Today Stew is seeing a THIRD doctor about his knee.
The first one he saw sent him off for an ultrasound, and said it was arthritis. Nothing else was done. We are sure it's more than that.
The second one (most recently) saw him when his leg/knee was swollen. He gave him Antibiotics and Anti-inflammatories, which helped bring the swelling down, but didn't give us any answers about WHAT IS WRONG WITH HIS BLOODY KNEE.
So today Stew is going to see MY DOCTOR, who he has now switched to. Hopefully L can get to the bottom of what's going on with Stew's knee, and order more extensive tests, to find out what can be done in the long term to resolve Stew's pain.
Right now, Stew can not walk far or fast, he cannot even straighten his knee fully any more. He limps really badly, and is in pain 24/7.
I am going to work in Crabby Quarters (my sewing garage) until I meet up with Stew at the Doctors later on this morning.
THUNDER. RAIN. And I've gotta walk down to me car in it. Worse, I've left my umbrella in the bloody car. Grrrr.
Oooo, just remembered I've got a raincoat somewhere....
12.30 pm: And the visit to see our Dr was excellent. L has given Stew a referral to a knee specialist, and also some place to get a proper, orthotic knee brace. He's pretty much confirmed it is Stew's meniscus that is the problem, stemming back to February, when he twisted his knee on the treadmill.
He also recommended Stew get on a treadmill and walk uphill slowly, and also use an exercycle, both those exercises will strengthen the muscles around his knee.
Fingers crossed with the knee specialist and the exercises, things will eventually improve.
BLONDIE: I can park in my own driveway during the day, but have to walk down and get it first. Then at the end of the day, before Stew gets home, I have to drive it back down to it's 'designated' spot, so Stew can park in the driveway.
Whoa - I certainly hope Stew gets some answers, or at least, referred to a specialist.
ReplyDeleteHeavens. Stews pain has been going on too long. Hope you get a clear answer and treatment that has results. Push em!!!
ReplyDeleteThink Stu needs to get an MRI. I have had 2 on my knee, cost upwards of $300 each here, but there is no questioning what’s wrong with the knee. Marie, Melbourne
ReplyDeleteYou said you think it is more than arthritis - arthritis is very painful and apart from painkillers and surgery there isn't much that can be done as it is progressive. Hopefully Stew will get to see a specialist but otherwise perhaps homeopathic remedies could work.
ReplyDeleteKnee could be torn meniscus, needs an MRI. Cos of age there may be some wear & tear. If he can pinpoint when he may have done something accidental to it he could go thru ACC. Symptoms sound similar to mine
ReplyDeleteI have had a knee replacement and I'm no doctor but think that's what Stew will need too! Thankfully I have medical insurance so got my operation done within weeks but the waiting list in NZ is quite long for this so the sooner he gets diagnosed and on the list the better.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Stew can get in to another doctor today. Hopefully they can figure this out for him. Ky Girl
ReplyDeleteAsk for more extensive blood tests...it can be a sign of something serious the swollen knee....hopefully not...
ReplyDeleteOh boy - I have two torn meniscus - one in each knee - so I know exactly how Stew is feeling. I was sent to physical therapy and did strength training. Plus I put arch supports back into all of my shoes. I had, stupidly, quit using them for about a year. The physical therapist had me walk up and down a row while she looked at my legs and how I walked. She ask did I know I was almost flat footed...I said yes, and that from the age of 20 I had worn arch supports but quit recently. She said, well start again! Ha. I staved off operation by doing the exercises and putting the arch supports back into my shoes. I hope the correction for Stew is as easy as mine. I also wore knee braces, one on each knee. And used a couple topical pain reliever.
ReplyDeleteIf he gets Lidocaine patches, hold them in place with one of those brown ace bandages...otherwise they fall off in bed and it is like wearing a wet diaper. Not fun.
Good luck Stew!!
Ohhh that’s good news sometimes it pays to get more advice.
ReplyDeleteA stunning day here, are you not allowed to park your own car in front of your garage? During the day, that would be infuriating as you say in the rain.
Ouch Stew knee sounds very painful hope he can get some relief before your holiday
ReplyDelete