I have been dealing with acutely swollen knees (with no pain) for the last nine months. Initially, it started with swelling in one knee 5 days on, nine days off. It continued this cycle until I had the fluid drained and a steroid injection. Then it just switched to the other knee. About 3 months in, I started to notice a change in bowel movements (diarrhea and/or cow-pat type stools). I have been tested for RA, Celiac's, Gout, Pseudogout, food allergies, allergies and Lyme disease. All negative. I eliminated gluten for 4 months and initially it helped with my gut. Now I've eliminated lactose, which doesn't seem to help at all. I still have the swelling in one knee, but it no longer follows the original "pattern"...Recently I have had strange, burning heat in my hands and feet at night that keeps me from sleeping.I have seen a rheumatologist, an allergist, 2 orthopods, a Celiac specialist and my regular GP. I have had Graves Disease but it is currently in remission. This "new" thing just feels autoimmune to me.
My family wants me to go to Mayo, but I am concerned that I won't be able to afford it and that it may not mean a diagnosis.
After reading many of the other posts, I feel fortunate to have no pain. I'm just terribly frustrated and concerned what this might turn in to.
I'd appreciate any thoughts or insights! Thanks All! Take care of yourselves!
Has your regular doctor did any scan or xrays? The thing with Mayo is some insurances are adding additional charges. Mine there is an additional $1,000 deductable if we go to Mayo. What Mayo charges though is usually less then regular places. Here at work the TSH test was twice the cost of having the thyroid antibodies(2) done at Mayo. Mayo is good for listening to patient and then puts a team for better results. The University at times will also put a team if difficult diagnosis-they are both teaching hospitals. Fluid is sitting in the body is always a possiblity for trouble.
Thanks for the information! It will help me in making a clearer decision.
Yes, I have had x-rays and an MRI. The MRI, of my wrist (not sure why the doc had my wrist done and not my knee), shows slight inflammation but nothing much else. The x-rays didn't help the doctors draw any conclusions either.
. . . The MRI, of my wrist (not sure why the doc had my wrist done and not my knee . . .
Rheumatoid arthritis is difficult to diagnose in it's early stages (1 to 3 years). One of the ways doc's look for early RA is in the wrists. Damage will usually show up there first (lots of little bones in the wrist).
I'd go for Mayo. I have multiple AI diseases and you really do need a team of doctors working together.
Last edited by AuntieLeela; 01-24-2010 at 06:24 PM.
Let me know the results, I am really interested in the burning sensation of the hands at night. Instead of Graves, I have Hashimoto-thyroid autoimmune disease. I do have the hand sensations. Thanks
I have multiple AI diseases and you really do need a team of doctors working together.
Thanks
