both are rich in boron. Compared to a year ago, I feel like a new woman. Good luck!
Prettyrenee responded:
Sorry, for the pain, I have similar issues and I have found that Tai Chi exercises have helped, I provide a few links I hope it helps, It took a few month and when I stopped the pain came back, have gone back to doing Tai Chi. Tai Chi Exercises Both Mind and Body (www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/guide/tai-chi-health )
Tai Chi & Qigong (chi kung) DVD, Book, FREE Lessons, Teachers ... (www.worldtaichiday.org/ )
Prettyrenee
Tai Chi & Qigong (chi kung) DVD, Book, FREE Lessons, Teachers ... (www.worldtaichiday.org/ )
Prettyrenee
Report This| Share this:patellafemoral osteo diagnosisSorry, for the pain, I have similar issues and I have found that <b>Tai Chi exercises have helped, I provide a few links I hope it helps, It took a few month and when I stopped the pain came back, have gone back to doing Tai Chi. </b><a href="http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/guide/tai-chi-health"><b>Tai Chi</b> Exercises Both Mind and Body</a> (<a href="http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/guide/tai-chi-health">www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/guide/<b>tai</b>-<b>chi</b>-health</a> )<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.worldtaichiday.org/"><b>Tai Chi</b> & Qigong (chi kung) DVD, Book, FREE Lessons, Teachers <b>...</b></a> (<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.worldtaichiday.org/">www.world<b>taichi</b>day.org/</a> )<br /> <br />Prettyrenee
picklemanjim responded:
HI,
JUST WONDERING HOW YTOU ARE DOING? MY SITUATION IS SIMILIAR, BOTH KNEES AFFECTED IN ALOT OF PAIN. I HAVE A GREAT SURGEON, HOWEVER, MY OPTIONS ARE LIMITED AS I CANT HAVE SURGERY, DONT LIKE TAKING STERIODS AND NOTHING SEEMS TO HELP. CURRENTLY ON A EXERCISE LOW IMPACT PROGRAM , ICEING AND A OCCASIONAL TYLENOL. I
CANT TAKE OTHER MEDS. I GUESS I AM JUST VENTING MY FRUSTRATION. HOPE YOU ARE DOING BETTER.
JIM
JUST WONDERING HOW YTOU ARE DOING? MY SITUATION IS SIMILIAR, BOTH KNEES AFFECTED IN ALOT OF PAIN. I HAVE A GREAT SURGEON, HOWEVER, MY OPTIONS ARE LIMITED AS I CANT HAVE SURGERY, DONT LIKE TAKING STERIODS AND NOTHING SEEMS TO HELP. CURRENTLY ON A EXERCISE LOW IMPACT PROGRAM , ICEING AND A OCCASIONAL TYLENOL. I
CANT TAKE OTHER MEDS. I GUESS I AM JUST VENTING MY FRUSTRATION. HOPE YOU ARE DOING BETTER.
JIM
Report This| Share this:patellafemoral osteo diagnosisHI, <br />JUST WONDERING HOW YTOU ARE DOING? MY SITUATION IS SIMILIAR, BOTH KNEES AFFECTED IN ALOT OF PAIN. I HAVE A GREAT SURGEON, HOWEVER, MY OPTIONS ARE LIMITED AS I CANT HAVE SURGERY, DONT LIKE TAKING STERIODS AND NOTHING SEEMS TO HELP. CURRENTLY ON A EXERCISE LOW IMPACT PROGRAM , ICEING AND A OCCASIONAL TYLENOL. I<br />CANT TAKE OTHER MEDS. I GUESS I AM JUST VENTING MY FRUSTRATION. HOPE YOU ARE DOING BETTER.<br /><br />JIM
rojocode responded:
go to another Doctor for another opinion. Check with any nurses you may know who might know about which orthos in your area are good, and please be aware that orthos sub-specialize. You want to see a Doc who practices sports medicine, or is a knee and shoulder ( they usually go together) specialist. Traveling a bit to see a good doc is usually worth it. There ARE treatments such as Hyalgan injections that can help.
Report This| Share this:patellafemoral osteo diagnosisgo to another Doctor for another opinion. Check with any nurses you may know who might know about which orthos in your area are good, and please be aware that orthos sub-specialize. You want to see a Doc who practices sports medicine, or is a knee and shoulder ( they usually go together) specialist. Traveling a bit to see a good doc is usually worth it. There ARE treatments such as Hyalgan injections that can help.
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