oh no ! Bilateral hip arthritis

[Snowleopard_1970]

for years I believed my pain was due to a back problem (facet joint arthritis) But I have just been diagnosed with bilateral moderate hip arthritis. I have literally visited the GP 15-20 times over the last 8 years and not once was my hips believed to be the problem. I finally had to ask for an X-ray when an osteopath thought my hips were stiff.

I have pain in my bum, groin and severe pain in my leg going to my knee. The inside of my thigh is numb. I am seeing the MSK service in January but feel frightened of what the future may hold. I am exercising more and really watching my diet.

I am also doing some specific hip exercises.

Has anyone had similar issues and what has been your treatment?

[piglette]

I was in a similar position. Over several years I found that I had pain walking particularly in my groin and thighs. In the end I saw my GP who said I should see a rheumatologist. There was a six month waiting list. The rheumatologist’s assistant saw me and she got an xray and found that one hip was bone on bone. She then applied for me to have funding for a hip replacement which took three months to get the funding. Then another three months to see an orthopaedic surgeon, who said he would put me on his list. So eventually I had a hip replacement. Since then I had my other hip replaced, but had that done privately. When I walk along now I cannot believe what pain I used to go through getting around. The hip replacements really were fantastic.

[GJPG]

I've had similar problem, which became mire acute over last 3 years.Just had first of hips replaced. Still in recovery as quite recent but huge improvement in new hip .

[Snowleopard_1970 in reply to GJPG]

Thank you for your reply.

Did you have your hip replaced by the NHS and if so how long did you have to wait? Good luck with your recovery and Merry Christmas

[GJPG in reply to Snowleopard_1970]

I did have my hip replaced by NHS.Once I was properly diagnosed, which was probably less than 2 years ago, I eventually saw a consultant surgeon in August who said I would probably have to wait until June / July 2023. However, I was called for a pre-op assessment in October and had my op in November.

So , once diagnosed, the wait wasn't long at all and the op itself , (I had spinal anaesthetic) was relatively straightforward.

I was getting to the bathroom with walking aids in less than 24 hours and walking on crutches down corridor within 2 days.im now walking half a mile and ready to start driving again. Though pain management is still tricky . Some say they were off codeine within a month, I'm stick juggling with that , otherwise sleep is problematic.

Good luck and Merry Christmas.

[Cat33]

Hello Snowleopard I had similar the pain was excruciating I was referred to a hip surgeon and the x-ray showed it was bone on bone

I had my hip replaced it was amazing

I've now had both replaced and it's given me a new lease of life

I had both mine replaced before Covid so the wait was 3 months the first hip and 2 months the second

I had my knee replaced last year so we paid for a private consultation with the same surgeon to cut out the wait for that but then he put me on his NHS list

Don't be frightened it's never nice going through an op but I recovered quite quickly and to be without pain well they are no words

Wishing you all the very very best

[Batty1]

My poor mother has this really bad sometimes she can’t get up from a chair and if she moves her legs wrong … she is in agony.

[SusanEleven]

It’s nice to read these positive hip replacement posts.

I had hip x-rays in 2017 and I had bone spurs and mild arthritis. It felt a bit worse over the years but I was still walking 1-2 miles a day until a few months ago when the pain got intense. It wraps around to my groin, goes down my leg and also hurts just under my buttocks. Stairs, getting in and out of my car or getting up from sitting have been awful.

I got new x-rays. Now it’s “severe.” My left hip is bone on bone. Cartilage is all gone! The right hip is heading the same way. The orthopedist said injections won’t help. Hip replacement is the only solution. Until that time he said to try a cane and “other assistive devices.” And sort out pain medication.

Ibuprofen helps me but my rheumatologist doesn’t want me using it because I’ve been on steroids for 6 years for an autoimmune disease. Gastric bleeding potential and all that. Paracetamol does nothing for me.

I had a good cry in the parking lot after my appointment. So much to process.

[DorsetLady in reply to SusanEleven]

sorry to hear your news, but another brilliant hip replacement here as well…mine was pretty much “kn@&£ed” -surgeon’s words and carried out 6 months after knee replaced (opposite side). Much easier recovery.

Rheumy is correct about ibruprofen and steroids -but Co-codamol is okay (apart from the constipation) -I took both when still on steroids.

If/when you decide on surgery -have a look at my post -from another forum -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk....