Physiotherapy for hop OA

Hi CelsB, i only started with slight groin pain in the autumn of last year and after visiting the doctors went through the 'tick list' procedure which I answered honestly and got referred to a physio. Complete waste of time and was refered back to doctors, 'tick list' again. This time I wasn't so honest and the score got me to see a consultant. Xray confirmed bone on bone and op scheduled for March but due to 3 cancellations I am now back on for tomorrow. Do I feel guilty-- NO.

If I hadn't told a few untruths I guess I would be hobbling about in severe pain for several more months instead of one more day.  

Hello CelsB

I too was very reluctant to have hip surgery I thought 59 was too young. I had 2 courses of physio which seemed to cause more pain.As time progressed I began to get pain in my good hip and realized that as I was limping this was putting extra strain on my other joints so I decided to have the operation.The thing is osteo arthritis does not get better so its probably better to get it done sooner than later.I am now just over 2weeks post op and am so pleased I had it done,although still some discomfort from the operation its a much more bearable pain and I am more mobile than I was. 

wishing you well

You should definitely get it done.  I was 71 when I had the op and everything went just fine.  As everyone else has said, it will only get worse no matter what you do to try and avoid it, there is no other solution in the end.  You will feel so much better afterwards.  The first couple of weeks after the op are the worst but after that you will feel like a different person.  Get on that waiting list now and good luck.

Not sure why, possibly my relatively young age and fracture history, but there was no checklist for me either.  I went to the doctors with groin pain last October - scanned my groin and found nothing (not surprising!), pain persisted and started to get worse over next couple of months.  Went back to doctors in December and was referred for x-ray - results said severe OA and was sent for consultation.  

Consultant said what would you like me to do?  Indicated he could mess about with injections etc but nothing really works and only solution would be a THR.

I have my operation next Tuesday.

Hi Celsb,

wellall I can add to all your coments here is, I was the same as you waited and had the phisio , nothing worked, I had my left THR in nov. last year, the pain is gone, but for me both hips were bone on bone, so on friday I'm back to my surgeon to get a date for the right one!! anyway get it done honey it's the only way, I'm a 64 year old lady too,

love Lynne.

Hi CelsB.  I've just had a THR (6days ago) having walked for seven months on a hip that my GP originally said was only moderately worn and torn with OA.  That was her diagnosis from an X-ray in September.  When my consultant saw the same X-ray and before he had even met me he diagnosed the need for me to have a THR.  Referral to a consultant is based on something called an Oxford Hip Score - 12 questions that ask you how your hip pain affects your everyday life.  You need to ask your GP if you can fill this in to see how you are doing.  My GP said I was too young for a THR - I needed to be 70 before I got one (I'm 55!).  She also maintained my hip wasn't bad enough.  This turned out to not be the case when I saw the consultant.  I would urge you to ask for a second opinion to review your X-ray and fill in the questionnaire.  I was told my pain would be managed by meds - I kept going back because it wasn't.  When he operated last week my hip was bone-on-bone.  I wouldn't want anyone else to go through what I did unncecessarily just because the first GP I saw had poor diagnostic skills.  I know it may be difficult for you if you have a particularly good/long relationship with your GP, but they aren't infallible !  Good luck!x

Hi, unfortunately the wear and tear on your hip will probably only get worse (sorry)  I was told two years ago I need a hip replacement having already had total knee replacements on both knees.  I put if off until it got that I couldn't walk without a stick and finally got referred to the hospital.  the surgeon told me it should have been done long ago and now it needed a bone graft because of the extent of the damage.  He's also said that he wants to do the other one as he doesn't want it to get as bad as the one he's just done.  I hope you can be brave and make the right decision - THR his uncomfortable and inconvenient but nowhere near as bad as knee replacement.  Everyone I know that's had it done say it was a good decision so I am just hoping I can say the same once I am recovered.  Wishing you all the best

Thank you all so much for your lovely replies.  You're all so very helpful.  I won't hold out too much hope then for the physio.  I let you know how it goes.  Thanks again xxx

I had physio before my first hip op and it really helped post op recovery by strengthening the leg muscles.

I had an xray on my other hip about a year and a half ago which showed some OA but not enough for a replacement. It did get worse and I had physio but then I had a rapid deterioration over about 6months and a second xray showed a big difference so i was put down for the op and had it 3months after a visit to the consultant.

I think its a good idea to have the physio - it might help and if it proves to much or your hip pain gets worse go back to your gp. My physio actually wrote a supporting letter to the gp after the phsyio got too difficult.

You always worry about the operation but I had such a good outcome the first time and many trouble free years that i had the second without hesitation.

Hi Cels this is good, my physiotherapist gave me a letter to give to my GP reccomending investigations and Xrays, this is what got the ball rolling and I am 4 weeks post op RTHR.  Your GP has no expertiese.  Make sure your GP does something with the info my letter was ignored for weeks.

The pysio might work, I had it a couple of times over the years to keep my mobility.  But once there is bone on bone the only option is replacement.  You will know when you are ready the pain is awful and you become debilitated, unable to bend, put socks on tie laces, get in and out of the bath on and on.

Dont be frightened, a replacement is not as bad as you hear, everyone heals differently but I am walking better than I have for years and spoke to a lady with 2 new hips who has had her life given back to her.  Talk to the Physiotherapist they will be honest with you.   Best Wishes Mags x

Hi Cels this is good, my physiotherapist gave me a letter to give to my GP reccomending investigations and Xrays, this is what got the ball rolling and I am 4 weeks post op RTHR.  Your GP has no expertiese.  Make sure your GP does something with the info my letter was ignored for weeks.

The pysio might work, I had it a couple of times over the years to keep my mobility.  But once there is bone on bone the only option is replacement.  You will know when you are ready the pain is awful and you become debilitated, unable to bend, put socks on tie laces, get in and out of the bath on and on.

Dont be frightened, a replacement is not as bad as you hear, everyone heals differently but I am walking better than I have for years and spoke to a lady with 2 new hips who has had her life given back to her.  Talk to the Physiotherapist they will be honest with you.   Best Wishes Mags x