Thyroid, Arthroscopic Surgery

December 16, 2007

Sue,

Following removal of my thyroid in May 2005, I stayed on the AP for

several months, but my joint pain kept getting worse, with severe

fluid buildup in my left knee. Later that year, I underwent

arthroscopic surgeries of my left knee and later of my left shoulder.

These surgeries made a huge difference for the better. On December 1,

2005, my condition was diagnosed as not being RA, but polymyalgia

rheumatica, which responds strongly to small doses of Prednisone. By

the end of 2006, I had tapered off the Prednisone and was virtually

symptom free. In summer of 2007, my right knee started to hurt again.

This time I went straight to the arthroscopic surgeon, which led to

arthroscopic surgery of my right knee.

I am currently virtually symptom free as a result of my three

arthroscopic surgeries and a self-prescribed over-the-counter

treatment, as follows. Each morning and evening, I take 1/2 Alieve

(always with food), a glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate capsule,

three fish oil capsules, a vitamin B supplement capsule, and a

general purpose vitamin and mineral supplement, all at low cost from

CostCo. I am 65 and pray for no recurring symptoms, because I know

how bad arthritis pain can get.

Some advice:

1) Have your thyroid checked via palpation as part of your annual

checkup. If any module is found, don't let them talk you out of a biopsy.

2) If you have joint pain, see an arthroscopic surgeon for a

diagnosis using an MRI. A conventional rheumatologist will attempt to

treat any joint pain with drugs, but these (including Minocin) will

not do you any good if you have cartilage damage, such as a meniscal

tear. Such damage can only be repaired via surgery.

Arthoscopic surgery of a joint (via three small holes through the

skin) is an outpatient procedure which only takes 45 minutes, and you

can literally dance away from the recovery room. If your insurance is

a PPO or if you are on Medicare, a diagnosis from an arthroscopic

surgeon is a small price to pay.

I hope that my experience will help some of our Group.

Sincerely, Harald

At 04:06 AM 12/16/2007, Sue Emrick wrote:

>So what are you doing to treat your ra without ap?

>

>Sue

>

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