osteoarthritis hip pain

[Margie21]

I have so much pain in my hip when walking I have asked to be referred for further help from my doctor. I have had steroid injection x 2 without success and continue to take Cocodamol 8/500 as prescribed now b’cos of pain have been prescribed codeine phosphate 15mg, any advice Would be welcome, in meantime my mobility is awful and b’cos I drive I have to be careful with medication as too much codeine makes me drowsy constipated and sick!!! I am so fed up with it all, I walk most days I can and excercise as much as possible at home but finding it a struggle with housework etc

[Jalia]

Is hip replacement an option ?

[Margie21 in reply to Jalia]

not sure have asked for referral to hip surgeon via my go in desperation

[Margie21 in reply to Margie21]

should say doctor

[Jalia]

I had hip replacement last year . It really is the way to go. Unfortunately nhs waiting lists are very long so you may wish to pursue this sooner rather than later unless of course you are able to self fund or have medical insurance.

[Margie21 in reply to Jalia]

hi thanx for your info, I have not got private funds so will have to join the nhs queue unless I have a fall !!

[Jalia in reply to Margie21]

You really should see if you can get on the waiting list. You don't want to get so bad that you can't sleep.

[Holycow2 in reply to Jalia]

100%! I put mine off through fear but worst thing I could have done. Been in agony for over a year now with hopefully the end in sight. Don’t leave it if they offer you to go in the list do it don’t put it off!!

[Happyrosie]

in the meantime talk to your pharmacist about pain relief. Some people on this forum have found benefit with stuff you rub in to the affected area.

Personally I take glucosamine with chondroitin for my painful toes, and haven’t found any gels that work on me.

The charity Arthritis Action has a lot of information on their website.

[Margie21 in reply to Happyrosie]

Thank you for your help, I have tried tiger balm and on Voltarol (prescribed) also other forms of self help, I will take a look at the A action group, also now taking cod liver oil capsules that I have been told may help and also vitD/ C every day, thank you for your reply

[SecondLife]

I do empathise with you, I had my hip replaced 18 months ago during Covid and the surgeon had taken over the private wing so he could continue operating and keep his patients isolated. I found the biggest problem was getting past the GP, as my arthritis did not show up on xrays they were reluctant to refer me, only managed to get a referral as I had a rheumatology appointment and sat there crying because of the pain. There is pain relief they can give you for bedtime (Amytrityline) . I hope you get your referral.

[Margie21 in reply to SecondLife]

hi thanx for your reply I am hoping for help from my doctor but realise it will be a long wait (unless I have a fall and break my hip) had to visit a friend who did this and the ward was full of patients recovering from hip surgery so guess I will have to wait my turn! X

[Thanksnhs]

Morning, sorry to hear about your pain it's a terrible thing if it's constant. I take amitriptyline at night and I also have co codamol 30/500 but I can't take them when I drive. I broke my foot a couple of months ago and I was prescribed dydracodeine which was stronger. I am not allowed to take brufen or use the gel as I had a heart transplant and they are a definite no no for anyone with heart problems.I really hope your GP can give you something suitable and you can get on the hip replacement list. Take care char

[Margie21 in reply to Thanksnhs]

thankyou I am like you having to be careful about my meds, most painkillers make you drowsy so I tend to put up with the pain in order that I can still drive safely, a catch 22 situation does amitrip help with pain and any side effects, I have been prescribed but worried they make me have side effects like addiction or brain fog !!!!

[Thanksnhs in reply to Margie21]

Hi I take it at night because once again they can make you drowsy but they definitely help I have peripheral neuralgia and athritis in my hands and feet and it is at night the tingling and pain hurts the most, I try and take them an hour or so before I go to bed so that I am not too drowsy in the morning. Char

[Margie21 in reply to Thanksnhs]

thanks very much for your reply and info, I think it’s a bit of try it and see, but must admit I am a bit anti painkillers but have got to the stage I will try anything to help, glad to hear it works for you, take care.

[Nuttyshirlz]

I’m with you on the pain I also suffer with it and this weather isn’t helping at all. I was told waiting lists are about 3yrs my dr told me and I’m at hospital in aug unless it gets cancelled like last one was

[Margie21 in reply to Nuttyshirlz]

hi sorry you also suffering, constant pain does wear you down, i am not even on the list yet! Hope ur op goes ahead as planned and wish you good luck and many happy hours pain free in the future. X

[Nuttyshirlz in reply to Margie21]

I’m not on the list yet myself I’m hoping she puts me on it in aug but I do understand how you feeling every footstep is painful even worse trying to go up a slant lol

[Margie21 in reply to Nuttyshirlz]

I am visiting two people on hospital at the mo and I am really struggling with my own mobility probs, by time I have seen them I just want to rest in the bed myself !! (haha)

[tselph]

I’m not sure which country you’re from or if it’s you are on Medicare., but som doctors require a referral. Mine didn’t. I called our local orthopedic doctors office and simply asked to be seen by a specific knee specialist and got in within a few weeks. He too X-rays and told me my hip was bone on bone with bone spurs. I was set up for surgery in 2 weeks. I’m now at home recovering from an anterior left hip arthroscopy surgery. They did it with a spinal block and sedation. This all done just last Thursday. Now the pain I have is all from healing. Keep calling & advocating for yourself.

[Margie21 in reply to tselph]

hi, thanx for ur info, I am in UK , o think I have to have a referral from my doctor, I have written to her a couple of weeks ago but no reply so far. I had a slight fall a few weeks ago and since then my hip hurts even more, I have requested another X-ray but have been fobbed off this by being prescribed stronger painkillers and still hobbling along in pain and using my walking stick indoors and outdoors now, nobody seems to care, fed up and frustrated !

[tselph in reply to Margie21]

did you just reach out to her that one time? Can you find a new GP? Someone who will listen to you?

[Margie21 in reply to tselph]

contacted gp and now waiting for a referral but at least a bit of action !

[Margie21 in reply to tselph]

so happy for you and wish you a speedy recovery.

[tselph in reply to Margie21]

thanks so much & good luck to you!

[Que27]

I too had hip injection, no help at all. Finally doctor said replacement....I have been using a pool to work hip and leg muscles, easier than walking. Hopefully muscles that are strong will help the healing process. Try water movement to help with strengthening... And less pain.

[Shurra]

2012 sciatica, pain pills, finally had spine injection. Rt. hip X-ray showed bone-on-bone, but no surgery fo 90 days to build up immunity after injection. Finally, surgery, 2 wks rehab & Ph.Trpy, extended due to blood clots. Eventually,OK. Would do it again in a hearbeat!

[Margie21 in reply to Shurra]

Hi happy to hear that you are finally ok after all your problems and wish you ongoing good recovery and health x

[Shurra]

Had bone-on-bone right hip, increasing power of pain meds & walking devices. So grateful for hip replacement July 2012 (age 65). Only regret was not doing pre-op strengthening exercises; would've made recovery and lifting self up smoother. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. Best of luck to you because you have it in both hips.