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Newly diagnosed

Posted , 11 users are following.

louise83703
louise83703

Hey everyone, I'm new on here and this is my first post. So I had been getting a lot of hip pain, across my back and down my left leg. Mainly on and off for years but past 6 months a lot worse. Im only 31 but I couldn't get off the floor on my own, out of the bath on my own or walk sometimes without limping.

I saw my gp and he wanted me to have an x-ray which I did. Now I have been told I have osteoarthritis in my hip and have been referred to the lower limb people. Not sure what to make of it as I'm happy that I now know what it is but confused as why I have it at my age? As was my gp. So I don't know what is going to happen next? Or how I can control my pain as still in a lot of it?

I'm also finding that a lot of people just do not believe me. Just wanted someone to talk about it.

1 like, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • stephen_18363
    stephen_18363 louise83703

    Posted

    Hi I’ve got it in both hips my left hip is really bad now my back hurts so much I’m on morphine patches that’s not working all’s my gp keeps saying is I’m to young for hip replacement only 41 I can’t carry on like this with the pain 
    • kelly99515
      kelly99515 stephen_18363

      Posted

      Go get a second opinion and meet with an orthopedic surgeon, or two if you have to.  You need a hip replacement and your general practitioner should not be the one telling you you're too young.  No one should have to live in that much pain when a very common surgery can help you.

  • kelly99515
    kelly99515 louise83703

    Posted

    Hi Louise,

    This is actually my first post, but we are in such a similar situation.  I just turned 37 (today actually) and starting in March I began having trouble running.  I thought I had a pulled piriformis and went to the doctor and she did a hip impingement test that created a sharp, searing pain down my thigh. Then I had x-rays done and met with two orthopedic surgeons.  I have FAI hip impingement, and advanced osteoarthritis of my right hip which has caused huge bone spurs and I have hardly any cartilage left.  I recently received a cortisone shot (it was painful and did not work - for me at least) and I have a total hip replacement scheduled for October.  My dad had his hip replaced when we was only 50 and it's the same hip.  The doctor told me in our case it is purely genetic.  I have just lived a very active life playing sports since I was about 9 and running a lot.  I believe I just wore mine down quicker than my father. It is really annoying to try to explain this to older people when they say things like, "oh welcome to the club" and "I have arthritis too, what's the big deal?"  It's a challenge at our age to even accept what is going on, much less feel like you have to compete with older people to explain your pain. I am on an anti-inflammatory drug called Diclofenac.  I would say it just numbs my pain, but I know my limitations and the things I cannot do and the movements that create intense pain.  If you can, I would suggest working out on a regular basis.  I can only do the elliptical and the exercise bike and I honestly think the elliptical is easier on my hip than the bike. I hope this helps you to understand that you are not the only thirty something year old going through this. If you have any questions for me let me know.  While I am scared to get the total hip replacement, I have found a competent and very successful surgeon who will do it and I cannot wait for the relief I will get.  You may find some surgeons are hesitant to give you a hip replacement because of your age, but do you really want to be hobbling around with a cane by the time you are 35 or 40? It is a quality of life issue and there are many doctors out there who will be willing to help give you the pain free life you deserve at 31.  Good luck!

  • Chisi
    Chisi louise83703

    Posted

    Hi Louise

    I'm relatively new myself.

    I sympathize hugely especially in one so young but you are on the right road. Seeing a specialist will hopefully help.

    I'm 71 so can't complain too much can I lol

    I started physio today for OA in both knees.

    I wish you lots of luck and keep us posted on your progress.

  • thisolegirl
    thisolegirl louise83703

    Posted

    Get into physical theraphy ASAP. It will make a huge difference in your pain level. OA is either primary or secondary. Primary is wear & tear over time & secondary is a result of a previous injury. OA in x-rays are graded mild, less than 25% joint involvement, moderate 25-50% joint involvement or severe >50% joint involvement. Hip OA usually involves groin pain. Often back, butt or leg pain is from OA of the SI joints or lumbar or sacral disc. Take responsibilty to learn everything you can about your condition. You aren't required to share your medical history with everybody so don't worry what others think.

  • leigh40412
    leigh40412 louise83703

    Posted

    pls msg me! At 39 I was diagnosed with osteo arthritis in my neck...
  • teresa12105
    teresa12105 louise83703

    Posted

    Hi,

    I am 50 and have an issue with my hip which seems to run in the family, however, I am very active and I am not ready for slowing down. I have been doing yoga for the last 8 months and have had great progress. I have very little pain most of the time. perhaps try this first.

    good luck

  • katrina27139
    katrina27139 louise83703

    Posted

    Hi I was diagnosed young as well, at the start all I was getting was co codamal never touched the side, I’m now on amatrptline and tramadol.  I contacted social work to get wet room and hand rails put in.  I’m only just out hospital, diagnosis sinus tachycardia witch the gp failed to pick up same day I was blue lighted to hospital. You know your body and you know what you need, keep on at GP cos no one should have to suffer. I find the cold weather and rain makes my pain worse. If you need to talk I’m happy to help x
    • stephen_18363
      stephen_18363 katrina27139

      Posted

      My gp put me on patches for pain tramadol wasent working I go to see surgeon in August I can’t put up with it much longer now I’m a single dad to twin girls age 11 and can’t do nothing with them As in agony 
    • elizabeth20203
      elizabeth20203 stephen_18363

      Posted

      I am sorry your suffering so much with pain. When you see your surgeon, talk about all the options available to you. They may try pysiotherapy first, to build up the muscles. Be careful with steriod injections, i have heard good and bad and they rarely offer long lasting relief. I have had two in the past, one for my lower spine and one for my knee, neither worked at all. I would never have one again. ( They are very painful to have ). Surgery is a last resort if all else fails. I know of a couple of men that have had knee replacments in their forties. I also know of a woman in her fifties unable to have her hip replaced just yet, thou she is suffering. If you are not happy after trying different treatments then get a second opinion. 

      I have had septic arthritis since aged 11, i had osteo arthritis young and had my first knee replacement aged 39. I am now 61 and have had my left knee replaced twice and my right knee partially replaced. 

      I hope you find a solution soon, best of luck. 

  • elizabeth20203
    elizabeth20203 louise83703

    Posted

    Sorry your suffering with your hip. I would go to your appointment that you have been refered to. Depending on how much deteriation you have, there are many treatments to try. A hip replacement is a last resort, thou not unheard of at a young age. Do ask for pain management. If things do not improve then ask for a second opinion with a Orthapaedic Consultant. 

    I have had septic arthritis at a young age 11 years old. I then developed osteo arthritis and had my first knee replacement at aged 39. I was unable to walk then due to deformity and ligaments stretched, and also needed my tibia and tibia straightened. Surgery should be a last resort when all else as failed and the pain is unbearable and cannot be controlled. 

    I hope wish you good luck and hope you find a solution soon. 

  • Jonesy23
    Jonesy23 louise83703

    Posted

    Good morning newcomer. I'm waiting on the pain is very excruciating but I learned that the leg pain has nothing to do with the help pain. I recently found out I had a blockage in my thigh that was causing my leg pain maybe you want to get that checked

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