When I was diagnosed with PVNS in 2013 I had already known about the bulging tumor for about 10 years that protruded from the lower left side of my right knee.  Eventually it got so difficult to bend the knee without manually moving the tumor out of the way.  I had to demand to have it removed surgically after it was confirmed as diagnosed PVNS through MRI's that I was injected with contrast.  And that was after they ran a whole set of knee images without it.  The surgeon and the hospital that was helping me wasn't my favorite.  I was especially not fond of the f ..read more

I must be doing something right.  I haven't had much news regarding my PVNS since my last surgery that was three and a half years ago.  I do feel it in my knee, it has returned.  But not where I feel like I need another surgery again soon.  I used to think that once it started limiting my ability to move my knee properly that I needed to get surgery right away.  Now I am trying to be patient with it.   I have been getting by with making sure I incorporate turmeric in my meals.  Turmeric is such a great anti-inflammatory and I assume that mostly my knee i ..read more

 I have learned that I overcompensate for my PVNS knee as a habit.  This causes me to put extra effort on my left hip so that I don't put too much weight or effort on my right knee.  This causes extra wear on the left hip and I sure feel it if I do not use a cane when walking long distances or hiking.  I usually stay away from exercising with any kind of impact.  Riding a bicycle or swimming is my comfort zone.  Extensive walking can be done with a cane but I will get into a mobility scooter if I need to.  Even when people assume I'm able bodied because I'm i ..read more

Where is time going?  It all has blended together and I have found myself becoming sedentary. I allowed myself to stop doing the routine things that were maintaining my knee from becoming prevalent with symptoms including pain.  I went from riding a bicycle 6+ miles several times a week and yoga daily to nothing.  I also have used a topical mix of frankensense and coconut oil infused with cannabis.  Whether it's woowoo or actually works, I'm convinced it does.  I haven't been as diligent to apply it daily.  I'm feeling all of the effects of my lack of motivation ..read more

With the closures of the gyms, parks, and general exercise that I'm used to, I have become less active.  I usually go to the gym between 3 to 5 days a week and ride a stationary bicycle or swim in the pool for at least 25 minutes on top of doing yoga for at least 20 minutes every day.  However, with the current COVID-19 Pandemic, my usual ways of exercising have gone away.  It's too cold to swim in the local waters and I am not ready to ride my bicycle because it needs a tune up and I don't want to risk it breaking down if I just jump on it after not riding it for over a year.&n ..read more

During this amazing time in history with the worldwide pandemic of Covid-19 the world has had to embrace something resembling the slow living movement.  However, it rather does closely resemble a suspended animation of people living but not their normal lives.  A massive adjustment to live a new normal is being thrust upon humanity.  It is a time to learn to listen.  To be silent.  To adjust.  To change.  To adapt. It has been a reminder for me to do everything slowly.  Enjoying each moment and finding the gratitude in the small things.  PVNS forced me into a slower lifestyle and I embraced i ..read more

I finally got a post op appointment with my surgeon almost 2 years from my last surgery on April 9, 2018.  I was told after my surgery that I would be losing my insurance and that a post op appointment would cost me at least $500 out of pocket to see my surgeon who would just tell me what I already knew.  My swelling is still present, I need ice and compression.  Blah blah blah... Yep, ok doctor.   So I saved the money and still am not icing and compressing.  I'm not on the diet I should be.  But.  I told the surgeon and the intake doctor that I seem to be having success with frankincense oil ..read more

In the United States of America we have to have insurance to pay for our health care.  Or we pay out of pocket.  There is an interesting thing that happens when you don't have insurance, some providers (doctor offices) charge less.  Some don't.   If there is any federal or state assistance with healthcare, I have noticed a level of discrimination since the assisted insurance does not typically pay for the full bill.  And they use this as excuse to charge astronomical rates.  Most providers are charging around $500 for a visit.  $500 an hour is a pretty sweet deal.   But it depends of what kind ..read more

When I first started applying a topical CBD extract I used something I bought over the counter at a dispensary.   However, it did not indicate how much CBD was in the product.  Many products claiming to include CBD have been tested negative for any CBD so I'm now skeptical of anything that is sold by anyone not specifically dispensing cannabis products and without proper labeling. I met a farmer who manufactures a Coconut Oil based product that includes CBD and THC.  I mix it with frankincense.  I have attempted to apply it to my knee at least once a day.  There are times when I feel like my ..read more

What?  Did you read that right?  PVNS just goes away eventually?  On it's own?  Without surgery?  The word I have heard recently from others who suffer from PVNS that they have been told it's possible.  Medical professionals that once diagnosed that there is a peak time for PVNS to "live" but then eventually it stops growing and is no longer an issue.  This is news to me after suffering for well over a decade.  I have had 3 surgeries since being diagnosed 6 years ago and I feel that it's time for another surgery soon.  I have heard other people talk about their many surgeries, joint replacemen ..read more