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42 years old and just been told i have severe degenerative wear to my left hip

Posted , 7 users are following.

scott03636
scott03636

Hi all, I'm 42 and been putting up with what I thought was a pulled muscle in my left hip for about a year now. After several visits to the doctor an xray shows I have severe degenerative wear and the right side just moderate.

Ive not had any accidents or ever really overdone it pounding the pavement etc.

I have a referal to see a specalist end of january.

Is it normal it clunk when you get out of bed?

To be honest im still in a bit of shock this has happened to me. Im relatively fit keep active and not overweight. I susppose if they give me an mri it will show what exactly is wrong with them?

I can remember back when I was really young having problems sitting with my legs crossed....maybe something wrong all that time ago?

I'm off to florida in a few months and to be honest completely stressed about the whole thing as Ive been saving for over 2 years and worried I wont be able to cope with all the walking over the 3 weeks. Is there anything lkke steriod injections that might help before the holiday...has anyone else tried this?

Feeling cheesed off is an understatement.

Any advice would be great.

Thanks Scott

0 likes, 35 replies

35 Replies

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  • colinTN17
    colinTN17 scott03636

    Posted

    Get yourself a pair of elbow crutches if you have a lot of walking to do. Plus plenty of pain killers. Cocodamol and maybe an nsai. Such as naproxen
    • scott03636
      scott03636 colinTN17

      Posted

      Really dont fancy having crutches...i know its vain but really dont want to be using them on holiday in front of my kids.

      Maybe later on when it gets really bad. Not got my head round this all yet.

    • colinTN17
      colinTN17 scott03636

      Posted

      The pain will tell you when but you don't want to be caught out in the states so plan for the worse is my advice
  • linnet2015
    linnet2015 scott03636

    Posted

    Hi Scott

    Welcome to the wonderful world of hippies and hippies to be.

    I am at the other end of the scale to Sarah as I am 65 and had 2 hip replacements in 2015 Im 12 weeks from the second op and Its hard to describe just how wonderful it is to be without the terrible pain that you have before the operation. 

    Although I didnt have any clunking of either hips my friend who has also had THR did. You will find that we are all slightly different as she didnt have as much pain as I did. 

    As you say you are young, fit and active so it has come as huge shock to you. When you first started getting pain the last thing you or I should think your doctor suspected was degeneration of the hip and yes perhaps the underlying cause is something that has been there since childhood.

    Its really good that you are seeing a specialist relatively soon so you will get answers to your questions.

    As far as your holiday is concerned I suppose it depends on what treatment is recommended by the consultant and how soon.

    Try if you can to think positive, it sounds like a wonderful holiday and if the worst came to worst would you be able to delay it on medical grounds without losing money?

    Let us know how you are getting on.

    Linnet x

    • scott03636
      scott03636 linnet2015

      Posted

      Thanks Linnet, trying to think positive but it seems every minute of the day im thinking about my hips and thinking how long they have been getting like it.

      Not that long ago i was kayaking, riding my bike with my kids and going for walks. I feel like i can never do those things again.

      Trying to concentrate in work is a nightmare and im not the best person to be around at the moment.

      Hopefully soon i will be able to except it a bit better.

      I know there alot worse could happen to us but ive had alot happen over the years and this seems the last thing to finish me off.

    • linnet2015
      linnet2015 scott03636

      Posted

      Scott I know you must think that there is no light at the end of this tunnel but I promise you there is. If you are going to have a THR because you are young and fit it will really help with your recovery. A friend of mine is nearly 70 - he has had a THR and is back riding his bike with his friend who has also had a THR they even go on biking holidays in France so dont worry you can do this.

      The great thing about this forum is that we have all been in this rocky boat, we are here for you whether its for advice, support or just to listen if you need a moan! No matter how loving and supportive your family and friends sometimes you need to talk without the guilt of burdening them!

      Linnet x 

    • scott03636
      scott03636 linnet2015

      Posted

      Thanks Linnet, ive tried talking to my partner but she just keeps saying i'll been fine. Deep down i dont think she's very happy because it doesn't just effect me but all the family.

      I really want this holiday to be great!

      We are only going as i promised my son a few years back who just had his 3rd heart op in november. He's been finally fixed but they are now lumbered with me limping about.

      Think i've moaned enough and got enough off my chest now. Like you said i need to start thinking more positive

      Xx

  • vicki00016
    vicki00016 scott03636

    Posted

    Hi Scott, bet that's been a shockfor you but at least now you can get it sorted. I'm 45 and just had a new hip. I had a few holidays last year and struggled walking long distances but broke it up by stopping regularly for a drink. I had a steroid injection which worked brilliantly for a few weeks, the second didn't work . Everyone's experience is different but your consultant might think it's worth doing. Like you I'm not keen on taking tablets and managed with anti inflammatory's and paracetamol. As already mentioned make sure you get omaprazole too.

    My hip clinked loudly quite often too!

    Vicki

    • scott03636
      scott03636 vicki00016

      Posted

      Hi Vicki, its good to hear that a steroid injection can help even if its for a short time just for my hols.

      Christ i had no idea younger people even had hip problems. I always thought it was something that happened in your 60's and 70's.

    • vicki00016
      vicki00016 scott03636

      Posted

      I was born with hip dysplasia which wasn't picked up until I was 6. Had a few ops but it gradually become worse with arthritis as I got older. Like you I'm not overweight and always kept fit but by the end really struggled to walk. Was still doing spin classes until not long ago but it was ridiculously painful.

      Your family will benefit when your sorted and hopefully you will be able to enjoy your holiday in Florida in the meantime.

      Vicki

    • scott03636
      scott03636 vicki00016

      Posted

      Thanks Vicky. I have read about hip dysplaysia. Havent got a clue what has caused mine but guess i will find out soon.

  • gail2910-US-MI
    gail2910-US-MI scott03636

    Posted

    Be sure and line up a wheelchair for the airport. I found that saved a lot of wear and tear on my hip that I then could "use" seeing the sights!
  • gail2910-US-MI
    gail2910-US-MI scott03636

    Posted

    Also, it occurs to me, before my operation (6 wks ago today) I was using trekking poles to help me walk. It is surprising how much weight it takes off your hip and yet you are still nice and upright, not hunched over like one is with a cane. I am using them now in the snow for support and come spring, I will have them for nice aerobic workouts!! Enjoy your trip; it may have some limitations but the warmth and sun will be good medicine!
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