33yrs old just been told I have severe osteoarthritis, help!

tillypink

Hi I;m 33yrs old just been told I have severe osteoarthritis in my left hip, scared and confused all at the same time.

I'm a bit overwhelmed with the news and stuff, not what I expected the consultant to say.. told me I have severe osteoarthritis in the hip.

I've been on the sick since march and back and fore to the dr's with just pain killers etc, as they did't know what was causing it, just thought it was my weight, typical dr's really..

My consultant reckons its due to having pin's in my hip when I was a child and its been slowly deteriorating.

Looking at this web site last night I've been reading loads, but just think its brain overload at the min..

Have to wait now, to go to my own dr's next week for some more advice and my consult wants me to go for an MRI scan now also to see how far it is, and if anywhere else.

dreamdaisy

Hello tillypink. MRI scans are very useful: they provide better and cleare pictures of damage than mere Xrays and are thus more informative for the docs. If you are not sure what they entail go back a few pages on this forum as trisher was asking about them - or you could do a search using the search button. DD

julie47

Hi tillypink

Hope you don't have to wait for mri too long.
This is probably an anxious wait for you as are all tests but now you are atleast on the right track.
Take care and good luck
love pf x

chris7

Hi Tillypink

Sorry you are still reeling with the news there and so young too. Sadly you are not alone to be struggling at such a young age, as you will see if you have a look around the posts on the forum. At least I hope you feel a little better knowing they are taking your pain seriously now. I hope you don't have to wait too long for your scan which should help your Consultant decide how best to help.
Just wanted to call in and send a hug or two. ((( ))) Let us know how things go.
take care
Chris

tillypink

chris7 wrote:

Hi Tillypink

Sorry you are still reeling with the news there and so young too. Sadly you are not alone to be struggling at such a young age, as you will see if you have a look around the posts on the forum. At least I hope you feel a little better knowing they are taking your pain seriously now. I hope you don't have to wait too long for your scan which should help your Consultant decide how best to help.
Just wanted to call in and send a hug or two. ((( ))) Let us know how things go.
take care
Chris

aw thanks everyone, feeling overwhelmed, but trying to keep positive!

Thats all I've been doing is reading on here, this site is so helpful and to see so many people in the same boat too.

speedalong

Hi Tillypink and welcome,

The same happened to me in my mid twenties, my hip was really hurting, I ignored it, finally went to docs, got referred to the hospital and I was told I had severe OA. I was gutted. I had hip operations as a child and had plates and pins ( mine were for congenitial hip dysplaxia - dislocated hips.) It isn't at all what you expect or want to hear is it.

I hope your MRI comes through soon and you get some info from the consultant.

I found heat helps have you tried wheatie bags, also hot baths. Are you using a stick/crutches ... not what you want to use in your 30s (or at any age) but might help with pain levels and mobility until you know the consultant's plans.

Rest plenty, budget your meds so you can take them you have a favourite/difficult activity coming up and prioritise what you choose to do. Also wear footwear with plenty of shock absorption.

Speedy

tillypink

speedalong wrote:

Hi Tillypink and welcome,

The same happened to me in my mid twenties, my hip was really hurting, I ignored it, finally went to docs, got referred to the hospital and I was told I had severe OA. I was gutted. I had hip operations as a child and had plates and pins ( mine were for congenitial hip dysplaxia - dislocated hips.) It isn't at all what you expect or want to hear is it.

I hope your MRI comes through soon and you get some info from the consultant.

Rest plenty, budget your meds so you can take them you have a favourite/difficult activity coming up and prioritise what you choose to do. Also wear footwear with plenty of shock absorption.

Speedy

Hi Speedy

Thanks for your reply it was lovely, I've got the wheatie bags and they do help got to go dr's this week now and change my tablets now so hopefully that will help.

Can I ask how old where you when you had plates and pins please? I was 10 when I had pins in my hip, was expecting to have that done again when I was at the consultants on friday, but no he turns round and said about the arthritis so still a shock really, but getting there. Plus this site is helping loads

x

tillypink

webmanager wrote:

Hi Tillypink and welcome to the forum.

