Does doing an aspiration into a knee hurt?

Question

I've got a very swollen knee and it's starting to swell on the thigh above it now. It's been like this for 2 days. I went to the ER and he is very concerned that there could be a MRSA staph infection in there. I have MRSA and have sores elsewhere. My knee hurts so bad! He gave me Darvocet which is like a joke for this pain. He wanted to do an aspiration where he draws out fluid to check to see if it MRSA. I guee that this also will relieve the pressure too and make it less painful afterwards, right? I am just so terrified of those numbing needles. The knee is so sensitive and I know it'll hurt really bad. I couldn't do it so he gave me antibiotics and told me to come back if it didn't improve. Well, now it's a bit worse. I don't have a fever though. The pain is much worse as well. He said he could give me a pill that would kind of knock me out for the procedure and I wouldn't remember much. I know I sound like a big baby. Should I go today? How serious could this be?

Answer 1

I think you should definitely go. It could be very serious. The MRSA can spread to your blood and cause sepsis or endocarditis (an infection of your heart). If your joint is infected it could also be very serious. You could end up needing a joint replacement if the infection is bad/untreated and it destroys your joint. An aspiration should not hurt. You will feel the needle, but if you've ever had blood drawn or an immunization, you should know that it is not that uncomfortable and only lasts one second. After the aspiration, you will feel a lot better because the pressure from the fluid will be released.

Answer 2

I would absolutely go today. I know you had posted something about this earlier in the week...and I am very surprised by the fact that, even with all the information given to you, you haven't had this treated yet!!

First of all, the numbing needles are no big deal. It's a small prick...similar to having a fingerstick. I would absolutely take your doc up on the medicine to knock you out. You can also ask him to "drape" your knee so that you aren't able to see anything that is going on. I have a good friend that is a gorophobe...that's the only way they can do ANY kind of procedure involving needles.

If you've ever had blood drawn before, or an IV started, you will have NO problem with the numbing needles at all. It's like comparing an F-18 to a toy jet.

I know you are hesitant about this...and I know for some people, needles are the most terrifying thing in the world. Just keep in mind...the pill will help you, the drape will help...but if you don't suck it up and do this (not to sound rude, but I don't think you understand just how BADLY this could end up for you), you could EASILY lose your leg...if you're lucky. I would HATE to know that something horrible ended up happening to you because you were afraid of a needle.

The meds help...the drape helps...and God KNOWS, it's better than the alternative!!!!

PLEASE GO NOW!!!

Answer 3

Knee Aspiration

Answer 4

Please, please go today!!! I answered a MERSA question earlier,I have seen the outcome of this horrible systemic infection untreated,the thought of it still scares the crap out of me!! WHEN you go to the ER, ask if the Doc will consider "conscious sedation" or "moderate sedation", this involves injecting a strong, but not muscle paralyzing,anesthesia type drug into an IV that the nurse will access for you. (Trust me, an IV insertion does not hurt much at all.) I'm not sure if I can suggest the drugs of choice for this procedure in this forum(I am an ER Nurse, not a Doc), but, if they were going to give you a pill to "knock you out", they already KNOW how bad it can feel, and they were not talking about a pill anyway, "you won't remember much" (Darvocet was a joke, remember) They know what to do, I know my ER people, we are of like mind department wide, state to state. They are really concerned about you, they will help you, and will try hard to make you as comfortable as they can. If you're comfortably sedated, they can work with you better, and,anyway, what good would it do for you to be all jerking away and afraid? That would just complicate things more, remember, they really want to help you. NO, you ARE NOT a baby, but, YES, you are infected and sick, and will be much sicker if you don't go. This is SO VERY serious, but not anywhere near as serious as it will get, we're talkin' possible LIFE and LIMB loss, PLEASE GO BACK TO THAT ER NOW!!!!

Answer 5

Rather late, but YES!! It's excruciating! I had the numbing injection which had zero effect and it hurt in itself anyway. Then I had a junior doctor try three times to get the aspiration needle in, failing each time. Finally the consultant (senior emergency ward doctor) took over and it was done.

My personal doctor says that the numbing injection doesn't work and that it's best to just stick the needle in once (not four times in my case)

The pain is exactly what you'd expect from sticking a large diameter needle deep into your knee joint.

Answer 6

I would definitely go and get checked out, since methicillin resistant staph arueus can be pretty bad, especially if not treated. I'm not surprised that darvocet isnt really helping, its very weak. Tell them that its doing nothing for you, and maybe they can give you something that will help. Also, if they sedate you for the procedure you won't feel anything. You can do it :)

Answer 7

I had fluid on my ankle drained. The numbing injection was a little painful but when it was all over the relief I had was astonishing. I am 19 and I don't like needles but I just slow deep breathes and kept my eyes shut until they had finished and I was proud of myself for getting through it and so was the docotor.

