Doctors apptment #3

The third visit to my GP practice which seems to do a roaring trade.  The busy schedule makes it difficult to see the same GP each visit. In fact this was the third GP with whom I'd discussed my knees.  The discussion went a along these lines:

Difficulty moving - physio has not improved the problem which has worsened since my first appointment in May. In May it was my right leg. Now it is both.

The knee X-ray showed no bone problems  - do not have a clear diagnosis.  The X-ray will not show problems with soft tissue.  MRI? If this is osteoarthritis would like to know!  How can we get a clearer diagnosis?

Would it make sense to see a knee specialist?

Three weeks ago a Baker's cyst developed on my left knee. Since then the rest of my leg has become swollen below the knee.  How serious is this swelling?

Neither the X-ray nor blood test had provided any clues.  My GP concludes that I should see a rheumatologist. Since the stiffness was in both knees and also my fingers some type of systemic inflammation was likely.  Joy. 

NHS or private?  I am keen to progress things and since I am part of a group BUPA scheme I decide on private.  I quickly find that in practice my BUPA cover does not amount to much:  there's an excess of a £100 and a cap of £1000 for out patient consultation.

 

Osteoarthritis?

A second visit to the GP to discuss my Baker's cyst and a chronic stiffness in the first two fingers of my left hand.  He talked about getting the cyst drained and the possibility of surgery but also commented that the cyst was probably the symptom of another problem and likely to return unless the underlying cause was alleviated.
And the fingers?  Some residual inflammation from an earlier knock.
And the stiff knees?  Possibly the onset of osteoarthritis, given the wear and tear of cycling.  My GP suggested further investigation: blood tests for markers of rheumatoid arthritis and an X-ray to check for bone erosion and anomalous geometry of the joint.  We agreed that it was best to monitor the cyst but do nothing for the time being.

Baker's cyst

I noticed a plum-sized lump  on the back of my left knee which from a bit of googling seems to be a Baker's cyst.  It makes its presence felt as I straighten the leg but is not a great encumbrance.

Body freeze

In August camping with the family and sneaking away early morning for quiet bike rides before the world woke up.  I found physically moving my body increasingly difficult, very stiff legs, stiff back, painful to squat.  This eased off during the day but climbing up steps hurt.  The crouching and kneeling required for tent construction and dismantling were ouch! Bike rides were possible, but slower than usual.