[treetree]

So both my knees suddenly swelled up last night, and this morning were incredibly painful. Went to the doctor and he is concerned it may be arthritis. So I had a test, and have to wait a few days for results. I'm really worried! He didn't do the usual "Just to rule it out' type explanation, and he asked numerous times about family history of arthritis.

Anyone with any helpful information? Or just ways to try not to dwell on it over the next few days? I am having a lot of trouble walking, and every now and then one knee just gives out, and I've almost fallen a few times. If I go on the floor I can't get up again. Sitting hurts too. Basically lying still is the only thing I can do without pain or discomfort. I have two babies to look after all day, a house to clean and the other four will be back from school soon. I'm just useless.

[Jenflea]

I don't know much about arthritis, even though Dad's had it my whole life, as far back as I can recall, but my old boss woke up one morning with a swollen knee. It turns out he had an infection in it, no idea how though. but after a course or 2 of AB's it went down and was ok again.
I wouldn't worry TOO much, but did he offer any form of pain relief, such as Nurofen or anything for the inflammation?

[Paddlepop]

Did you have a blood test for Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus? I replied to your thread yesterday about being unwell and having a messy house. You described that you were sick with swollen glands and a rash. Your symptoms, including the muscle pains and painful joints, all fit these 2 viruses. Links:
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/b...s_River_disease
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/b...ah_Forest_virus

My mum had had Barmah Forest and my brother has had Ross River. It sucked majorly for both of them.

Did your doctor order any x-rays of your knees? Otherwise, you need to rest them, ice them to reduce the swelling, elevate to drain the swelling, and possibly get a support or bandage to help reduce the pain in them and give yourself more stability.

Please go easy on yourself until you are feeling well again.

[IVL]

Many forms of inflamatory arthritis can cause more than just joint pain when the disease active. The fatigue is one of the major symptoms, and its not just tired like you need more sleep, its like you have a really bad flu, you cannot get out of bed type tired. I have RA which came on suddenly after the birth of one of my children, one night I woke up and couldn't lift my 3 kg baby out of her cot, my arms were so painful and red hot swelling along most of the joints. I had not been ill previsouly.

It is goo your Dr has ordered blood tests. There are many effective treatment options available. In the meantime, alternate hot or cold packs and take anti-inflamatories or pain releif as I am sure your Dr would prescribe.

Good luck and I hope it is nothing lasting.

[treetree]

I'm pretty sure the knees aren't related to the other symptoms I had. Other than that I am just run down and everything is hitting me all at once. I actually managed a rest yesterday and felt so much better, then later that night my leg felt weird and it just escalated. I also don't think the rash is connected to the cold/flu symptoms I had. I think that is an allergy. I'm just falling apart!

The week before was really stressful, and then as soon as that was over, everything just hit me.

Thanks all.

IVL, I am hoping he just says it's bursitis or something when I go back, but as the pain and movement limitations get worse I am getting more and more worried.