Second opinions are interesting.....

I have finally seen another doctor, and have had a second opinion. Yes, I hear you. It is nearly 5 months later than I should have done this. But I have been. I liked him. He knows what he is talking about, and after hearing my story and examining the said limb, he sat back and started talking.

First.... I should have had an MRI within 2 days. Second, I would and should have then started immediate physiotherapy. The sitting on that wretched couch has not been a good move, never mind that every doctor I saw said sit. And I sat. For months.

Second...... the osteo arthritis could have been dormant for the rest of my life, but often an injury wakes it up and speeds up the damage. Mine did. And now the leg is compensating and unreliable.

Third.....It is possible that the inactivity coupled with the arthroscopy, triggered the CRPS.

Fourth..... CRPS is a horrible thing. However, there is a positive here. He says the medicine I am on is good. And he explained more about how the tablets work. I have to do much physio and exercise, and he estimates that it will probably take 6 months to a year to get well. He says I appear a stong character, so getting better is hopeful. Determined not to consider any other option is more like it. Some people don't, by the way. Get better. Not me. I am not going there. He was not altogether flattering in his assessment of the NHS. And I am being diplomatic here.

Fifth... I need to see a really good pain specialist, not a psychiatric one. And that it is a team effort to treat CRPS. If the tablets I am on now don't work, they will probably introduce beta blockers in addition. Just great. Here I am with no depression, epilepsy or heart problems, potentially taking medication for all 3 to cure condition 4. However, if they work, I will take the lot.

So. It is now "let's repair the damage" time. This is going to take a long time people, so brace yourselves for more knee stories in the immediate future. Sorry about that. But it is life. Mine.

At least I know that the treatment I am getting NOW is what is appropriate. At last. And after I see the physio on Monday, I am going to be an exercise fiend. I AM going to crawl on the floor when the bump arrives in February. I AM going to walk in the mountains again. I AM going to have a knee which works properly again.

Just watch.