Hi all, I’m new here and I think I need a bit of help. I have been diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis in both my hips and from the MRI scan it seems that I am bone on bone. I am in so much pain all the time and cry every time I get up to stand. I am only 41 and my GP is certain that I will need both hips replaced very soon. I am desperately worried about this and feel extremely depressed. I don’t know anyone my age that has had a joint replacement and I just wondered if there was anyone out there who knows of something similar? I also have a liver disease and so I cannot take anti inflammatory medication. I am on 10mg slow release weekly patch, but it doesn’t seem to do a thing for the pain. Is there any way else I can help myself? Herbal? Alternative? I’d try anything. When I get up to stand it’s so stiff and my muscles go really tight and shake. I’m sorry to moan and complain on my first post, but I do feel quite desperate and very sad.
Warm wishes, xx
Oh my dear, bucket loads of empathy from me. I have a friend who had a double hip replacement at 32 so don't worry about the fact you are only 41. I would have the surgery asap if I were you. Hip replacement is almost like outpatient surgery these days so recovery is nothing like it used to be years ago. Have you tried Voltaren Gel for pain relief? It's a non-steroidal and has an analgesic effect on joint pain. Being a gel, it doesn't affect the liver.
Thank you so much Laurapc. That’s reassuring. I will go and find some of this gel this afternoon, tbh, I would try anything now the pain is so bad. Take care xx