https://www.healthline.com/nut...
https://www.warnerorthopedics....
@ViolaAnn, sorry to hear about the blood sugar and knee issues.
I sent links to ideas to help and avoid medical treatment! Though I worked in medical field for 30 years, I prefer to avoid it!
One link is to supplements or spices that may help lower BS.
It sounds like you are active and eat well. A dietitian may have ideas for foods or supplements that may help.
For your knee, I wouldn't fret too much about the MRI. My neighbor also had trouble getting MRI. Will MRI change treatment? I know it's terrible to have pain and limitations.
Several years ago I had shoulder pain. I have insurance and also get government health care. The semi-retired government orthopedic doc did do some steroid injections. He primarily recommended vitamins, anti-inflammatories, and rest.
Recently, my mom had low back pain probably due to osteoporosis. On recommendations of neighbor, she had a massage. She thought that made her hurt worse! So the therapist who wants the MRI is practicing safely to avoid injury.
My mom had MRI of her back. I don't think it changed treatment
She is in her 80s. Docs said they would not do surgery. She had home therapy and took acetaminophen (Tylenol). I stayed with her for 2 weeks to try to encourage her to focus on taking care of herself because she would want to be active. Fortunately, she is better. She still gets tired walking much. She is driving again.
For my shoulder, when I did see a civilian orthopedic MD, he wanted to do a scope to look in my joint. I told him I would try other methods first to avoid surgery. It is much better without surgery. So if you want off the loop, you can take a detour and
research self-treatment options from reputable sources.
I'm sure you miss aquafit while pool is closed. Does your pool have deep water? I prefer deep water exercise because I think it is easier on joints and provides a better stretch. Our pool has floatation belts. Sometimes, I float, use arm floats, or sit on noodle,
When my daughter had knee pain playing soccer, the doc said the key to protecting joints is to strengthen surrounding muscles.
So I would try methods to reduce inflammation, avoid injury, and see if you can get sports medicine appt.
Avoid twisting your knee while you are moving music equipment!
Steroids can play havoc with blood sugar. So if one provider is monitoring your blood sugar, avoid steroids if you don't want new meds!
One of the links is for meniscus tear. I know you don't have diagnosis. I picked this one since you said that is possibility, link is from ortho doc, (I assume), it seems to have sound general advice, though I don't much about the plasma injections! sports medicine clinic should have good advice!
Also, I recommended researching self-care because it sounds like you are still active, playing music, walking at mall, and hosting Christmas party!
Once I went to a local clinic for low back pain. They recommended I get urgent CT scan. So I went to check in at hospital. They said they could put me on payment plan. $600, so I could pay $100 for 6 months. I gave $100 down, then said I would cancel.
I was able to have scan at hospital where I work. Scan didn't show anything. I made several phone calls to hospital who cashed my $100 check. Eventually, I got $ back.
Some investigative reports here research difference in health care costs which is usually higher in hospital. They said sometimes you have to research options.
This is coming from the person who had to pay $150 for dentist to diagnose tooth abcess because I took the word of the receptionist that my insurance will pay.
Actually, it is time for me to renew my insurance. I haven't done any research on it because it is stressful and not fun!
Take care of yourself!
Wish I could come to Canada to listen to the marvelous music!
