Just been diagnosed with hip arthritis (age 37)

twinmum

Hi All,

I am a newby, my name is Kate and I am 37 and have twins age 5 1/2. Yesterday I was diagnosed with hip arthritis, (secondary to displastic hip)apparently hid this since I was born but has never been picked up before as I have been really health with no probs until the last 4 yrs.
I went for an MRI scan 3 months ago after having physio, accupuncture and being treated for muscle injuries! I was pretty gutted when I found this out yesterday as you can imagine. Scans are now being sent to the hip specialist and I have to go back in 3 wks to see were we go from here. I am releived as we have an answer but very scared as to what lies ahead, especially as consultant objects to me running etc and I am a very mobile person (work part time & have 5 yr old twins)
So glad to have found this local site and would like to hear from anyone with similar experiences and what options they faced. Thanks for reading.

eckstardeluxe

twinmum wrote:

Hi All,

I am a newby, my name is Kate and I am 37 and have twins age 5 1/2. Yesterday I was diagnosed with hip arthritis, (secondary to displastic hip)apparently hid this since I was born but has never been picked up before as I have been really health with no probs until the last 4 yrs.
I went for an MRI scan 3 months ago after having physio, accupuncture and being treated for muscle injuries! I was pretty gutted when I found this out yesterday as you can imagine. Scans are now being sent to the hip specialist and I have to go back in 3 wks to see were we go from here. I am releived as we have an answer but very scared as to what lies ahead, especially as consultant objects to me running etc and I am a very mobile person (work part time & have 5 yr old twins)
So glad to have found this local site and would like to hear from anyone with similar experiences and what options they faced. Thanks for reading.

Hi there, I really sympathise with you and understand how worrying this time is for you. I had my diagnosis in January at that time aged 32 with a 9 month old baby and three year old daughter. I was told no surgery or injections as damage too vast. It was very upsetting and frightenening.

I came here out of sheer desperation, looking for answers. Through this site, I found the knowledge I needed, I learned all about my type of arthritis and other symptoms and understanding this is key to coping. The best way forward is being ready to admit you need drugs, the best you can get and understanding you will maybe like me, need them for the rest of your life.

Thinking of what you cannot now do with your children is scary. But you need to just pick yourself up and think well what can I do instead. Having good support is also important, you need someone there who can compensate with the children for what they are missing with you. I'm lucky my hubby is a wonderful support to me.

Finally - sharing. On here, everyone understands how you feel, more than any of your family will. They will help through the good and bad times and really boost your spirits when you are low. It isn't the end of the world but it just feels like that now. Cliched, but time is a healer, you will soon find a way forward and learn to cope and adapt. I still work although it kills me and this gives me a great sense of achievment, small goals and steps instead of trying too hard to do too much. Listen to your body and don't let anyone tell you something if your instincts are telling you something else.

You'll get there, take care

Eck

frogmorton

Hi Twinney!
Welcome to the forum from me!!!
You must be in a sate of shock at the moment that and fear anxiety and immense sadness too I was when it happened to me.
Mixed with releif to finally be beleived!!
Well we are here for you to chat to moan to ask questions of and gain support from. We also have a laugh too!
I hope when you know exactly what is happening you will feel incontrol of your life again - don't worry it gets better than it feels at the moment - honest!!
As for exercise - you don't want to do harm do you? So till you know what's doing maybe you should take it easy?
Other than that I hope you are well
Take care
Toni x

valval

welcome it is a shock and you will be a bit up and down that is normal and u will cope with what u have to go through the people on here will help u when u need it good luck take care

annebr

This forum is great for help and advice and also to unload when you need to. I am 38 and had problems with my hip for years initially got diagnosed with OA two years ago, which is secondary to FAI. To be honest the last 2 years have been a rollercoaster at first I was fine then as the pain and mobility got worse I got more upset and depressed.

As I mentioned in a previous post I managed to get referral to a young hip specialist. I have now had open hip surgery on my right hip and me left hip will be looked at when I am fully recovered. Maybe you can check and see if there are any in your area?

