Knee flare up
Hello,
I really need some opinions or info of someone has a similar problem. I got diagnosed with JRA when I was 6 years old and am currently 32. Living with this the majority of my life, my right knee seems to swell up every few years in the month of August and I end up getting it aspirated. This time around, it swelled up in April. Prednisone isn’t working. 3 ER visits and I finally had it drained. And it keeps coming back. I am not on any meds as I have been trying to get pregnant, just the occasional prednisone and IBUPROFEN. I can’t get into my rheumatologist for another month. I am at a loss and so upset. I can’t walk and have two young children. I keep having to call out of work and am scared to lose my job and I also need the money. I don’t know what to do. Also, has anyone seen an orthopedic surgeon as well?
OK, so let me introduce myself. I am rick, and I was diagnosed 23 years ago at 42. So start with I have not had JRA or knee issues to this extent, That being said. I have had 7 orthopedic surgeries. So I do know about that.
Now let me also say how sorry I am this is happening,. Goodness it is so tough.
Now my advice. I would head out to a surgeon right away. You should also get a FMLA form either from your Rheumatologist, Surgeon or PCP. It will hold your job, during this time. I know you need the money, but go ahead and do the FMLA just so you will not get fired.
This is nothing to mess with, I likely would not have dealt with it as long as you have, but it sounds like it is time to get to the bottom of the issue. I so hope you feel better soon,
rickHi Rick,
Thank you so much for responding. It also just brings me support hearing from you because I have not felt so helpless with my RA in so long. And it’s hard because so many people don’t understand the effects of this disease and all the others problems that come with it aside from flares and pain.
Thank you for the recommendation for the FMLA form. I will definitely do that.
If you don’t mind me asking, was surgery the best option for you? I know it was not your knees. But was it’s constant swelling, pain, flare up that would not go away?
Hi there! I saw you were trying to follow-up with Rick. Just a heads-up but you can message community members by using the "at" symbol. Once you select it, a drop down of community member names will appear, and you can tag the one you want. In this case I did it for you so that sees it! Just wanted to share - thanks! Warmly, - Reggie, team member 
Hi
. I just want to follow up on the excellent information already provided. My wife, Kelly Mack (a contributor here), was diagnosed with JRA at age two almost 45 years ago. She had both hips and knees replaced at ages 15 and 16 respectively. Ten years ago her one knee, which had been problematic for years, started swelling to a greater degree than usual and was warm to the touch. Her rheumatologist had her see a surgeon who confirmed an infection which required some immediate action. I am not remotely saying that this is your issue, only pointing out the need to have a troubling change in symptoms like this checked quickly to ensure that any issue is taking care of before it can become a bigger issue. Wishing you the best and please feel free, if you like, to keep us posted on how you are doing - know that this community is here for you. Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
