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Now have facet joint arthritis

Posted , 7 users are following.

julie90197
julie90197

Hi all. I haven't been on here for a while as I am trying to get my head around the fact that since having a LTHR 6 months ago. I have just found out at my 6 month check up that I have disc prolapses and facet joint arthritis in my lower spine. Also sciatica and my right hip will need replacing at some point. The consultant told me that because my left leg was shorter than the right one, they made them the same length when I had my surgery, that probably made my back worse.

I thought that after my hip was replaced I would be able to go work and walk a lot and enjoy life to the full again. How wrong was I?

I really don't know what will happen next. Does anyone else have these problems? I feel quite alone

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • terri11042
    terri11042 julie90197

    Posted

    I have arthritis in my lower spine too, the surgeon found it when he was XRaying the hips, and that's another thing I'm afraid of when I get my other hip done.  I'm not sure how the length of hips etc will affect the lower back.  Don't feel alone Julie!  There are definitely some of us with MULTIPLE skeletal problems!  My family seems to think that once I get the other hip done, I will be running around like I was 25 again!!  I keep saying it probably will be better, but nothing is the end all do all!!  At my age, and with the arthritic problems I have, I will NEVER be absolutely 100 % perfect!  Just not gonna happen.  BUT, it will be a huge improvement, and help me tremendously no doubt.  But yes, I'm scared that it may shift the alignment in my back and who knows??  LOL......all these FEARS I have!!!

  • terri11042
    terri11042 julie90197

    Posted

    Oh, and I forgot to ask you, how much pain is your back in??  Do you feel quite a bit of more pain because of the shift in length etc??  Also, did they tell you if you replace the other hip if your back would improve???
    • julie90197
      julie90197 terri11042

      Posted

      Hi Terri.

      I think when my leg was lengthened it made my disc prolapse worse. My legs are the same length now, the left one was shorter because I had the arthritis in it for 12 years before they would operate (something to do with my age kept them from operating earlier) the pain I get in my back is not a regular thing it just happened when I least expect it and I get like a burning sensation down the back of my legs from time to time as well. The back pain normally hurts around my left buttock by my pelvis. Also. Thanks for your comment it's nice knowing I am not along with this.

    • terri11042
      terri11042 julie90197

      Posted

      Also Julie, keep in mind it usually takes a full year for the hip to heal completely.  I'm not sure if your hip has 'settled in' so to speak with muscles, tendons etc.  It takes a while.  Possibly you may need a disctectomy?  Those are usually not too major of surgeries.  My daughter has had 2 and healed quite nicely within a month or so with no back pain.  Not saying that you will never have any pain in your back because of arthritis. (my physio told me there's not much they can do for arthritis in the backsad  But, they may be able to ease your discomfort some with disc adjustment.  Sorry you're going thru this......I know pretty much what it's like.  I need a whole new skeleton  (LOL!)  Don't think they can do that yet, and I'm not sure I'd want to go thru it anyway!!

  • beth2509
    beth2509 julie90197

    Posted

    Hi Julie

    I can match you another hip and a spine, and raise you an ankle rolleyes

    What happens next? You keep onwards and upwards. You have another option????!!! There's no magic to make them go away, but the worst thing we can do is let it all beat us.

  • julie90197
    julie90197

    Posted

    Thank you for the reassuring comments. I know I am not alone now.

    Cheers all. X

  • lisa31002
    lisa31002 julie90197

    Posted

    Hi, yeah I have lower back osteo and protruding discs and scoliosis. But I've had a bad back for years and took this opportunity to get it checked out. And yes it has got worse since my last MRI. I've just been for a massage which helps to loosen things up. 🛀

  • libby96241
    libby96241 julie90197

    Posted

    This is overwhelming news and really difficult I'm so sorry you're going through this

  • RichardKen
    RichardKen julie90197

    Posted

    I’m sure that it is more than likely that your back will be causing you problems and likely several will be getting fed up with me saying consider seeing a chiropractor, but do consider this route if you have back pain that you cannot shift.

    It is vital for your well being that your back and frame is in balance. Look at a skeleton and it all becomes obvious.

    All the best

    Richard

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