OA in the hip and cysts?

chris7

Hi

I have OA in both hips which has affected mobility for many years. My useless doc. has never explained the result of the x rays and still insists I have a little bit of arthritis! but thanks to this forum I did eventually persuade her to let me see a physio who has taken the time to do so.

Though the x rays show OA equally in both hips I only have pain in the left, she explained this may be boney spurs as on the x ray but when I saw her last Thursday she also mentioned cysts which was a new one to me. :shock: Though she is lovely I was too stunned to ask her what she meant.

What are these cysts please and is that the real cause of the pain which can be unbearable for an hour or more and then suddenly disappear like a switch has been turned off? I'm getting a bit confused with all this.

She did send me for more x rays, as the initial ones were nearly two and half years old and will get back to me when she has the results. I am really struggling with work now and wonder what happens next?

Any advice appreciated thank you.

Chris

speedalong

Hi Chris,

YES! Cysts do cause pain! I have a small one in my knee and bigger ones in my hip. I'm awaiting an operation on my hip.

When you go back find out what sort of cysts they are - boney ones or fluid filled ones ...

Who reported to you about the x-rays in such a woolly way - a GP or a consultant? If you aren't being seen by an consultant ask for an orthopedic referral to a consultant. If it was a consultant ask for a second oppinion ...

Speedalong

chris7

Hi speedalong

thanks for replying, it is my doc that is useless. The phsyio is a lovely lady. I haven't seen a consultant yet, she is waiting for the new x ray results. Think she said sebatious cysts :? and boney spurs, can you have both??? no idea what is causing me more grief.
Just very confused. Think she may refer me to a consultant once the x rays are back but I am panicking. :shock:

Chris

speedalong wrote:

Hi Chris,

YES! Cysts do cause pain! I have a small one in my knee and bigger ones in my hip. I'm awaiting an operation on my hip.

When you go back find out what sort of cysts they are - boney ones or fluid filled ones ...

Who reported to you about the x-rays in such a woolly way - a GP or a consultant? If you aren't being seen by an consultant ask for an orthopedic referral to a consultant. If it was a consultant ask for a second oppinion ...

Speedalong

dorcas

Hi Chris,

I've not had cysts but from what you're saying it's causing you a great deal of pain :shock: so it's definitely something that needs investigating. :roll:

Why is it that some doc's, like yours', are so reluctant to refer peeps to specialists :?: makes no sense at all. :roll: Being a 'nice' doc doesn't hack it if you don't do your job properly and leave good folks like you suffering!

It's not right that you've had to go through physio before being taken seriously.

hope the helpline peeps can give you some advice on this one.

take care Chris...hope the pain eases and you get referred to a consultant soon. ((((HUGS)))) Iris x

helpline_team

Hi Chris
Sorry you're having such a bad time with this.
There are many different types of cyst so do find out what type you have. Many go away on their own but some do need surgical removal.
You can have both cysts and bony spurs in a joint and a cyst could cause the pain you describe.
Your physio sounds like a good source of help & support and someone you can talk to but do ask your GP to explain your xray results and for a referral to an orthopaedic consultant so you get a specialist's opinion on what's going on and what your treatment options are.
We are good with panic if you want to chat on the phone to us!
Best wishes
Val

chris7

Hi Iris
Thanks for calling in with the hugs and support, hope work going ok for you. xx

Val
Thanks for that. I think maybe I do have the spurs and cysts and the latter would certainly explain the bouts of agony which are so frustrating. I have learnt that though I have a bit of warning beforehand the additional pain will suddenly disappear, the not knowing when is hard to take.

I have been very fortunate in that the physio lady I see now is a specialist in arthritis and I think head of department so has the authority to make any referrals herself. The first physio was more interested in sports injuries, told me he could do nothing for me and sent me away with an excercise sheet. :roll:
Finding this forum months later gave me the courage to go back and ask to see someone else. When she gets the x ray results, she is going to discuss them with the consultant and offer me an appointment with him. She has been very understanding about my concerns to avoid surgery as long as possible because if I have a break from my very physical but PT work, I fear I would never be fit enough to return. Should that arise I will definately be phoning the helpline for a panic Val, I had heard you were good with it.

