ankle drain

bevman
bevman Member Posts: 107
edited 11. Jul 2009, 06:24 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi everybody i went to have my ankle and elbow drained todat and injected with steroid.But it didnt go very well he said he could not get the fluid out because it had gone like a very thick jelly i was really looking forward to it working plus the fact i was so sick when he did it .I am feeling so fed up was really relying on this working dont no what will happen now i am fed up being in pain and not being able to walk i have to rely on a wheelchair now all within a matter of 18 months sorry for the moan but just needed to tell somebody and you guys all no what it is like.

Comments

  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Bevman,

    I am sorry it didn't go well for you today, I hope it will settle and that you soon feel ok. Take care, Cris
  • northumbrian
    northumbrian Member Posts: 25
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I hope they find a way to sort out the ankle drain. I guess I was lucky when they did mine. I could not bend one ankle, after they drained it it has been fine for about 4 years now. They told me it would last about 6 months only! I do hope they find a way to help you.
    TP
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello, That sounds like a nasty experience and no wonder you don't feel very well and a bit down. Are you going to the hospital to see a reummatologist? They are sure to come up with something to help you. Be kind to yourself, and try not to worry (I know, easier said than done.) feel better soon. This site is a very good place to have a moan, we all do at times! :wink: Love Sue
  • bevman
    bevman Member Posts: 107
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    woodbon wrote:
    Hello, That sounds like a nasty experience and no wonder you don't feel very well and a bit down. Are you going to the hospital to see a reummatologist? They are sure to come up with something to help you. Be kind to yourself, and try not to worry (I know, easier said than done.) feel better soon. This site is a very good place to have a moan, we all do at times! :wink: Love Sue
    Hi thanks for all your support and advice this is really a great sight Laurence
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Laurence

    Sorry to hear you have had an especially bad day, putting it politely. :oops: I would feel the same as you if that had happened to me. What happens if you put ice pack around the ankle, does this bring the swelling down or if you elevate the leg?

    Surely there is something the medics can do, but perhaps it needs someone more in the know than who was trying to aspirate fluid from your ankle today. There must be another way to get the jelly like fluid out. Have you another appointment?

    Was there the same problem with your elbow too? I do hope you are not going to leave it there. There must be another way, as I said before.

    Chin up,

    Luv
    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • lindalegs
    lindalegs Member Posts: 5,398
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Laurence,

    From what I understand when a joint gets fluid around and it's there for a while it does gel and this is more difficult to get rid of than the fluid in its initial stage.

    As Elna suggested the ice pack is a great idea with your leg elevated and also on your elbow. After you've taken them off try to move the joints gently around as this can help disperse the gel, do the same movements in a hot bath too again this will help. Try heat packs if you don't get on with the ice - or you could do both.

    The gel is harder to work off and takes longer but it is possible - please don't overdo the movement though, if it gets too uncomfortable stop and rest. Please understand that I'm not medically trained - this is something I was told by physios over years of having RA.

    Hope this helps.

    Luv Legs :D
    Love, Legs x
    'Make a life out of what you have, not what you're missing'
  • bevman
    bevman Member Posts: 107
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    lindalegs wrote:
    Hi Laurence,

    From what I understand when a joint gets fluid around and it's there for a while it does gel and this is more difficult to get rid of than the fluid in its initial stage.

    As Elna suggested the ice pack is a great idea with your leg elevated and also on your elbow. After you've taken them off try to move the joints gently around as this can help disperse the gel, do the same movements in a hot bath too again this will help. Try heat packs if you don't get on with the ice - or you could do both.

    The gel is harder to work off and takes longer but it is possible - please don't overdo the movement though, if it gets too uncomfortable stop and rest. Please understand that I'm not medically trained - this is something I was told by physios over years of having RA.

    Hope this helps.

    Luv Legs :D
    Hi thanks for the advice it does help when i put it in warm water i usually soak it in epsom salts and it does help relieve the pain so i will move it slowly when i take it out .I dont have an appointment with the consultant for three months i only saw him on Monday but he is ok and if i need to see him before i will phone his secratery i have done that before and he will fit me in a clinic.Just really fed up never new authur was so severe the pain is terrible thanks again for all your advice Laurence
  • jeannie2
    jeannie2 Member Posts: 135
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Bevman,
    I'd love to have a magic wand and take it all away for you. I am in exactly the same position as you and I don't blame you for moaning one bit .... moan away. I've got to screaming point - I can't see any help looming at all. Just wanted you to know you are not alone. The pain is indescribable.

    Do hope you get some help soon and get it sorted.
    Best wishes,
    Jeannie S