Also, this forum has been of great help. Although I have a fantastic husband, a GP who took me seriously and then a consultant who would act it doesn't stop the 'dark' moments. I compare this to falling into a black hole. You can come on here rany, cyber cry and let out your emotions. Everyone on here nows how you are suffering and offer a great deal of help, support and advice.

It will take you a while to get your head round the diagnosis but try to stay positive. Think of the thngs you can do rather than those you can't, I know this is not always wasy.

Anne

elnafinn

Hi twinmum

I am sorry to read your story. You did hide that well all those years. I am sure you are very scared at the moment . At least you are under the care of a consultant so things should go ahead now. It is horrid when one is a very mobile, busy person to become aware that one cannot do as one used to, but that will come back gradually,after treatment. I am sure you can see why the consultant does not wish you to continue running - it does make sense but I also understand how upsetting this is for you. When we get hooked on a certain exercise/way of life it is devastating to not be able to carry on in the same way.

I do not have hip problems so cannot help you there, I am a knee, thumb, sciatica, shoulder, neck type of person :roll: still manage to keep busy, love to feel useful, am mostly positive and laugh the negative side of life off, most of the time. This helps me.

This is a great site and can become addictive. I have been on here getting on for 3 years and it is great to be able to help, learn and keep in touch with others in the same boat, of all different ages, and different forms of arthritis, to a greater or lesser degree.

This is the place to share the happy and the sad times with like minded peeps and there is always the helpline whom you can call or post a question on their zone on here.

Hope to hear from you more of how you are going along,

Luv
Elna x

ps please give those lovely twins of yours a hug from me and one for yourself too ((()))

woodbon

Hello, I'm not surprised you are shocked, its not something you expect at your age, :shock: I'm 54 and I still think I'm a bit young for arthritis! :? Still, at least now you know your enemy, thats a big step forward (no pun intended!) and you'v been referred to the right person to sort things out for you, so good luck. This forum is a great place to meet people who have been through the same problem as you and I'm sure you'll hear from them soon.

It does sound as if you have a very busy life with twins that age - never a dull moment in your house! But take care, don't do too much and except any help offered. Welcome to the Forum!
Love Sue

chris7

Hi twinmum
Sorry you are reeling from shock at the moment, not sure I can give you real advise, but was drawn to your message as I have hip arthritis. (now also in my knees)which started when I was 43. I have certainly found anti-inflammatory and painkillers have helped me to keep as mobile as possible. Your doc. will know what is best for you, both in the short and long term.
Do use the helpline here, so many of us have found it helpfull.
It does help you to not feel so alone if you have time to use the forums here too.
The second reason I feel compelled to add a comment is that I am a twin and realise you most certainly have your hands full there!
Sending you and the twins best wishes and ooodles of hugs
Chris

nearlybionic

Hi
I was diagnosed last year with OA secondary to bilateral hip dysplasia at 39. i had my left THR in February, and it is doing well. I have recently been referred to a specialist hip in dysplasia/pelvic problems, for assessment, with a view to a PAO (peri acetabular osteotomy)for my other hip which has les OA.
I don`t relish the thought of more major surgery, but hope to look forward to a pain free future. (I have had pain in hips and back for years before diagnosis). i have 2 young children, and although it was difficult caring for them around the surgery, i am looking forward to being able to keeping up with them again soon.
if you need to talk more, please ask x
NB

mellman01

Hi twinmum it’s great you’ve found this site there’s loads of helpful supportive people on here it will I hope be as helpful to you as it has been for me, this lot on here maybe a tad barking but they have really good hearts and if they haven’t got the information you need they will know where or who to ask, take care Mell.

collettem

Hi,

Sorry to hear your news. I am 36 and was born with hip dysplasia, which was only diagnosed two years ago. I had a thr in March this year and have recently been told my other one will need the same soon. Although I dont have children yet. I do wonder how I will be able to cope.

My consultant had considered carrying out hip resurfacing until he found out I had a high allergy to nickel because of this he would not do it so hip replacement was what he decided.