Thanks again for all the replies.
The cysts have been quiet today and the bony spurs bearable and I am not quite so scared at the thought of seeing the consultant.

Chris

speedalong

Your physio sounds truly great. Don't start worrying about seeing the consultant - you haven't hear what they have got to say yet!

Keep us up to date.

Speedalong

chris7

Thanks Speedalong (I'm so likin' your name )

You are right I'll put the panic on hold until I see the consultant. I have heard only good reports of them in the local hossie so will keep try and keep positive on that one. Do hope all goes well with your op. Do let us know how you are?

Lynn, ta chuck. Sorry keep missing you at the mo. Hope you keeping okish and not eating to many creme eggs!! Isn't it just nice to know that panic button is there with such helpful peeps at the end of it.
I kid you not if I hadn't found this forum I would still be thinking I just had to grin and bear it. Did that for a good few years. :?

Chris

trisher

Hi

I had an appointment at the hospital today and was a bit shocked to find out I have Raynauds as well as the arthur I know about.

It is in my hands, where i have had a lot of pain in them. They have been painful enough that I could have cried with the pain.

I know I have both RA and OA in them. my finger knuckles wrists.

Can having arthritis bring on Raynauds?

Trish xx

skezier

Hi Chris,

I am sorry tween my eyes, brain and connection I didn't see this :oops:

A ((((( ))))) and a hope they will refer you and if they don't ask to be! I agree with Val about getting your x rays explained better BUT don't think a gp has the expertise needed so you need to see an ortho flower.

I can't add to the advise you have but can promise you being scared is normal and we all will come with you and well another ((((( ))))) and hope you see someone soon. Cris xxxx

Oh I have behaved all day but just have to leave a bar of CDM and some cream eggs for the help line folk x

Hi Trish,

Hope you got the pm and I am sorry you have another thing wrong but you know when they first started saying pa I did the headless chicken till Vonski pointed out to me I had had it some time and had coped. Bless her that's some of the best advice I ever been given and its the same for you.

You know I have Iloprost (and Trish it doesn't always make you feel wished so don't go worrying on that one! I am kinda a bad example cus my blood vessels are so rubbish!) There are also tablets, though down here they seem to give the Iloprost once or twice a year as it so much more effective than the tablets.

Fingerless gloves, pocket warmers and a fire is the best for me at least and keep out of the wind and rain as much as you can. If your hands go white, rub them and it they go purple clench your fist a few times and try elevating it cus in my case the blood sometimes can't get to the extremities and other times pools cus it can't get back.

Mine isn't raynaud's I just have stupidly small blood vessels but the Iloprost helps, mine is 4monthly but that's not the normal. Is yours 'just' you hands?

Stay warm flower and keep the hands moving cus the more they move the more the blood flow is helped ..... oh I have also found (as long as the chilblains aren't open) stuff like deep heat helps and if you really are cold a warm bath or even putting your hands in warm water helps. Trish I don't feel how hot things are so be careful. A ((((( ))))) and a cream egg xxx

helpline_team

Just thought I'd pop in & earn my cream egg.

Chris, I'm glad the panic is subsiding and the consultant appointment is not sounding so scary.

Trisher, Raynauds is counted as a type of arthritis as it affects the joints. It can be associated with other types of arthritis though not usually OA or RA.
As most of you know, I am seldom at a loss for a link to information so here is one http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/arthritis_information/arthritis_types__symptoms/raynauds_phenomenon.aspx

Best wishes

Val

chris7

Thanks again for all the earlier replies here.

Just calling in to add an update. Have spoken to the physio today, she has had the x rays back and spoken on my behalf to a consultant about them and her assessments of me.