It is very normal to feel the way you do at the diagnosis stage. Our site has two places you might find helpful:

http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/AboutArthritis/Justdiagnosed
and http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/AboutArthritis/Conditions/AboutArthritis/Conditions/Osteoarthritis

If you can give the helplines a buzz on Monday for a chat, they are all lovely and will help you find a way forwards

Webmanager

Hi thanks for your reply with the further info for me, just reading now. Many thanks

dorcas

Hi tilllypink

Just popping by to say welcome to the forum.

I don't have OA but see you've had some good advice already from other OA peeps and webmanager.

It's a shock being told you have arther and need an MRI.....but at least you have good docs who are interested and caring and want to help you.

please let us know when your appointment comes through so we can be around for you.

Iris x

elnafinn

Hi Tilly

Welcome to the forum. I am sorry to hear you are feeling overwhelmed at the moment but you are not alone in feeling like that. What your consultant says, is more than likely correct. We hear this time and time again on here that arthritis sets in when a joint has been damaged for whatever reason some years beforehand. It is good that you will be booked in for an MRI. They definitely help the medics much more than an xray.

I wish you all the best at your gp appointment and hope you do not have to wait too long for your scan.

You may well be given anti inflammatories which can be of great help and maybe some stronger painkillers if your gp thinks it necessary, after you have had your chat. More often than not stomach protector pills are given to take with the anti inflammatory.

Try not to worry too much, difficult I know and do not hesitate to call in as often as you like and also call the Helpline should you so wish. Many have done so and been helped tremenduously.

Luv
Elna x

dreamdaisy

Morning tillypink, I hope you are feeling OK today. DD

tillypink

dreamdaisy wrote:

Morning tillypink, I hope you are feeling OK today. DD

afternoon dreamdaisy, yes thanks feeling lots better today thank you for asking .

How about urself?

x

tillypink

elnafinn wrote:

Hi Tilly

Welcome to the forum. I am sorry to hear you are feeling overwhelmed at the moment but you are not alone in feeling like that. What your consultant says, is more than likely correct. We hear this time and time again on here that arthritis sets in when a joint has been damaged for whatever reason some years beforehand. It is good that you will be booked in for an MRI. They definitely help the medics much more than an xray.

I wish you all the best at your gp appointment and hope you do not have to wait too long for your scan.

You may well be given anti inflammatories which can be of great help and maybe some stronger painkillers if your gp thinks it necessary, after you have had your chat. More often than not stomach protector pills are given to take with the anti inflammatory.

Try not to worry too much, difficult I know and do not hesitate to call in as often as you like and also call the Helpline should you so wish. Many have done so and been helped tremenduously.

Luv
Elna x

Thanks Elna for your Message. I've calmed down abit now and not so upset, after reading so many people are in the same boat as myself.

Just reading now and getting some more info etc, and wait for dr's now this week.

Hope ur well.

8)

dippydoodah

Hi Tillypink

Just wanted to say hi from me too and welcome to the forum. As you're probably already aware, everyone is extremely helpful and supportive here, they have been to me.

I am 32 and was diagnosed with generalized OA in February this year. It's alot to take in at such a young age I know and I had so many questions why. It's been 6 months but I am coming to terms with it all and I seem to have found some medication that works for me. Doesn't make it go away but eases it a little.

I hope you don't have to wait too long for your MRI scan and they can sort out treatment to ease your pains.

Just wanted to say hi
Caroline x

dreamdaisy

Hello tillypink, thank you for asking. I am struggling today, much pain in my toes, ankles and knees. Never mind, it's what co-codamols are for! DD

Rainbow77

Hi Tillypink

I am sorry to hear about your news. It must be big shock for you. The MRI is a good thing as it will show exactly where it is and then hopefully the doctors will be able to put a plan together to help you.

It will take time to come to terms with it, be kind to yourself. But this forum is fantastic, feel free to post and ask as many questions as you like as there is always somebody who can help.

Take care

Fayann xx

skezier

Hi Tillypink,

I am sorry you had this one hit you and know in my case I was young and couldn't except I had something my Nan was getting.... I really hope your feeling less scared about it all now?

