@pfreeman61 I've had episodes of gout once my 50s and once in my 60s. In my case I think it had to do with my diet and being overweight. From what I've read about gout, the medical community really doesn't know what specifically causes pseudogout. Here is some easy to understand information on gout and pseudogout - https://www.healthline.com/health/pseudogout
Gout and pseudogout are both forms of arthritis. I also have polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) which was explained to me as "arthritis all over the body" by my rheumatologist. I think what has helped me keep both in remission is diet and losing some weight. It's a lifetime struggle for me because I've been able to eliminate most processed foods and all fast foods, I still like not so healthy snacks once in awhile.
A friend of mine has had both of his knees replaced by the VA and he is in his late 50s. He was in an Army Airborne unit so I imagine that didn't help with the knees plus I'm sure he has arthritis. I just had my right knee replaced a little over a year ago and it has really helped with the mobility. Are you looking to have both knee replacements done at the VA?
As I have gone back through my medical history, I discovered my pseudogout started after my accident on a training exercise in 1981. The first sign was the fact I had developed bilateral patella femoral syndrome as a mere 30yo. At 45 I was told by an orthopedic specialist I had the skeletal system of an 85yo. Currently I have tricompartmental chondrocalcinosis; left is severe with bone on bone opposition; right is moderate to severe. The VA wants to replace both my knees and I’m only 59yo
As I have gone back through my medical history, I discovered my pseudogout started after my accident on a training exercise in 1981. The first sign was the fact I had developed bilateral patella femoral syndrome as a mere 30yo. At 45 I was told by an orthopedic specialist I had the skeletal system of an 85yo. Currently I have tricompartmental chondrocalcinosis; left is severe with bone on bone opposition; right is moderate to severe. The VA wants to replace both my knees and I’m only 59yo
@pfreeman61, I can only say that I would have much rather had my knee replacement in my 50s or 60s rather than when I had it done at age 76. I think the rehab would have been a little easier for me. I also had a knee injury in the right knee that was replaced. I was in my 40s and playing softball and tore the cartilage in the knee. After the surgery to remove the cartilage, I had problems with the knee for over 20 years. Cortisone shots helped for awhile but degenerative arthritis and old age finally caught up with me and if I wanted to keep mobility I had to have the replacement.
Do you have concerns about have the knee replacement surgery?
@pfreeman61, I can only say that I would have much rather had my knee replacement in my 50s or 60s rather than when I had it done at age 76. I think the rehab would have been a little easier for me. I also had a knee injury in the right knee that was replaced. I was in my 40s and playing softball and tore the cartilage in the knee. After the surgery to remove the cartilage, I had problems with the knee for over 20 years. Cortisone shots helped for awhile but degenerative arthritis and old age finally caught up with me and if I wanted to keep mobility I had to have the replacement.
Do you have concerns about have the knee replacement surgery?
What I found to be crucial in managing Psuedogout is finding the right treatment and doctor. My first episode (knee) was treated passively and suddenly my life was sedentary for 8 weeks after years of being an active walker. It caused atrophy in my leg, planters fasciitis followed, two job offers were lost because I was immobile. I had to become very proactive. NSAIDS, ice and rest were not the answer for me. I got a second opinion. The second doctor was spot on(gave me a Kenalog shot) but located 1.5 hour from my home. Today I have researched reputable sites and discuss various treatments with my rheumatologist. I think we are finally successfully managing the PG after 8 months and two knee acute knee attacks.
I can empathize with you. While I have never been down for more than 8 days straight, that is mainly due to economy reasons. You do what you have to do...
Hi ~ I am on Entyvio (infusion every 8 weeks) Ocrevus every 6 months . I take Fampyra, vit D & 500mg metformin ( for the last 3 months to see if it will help regrow my myelin . I take different health drinks like vegan energy.
Your medication is curious. My doctor recently told me (new doctor) that my vitamin D has a history of being low. I am now on 200 IOU’s of D3 daily. FYI, I was already taking 1500 iu’s daily.
Your medication is curious. My doctor recently told me (new doctor) that my vitamin D has a history of being low. I am now on 200 IOU’s of D3 daily. FYI, I was already taking 1500 iu’s daily.
Good evening and welcome to Connect. @pfreeman61. You have arrived at a very welcoming community of other members who can share their experiences. Your hosts or mentors are folks who have been patients, providers, and caregivers. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for every member.
I am drawn to your post because of the introduction of a word I haven't heard in quite a few years: pseudogout. Where is yours located...knee or that ankle? What have you done to ameliorate the discomfort? Has your clinician drained the area for you? Did that work at all? And, if you don't mind, do you or have you had Baker's Cysts?
Mine was in my left knee, a common site for pseudogout. A total knee replacement with complete removal of the pseudogout crystals was the only viable solution.
You may find valuable information at this Mayo Clinic link:
Would you mind sharing some more information with us, e.g. Do you have a relationship with a clinician at this time? It would be helpful to know and understand your current situation.
May you be safe and protected from inner and outer harm.
