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Hip Arthritis

Posted , 8 users are following.

CelsB
CelsB

I'm new to this discussion group so hello all.  I have had groin pain for several months and thought I had pulled something, but an xray has confirmed wear and tear in my right hip and lower spine.  The pain has really escalated in the last few weeks going down the front of my leg and into my knee.  The co-codamol are taking the edge off but I'm limping along with a stick and finding everyday tasks very difficult.  My question is, how long after diagnosis and how much pain do you have to be in before you are offered a hip replacement?  I know there won't be a specific answer but i'm looking for just a general idea.  I can't have anti-inflammatories because of other health problems.  Any replies will be much appreciated.

 

1 like, 22 replies

22 Replies

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  • crissy_wissy
    crissy_wissy CelsB

    Posted

    i limped around for about a year gradually getting worse, combinations of various painkillers stopped working....my advice to anyone is look at your quality of life...if its seriously affected then have the THR op...I have no regrets. ...pain free and limp free now...about 16/17 weeks post op but back to near normal after about 10/12 weeks...loads of advice on here once you do make the decision...whereabout do you live?
    • CelsB
      CelsB crissy_wissy

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply.  I live in Northamptonshire.  Do you have to wait for your GP to suggest it or do you ask?  I'm not sure if it's too soon and I don't want to be a nuisance, but the last couple of weeks have been hell and I'm no longer looking forward to my holiday next week because I don't think I'll be getting around too well.
    • crissy_wissy
      crissy_wissy CelsB

      Posted

      Your GP should refer you to a consultant..I have BUPA insurance so chose my op date...I think there can be quite a waiting list for NHS so bear that in mind...thats what really made my mind up...went on holiday last November and really struggled....decided to get xmas over and then had the op in Feb....looking forward to my next hols..3 weeks in Spain in October!! 
    • CelsB
      CelsB crissy_wissy

      Posted

      Thank you.  My mum eventually went private after wating for so long on the NHS list.  This is why I feel I should mention it to my GP sooner rather than later, although I'm worried she may feel I'm mentioning surgery too soon sad
    • crissy_wissy
      crissy_wissy CelsB

      Posted

      They do try to put you off as the new hips have a limited lifetime...up to 30 years if you dont do anything stupid so depends how old you are....I wouldn't worry about being a nuisance though its your health!!
    • CelsB
      CelsB crissy_wissy

      Posted

      I'm 66 in 2 months.  I have a GP appointment in 2 weeks for more pain relief, and I'm going to bring the subject of HR up, see what happens.  I'll llet you know what happens.
    • crissy_wissy
      crissy_wissy CelsB

      Posted

      I'm 63 so hoping my hip outlasts the rest of me! Ha!!
  • angie95127
    angie95127 CelsB

    Posted

    Hi I had a thr a month ago after about 10 years of pain but it wasn't the docs fault as they thought it was sciatica anyway I found out I had osteoarthritis in my neck and spine as well as my right hip . When I got diagnosed with my hip it took 2 weeks till I seen the specialist then 3 weeks later I had my hip replaced so it all went very fast , my hip is wonderful now but it's my Back and neck I have problems with because I can't walk very far or do daily stuff and am only 43 and had to take early retirement 

    so I hope you get sorted quickly and if there's any thing I can help you with just ask 

    • CelsB
      CelsB angie95127

      Posted

      Thank you.  I'm hoping I don't have to wait too long but I realise there are loads of people who are worse than I am.
  • eileen64__UK
    eileen64__UK CelsB

    Posted

    Hi,

    I went back and forward to the docs and he said he could find nothing.

    I asked for a referral to the hospital.....he gave it to me and that was it.

    Had the first hip replaced 4 yrs ago {63} and the second one replaced at the end of Jan this year. Thats the best i can say

    Love]

    Eileen

    • CelsB
      CelsB eileen64__UK

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply.  It is so good to find a place like this where it's possible to talk to others with the same problems x
  • mrspic
    mrspic CelsB

    Posted

    HI, I got diagnosed with OA in both hips a couple of months ago - the consultant said he was reluctant to replace them until I'm at least 60 (48 now) as the hips only last around 15-20 years (for most people).

     

  • Maryrhos
    Maryrhos CelsB

    Posted

    Hi all. I have been on the waiting list for a total hip replacement since 2nd of January.I am in terrible pain, last night I was up from 2am until 4ish. I have taken all sort of painkillers, have also had 3 injections since Jan. Last week my gp put me on Morphgesic, to be taken with Naproxen twice daily, in between I'v been given codydramol. My gp said he was going to contact my consultant, regarding the op, Still haven't heard anything yet. All these medications upsets my whole system now,I'v been taking them for so long. The NHS has changed so much over the years, we've paid in the system all our lives just to be fobbed off when we need the help. Sorry for being such a moan,but I am slowly getting desperate.
  • Maryrhos
    Maryrhos CelsB

    Posted

    Hi all. I have been on the waiting list for a total hip replacement since 2nd of January.I am in terrible pain, last night I was up from 2am until 4ish. I have taken all sort of painkillers, have also had 3 injections since Jan. Last week my gp put me on Morphgesic, to be taken with Naproxen twice daily, in between I'v been given codydramol. My gp said he was going to contact my consultant, regarding the op, Still haven't heard anything yet. All these medications upsets my whole system now,I'v been taking them for so long. The NHS has changed so much over the years, we've paid in the system all our lives just to be fobbed off when we need the help. Sorry for being such a moan,but I am slowly getting desperate.
    • CelsB
      CelsB Maryrhos

      Posted

      Yoou are not being a moan at all.  Pain is very debilitating, especially when it lasts for a long time.  I thought there was supposed to be a maximum waiting time from the time of referral, but I suppose it depends how long the waiting list is and where you live.  I do hope you hear something soon.  That's quite a cocktail of painkillers you're on. They must realise how much pain you are in!   Wishing you the best of luck.  Let us know what's happening xxx
    • Maryrhos
      Maryrhos CelsB

      Posted

      Thank you for your kind word CelsB. I live in Gwynedd and I believe the waiting list everywhere in Wales is quite long. Cross fingers now, toes and everything else, I am looking forward to have it done, as I am drained between the pain and the painkillers.

      I am very pleased that your op was successful, take care and look after yourself. Mary xxx

    • CelsB
      CelsB Maryrhos

      Posted

      Oh no, I haven't even had a referral yet, just an xray to confirm arthritis of my right hip and lower spine, and I also have it in my right knee.  I just keep getting painkillers chucked at me.  I realise mine isn't as bad as some, I just don't understand why, in the knowledge that there is a long waiting list, we are not referred earlier.  Take care Mary xxx
    • eileen64__UK
      eileen64__UK Maryrhos

      Posted

      I'm in the North East and hve been told that 3 months is the maximum waiting list

      Love

      Eileen

    • supercargo
      supercargo Maryrhos

      Posted

      I started with Hip pain around June 2012. X-ray October 2012 showed mild arthritis. X-ray February 2014 showed moderate arthritis. Pain increasing. For pain started on Codeine Phosphate and Paracetamol (Zapain), now on Tramadol Hydrochloride.

      After being refered to Orthopaedic Consultant in March 2014, I have eventually been given an appointment for next week.

      If Hip replacement is suggested - do you know what the waiting time for the operation is in Gwynedd ? I live in Bangor.

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