The thr thing well I know this forum and the people on it will help you through that if you have one done. I didn't go on the list as I am very lucky and have lost movement but actually cus I used to the pain my back gives I sort of don't register the hips too much. I also got some pain control that really does seem to suit me. If you haven't got that then please go back and get it as it makes things much easier. Nice to meet you and hope you will keep posting. Cris x

tillypink

dippydoodah wrote:

Hi Tillypink

Just wanted to say hi from me too and welcome to the forum. As you're probably already aware, everyone is extremely helpful and supportive here, they have been to me.

I am 32 and was diagnosed with generalized OA in February this year. It's alot to take in at such a young age I know and I had so many questions why. It's been 6 months but I am coming to terms with it all and I seem to have found some medication that works for me. Doesn't make it go away but eases it a little.

I hope you don't have to wait too long for your MRI scan and they can sort out treatment to ease your pains.

Just wanted to say hi
Caroline x

Hi Caroline

thanks for the message , its so nice to hear from so many people who are in the same boat.

Your right its not easy, still can't believe it ,but I'm getting there and trying to think positive too.

Can I ask how did ur's start off with then, how do you find day to day things like with the pain?

thanks

Lisa(tillypink)

marion1952

Hello Tillypink

Sorry to hear that you have had such a shock with the diagnosis of OA.

There are several people on the forum who are in the same/similar situation to yourself, so please don't hesitate to ask any questions whatsoever and I'm sure you will get some good advice/support.

I'm much older than you, but I've just had a hip replacement because of OA, and it's great not to have the pain anymore.
(I also have RA but I won't bore you with that!)

Take care.

Marion

dippydoodah

Hi Caroline

thanks for the message , its so nice to hear from so many people who are in the same boat.

Your right its not easy, still can't believe it ,but I'm getting there and trying to think positive too.

Can I ask how did ur's start off with then, how do you find day to day things like with the pain?

thanks

Lisa(tillypink)[/quote]

Hi Lisa. I actually started off with pains in my feet in about July 2009, I started feeling pain under the toes which at some times woke me in the night. As I didn't know what it was and wasn't on painkillers at the time, I could barely walk. Eventually, my hands started getting sore, my shoulders, knees and now just about every joint I have is a/effected (don't know which it is lol :oops: )

Day to day depends on several things to be honest. Whether Ive over done it the day before, the weather or whether Ive taken enough painkillers etc. The nights are terrible for me if I dont have some painkillers before I go to bed. I can't turn over very well. I do recommend taking something before you go to bed. It doesnt take the pain away but it does ease it slightly, for me anyway.

First thing in the mornings are bad for me too, but once Im up and have moved about a bit and had my morning meds, I start to ease a little. It never goes away but Ive found ways of adapting myself, like how I come down the stairs or aids I use around the house to help with little jobs, especially as I have 3 little boys to look after (age 9,5 and 3).

In time, you'll figure out your own little ways of doing things. I have my bad days but I have good days too. On the bad days, I rest as much as I can. Housework can wait and thankfully my little lads help by making their beds or my eldest helps get them juice etc. Ive stopped apologising for my house being a mess at times, true friends and family understand and don't comment anymore. Rest when you can and ask for help when you need it. That was the hardest part for me as I used to be so independant. Don't be afraid to say you need help.

If you ever need any help, advice or just want to ask any questions, please feel free to private message me and I'll help as much as I can.

Its not the end of your life, its just going down a different route.
Hope you find your way of dealing with things.

Caroline x

woodbon

Hi, Welcome to the forum!!! I am 55 and have oa in quite a few joints, including my spine. I've had an MRI on my neck and now the consultant has asked for my lumber spine to be done as well. I found the worst thing was the noise, but part of that was because the ear defenders they put on slipped and I didn't want to press the buzzer, which they give you, and stop things, (which I should have done), and just carried on!