I was hoping that I would be suitable for an alternative for my left hip but apparently not. There are other options out there which can delay a hip replacement.

This site is great for info and support and there is quite a few with the same condition. Any questions feel free to ask.

Collette

joyful164

Hello twinmum
You sound like one very brave young lady. To have lovely twins must be quite hard at times and very tiring for you. I hope you get plenty of help.

I only struggle with bursitis and due to have some scans when my rheumy dept get their act together, so my problem is minimal compared to what you have to struggle with each day. I don't know if you go on facebook, but my name is [TEXT DELETED] if you want to give it a go. Some of the others do it so would like to welcome you there too.

All the best.
Joyful

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I've removed the personal detail from the post. It is always best to avoid posting any specific "real-world" information about yourself as this is a public space. Let us know if you have any questions about this.

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lauracarmel2001

To cut a long story short I wasn't aware I had a problem until I had my little girl 2 1/2 yrs ago. After going round the houses it was found I had FAI (Hip Imingement) which has caused various damage to my hips and also caused arthritis in my right hip.

My left hip is sorted after a couple of procedures but my right is worse than ever!

I know this sounds silly but below are the sypmtoms I have :-

Hip Ache (and sharp dagggers in it if I try to move it left and right)
Can't weight bear at all without being in agony
Sore Knees
Aching Calf
Pins and Needles in my foot

When I had my arthoscopy in March they said I only had stage 2/3 arthritis but since then it gone from sore to severe. My questons are:-

Can arthritis get so bad so quickly
Are these the symptoms other people have

annebr

Hi,

I can sympathise with all your symptoms. I also have FAI of both hips and secondary OA. Have just undergone open hip surgery on my right hip still waiting to see what the full benefits will be. Had an arthoscopy in March but had to go for the bigger op. The same may be required for the left hip.

Obviously there was nothing they can do for the OA which is still in the joint and I will need a THR at some point in the future. I know how you feel about it becoming worse suddenly. I always knew I had a problem with my hips but the deterioation over the last 18 months has surprised me.

I am lucky and I got referred to a young hip specialist (I am 38) and I have a great GP. Go back to your doc and discuss all your symptoms and maybe try to get on the right combo of meds to help with the pain.

Sorry I can't be of more help but there are loads of helpful people on the forum who will offer advice.

Anne

lauracarmel2001

Hi Anne

Its just nice to know somebody who has the same condition as me. I'm only 33 and feel that my life is on hold, i'm sure u can appreciate that!

I'm currently on codeine phosphate , it takes the edge off the pain but thats about it. My GP says the next stage is morphine patches.

Ever moaning Laura

annebr

Hi Laura,

You certainly are not moaning. I know how you feel about your life being on hold this has been a bad year for me and I haven't worked since January and been unable to do much never mind a holiday.

I was on Co-Drydamol 30/500 and then changed to Tramadol which were better for me. At the moment I am still on oxi norm and oxi contin after the surgery, although still feel pain.

Maybe go back to your doc and see if he can offer any alternative pain relief it might help? I find the fatigue annoying as i can't do half the things I used.

keep posting on this site, I have found everyone to be great and although family & friends help the folk on here know exactly what you are going through so you can rant, moan, laugh and cry and there will always be someone with help and advice.

Anne

lauracarmel2001

Thanks Anne

I hopy you start feeling some benefit soon.


Laura

collettem

Hi, I was asking my consultant two weeks ago for the arscopthy for the left hip and he said that it would not be suitable for me, he also said that in some cases it has been known to speed up arthritis and for that reason he would not do it on me. I am not sure if that applys just to dysplasia which I have or impingments.

If it is sore like that I would request another appointment and get them to check it out. Hope the pain gets better.

C

lauracarmel2001

Hi


I am going to see my consultant on Monday (privately-I can't stand the pain) . I'm really nervous about seeing him, although I have seen him several times before he is a bit prickly so you never know how he is going to be.

I'm also nervous because what if he can't do anything. I'm sure everyone agrees the meds make you feel yacky.

L

annebr

Hi Laura,

Write down everything you want to ask him so you don't forget him.

