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[bramble]

Has anyone had bursitis in their elbow? I have had it for the past 8  weeks. It keeps filling up then bursting etc. Four times it has filled and 4 times burst. Any idea how long it will take to mend? Had 2 lots of antibiotics so far.

Bramble

[Taz2]

I didn't realise that the fluid actually burst! Have you looked at the NHS info on this http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Bursitis/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Sounds really miserable for you. It seems as if antibiotics are only given if you have septic bursitis which sounds really painful. It also says that after two months you may be referred to a specialist. Sounds like it's time for you to ask for referral.

Taz 

[littleminnie]

OH had this on his knee. It didn't burst though, had it drained a few times, a couple of injections before he had to have an op.

[Morwenna]

A relative of mine has had one for over a year following an attack of gout in the elbow -antibiotics made no impact - their GP struggled to drain it as he reckoned there are lots of small fluid filled 'chambers'. It's huge and very unsightly and apparently the only option now is to have it surgically removed 

[CLKD]

I expect the bursa site will be opened under GA and drained.  Injected and packed with ABs, padded with a large bandage: watch and wait.  It's usually in the moveable parts of joints and is a fluid filled sac which protects the joint.  Age, damamge, infection can all cause problems and the drainage is likely to be straw coloured, with possible blood.

[bramble]

A case of keeping it until it gets better! Drats!

Bramble

[CLKD]

It may not improve without surgical intervention.  Have you been referred to an Orthopaedic Consultant yet?

[bramble]

My doctor did suggest it but I prefer to wait it out a bit to see if it gets better under its own steam. I want to avoid an operation if at all possible.
Bramble

[CLKD]

By the time you've seen the Orthopod and he/she has decided whether or not your bursisit needs surgical intervention - you can always say 'no' then but I would get onto that Waiting List. You don't want to be in A&E on C.mas Eve now do you ..........