He does think I may need a THR soon so I have agreed to a referral and will wait to hear what my options, if any, are. I will be seeing the ortho consultant I posted about a while back who does the pioneering 'silent hip' replacements :shock: as well as the normal ones. So I guess I should have some confidence in his ability.

However am a bit frustrated as though the xrays do not show too much deterioration over the 2 years since the last ones my mobility is so much worse. I know this is because of the PT job I have, it really does cripple me over the three days but what can I do? I have to work, I live on my own and have bills! :roll:

My present boss is fair in many ways but so unsympathetic over health issues and often mimics my limp. I am so easily replaced and there really are no reasonable adjustments possible even if they were forced to implement them. Don't have the confidence to look for something different and who would take me on with this hanging over me?

Sorry didn't intend this to turn this update into a rant but Val, anyone, I need that panic button at the moment. :shock: Am at work again tomorrow so won't be able to ring the helpline and just needed to get this down today.

Thanks for listening.

Chris

barbara12

Hi Chris
I am about on parr with you, my hips need replacing and I keep putting it off, like you say the pain gets much worse over time, even though the xray show no deterioration, my consultant said it is better to have it done before it has an affect on your day to day living, easier said then done.
I do hope you get some answers when you go, and maybe beat me to it.
You take care
Love
Barbara x

annie_mial

I'm answering the panic button, Chris, although I can't do much more than offer hugs and sympathy and an ear.

I fully understand how you are placed; perhaps contacting the local council/social services would be helpful? They may be able to guide you to services which can be offered to you while you are out of action and/or in hospital.

I feel that you should tell the consultant about these worries, too. Not sure how it works up there, but here many of the hospitals can also offer help where it is necessary.

You've got my wholehearted support and lots of huggies from me. Wish I could help in a more practical way!
((((((((((((((((((((((((Chris))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Annie
xx

skezier

Hi Chris,

I am sorry your having a bad tie just now. I dropping in a panic button and a ((((( ))))) and the helpline folk will answer you better than me but.....

Chris maybe it hurts so much just now cus its on a burn? I know I got oa in the hips, it was early onset it moved to stage 2 and since one no longer rotates very well it might have made it to 3 I don't know cus the Rumo does my bones now and I have had so many xrays we don't really bother with them now.

Standing is never good for hips (or backs mine said ) but like you I have to do a lot and I also have no way of not working though as you know I been slacking a bit re the sales. Mines more complicated cus I just face giving up my way of life (yes I know I could make a few changes ) My rumo said about putting me on the thr lists 2 appointments back but we decided I do so much bending and lifting and carrying that really he decided to leave me with my own fr s long as was possible.

I recons if you go see him and see what your options are and then see whats best for you from your point of view.

Another ((( ))) and a bar of blue wrapper drum playing gorilla stuff, its so goo for stress Luv Cris who is quietly leaving some more blue wrapper stuff for the helpline folk s well.... xx

chris7

Oh bless you guys, Babara, Annie, Lynn, Cris

I nearly sloped off to bed without looking here. Didn't expect so many panic buttons and hugs to appear and so quickly.

Barbara, Sorry to see you too love, Your consultant is right but I feel damned if I do and damned if I don't. Yes it is interfering with daily life I can't walk at all by Thursdays :roll: Do hope all goes well if you are forced to beat me to it. Hang in there.

Annie, Hugs very welcome ta. Do so wish I had felt able to look for another job before getting to this point. :roll: I do have a brain (and a degree for goodness sake!) and should be sitting in a nice comfy chair in an office somewhere earning a living. What a mess I have made of things.
Yes the physio who has been a absolute marvel does know all these worries which is why we have been putting off the referral. She has explained it all to the consultant I will see so maybe I do have other options. Never though about social services if it comes to an op. ta.

Lynn
Good to see you too. Yes the hol was great. Hope you are hanging in there at the moment and had a good break. We have missed you.

