I was wondering there for awhile. Wednesday was just as bad, if not worse, than Tuesday. But my doctor has evening office hours Wednesdays, and I got in to see him.
The verdict: No meniscus tear, but rather, a “frictional effusion.” In other words, fluid on the knee caused by rubbing. That’s what made it impossible for me to bend my knee.
The prescription: A “steroid blast.” Prednisone, in large doses last night, the same amount spread out over the day today, then declining amounts over the next four days until the pills are used up. That, combined with heat.
So I took the big Prednisone dose last night, and wrapped my knee in a heating pad. What a difference! By the time I was ready for bed, I was able to walk with almost a full range of motion in the knee — not limping with the leg held out stiffly.
It ain’t perfect. I did the heat wrap again this morning before leaving for work, and it was good. But a day on the job — walking around, up and down stairs, which in some cases are unavoidable — took its toll. I’m stiff-legged again.
But I’m home, with the heat wrap out again, and tomorrow is my easiest work day of the week. So I’m looking forward to a good day.
But the bummer is the weather. Spring has decided to come to Texas. It was 68°F (20°C) today, and the forecast looks equally good over the weekend. But I’ll be off the bike. I’ll make the sacrifice now, in order to be able to ride on my schedule for the rest of the year. It’s driving me nuts.
I’m glad it’s getting better.
I will never, ever take prednisome again. My body did not react well to that nasty stuff. ick
Congrats on it not being something more serious!
Gonna be near 50 tomorrow and Saturday, def getting on the bike.
Glad to hear you are on the mend. Get well soon, and don’t let the weather get you down too much. I haven’t ridden outside since October.
It’s the right choice waiting to ride until your knee is better. Don’t waiver! Stay the course! You’ll be back out there, strong and ready for the year, before you know it.
Glad to hear it’s not a more serious problem. Take it easy and you’ll be back outside riding in no time.
Friday — still hurts like crazy. Got a heat pad on as I sit at my desk at work. Patience is not my strong suit.
Prednisone has saved my sanity more than once and usually works for me almost overnight (three Aleve and an equal number of beers usually helps too). Hope you’re back on track soon. Sometimes I think I’d rather have a broken bone as opposed to lingering inflamation.
If it continues to be a problem, ask about Synvisc. I had a similar issue for about two years and finally got three dosses of that stuff. GREAT! It is a lubricant that helps the joints. I haven’t had a problem in almost a year now.