A Brighter Day

Gloria B.

Transdermal Patient

By day, I manage an assisted living facility whose patients live with Alzheimer’s. On the weekend, I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren. My life is active, but in the aftermath of a torn meniscus, I found myself in the company of a cane.

A torn meniscus is one of the most common knee injuries. It occurs in the C-shaped cartilage that acts as a cushion between your shinbone and your thighbone. Any activity forcefully rotating the knee, especially when putting your full weight on it, can lead to this injury.

I opted for surgery with the first tear, but the excitement after healing was interrupted with a second tear in the opposite knee. Working through the halls of the facility wasn’t joyous any longer, it was unbearable. Walks in the park were forgotten. I played with my grandchildren from a chair because the pain had become too much, but another surgery wasn't the route I wanted.

The first alternative suggested was cortisone shots, but I wasn’t a fan. Those felt monotonous, always needing to make another appointment for more.  I then visited a pain center and was asked if I was interested in a pain cream. I felt it fit with the active lifestyle I’d come to love.

After the first week, I could feel it working. Once it penetrated through to the pain in my knee, I was able to be active again. If I run out of cream or skip a few days of use, I feel a little pain. If I use my cream once a day, I can simply say I don’t have any problems.

My position at the facility requires strength since I need to stand or walk for most of my day. Being pain free allows me to concentrate on the tasks at hand and enjoy the reward of my work. At home, I'm able to appreciate the simple things in life and share them with my grandchildren. I love to watch them discover the world, and now, I'm able to keep up!