@artscaping Hi Chris, Thank you for the information about MFR. I’ll ask my physical therapist about it and also talk to the pain management doctor, and I’ll let you know if I have any questions.
I did have a few large Baker’s Cysts and also some smaller ones. My old PT mentioned once that she wondered if I might have developed more since my surgeries. The orthopedic surgeon never responded when she reached out to him about this. What test would I need to get to see if I have this problem? (My pain management doctor only did an ultrasound on my thigh right above my knee, and based on that test she decided that scar tissue is the cause of my problem.) Do you know of any additional diagnostic tests that might benefit me?
I’m currently getting iASTM to help with the scar tissue. My pain management doctor says that the iASTM and strengthening exercises should help. My PT has me do modified strengthening exercises so I don’t put weight on my bent knee and cause more inflammation and scar tissue.
My husband works 60 plus hours a week and for the last few years has had to do the laundry and other chores because I’m still not able to do stairs. I can’t walk more than 1/4 mile without additional pain and swelling. Many of my friends are very active, so I’m left out a lot. It’s been a lonely road, but I’m thankful for people like you and the others who have replied to my post. During the past seven months I’ve had a cancer diagnosis, radiation, two non-orthopedic surgeries, plus the chronic knee pain. I have been a survivor my whole life, and I won’t give up!
Good evening @anniesnaps That is a wonderful reply. You are first of all a fighter. That's why you end up as a survivor. Congratulations.....your attitude does not reflect fear or anger at the anguish you have had working with pain every day.. I can see how lonely that road is.
I prefer that my friends and colleagues don't have to deal with my pain and suffering. I try hard to be strong and grateful for the joy I find in every day.
When you write about baker's cysts are you referring to the one behind your knee? I only have one bag-like vessel that fills up with fluid. Our bodies create the fluid in an attempt to help heal the knee. You can have them drained but they tend to fill up again. And the task is usually too much for them unless you have an MFR therapist who can help relieve the cyst of its contents. The other thing that can happen is that you get cysts around the meniscus.
My only other message to you is one that is currently helping me, myself, and I. Do not set expectations for pain control so high that you never are satisfied with the outcome. I have given up on reaching pain-free. I am going for pain reduction or what I call tolerable pain that permits me to have some joy in my life every single day.
And that is what I wish for you......freedom to live with only what you can control.
May you be safe and protected from inner and outer harm.
Chris