Cursed

I've been having some problems with my knees lately. The kind of problems that involve joint pain that keeps me up all night. I've been referred to a specialist, but I haven't wanted to go because I'm sick of being in doctors' offices.

Before I go see the specialist, I've decided to try some home remedies. The other day I went to the CVS and picked up knee braces, a pain killer specifically for knee-joint pain, and a tube of Capzasin. I've had moderate success with the braces and the pain killer. I've been flat out cursed with the Capzasin.

I tried the stuff out the other night around 2 a.m. I applied the recommended dose to each knee and massaged it in. I noticed a warm tingly burn and thought 'hey, this stuff is working.' I fell asleep and woke up around 7:20 ready to start the day and get to work. I noticed that I could still feel the burning sensation and it was a lot stronger. I didn't think too much of it, and took my shower. And that's when all hell broke loose.

The minute the water hit my knees they lit up -- we're talking blazing desert sun agony here. I called my doctor and explained the situation. Turns out I'm highly sensitive to the active ingredient (0.01% is apparently too much for me). I had some nice chemical burns on both my knees. Fortunately, the problem was readily fixed by spending a good chunk of my morning hopping in and out of the shower and flushing the area. My knees are a little sore, but no worse for the wear.