I have Osteoarthritis in my knee...don't want to cancel wedding in 5 weeks.?

Please, if anyone can help I would be forever greatful. I was just told I have osteoarthritis in both knees. I was give cortisonce injections into each knee 2 weeks ago today. The swelling is the same. 3 days ago I was started on Lodine every morning for paid & swelling. The knees are the same. I am scared I have to cancel my July 7th wedding. I would never be able to stand for a wedding/reception. Everything is paid for. Also, my future inlaws purchased us a honeymoon package of 10 days in Italy to visit family. I could never walk the airport, let alone Italy. I don't want them to lose money but they did not purchase insurance. If I don't go, we all lose. The doc says if the swelling goes down, my knees will feel better, but nothing has worked. I've rested and iced both knees for about 4 weeks. If anyone can suggest something I can try or tell my doctor to do, please tell me. What is supposed to be the most important day of my life will soon be my worst. Thank you

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors are a class of nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory agents. These specific COX-2 inhibitors appear to be as effective as current non-selective NSAIDs in treating the pain and inflammation of arthritis. the most commonly used one is "Lyrica," ask your medical doctor if you could try this drug. It works fast and many people are switching to this type of drug for Osteoarthritis. Also swim every day as this will help strengthen the knees without placing stress on the joints.

I've also enclosed a link where you can read about natural herbs and supplements that could help.

I truly want you to have a wonderful wedding.

I don't know what dosage your dr used for the injection, but perhaps he/she could increase the dosage. Also ask him about taking a large dose of steroids for several days before the wedding, through the honeymoon.

While long-term use of large doses of steroids is harmful, taking it for 2 weeks should cause limited long term effects and the dose can be reduced over the following weeks...
Your dr may be cautious about doing this because it could make you nauseus and retain a lot of fluid or gain a lot of weight in the 2 weeks..

Perhaps ask for a referral to a rheumatologist would be good...but i doubt you will be abelt o get an appointment before your wedding...

good luck!!!

Hope this helps you. There is a anti-inflammitory that comes in drops & is applied directly to the knee. It's called " Pennsaid" . It's made for knee arthiritis.

1.have rest 2.wrap it (support)3.warm up4.do exercise(stretching ,with band over the fingers .press back knee down)

If the Lodine isn't working, ask him if he can prescribe something else but be sure you wait a couple of days before starting a new one and drink alot of water. I tried Lodine and got rid of the pain but the swelling got so bad in my feet, I couldn't put my shoes or boots on. I am now on Voltaren which cuts some of the pain and I can get around better by taking it. Make sure you take antacids about 15 minutes before taking the medication so you protect your stomach and drink a bottle of water once you take the pill.

There are several anti-inflammatories out there so get something else and see if you do better. The Lodine might be causing some of your swelling like it did mine.

Sure hope you can get this worked out but if you have to sit at the wedding, do it. People will understand and you can have your fiance sit right there beside you. And keep the Therma Care heat wraps handy (for the shoulders is best) in case you have alot of pain. I use the shoulder ones on my knees and ankles when they give me trouble and hurt alot.

And you can always get a wheelchair at the airports and other places where you can't do alot of walking. I have post polio problems and have learned to do what I have to do to stay comfortable so I can get around ok. Sometimes it's just a part of life.

Good luck to you. Have a wonderful wedding day and honeymoon.