Newbie... having major life change in October

maimhambo

I have OA, just declined hip replacement as at the age of 51, widowed at 35 having waved 5 now adult children off to university and having lost my elderly parents who I cared for full-time, I am about to go away to university myself. I am going to do an MA in Social Work and live on campus!

Having said no, for now, to the replacement, I am worried about how I will cope mobility and pain wise. I already take a cocktail of prescription medicines to 'cope with' the pain - to think when my pharmacist husband was alive we didn't even have an aspirin in the house. But like the female line on my mothers side, I seem to be riddled with OA, having varying degree's of pain and stiffness, in both hips, knees, ankles, one shoulder and neck.

As a stop gap, my consultant has arranged for me to have Fluoroscopic guided injection into the synovial space, in the worst hip, a week before I go to university... I have already had an injection of steroid for my shoulder, with mixed results. Can anyone share their experience of this hip injection, as rather a lot seems to rest on it.
Fe

tillytop

Hi again!

I know there will be others along to answer your message soon.

Love Tilly x

angel1

Well done with all that you have chosen to do.

I can`t help with regards to the injection you are having, except to say that, from what I do know they have varying degrees of success.

I couldn`t help but wonder why you have made the decision not to have the surgery, as you are in so much pain. So many people on this Forum have been refused the opportunity, because they are too young. Would it not be better to improve things for yourself, before you embark on your studies? As I`m sure you know, once these joints start to give trouble, they can go downhill so very quickly. It would be a shame if you had to interrupt your course.

I`m sure you have given the matter much thought already, so forgive me if I am speaking out of turn. I had a TKR two and a half years ago, and it, quite simply, gave me back my life, so perhaps I bang the drum a little too hard.

I wish you luck with your future plans.........Ange.

maimhambo

Hi Ange,
"I couldn`t help but wonder why you have made the decision not to have the surgery"
Not an unreasonable question. Its purely timing; refused it because it was only recommended 2 weeks ago, with an operation date of September 7th but my course starts on the 2nd October. The first 6 months of my course are intensive, the bulk of the academic teaching occurs then, if I missed more than a day or two, it I would have to defer a year. As I'm 52 this October I need to do it now, not in a years time. The university have said if after these 6 months, I need to go ahead with the replacement they can jiggle my placements and or dissertation around.
Fe

angel1

Thats going to work really well for you Fe. You must be so excited. I did exactly the same as you once my two boys left for University. Did my degree, then trained as a Counsellor.......Good luck......Ange.

dorcas

Hi Fe and nice to meet you

I don't know anything about the fluoroscopic injection..sorry :oops:

Just wanted to wish you well in your Uni course! I did my SW degree when I was 44.... loved being at uni, and having the degree opened up so many other opportunities.... I've only recently retired from being a Children's Reporter (Scottish Child Hearings System).

Good luck! you seem to have thought through the timing of having THR and I hope it all works out as planned.

Iris x

skezier

Hi Fi,

I am another who doesn't know anything about the fluoroscopic jab either and could you keep us posted? Aer they he ones that replace the fluid in the joint?

Good luck on your uni course and well done for going for it. I am delaying going on the list for a thr purely cus I do a lot of bending and lifting for 'work' and the general idea is my own will be better for as long as I can put up with them. Will the injection extend the life of your hips by the way?

Nice to meet you and really hope it all goes well for you. Cris x

marion1952

Hi Fe

Sorry - I can't help with regards to the injection either, but just wanted to say how great that you are off to Uni this October! It sounds like a really good idea to get the 'intense' bit of the year over with and then fit your THR in when the workload is lighter.. actually, after the first few post-op weeks, you will be able to pick up your books again and do some work - it will stop you getting bored ..

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on.

Marion (14 weeks post op THR today and just gone back to work this week!)

woodbon

Hi, I'm sorry, the only injection I've had in my hip was a steriod for bursitus, given by my GP. I had to rest to 48 hours to let the steriod stay in the right place to work. After a week or so, I was in a lot less pain and the pain went compleatly and I've not had that return, although I have OA in the other hip, spine, neck shoulder and hands. The steriod injection for my hands worked well before carpel tunnel release surgery.
I'm glad you've joined us. I hope someone will give better help than me, we have loads of people who have had lots of things done.

You must be a very strong and positive lady, to go back to university and face all the life changes in the way you have. I'd love to know how you get on. Good Luck. Love Sue

maimhambo

Thank you for the welcome everyone and the good wishes over university - at the moment I am not sure if I am brave or foolish :?
I've been out of academia for 25+ years, so think I have a sharp learning curve ahead and worry that I will be seen as the Granny of the course too.
Anyway back to OA. The injection into the synovail space is into the fluid area between the ball and socket, it has to be done under xray to make sure it goes just in the right space. It is a mixture of steriod and local anesthetic. I had a similar injection into my shoulder joint, as access to the shoulders synovial space is easier my GP was able to do that. I have also had a steroid injection for bursitus - the result was marvelous, sadly the shoulder less so.
Fe

speedalong

Hi Fe and welcome,

no experience of the jabs - but just wanted to say how exciting - uni and staying on campus - enjoy.

Are uni summer hols still very long?? If so - you could time your op for the start of the summer hols and have time to get over it ...??? Or maybe things have changed/ Or perhaps you could time it for disertation writing time...

Speedy

maimhambo

quote.... Are uni summer hols still very long?? If so - you could time your op for the start of the summer hols and have time to get over it ...??? Or maybe things have changed/ Or perhaps you could time it for disertation writing time... Speedy[/quote]

Yes many uni courses have long holidays, but as my MA is Social Work I get 7 weeks a year. I think the dissertation period might be a possibility though.
Fe