Bone Mets Mimicking Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in Knee?

Anonymous
Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

  I have been in so much pain in my knee, even after undergoing arthroscopic surgery in January. I finished physical therapy in April and have progressively gotten so much worse to the point that I cannot walk without my cain again.  I cannot put any weight on my knee at all without severe painFrown   I;m so depressed about it, and discouraged because I thought I could move past this, but lately I'm wondering if this could be bone mets.  I read this article in the Journal of Medical Case Reports. Click here: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Full text | Bone metastases mimicking Complex Regional Pain Syndrome I: a case r 

 It was case study of a patient who presented with knee pain, had arthroscopic surgery, but kept getting worse with pain and swelling in the knee.  Turned out to be metastatic malignancy in the bone.  I thought OMG what if this is why I'm so miserable in pain and can't walk.  The article is so thought provoking expecially when this is what we all worry about. 

Tomorrow I see my onc for followup and I want to run this by him.  I was wondering if anyone had severe knee pain that turned out to be bone mets?  I realize bone mets to knee is not all that common, but I know it has occured in some. Ugh, does the worrying ever stop???  I forgot to mention also that I am supposed to go for an injection on Friday for my knee pain.  The fear of this is totally freaking me out!

Sorry for ranting.Cry

image

Barb

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Comments

  • J9W
    J9W Member Posts: 395
    edited June 2012

    Shanagirl,  I can't answer about bone mets, but I do believe the worrying never stops. I hope everything works out well for you with the onc.  I have had tremendous knee pain for months so won't read that article you have here - afraid it will make we start worrying. I was told I have arthritis and to give up running. So I wonder, what is the injection you get in your knee??

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  • kathleen1966
    kathleen1966 Member Posts: 793
    edited June 2012
    I think mets to the knee is very uncommon, despite what you have read.  But, sometimes issues with the knee can be related to a lung issue. I think you would usually have the other symptoms that would go with knee pain, and that would be clubbed fingernails. From your history, I would lean more towards your surgery not being successful or not done correctly.  That makes the most sense to me. But because of our history, I would think it would make you feel better if you had a bone scan and a CT of your lungs. I hate that you are having this worry. It is really soo hard.....Frown
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2012

    I saw my onc today, and he thinks it's the arthritis pain.  The arthroscopic surgery I had helped somewhat but because my knee is bone on bone is reason for all the pain.  My ortho doc told me I would need a knee replacement down the line, and I would know when I'm ready!  So scared of the impending injection tomorrow, but I'll try anything before going thru knee replacement.  

    imageBarb
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2012

    Hi Catherine,  I did have the injection about a month ago, and it did help somewhat, but still in pain and limping, but at least I no longer have to use a cane.  I have had great doctors caring for me and the ortho surgeon who did the arthoscopy, looked  at all the torn menicus, cleaned it out and took pictures of the knee so he could document the bone on bone arthritis for the insurance company, when I eventually go for the knee replacement. Since then he's had me in doing "aqua therapy"  along with the Physical therapy.  It's helped and also taking "Melixicom" for pain which is anti inflamatory.  I have a consultation with a knee replacement surgeon associated with the orthopedic group caring for me.  So I'm feeling more and more like I'm going to have to face the surgery soon and don't want to put it off until after the holidays.  I want to feel better by then, and I want to be more physically active again without pain so I can keep the BC beast away.

    imageBarb
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  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 16,818
    edited August 2012

    Barb I just wanted to let you know that I had a total knee replacement done four and a half months ago. I feel so good I regret not having it done sooner. Yes the first few weeks are very painfull but after the third week there was marked improvement everyday.



    Love n hugs. Chrissy

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2012

    Hi Chrissy,  thank  you for your words of encouragement.  I have heard everybody tell me the same thing.  My Orthapedic doc said it was very painful and at first I would feel like whay did I do this, but by 3 weeks later I would feel why didn't I do it sooner.  I'm really sorry you had to go thru this.  I feel so done with doctor appts and surgery, and pain and meds. But I will tell you this. The knee has taken my mind off my BC issuesUndecided

    imageBarb
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