Cris
You know too much love. Why aren't you working on the helpline!!?
Am I on the burn :shock: What stage who knows? How can I need a THR when my useless doc only has me on anti inflamms and paracetomol I just get on with it, as do you!
Exactly, standing, bending, lifting and carrying for 3 x 8hr days. Would I ever get back to that after an op? Would the boss oust me out! He did it before to another colleague who had a knee op though he was almost retiring age. I'm only 50? Such a small firm no company sick pay, pension or union I don't stand a chance.

Anyway sorry I'm on another rant here, but so grateful for the speedy panic buttons and hugs when you all having tough times too! Hope I will feel less in shock tomorrow and resume normal service. I really did flip out there tonight.

Ta for the choccy Cris so much nicer than ours at work. Hey we are now stocking quince jelly and fruit coulis along with the jams, going upmarket now. Will leave some raspberry and cream flavoured shortbread for the helpline peeps and a selection of sweeties all beautifully packed and labelled of course

THANK YOU again all. Your hugs and good wishes very much appreciated today.

Chris xx

skezier

Hey Chris,

All my knowledge comes from long ago when I used to work in the NHS Well that and the fact I've had oa since I as 15 I think the helpline folk have ti have far more comprehensive and up to date knowledge..... and live in London

Loo long ago they used to say there were 3 stages, now they say 4 I think. When it starts they used to call it early onset and it burns a bit but isn't really too bad. 2nd (for me) used to burn in my back a lot. Sometimes you can get big bits when its dormant though my back was always too active for that. 3rd is relentless, grinding toothaches style that just doesn't stop and what used to be called burned out is know 4th stage I think? I think I seem to remember (but the helpline folk will know) 1st and 2nd is the when its after the cartilages and 3rd it's got them and starting to ossificate which is where the bone spurs and stuff (I got fins and lips apparently) Its the bones trying to repair the damage that gets the extra bone growth. So maybe your having a burn or got to 3rd stage?

That's why seeing an ortho is such a good idea. They can tell you what your bones are doing and how best to help them.

Sick leave..... now that's a hard one and having to work cus you have bills I really understand as well. I am sure there is a way round it? You must be entitled to some form of ESA while they get you back on your feet? Maybe your boss would let you have 3 months unpaid (Chris I do know the fears and panic that word conjurers) to get it done but my guy told me I would have to modify the amount of bending and lifting I do so these are all things you might have to talk to them about if you go for the thr.

Chris what ever you decide to do this lot will be there for you all the way. You just need to get it all sorted in your head and then see what he says and see whats best for you. Once that's fallen in you will be fine and well as I understand it thr are very successful. Luv and shed loads of ((( )))'s Cris who is leaving the helpline folk some cream to go with their shortbread Though well I might just nick one of their strawberry short breads :oops: xx

helpline_team

Hi Chris
My first thought was 'how dare your boss mimic your limp !!' Sounds like you need to talk to us on the phone sometime about your work.
Anyway, I hope work has gone OK today & I'm pleased you're getting a referral to the orthopod consultant.
Take care
Val

chris7

Thanks Cris and Val

Cris thanks for that it does help me understand a bit more about where I might be at so to speak. Them boney spurs are definately there. :shock: Sometimes it is the not knowing which makes us feel out of control but then I don't need to tell you that. ((( )))

Thanks Val, I know I must sensibly wait to see what the consultant says before going into orbit, but it does help just to rattle thoughts on here. Thanks to ALL at the helplines and on this thread, so good to know they are there.
Normalish service resumed today, thanks everyone. Work was grim today but I don't care cos it is Duvet Day tomorrow.
take care all
Chris

barbara12

Hi Chris again
What a lovely thought duvet day, this should be a national holiday, once a week...think I will join you you take care and dont overdo things
Love Barbara xx

helpline_team

barbara12 wrote:

Hi Chris again
What a lovely thought duvet day, this should be a national holiday, once a week...think I will join you you take care and dont overdo things
Love Barbara xx

Here Here Barbara! Hooray for Duvet Days! Essential for mind body and soul! And so say all of us

Simona

chris7

Barbara, Simona



I can thoroughly recommend them.

take care
Chris (who has found her wink again)

speedalong

Hi Chris, just read your post from a few days ago.

