Hello, Has anyone had reoccurring swelling of one knee. Over the past five years my left knee becomes swollen for no apparent reason. Well, now I know the reason. Even when it is not swollen it hurts with every step. I have had it drained and operated on several times. I am fighting lyme and have been receiving treatment from a couple of LLMDs for several months. I won't go into all my other symptoms, but when I do get a brainfog, my knee feels rather good. This is a tough price to pay. I am taking three oral antibiotics and plaquinal (sp). Any words of advice? Has anyone else had this? If so,then through treatment, has it gone away. Any words of advice would be greatly appreciated. I prey everynight for those of us suffering from this illness and I can only hope that we will somehow become stronger through this trying experience. Climber
Posted by geo (Member # 18333) on :
Climber - I just posted a similar situation though I did bang my knee recently. I have a large lump on the inside of my knee (tissue area). I am thinking it became an opportunistic event for the lyme bacteria. Just wondering, when you have had your knee drained, do they do any testing?
Posted by climber (Member # 26330) on :
geo, Yes, I have had my knee drained about 6-8 times. It does not hurt too much when draining and it provide great relief. They will send the fluid and test it for lyme, blood cell counts, and they will see if the fluid grows any crystals which might indicate gout, etc. They usually get about 60-70cc, but sometimes it just comes back up and I refrain from draining it again. I hope this helps out. climber
Posted by lou (Member # 81) on :
Swollen knees are one of the characteristic lyme symptoms. It was my first one, a month after the bite. With treatment and time, it improved. Never had it drained. Bakers cysts behind the knees often occur.
Posted by climber (Member # 26330) on :
Lou, Ya, I do have that Bakers cyst behind the knee. Stretching does appear to help and I am trying to stretch a couple of times per day. Thank you! Climber
Posted by wealdsteve (Member # 25281) on :
I have had knee problems for around twenty years, i only related it to lyme after four weeks into treatment. It swelled up so much i had to purchase crutches to get around.
started treatment 6 months ago and apart from that once it has not swollen agin. yet!!
about once a month my left toe joint becomes inflamed and painful. Not sure if this is gout or if it is lyme related.
Posted by climber (Member # 26330) on :
Wealdsteve I glad that you knee is not swelling up anymore! It sure is painful and it can be rather challenging to get around. Good luck to you! climber