[Reddawn600]

This winter brought me a new challenge (other then my Topamax one). Despite the amazing difference Ketamine has made in my life I'm incredibly frustrated because while the things that used to cause me the most pain are at their lowest in 10 years, I suddenly have new problems.

This winter, probably about 2 months ago when the snow started settling in, I noticed a feeling of fluid accumulating in my left knee that just seemed to get worse by the day despite ketamine boosters. I have always had sciatic pain but never had this type of knee join pain before.

To the untrained eye, I'm sure it would look like nothing, tho it is purplish and somewhat swollen, it's the heat coming off of it that is the real indicator.

I've tried everything from Toradol, Mobic, Advil, Voltaren Gel,elevating the leg and warm baths. I assmed it was a new part of RSD but finally went to my GP just in case. X-ray came back clear, just showed alot of fluid build up

I was in my back for weeks due to the Topamax stomach pain but really thought it would improve once the worst past but it's only gotten worse.

Any suggestions would be very much appreciated. Again, my worst problems seem to be behind me thanks to ketamine and I'd love to be off all pain meds but can"t now due to issues that were never even there before.

Thank you for any help you can offer,
Dawn

[gramE]

There is a patch that is an anti inflammatory. Flector, I think. I take the max orally and was having some knee issues so they gave me these patches. but this was before RSD. but fluid in any joint is always so painful.

[SandyRI]

Have you seen an orthopedist about your knee? I wonder if they would have more to offer than a GP? Maybe not. So sorry.

I like both Flector and Lidoderm patches. The Lidoderms can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time, and you can cut them to fit the exact area that hurts. I think the Lidoderms are a little stronger than the Flectors, but you could try them both to see which one you like better. I use a LOT of Lidoderm patches! I think they are awesome!

There is also Pennsaid, a gel that is stronger than Voltaren (pretty much the same ingredients I think), that you can apply to your knee to help control your pain. It is much runnier than the Voltaren and I tend to drip it everywhere when I use it, but it works better once you get it on.

Perhaps swimming in a warm water pool would help you maintain mobility in that leg and wouldn't be too painful? Try your local YMCA or Sr. Center.

Good Luck and keep us posted, Sandy