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Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 1/23/2010
Posts: 100
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Hi I'm a newbie and it's going to take a while to get my head around the RA and this forum. This question's been probably asked a milion times before and for that I do apologise: I have a Baker's Cyst, and the swelling and pain in my right leg is, sometimes, unbearable. I hate sitting around but the more I stand on it the worse it gets. Is there anything I can do, apart from bashing my leg with a heavy stick, to alleviate the pain/swelling? Also, is it just me or does the medication give you IBS? I've only just started medication (Naproxen) and for the last few days I've not been able to leave the bathroom. How do you lot cope?  x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,006 Location: Timperley
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Hi Christine and welcome to the forum - though obviously I'm very sorry you have RA.
Firstly, I have no experience of Baker's cyst, but several members do, and I am sure they will be on to give you some info and help. It may not be until early next week, as the forum isn't usually as busy at weekends as during the week.
You mention that you are on Naproxen Is this the only medication you take for the RA or are you on DMARD's? If so, it could be the DMARD's which are causing the loo probs. When you get a minute, let us know which other meds you are on, and we may be able to help.
Hope you have a reasonable weekend and manage to get some sleep.
Love Jeanxx
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Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 1/23/2010
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Hi Jean Thanks for your reply. The other medication I take is Omeprazole. The Dr also prescribed Codiene and Paracetomol, although I worked out very quickly the the codeine wasn't for me. I'm not sure of all the jargon yet so not certain what type of tablets these are. I have an appointment with the rheumatologist next week and I'm hoping that something can be done about this cyst. My leg has been hugely swollen since New Year's Day. Obviously, I didn't know what it was so my partner took me to casualty. At first they thought I had a DVT, ( apparently a Baker's Cyst mimics DVTs) The next day I had a scan where they found the cyst, which is 2.5cm x 5.7cms. The pain when I try to bend or straighten my leg is unbearable and trying to get in the car or climb stairs is a nightmare. I know there are people with far more serious symptoms but I just wondered if anyone knew. Thanks for letting me know about the forum uasge ie weekdays are best. I'm off sick until Monday week so will try and get on here during the week. Thanks again Jean and it was lovely talking to you x 
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 561
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Hi Christine im Sophie welcome to the forum, i had a bakers cysts in my left knee and as you say they are extremely painful especially when it would leak in to my calf i would be in agony , i use to rest until the fluid was absorbed back in to my body , i no longer get them now as i had to have my knee replaced as it was bone on bone and knackered , hope you can get some relief soon , if it persists and is still at the back of the knee you can have it drained off by the hospital
Sophie x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,157 Location: Huddersfield
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Hi Christine,
Welcome to the forum!
You'll get lots of friendly support and advice on here.
I have Bakers cysts in both knees and have had them since diagnosis 9 years ago.
As you say, the pain is sometimes unbearable but I do have long periods where they are just uncomfortable and not particularly painful.
The docs do not usually rush to do anything about these cysts because any treatment is short-lasting and they tend to recur.
My consultant assured me that exercising would help the fluid to drain and stop the pain but I have been faithfully doing the exercises for at least 2 years now, with no improvement!
I will be interested to hear what your rheumatologist suggests.
Looking forward to getting to know you.
Doreen xx
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Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 1/23/2010
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Hi Sophie, Thanks for your advice. I'll ask next week at the hospital if I can have it drained. Hopefully I will be able to. When you say 'it leaks into your calf' did your calf become swollen and hard because I've experienced that and didn't know if it was the cyst leaking or not? Whatever it was the cyst is still definitely there, I can feel it. i've been trying to rest it but I hate sitting about when there's a million and one things to do. I expect everyone on this site feels exactly the same. Is your mobility much better now that you've had your Knee replaced? How long ago was the op? I sound really nosey but it's all new to me and it's great knowing that there are all of you with similar problems to help with questions. Thanks again and I'm sure we'll chat again soon. I wil let you know how the hospital appointment goes regarding draining. xx
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Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 1/23/2010
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Hi Doreen.
Gosh! You've had cysts in both knees? For 9 years? You poor thing. Here's me moaning about one that I've had trouble with for 3 weeks and you still have yours. Well I hope I can cope with mine like you obviously have.
I will try the exercise although my GP told me to elevate my leg, she didn't say how long for though. I miss not going to the gym and being active so hopefully I'll be able to return one day.
Thanks for al your words of wisdom and I wil let you know what my Dr says.
I really do appreciate all the advice I've had as a newbie and I'm sure I will get to know you all in the future.
Take care
Chris
xxx
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,157 Location: Huddersfield
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Sorry, I haven't given you much hope there have I?
I am on the verge of asking again for something to be done.
A lot of the time they are not too painful, that only happens when the fluid starts leaking out, and I don't exercise when they are painful.
When I say exercise I don't mean go to the gym , I was given specific knee exercise by the physiotherapist.
Will this be your first visit to the rheumatologist?
