X ray results

[Brian1977]

So I finally got a letter from the rheumatologist consultant today with my xray results. He said my lumbar spine was OK but both my hips are showing signs of osteoarthritis especially the left one and hip impingement again especially the left one. He said before he refers me to orthopaedic surgery he wants to see me to discuss things and look over my joints. He said obviously the methotrexate I'm on for the inflammatory athritis won't help the osteoarthritis. What will be next I'm only 45 and starting to panic now 😩😩😩

[Madmusiclover]

don’t panic Brian1977. The good news is it sounds like you’ve got a good rheumy and replacement hips are a very successful operation, I know I’ve got two! Many of us have RA and OA. Keep positive. Give thanks for the wonders of modern medicine and surgery. Sending you good wishes.

[Brian1977 in reply to Madmusiclover]

Thwnkyou I'm just stressed as my wife is really ill too and we have 4 young kids I couldn't be out of action for a long time I try to struggle on with all the chores at home especially with 4 kids it's just a nitemare

[Madmusiclover in reply to Brian1977]

that’s tricky. Forgive my intrusion but do you have money to buy help such as a cleaner and/or have you talked your situation through with your gp or looked into any allowances you or your wife might be entitled to such as PIP? I’m sure others will have ideas.

[Runrig01]

I worked as an orthopaedic nurse for over 30yrs. These days surgery is very successful and you’re usually only in for 3 days, sometimes less. Are your kids at an age they can help and get themselves to school.

It may be they could try steroid injections first to buy you a bit of time. The waiting lists for this surgery are quite long, so you should have plenty time to put a plan in place. As Madmusiclover says, look at what benefits you could be entitled to, and use that to fund a cleaner, or assistance with school runs.

What I would suggest is doing the same exercises they recommend after surgery. Starting off with strong muscles gives you a head start. Try not to worry, the choice is always yours, you are entitled to defer surgery if you’re managing at the moment.

[Brian1977]

Thanks guys I'm currently waiting on a pip assesment hopefully it won't be too long. I had a right battle last year with universal credit. I eventually had to take them to a tribunal which I won thankfully

[hazmatrec]

hi, Brian 1977! I'm really sorry you are having things heaped upon you. it does sound like responsive medical practitioners, which could be a good thing going forward. i had to have a knee debrided, and that kind of responsiveness helped scheduling between half terms and playgroup holidays; i was able to work with them to find the best time to be somewhat out of action. i have just started hefty medication to try and help some connective tissue issues and joint issues. i found a physio (a cic company) who is working with a local organization, and jointly they are able to offer reduced cost one to one physio with adaptive machine and heavily tailored movements. we're working on doing no further damage and building up the muscles I'd need if my joints become keen again and specifically the debrief knee is gonna need another go, and my shoulders, hips, and lower spine are, um, 'getting older'. I've been not moving enough for too long and he's helping me get back in the habit. it's been amazing. I've also received hope. I'll stop blathering. but if you could find someone to work with you for after, maybe the sorting out of going through would be a little easier.

oh. my physio works remotely uk wide, I've just read on his website. i have done some remote days with him when i haven't been able to leave the house; i can see how that would work.

all i can say is my experience. I've had a lot of waiting around and stuff like that, and the unknown. i do know that working with this physio brought me some hope, a rope to climb. ha. that's a good picture. wings to fly, cuz can't lift my arms. ha!

anyway. i have something to ACTUALLY DO while the medical stuff and the nhs is swirling around me, and it will help until the fix comes, it will help if the fix doesn't come, and it will help when and after a fix comes and works or doesn't work.

okay. now the blather stops.

x cath