Arthritis in knee - help!

[charliedontsurf]

I was recently diagnosed with a suspected 'reactive arthritis' in my knee, hospital did an aspiration and steroid injection and told me it should be ok and was very likely a one off. Told me to take paracetamol for any pain afterwards and that should be that.

Unfortunately 2 weeks later the pain and swelling came back. I was on holiday at the time so just took painkillers and hobbled about gritting my teeth. I've had a few days where it's been ok and then a few days where I've been in agony. The hospital told me to phone back if it got worse, which I have and they've told me they can't see me until mid-June . I've not been given any prescription painkillers, treatment plan or ideas on how to manage this.

I haven't really been formally diagnosed yet but I guess I'm just looking for some advice on how to cope with this all. The pain is so bad that I'm struggling to walk, I can't bend my knee hardly at all, I've been so grumpy and snappy with everyone and I'm now at the point where I'm struggling to work as I can't sit at my desk. I feel like I'll never be able to walk properly or be pain-free again, I'm in my early 30s and have a toddler, work 4 days a week and just want to be able to get on and do things! I feel frustrated with the lack of help from the doctors so wondered if anyone could offer some advice on how to make things more manageable? TIA

I've not had these exact issues, but I've quite frequent pain in my knees as well as torn ligaments in the past.

Can you see your GP before the hospital, they can give you some stronger pain killers and also see if you can borow some crutches to take the weight off, difficult with a toddler but could help getting around when at work.
Also have a look into some sports type supports (if you have a Decathlon shop nearby they are not too expensive if you want to try something without paying out too much), compression usually helps with the pain and then ice in the evenings.
Could try alternating between heat and ice, you can pick up gel packs off ebay that can be heated or frozen, I alway have one in the freezer ready.

Hope you manage to find something that helps before you see the hospital again, and fingers crossed they can find you a better long term solution.

I find the Voltarol pain eze-gel from the chemist takes the edge off it.