Hopefully you will get started on DMARDs straight away which will prevent joint damage and you will start to feel better, although they do take some time to work.
I hope you can get back to the gym in time. How old are you, you sound quite young (I am 60).
By the way, ask as many questions as you like, that's what the forum's for, and someone usually has an answer!
Doreen xx
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,006 Location: Timperley
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If you have a spare minute, Christine, please let us know how you get along at your Rheumatolgy appointment.
Love Jeanxxx
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 561
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Hi Christine yes the bakers cyst would burst and my calf was very swollen i even went to AE once as doctor thought it was a blood clot and they injected some thing near my belly button i had to inject daily for 12 days i think any way when i told consultant he said it was the cyst and i should not have had the injections as it could have bled and reacted to my medication !
Had the op on July the 9th and was told there would be no more backers cysts as every thing is taken out in the op, my mobility is very good i can now go for a walk which i couldn't before and the daily pain i was in has gone only thing now is i am getting twinges of pain in the other knee and this worries me as i dont wont to have that one done for a long time Lol x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 312
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Hi Christine, I'm Fiona and although I cannot be of help regarding the Bakers Cyst I live in Plymouth like you! I am 52 years old now and have had Rheumatoid Arthritis for 15 years, since I was 37. It's good to see you posting on the forum. A few months ago I began having some problems (not R.A related) with my Spine and was prescribed Codeine and Paracetomol for the pain which was very severe for a while. I had to go back to the Doctor to get another medication to go with it because I found that the Codeine caused terrible constipation, although it is a wonderful pain killer and also helps to make me relax because the pain was constant at that time. I still need to take the Codeine and Paracetomol, which I don't really like to do because I also know that with long term use it is addictive, but it has certainly got me through some very painful times with my Spine condition and the Doctor has reassured me that I do need to keep taking it at present. Good luck with your Rheumatology appointment and let us know how it goes. I see Dr Hutton at Derriford Hospital Rheumatology Department - he has treated me with respect for my views of my disease. ( I personally only wanted the mildest and oldest form of treatment for my R.A, although I realize that there are many newer and stronger medicines available today for new patients.) I wish you luck with your appointment and some treatment for the Bakers Cyst which sounds very painul indeed! With kind regards and best wishes, from Fiona
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Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 1/23/2010
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Hi Jean, Sophie, Doreen and Fiona and hopefully I haven't missed out anyone. Thankyou for your concern and advice. I've gained more knowledge from you than I would from any doctor. Thankyou. Obviously you've all suffered from RA for a long time and it's great to realise that there is hope after all. You all sound so positive and like very nice people. I'll tell you a little about me. I'm 50 but always acted and felt a lot younger than my age. (Which is why I found it hard to accept I had RA) I have done the Race For Life for the last 11 years and I'm gutted that I probably won't be able to do it this year. I'll have to see how it goes. I work as a Teaching Assistant in a pimary school. I've recently passed my Higher Level Teaching Assistant certificate. Don't know how!!! I have 3 children and 3 grandchildren. Oh! and I currently drive a pink car. (You may have sen me Fiona) I'm also a bit of a clown. My work mates and the children at school always tell me so. Anyway, that's me. Hopefully, I'll get to know you all and I'll be as wise as you are. Thanks again. Oh! My appointment's on 28th (Thursday, Derriford and I have Dr Robertson's locum) so I will let you know asap. Take care all. Chris xxxx
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Rank: Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/23/2009 Posts: 10 Location: Planet F1
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Hey I had bakers cysts in my leg (calf) a good few years ago now and initially the doc thought i had a dvt in my leg. As it was a Friday i seen the doc he sent me straight to a&e and because the ultrasound people wouldnt be in till the monday, i had to go to the hospital saturday and sunday to get anti clot drugs injected (left with horribly bruised tummy and all for nothing!) The swelling in my leg went away itself in about 3 days but I remember how painful it was. Ive never had the problem again since. I was on naproxen for a while also but dont remember it having any diuretic effect! Should probably see the doc or pharmacist bout that one! Hope all works out for you.  Mmmmm, fuzzy.....
