To Lorraine, and fluid in the knee

March 2, 2006

Dear Lorraine, I have fluid on my knees on and off all the time. Right now

I have it bad in both knees, along with bursitis in both knees. I saw my

doctor this week too and he gave me a shot of cortisone as well, but only in

one knee. Evidentlally, two shots at once is considered too hard on the

body, but it wasn't easy making up my mind which knee was worse. My

rheumatologist has told me that water on the knee is very common with RA.

My case of psoriasis is very mild, and several of my doctors think I might

have RA, along with PA. So is it possible that you have RA? Even if you

don't, the two are so similar it makes sense that this condition could

happen just from all the inflammation going on in our bodies.

I know from experience that it is really painful and the only way to treat

it is to use diuretics. When it gets bad, I am on 3 different ones at one

time. I also take Potassium to safe guard my heart in case it gets too low

from all the water pills. Usually, if I rest the knee, keep my feet

elevated and watch the salt, it goes away in a few days. I know I can't get

my doctors to drain my knee very often, since I guess there is danger of

infection and other problems from the procedure.

If you find out anything else about this from your doctor, please let me

know. I drive myself crazy every time it happens trying to figure out if it

is happening from a new medication, too much salt in my diet, or something

else I've done to bring it on. I've gotten to the point where I don't use

salt at all on any food. I've also come to the conclusion, that it is just

part of a PA flare for me. I hope it passes soon for you and good luck.

Let me know how you do in the next few days. Take care. Fran from Florida

Hi Again,

I went to see my rheum today about my knee swelling. It ends up I have

excess fluid in my knees-especially in the right one. My doctor gave me a

cortisone shot and sent some fluid to the lab for testing.

Anyone else have this? What is the usual course something like this takes?

Thanks for the suggestions and answers so far!

Blessings,

Lorraine

_____

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