
Update on my post about Synovial Fluid Build-Up (Sorry, no pic- It's boring)
Ok, so Knee to everyone!
I went to my doctor today, and he performed an arthrocentesis on my operative knee.
He drew out 50cc's of excess fluid. My knee feels better now, though when it was first done, it felt a little... weird. Stiff, maybe? Kinda' hard to explain. That lasted only about 30 minutes.
But now, 6 hours later, my knee feels relaxed, and better able to move. ROM is back to the original position of 135 degrees. I have now come to realize that the excess fluid had been hindering ROM, and creating stiffness, but perhaps it was a slow build-up I didn't notice.
As an aside, there are two ways to withdraw the fluid, one is medial (meaning from the front) and one is lateral (from the side). Mine was done medially, which evidently is doctor-preference.
I was advised to take it easy today, and to rest my knee which resulted in an unplanned but thoroughly enjoyed 45 minute nap. My nap was aided by my dog napping with me. Great stuff! Oh, and no submersion for 24 hours. A shower is fine, but no hot tub, pool, or bath tub. That is due to protecting against infection from the needle site.
One odd benefit was that there was no pain other than the initial poke with the needle through the skin. I felt nothing as he had to adjust the needle position slightly, and nothing when the fluid was withdrawn, other than comfort. I credit that to missing defective parts!
So there you have it. I feel so much better!
Knee!