Lengthy Rant about my Knee

[cabarle]

I've had gout episodes for the past 15 years. Within the last couple of days, my left foot and my right knee swelled up. At first, the doctor said I must of sprained a tendon because I recently went up in to my attic and applied pressure to tendons I generally don't use. Then the swelling got worse - much worse. In the middle of the night I was asking GOD to forgive every sin I've ever done on his earth because I honestly didn't think I was going to make it. The pain was incredible. I took some ibprofrin to see if the pain would ease. (It did) - and I stayed in bed the entire day. Friday, I went to dialysis and explained to some people my experiance on Early Thursday morning. After being on the machine a young intern told me "You look fine to me. I don't think it's gout. It looks like an infection". I explained to the intern I KNOW what gout feels like and unless she's had it, she has no buisness telling me that I "Look fine". I told her even with my daily dose of cholchine and allipurinal, I sometimes still get it. I requested prednisone (which worked miracles in the past). She said no. I said fine - go away and quit wasting my time. I saw the young intern go over the dept head (My renal doctor), and she explained my attitude.

Now, this doctor has some class. He looked at it and explained this rationale to me:

You're getting stuck with a needle 3 times a week
You're change of infection is higher than ever before
It Looks like an infection to me, but I think the problem with Prednisone is it will "mask" the problems, although provide some relief.
I promised him if the knee doesn't get better by Sunday, I'll go to urgent care and seek help.

He seemed happy with that and got me my prednisone. Although I feel better, the knee is still swollen. I'm afraid I have to go in and see if this really is an infection in my knee and how they are going to treat it.

Ok - long winded rant over.

[Rerun]

Yes, if your insurance will cover it, go get it checked out.  Why go to urgent care?  Can you get in to see your primary care doctor?  Also, if your Nephrolorist (guy that made sense) thought it was in infection... why didn't he start you on an antibotic? 

[Epoman]

Yes, if your insurance will cover it, go get it checked out.  Why go to urgent care?  Can you get in to see your primary care doctor?  Also, if your Nephrologist (guy that made sense) thought it was in infection... why didn't he start you on an antibiotic? 

Well he didn't give an antibiotic because you should never get antibiotics unless you really have an infection since your body becomes immune to antibiotics over time. Yes there are several kinds of antibiotics they can give you however they still want to minimize your chances of becoming immune to a certain type of antibiotic.

But regardless I would go to urgent care or E.R. if you start to experience numbness or another bout of extreme pain. Is it possible it is a deep vein clot? I am not too sure. But I would not rely on a nephrologist I would see a specialist.

[cabarle]

Yes, if your insurance will cover it, go get it checked out.  Why go to urgent care?  Can you get in to see your primary care doctor?  Also, if your Nephrologist (guy that made sense) thought it was in infection... why didn't he start you on an antibiotic? 

Well he didn't give an antibiotic because you should never get antibiotics unless you really have an infection since your body becomes immune to antibiotics over time. Yes there are several kinds of antibiotics they can give you however they still want to minimize your chances of becoming immune to a certain type of antibiotic.

But regardless I would go to urgent care or E.R. if you start to experience numbness or another bout of extreme pain. Is it possible it is a deep vein clot? I am not too sure. But I would not rely on a nephrologist I would see a specialist.

Ok here's the latest scoop on my knee: The knee is still swollen, BUT most of the pain is gone. For the record, I'll go to the hospital. The way it works is I'll go to primary care, who will refer me to a primary specialist. Even on Sunday. For those worrying about insurance, it doesn't cost me a dime. I don't even have to file a claim. Hopefully, things will work out.

[cabarle]

Yes, if your insurance will cover it, go get it checked out.  Why go to urgent care?  Can you get in to see your primary care doctor?  Also, if your Nephrologist (guy that made sense) thought it was in infection... why didn't he start you on an antibiotic? 

Well he didn't give an antibiotic because you should never get antibiotics unless you really have an infection since your body becomes immune to antibiotics over time. Yes there are several kinds of antibiotics they can give you however they still want to minimize your chances of becoming immune to a certain type of antibiotic.

But regardless I would go to urgent care or E.R. if you start to experience numbness or another bout of extreme pain. Is it possible it is a deep vein clot? I am not too sure. But I would not rely on a nephrologist I would see a specialist.

Ok here's the latest scoop on my knee: The knee is still swollen, BUT most of the pain is gone. For the record, I'll go to the hospital. The way it works is I'll go to primary care, who will refer me to a primary specialist. Even on Sunday. For those worrying about insurance, it doesn't cost me a dime. I don't even have to file a claim. Hopefully, things will work out.

Well, today is Monday and my knee seems fine. Although I feel a little pressure, all is well. I saw that bitch of an excuse called an intern and blew her off. I think it was gout.

[Epoman]

Glad to hear your knee is fine.