I'm no longer a flu shot virgin and other stories....

[days_unfolding]

The problem with my knee is osteoarthritis. Apparently the crackling sensation and sound is due to bone spurs. (I never realized that arthritis actually changes the construction of the joint. I thought that the joint just swelled and hurt, kind of like when you have a high fever.)

Unfortunately, there isn't much that they can do for arthritis. The doctor gave me a prescription for prescription-strength ibuprofen. She gave me some suggestions about how to do activities that I know will make it act up (take ibuprofen, wrap the knee, and ice the knee afterwards). She said that the other way to handle it is to avoid activities that make it hurt, and I said that I was too young for that.

(First perimenopause, then arthritis. Sheesh. I am 39 going on 50+...)

Anyway, I went over to check out the flu shot. I got the information that I was looking for (that the shot can cause fever and mild flu for a day or two), but it was too late to back out at that point. (I was concerned because I have my bipolar group tomorrow, and I don't want to miss it.) Somewhere I got the idea that the shot was a very substantial shot, but it was no big deal. The regular blood tests that I have for my lithium levels are worse. So I was pleased with myself.

And there it is.

Comments

[intenselee.livejournal.com]

Presciption strength ibuprofen is just..more milligrams of the same shit. It will tear Your stomach up if You take too much. Talking from a 2,000mg at least, a day habit. They need to try You on something else. Many people are happy with Vioxx. It does nothing for me. They need to at least try You on an anti-inflammatory that won't rip Your stomach up. Even a narcotic for the pain when it is really bad. Yes..ibuprofen is the least expensive option..but god..my ulcers curse me on a regular basis.

Working out the knee will help. Lifting weights..or swimming. It really does. Strengthening the muscle and keeping the joint active is the best thing for OA. I know..that sucks..but still.

Good luck. I hope the flu shot has little or no effect(symptomatically speaking).

[days-unfolding.livejournal.com]

Thanks. One of my concerns was whether it would make the knee worse if I worked it hard. I guess I'll just have to get used to the sound of crunching when I work it.

Possibly I'll take up swimming when I have a job again-;)

Any drugs that I take need to co-exist with my lithium and Wellbutrin. This could get interesting....

Re:

[intenselee.livejournal.com]

Interesting indeed...*sigh*

Keep in mind..I mean working it..methodically and with support. Just standing or twisting..any 'working it' in the wrong way..obviously won't help, but make it hurt more. But I'm sure I'm not telling You anything You don't know. I'm rambling..heh.

Must..go..to..bed...*grin*

[days-unfolding.livejournal.com]

I was thinking of working it on my home gym and doing some hiking--possibly including uphill.

[days-unfolding.livejournal.com]

And, by the way, good night and pleasant dreams -;)

Re:

[intenselee.livejournal.com]

Thank You...*smile*

[bandicoot.livejournal.com]

Ibuprofen is also hell on the liver if you take it all the time, especially if you're also drinking alcohol. It doesn't work for me, either for pain or for inflamation.

Yes, the flu shot is no big deal, luckily for me - tomorrow.... ;)

[days-unfolding.livejournal.com]

I'm supposed to take the ibuprofen on an as-needed basis, so hopefully I won't run into liver problems. I can't drink alcohol as long as I'm taking Wellbutrin.

Enjoy your flu shot-;) Hope that you don't have to wait in line too long.