Can I ask does your consultant prescribe your pain meds? This has always been my gp.

Maybe a referral to the pain clinic would be an option unless you are enquiring about surgery?

Sorry, if I appear nosy but I would hate for you to pay for a consultation when there may be other avenues you can explore.

Anne

karinak

twinmum wrote:

Hi All,

I am a newby, my name is Kate and I am 37 and have twins age 5 1/2. Yesterday I was diagnosed with hip arthritis, (secondary to displastic hip)apparently hid this since I was born but has never been picked up before as I have been really health with no probs until the last 4 yrs.
I went for an MRI scan 3 months ago after having physio, accupuncture and being treated for muscle injuries! I was pretty gutted when I found this out yesterday as you can imagine. Scans are now being sent to the hip specialist and I have to go back in 3 wks to see were we go from here. I am releived as we have an answer but very scared as to what lies ahead, especially as consultant objects to me running etc and I am a very mobile person (work part time & have 5 yr old twins)
So glad to have found this local site and would like to hear from anyone with similar experiences and what options they faced. Thanks for reading.

Hello Twin, Glad you found this site as is so helpful and lots of lovely ppl here.I am new too (46) and mother of 18,21 and 4 yr old :roll: Have had mixed emotions for weeks, got RA but not severe but just stiff fingers and sore feet which doesnt effect my walking thank god!, I have been taking meds for 6 weeks approx and all is well with no side effects but made a firm descision to stop pills and do it the drug free way with diet and a healthy positive approach so watch this space :roll: Have faith and you are not alone and there is always someone here to listen
Take care Karina x

duskstar

Hey

I have OA in both my hips and am in my 20s, also probably had it since birth cause of dysplaic (sp?) hips. I dont have children though so cant imagine how hard it is to keep up with them!

However, I do sympathise with your pain completely!

lauracarmel2001

Hi

I went see my GP yesterday who has given me a pain patch, haven't seen much joy yet. What a week, next week isn't going 2 be much better, I have to go into work, there trying 2 get rid me because of my ill health.

I'm going 2 c my consultant about what he can do for me. He previously said to me if the steriod injection didn't work I would have to have more surgery. I'm not sure what!


Laura

p.s i thought OA was meant be intermittent mine seems to get worse every week and never go away, does that seem right?

collettem

Hi,

Was at a network meeting last night for therapists. As well as my full time job I dabble in a few anyway the discussion and work last nite was on the bowan technique. It is something I have been looking into for my real hip as a means of delaying another replacement. if I could last till I am forty it would be good. Anyway one of the things it is supposed to help with is dysplasia. I googled it today and some people with dysplasia say it has helped their symptoms so I am going to try it and see how effective it is. Thought it might be of interest to eveyone else who has dysplasia.

Laura, I know exactly how you feel. from 30 I had the pain and could not get anyone to believe me when I did (by going private) it was to late but dont give up. Just tell them how bad the pain is and ask for a mri to show how the hip is. My consultant was working of an x ray which did not show the full extent. With the mri you will know what options you have.

This site is great for advice as there is a lot of people with the same condition and around the same age. I know when I went for my op in march I would have been lost with out the support of one member who was in the same position and the ability to compare notes did keep me sane as well as the kind words of everyone else.

So dont give up and I hope you get some pain relief.

C

mike77

Hi,

sorry to hear that you have hip problems , it must be very hard to cope with twin children . I was diagnosed with Generlised Oa in march 2007, I felt awful when the doctor told me that it had spread all over. my wife hazel and I are glad that you have found this board .

take care

Mike R & Hazel & Mike JR

cupcake74

Hi

Wanted to reply as so much of what you said resonated with me.
I'm 31 and also have dysplasia on both sides. I've just had a total replacement on my right side. I'm nearly 8 weeks post op and feel amazing! I can believe what a difference the surgery has made so quickly.

It's been a really difficult journey, but now on the other side I know 100% that I made the right decision to go ahead with a replacement. I'm such an active person, that for me there really was no other choice.

Good luck and if you need any advice or someone to talk to feel free to get in touch