He does think I may need a THR soon so I have agreed to a referral and will wait to hear what my options, if any, are. I will be seeing the ortho consultant I posted about a while back who does the pioneering 'silent hip' replacements as well as the normal ones. So I guess I should have some confidence in his ability.

I haven't heard of "silent hip" replacements. But sounds like you need that appointment asap. I understand all too well about putting off the op for as long as you can - but I also know you get to a point where you have to admit defeat and that surgery is the way to go ..

However am a bit frustrated as though the xrays do not show too much deterioration over the 2 years since the last ones my mobility is so much worse.

I have read somewhere that x-rays do not convey how much pain is experienced - the deterioration affects people in different ways. You have a very active job ... no wonder you are experiencing so much pain and exhaustion. You must emphasise this at your appointments. I bet on school hols (days when you take it easy - not days when you are being busy at home) you feel much better.

My present boss is fair in many ways but so unsympathetic over health issues and often mimics my limp. I am so easily replaced and there really are no reasonable adjustments possible even if they were forced to implement them. Don't have the confidence to look for something different and who would take me on with this hanging over me?

That is dreadful ... that really is not acceptable. Iris is better on all this work stuff - I'm sure she'll have something to say about all this.

Sorry I didn't see your post sooner. I hope you are feeling calmer. What age do you teach? Once you have had your op and recovered would you consider looking for a different job? Could you lecture in PE or do more general teaching?

Speedalong

PS when you see consultant ask if you are suitable candidate for a resurface. You would need a surgeon experienced in the procedure to perform it, but it would be more compatible with your current career - as it is aimed at more active patients, the range of movement it allows is better. It is a less established procedure than a THR - as it is newer there is less info on how long it lasts etc But worth getting the facts.

chris7

Hi Speedalong

Thanks for stopping by when you are so busy there!

http://www.silenthip.com/

This was the link I posted some time ago about a local consultant who is doing these new kind of hip replacements. This is the chap I will be seeing but don't think he will offer me one of these as I am now 50 and wouldn't want to be a guinea pig as they are relatively unknown but seem to have good potential for youngsters. Some good reports from the peeps who have had them but still early days.

Sorry lovey, I'm not teaching!. Did work in libraries in a former life but now work 1 day a week in a bookshop which is fine and 3 days a week in a factory which is where the physical problems and attitudes are. It really is a tough day there. Would be nice to be able to do mornings or afternoons but they won't entertain that because of continuity when doing orders. To be fair they don't like part time staff either so I should be grateful they allowed me to do the three days. The only other lady now part time is over retirement age. You are so right, when I am not at work I can have really goodish days, it's so annoying. :? Yes Iris is the font of work stuff but the upshot is I should really have got a job elsewhere before now but never had the confidence. So all my fault I guess.

The forums have informed me about resurfacing, as I hadn't a clue what that was and if I haven't left it too late I hope that may be an option thanks. Someone said it makes me sound like a motorway if I have that done. We will see.

Thanks for taking the time to post here. Good luck with your own organising for the 12th. ((( )))

Chris xx

skezier

Hi Chris,

Oh a duvet day....... could you o the helpline folk write my employers a note to say I need one.... well maybe a duvet night just now Mind best not write it on paper they will only eat it

Glad you gt your back and hopefully you will find it all gets less scary as well, especially when you see the guy.

Off to play tag with the torchlight ariel display team tell you I aint fast enough and ha to pull the very scary foster mummy face last time.... oh and no foals just more eating :roll: Soon though cus it has to be....... ((((( ))))) Cris who is leaving more cdm for the helpline folk xx

dorcas

Hi Chris!

just catching up with posts after my wee hols......have sent you a PM.

Iris x