Chris
Hello Chris @artscaping and @pfreeman61, I am so sorry to hear about both of your situations. Sound so painful! And Chris, just to think you had to have surgery to remove those crystals wow, I did not realize that degree of treatment was necessary. I have not worked in healthcare for a long time but I remember back in the day our patients took colchicine and some other medication for gout and I do remember how painful gout is but it was usually in the big toe so I never knew it could be in the knee.
Chris it sounds like your surgery work and things are resolved? And @pfreeman61, I hope and pray you can get the necessary treatment to bring you the relief that you deserve!
I trust you will find the same support, encouragement, inspiration, and tons of information here on Connect so welcome to the group!
Recovering from first episode of this painful problem in one knee. Have been on celecoxib, prednisone dose pac. Wondering about long term management suggestions, age 76, good health, love to hike and work out.
Dicloffenac ointment also helps, if your stomach becomes sensitive to nsaids. Also if you take immeprosol for reflux or sensitive stomach, those side affects may cause other serious problems. Steroid shots work very well!
How does one verify where their pseudogout is coming from. I am currently 60 yo and was diagnosed with pseudo gout when I was 45. I have read that it generally does have an onset until you are 85 or more. I had a sever accident when I was 23 that put me in a semi coma and double compound fracture that eventually led to a fused ankle. How do I differentiate from the accident causing the pseudogout or some other problem?
I had. Pseudo gout at age 35, and many times in my 70s. It’s usually in my right hand and left knee. I blame it on overuse, it’s caused by crystals that settle in the joints and makes the joint very painful, swollen, and appears just like gout. No one in my family ever had it. I also had my right knee replaced due to sever arthritis and I just assumed my left knee was arthritic too. But, it’s fine, very little arthritis, and the pseudo gout is under control at this time. I’m 83 and suffering with other arthritic conditions right now. It’s an ongoing issue!
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As I have gone back through my medical history, I discovered my pseudogout started after my accident on a training exercise in 1981. The first sign was the fact I had developed bilateral patella femoral syndrome as a mere 30yo. At 45 I was told by an orthopedic specialist I had the skeletal system of an 85yo. Currently I have tricompartmental chondrocalcinosis; left is severe with bone on bone opposition; right is moderate to severe. The VA wants to replace both my knees and I’m only 59yo
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2 Reactions@pfreeman61, I can only say that I would have much rather had my knee replacement in my 50s or 60s rather than when I had it done at age 76. I think the rehab would have been a little easier for me. I also had a knee injury in the right knee that was replaced. I was in my 40s and playing softball and tore the cartilage in the knee. After the surgery to remove the cartilage, I had problems with the knee for over 20 years. Cortisone shots helped for awhile but degenerative arthritis and old age finally caught up with me and if I wanted to keep mobility I had to have the replacement.
Do you have concerns about have the knee replacement surgery?
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1 ReactionI’m concerned of getting it now and then again in my mid 70’s
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2 ReactionsI can empathize with you. While I have never been down for more than 8 days straight, that is mainly due to economy reasons. You do what you have to do...
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3 ReactionsYour medication is curious. My doctor recently told me (new doctor) that my vitamin D has a history of being low. I am now on 200 IOU’s of D3 daily. FYI, I was already taking 1500 iu’s daily.
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2 ReactionsI’m just wondering what happens if I have the knees replaced and the pseudogout hasn’t been addressed.
I take 100 mcg Vitamin K2 along with 5000 IU Vitamin D3 capsules. They work well together 😊
The Synergistic Interplay between Vitamins D and K for Bone and Cardiovascular Health: A Narrative Review: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5613455/
Vitamin D3 and K2 and their potential contribution to reducing the COVID-19 mortality rate: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7406600/
Hello Chris @artscaping and @pfreeman61, I am so sorry to hear about both of your situations. Sound so painful! And Chris, just to think you had to have surgery to remove those crystals wow, I did not realize that degree of treatment was necessary. I have not worked in healthcare for a long time but I remember back in the day our patients took colchicine and some other medication for gout and I do remember how painful gout is but it was usually in the big toe so I never knew it could be in the knee.
Chris it sounds like your surgery work and things are resolved? And @pfreeman61, I hope and pray you can get the necessary treatment to bring you the relief that you deserve!
I trust you will find the same support, encouragement, inspiration, and tons of information here on Connect so welcome to the group!
Many blessings, Sunny flower
Dicloffenac ointment also helps, if your stomach becomes sensitive to nsaids. Also if you take immeprosol for reflux or sensitive stomach, those side affects may cause other serious problems. Steroid shots work very well!
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Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI had. Pseudo gout at age 35, and many times in my 70s. It’s usually in my right hand and left knee. I blame it on overuse, it’s caused by crystals that settle in the joints and makes the joint very painful, swollen, and appears just like gout. No one in my family ever had it. I also had my right knee replaced due to sever arthritis and I just assumed my left knee was arthritic too. But, it’s fine, very little arthritis, and the pseudo gout is under control at this time. I’m 83 and suffering with other arthritic conditions right now. It’s an ongoing issue!
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Helpful -
Hug
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