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 856
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Hi Chris- just picked up on your thread. Can't help with the cyst- but welcome to the forum. I've noticed an increase in my trips to the bathroom since I upped my medication this week- so there might be a link. I was on naproxen at frst but it didn't work so the doc gave me diclofenac which helps a lot. I take paracetamol for the pain. I was also diagnosed with RA at 50 - I'm now approaching 53  and I have found it difficult to cope with having to slow down. Fatigue is part of the disease, but since being on folic acid that has improved. I' m on sulfasalazine, which has worked well for me. It does take time for it to start working but things can and do get better and for most of the time I can do most things I used to before RA.I'm still learning a lot about this disease and still struggle with accepting I have it. I find it hard to rest too, so I know how you feel. For me, learning to pace myself has been one of the hardest things. I still overdo it and pay for it later. Congratulations on your Higher Level certificate. I'm a teacher (secondary) and my TA s are absolute gems. As you probably know already, working with kids can be exhausting for someone with RA, and there are days when I just have to give in and stay at home. Thankfuly, that's not very often and I find that being at school helps to keep me going physically and mentally. I teach drama which isn't the best subject with RA, but the head has been very supportive and he arranged for me to have an occupational health assessment soon after I was diagnosed. He did a lot to help reduce my workload and enable me to continue full time, There's a lot that can be done to help, so do ask. (sorry- teacher mode) I've got an adjustable chair on wheels (not a wheelchair) which I can get in and out of easily and have leaned to do much of my teaching sitting down- I can scoot along on it quite quickly if neeed! The forum is brilliant-RA affects us in so many different ways and whatever your problem you can be sure that someone will be able to help.There's a lot of emotional support too- and lots of laughs. All the best for your appointment- I remember the great relief I felt after my first one (to know that someone could help, not that I had RA!) Take are Maria x sorry- I do go on a bit- hence the pic!
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Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 1/23/2010
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Hi Maria
Thanks for picking up on my thread and the good advice.
This week has been awful as far as acceptance and pain are concerned. I've been on a right downer. Thank goodness for this forum because I could easily have given up.
I have a hospital appointment this afternoon and I'm hoping they can do something about this cyst (It's still the same) I now have been getting pain in both shoulders, wrists and hands. Maybe they'll put me on these DMARDs that everyone goes on about.
I can't wait to get back to work. The children are missing me and I can't wait to get in and reassure them that I haven't left. My boss has been great too but he's not good when he sees us cry. lol
A drama teacher eh? My daughter's doing A level Drama at the moment and I like all my lessons to be full of drama. The children say I'm a 'Drama Queen'.
I'm glad you've found ways around your RA. Our classroom is a bit small for me to be hurtling along in a wheelie chair but I'm glad you can. I can just imagine doing it though, great fun!!
Anyway, it was great to talk to you and I will let you know how I get on.
Take care
Chris
x
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Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 1/23/2010
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Well hi all.
Today I went to see the rheumatologist. They've put me on Sulfasalazine and Adcal-D (Calcium carbonate and vitamin D) I have to start the first tablets with a dose of 6 tablets for 3 days daily. Silly question: Do I have to take all 6 at the same time or can I take them 2 at a time 3 times a day????? I'm starting them tomorrow so if anyone knows can they get back to me asap. lol
I also have to go back next week and have an injection in the knee. Once this has all been done and I've been taking the medication regularly, the Baker's Cyst should shrink.
They've told me to take another week off work which I suppose I'll have to do but reluctantly.
Anyway, all your advice has been terrific and I am truly grateful.
BFN
Chris
x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/8/2009 Posts: 124 Location: Wolverhampton
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Hi Christine, welcome.
I have had Baker's cysts for about five years now and when I approached my GP about them (they're behind both knees) he was fairly dismissive of them and said it was just wear and tear. Then I was diagnosed with RA in March 2009 after a bad case of the flu virus. However, I personally never connected the two. I've never received any treatment for mine although I do get my legs regularly massaged by my wonderful husband.
Hope you get some relief from yours.
Nina x
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Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 1/23/2010
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Hi Nina
The Dr isnt doing anything about my cyst either, unless it gets so big it causes problems with the veins. (That can happen apparently)
Lucky you to have such a wonderful hubbie to massage your legs. My partner probably would if I asked him but I never thought of it til you mentioned it.
Thanks for the tip.
Take care and have a great weekend.
Chris
x
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Rank: Newbie
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Joined: 12/5/2009
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Just after I was diagnosed 2 years ago I had a baker's cyst which leaked into my calf, and yes it hurt like hell! I was sent to A&E because they thought it may be a DVT but luckily the dr. there linked it with the RA. I rested it, took strong painkillers and you'll be pleased to know it hasn't troubled me for ages. Touch wood!
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Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 1/23/2010
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Excellent jenniet. I hope you never have to have one ever again.
I never knew about Baker's cysts until I had to see the DVT nurse and had a scan. Maybe the rheumatology clinics should have some leaflets and posters about them. Almost everyone who has one has it diagnosed wrongly at the hospital as a DVT when they end up in A+E. If the patient knew about them and the connection with RA (like your dr did) it would save us from (A) going to A+E in the first place (B) then having to endure hours of blood tests and injections in the stomach and (C) it would give A+E drs more time to deal with other emergencies.
I only recently found out that I have RA so when I went to A+E I could only say that the drs 'thought' I had RA because I was waiting for the results and an appointment.
I have to say that from the 2nd January and all the hospital and drs visits (I've had lots) the one person who helped me most (excluding you lot) was the DVT nurse called Zara. She gave me lots of leaflets and advice and she never rushed me into leaving until I'd had all my questions answered. She was a gem and I hope she gets to read this. (she was the one who told me about the forum)
Anyway I hope you have a good weekend
Take care
Chris
x
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