I've been to orthopedists. I've been to physical therapists. I've been to ruemetologists. Best I get is stretch. Rest. Or "have you heard of ibuprofen?"

My knee is fucked. It has been since I was in my teens. My pateller tendon is ripping micro fractured bone off of my shin causing incredible pain and swelling that comes in flare ups from the constant attempts at healing, then becoming irritated by something as simple as going up stairs.

I called out of work today because it took me ten minutes to figure out how to get out of bed without bending my knee or letting it support the weight of itself. Eventually got to my vehicle, lifted my leg into the car with my hand and decided fuck the 45 minute drive in a standard and went back inside.

I'm frustrated. I can justify calling out with a fever or illness but "oh my knee hurts" feels like a dumb excuse. And after 25 years of this recurring every month or two, with only stretches and Advil as prescribed medical advice. I'm pretty fucking sick of it.

Apologies. Rant over.