Go as soon as possible!!

Good Luck

Answer 8

Also try: mrsa staph infection pictures, mrsa staph infection treatment More...
WEB RESULTS
Staph Infection/MRSA
Lists sites that provide general information and pictures of common types of staphylococcal infections. From the University of Iowa's Hardin Library for the Health ...www.lib.uiowa.edu/hardin/md/staph.html - 12k
MRSA, Prevent MRSA Staph Infection with StaphAseptic®
To prevent skin infections caused by MRSA and other germs, it is essential to ... 9/25/07 Nick Diaz Hospitalized with Staph Infection read more> ...www.staphaseptic.com - 18k - Cached
MRSA infection - MayoClinic.com
MRSA infection — Comprehensive overview of the symptoms, causes and treatment ... weakened immune systems, ordinary staph infections can cause serious illness ...www.mayoclinic.com/health/mrsa/DS00735 - 26k - Cached
Staph Skin Infections and MRSA
... common skin infections caused by the staph bacteria, including impetigo ... Staph Skin Infections and MRSA What Is Staph?Necrotizing soft tissue infection ...pediatrics.about.com/od/childhoodinfections/a/staph_infection.htm - 28k - Cached
How to Kill Off Stubborn Staph Infections, Including Golden Sraph, MRSA ...
... Help Kill Off Staph Infections, MRSA and Superbug Bacteria ... A Staph infection, especially an MRSA Staphylococcus infection, can be a dangerous thing. ...staphinfectionhelp.com - 24k - Cached
MRSA Staph Infection Prevention, CA-MRSA infections, Prevent Staph or ...
Staph or MRSA infections in the community are usually manifested as skin ... What should I do if I think I have a staph or MRSA infection? ...www.staphaseptic.com/mrsafaq.html - 25k - Cached
Staph Infection and MRSA (PDF)
... staph and MRSA, so keeping the. infection covered ... Most staph and MRSA infections are treatable. with antibiotics. If you are given an antibiotic, ...www.sedgwickcounty.org/healthdept/fact_sheets/staph infections.pdf - 80k - View as html
Staph Infection (Staphylococcus Aureus) - MedicineNet.com
Learn about staph infections which can cause illness by infection (such as in ... Learn about symptoms of MRSA infections " Top Searched Staph Infection Terms: ...www.medicinenet.com/staph_infection/article.htm - 45k
MRSA Infections, MRSA Staph Infections
Staph bacteria, including MRSA, can cause skin infections that may look like a ... What does a staph or MRSA infection look like? ...teclabsinc.com/product-categories.cfm?id=93202F32-F875-2EA0-D816B90... - 22k - Cached
CA-MRSA: Public FAQs | CDC Infection Control in Healthcare
How common are staph and MRSA infections? What does a staph or MRSA infection look like? ... How can I prevent staph or MRSA skin infections? ...www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca_public.html - 19k - Cached
SPONSOR RESULTS
Staph Infection Mrsa
www.eBay.com - Looking for staph infection mrsa? Find exactly what you want today.
Mrsa Staph Infection?
StaphInfectionHelp.com - Stubborn Staph infections disappear using Tested natural remedies.
Also try: mrsa staph infection pictures, mrsa staph infection treatment More... SPONSOR RESULTSStaph Infection Mrsa
Looking for staph infection mrsa? Find exactly what you want today.
www.eBay.comMrsa Staph Infection?
Stubborn Staph infections disappear using Tested natural remedies.
StaphInfectionHelp.comMSRA
GTPases, GPCRs, PI3 Kinase, HIV RT, Prion proteins and more.
www.jenabioscience.comAdvanced Wound Dressings to Treat Mrsa
Antimicrobial Dressings that Prevent and Eliminate MRSA Infections.
Silverlon.comStaph Infection
Find Bargain Prices On staph Infection.
www.BizRate.comKill in 24-48 Hr, Staph infection & Mrsa
Beat Staph Infection & MRSA Infection w/StaphWash; 100% Guar.$39.95.
www.staphtreatment.com

Answer 9

well, if indeed it is MRSA, you could lose your leg. I wouldn't wait, get to the ER and let them treat you, it's what you went there for in the first place.

Answer 10

Crack him a lager, Bourbon, Whiskey, Water, Coke, or in basic terms make the guy a cake. Take it to him and tell him you like him, do no longer ignore to thank him for being the stable service which you have advised us he's. Do it because you prefer him to renowned, no longer because you prefer to pay attention it back. in basic terms love the guy. he remains a 'human beings' like something individuals.