It must be a shock to you, at your young age to be diagnosed with something that is assocsaited with older people, but, lots of younger people have various forms of arthritis and its nothing like uncommon, unfortunatly. I wish you the very best of good luck and hope that you can quickly find something to help you cope.
Love Sue xxx

tillypink

woodbon wrote:

Hi, Welcome to the forum!!! I am 55 and have oa in quite a few joints, including my spine. I've had an MRI on my neck and now the consultant has asked for my lumber spine to be done as well. I found the worst thing was the noise, but part of that was because the ear defenders they put on slipped and I didn't want to press the buzzer, which they give you, and stop things, (which I should have done), and just carried on!

It must be a shock to you, at your young age to be diagnosed with something that is assocsaited with older people, but, lots of younger people have various forms of arthritis and its nothing like uncommon, unfortunatly. I wish you the very best of good luck and hope that you can quickly find something to help you cope.
Love Sue xxx

Hi Sue

Thanks for the reply, let bit slow to reply this week.. been having a few down days and still coming to terms with it all. I know I'm luck compared to some of the people on here tho.

x

lisa(tillypink)

tillypink

dippydoodah wrote:

Hi Caroline

thanks for the message , its so nice to hear from so many people who are in the same boat.

Your right its not easy, still can't believe it ,but I'm getting there and trying to think positive too.

Can I ask how did ur's start off with then, how do you find day to day things like with the pain?

thanks

Lisa(tillypink)

Hi Lisa. I actually started off with pains in my feet in about July 2009, I started feeling pain under the toes which at some times woke me in the night. As I didn't know what it was and wasn't on painkillers at the time, I could barely walk. Eventually, my hands started getting sore, my shoulders, knees and now just about every joint I have is a/effected (don't know which it is lol :oops: )

Day to day depends on several things to be honest. Whether Ive over done it the day before, the weather or whether Ive taken enough painkillers etc. The nights are terrible for me if I dont have some painkillers before I go to bed. I can't turn over very well. I do recommend taking something before you go to bed. It doesnt take the pain away but it does ease it slightly, for me anyway.

First thing in the mornings are bad for me too, but once Im up and have moved about a bit and had my morning meds, I start to ease a little. It never goes away but Ive found ways of adapting myself, like how I come down the stairs or aids I use around the house to help with little jobs, especially as I have 3 little boys to look after (age 9,5 and 3).

In time, you'll figure out your own little ways of doing things. I have my bad days but I have good days too. On the bad days, I rest as much as I can. Housework can wait and thankfully my little lads help by making their beds or my eldest helps get them juice etc. Ive stopped apologising for my house being a mess at times, true friends and family understand and don't comment anymore. Rest when you can and ask for help when you need it. That was the hardest part for me as I used to be so independant. Don't be afraid to say you need help.

If you ever need any help, advice or just want to ask any questions, please feel free to private message me and I'll help as much as I can.

Its not the end of your life, its just going down a different route.
Hope you find your way of dealing with things.

Caroline x[/quote]

Hi Caroline,

Sorry for late reply.. had a bed week and really taking this news not so well, but decided to buck my idea's up, there's loads worse off than my self!

I take my hat off to u with all ur going through and got ur kids to look after too, but i'm sure there great helpers .

I too am noticing that when I overdo things I seem to pay the price the next few days and in more pain than normal, and with the pain killers still can't get comfy or walk properly, so have to stop being so stubborn and let my partner and family help, which is so hard to do! :oops:

Anyhow gonna nip off now, hope to chat soon.

Lisa(tillypink) :P

tillypink

marion1952 wrote:

Hello Tillypink

Sorry to hear that you have had such a shock with the diagnosis of OA.

There are several people on the forum who are in the same/similar situation to yourself, so please don't hesitate to ask any questions whatsoever and I'm sure you will get some good advice/support.

I'm much older than you, but I've just had a hip replacement because of OA, and it's great not to have the pain anymore.
(I also have RA but I won't bore you with that!)

Take care.

Marion

Hey Marion,

Thanks for ur message

Ur welcome to bore me anytime

Just saying to someother people having a ruff week this week but getting to grips and giving my self a few slaps too..lol.

x

tillypink

skezier wrote:

Hi Tillypink,

I am sorry you had this one hit you and know in my case I was young and couldn't except I had something my Nan was getting.... I really hope your feeling less scared about it all now?

The thr thing well I know this forum and the people on it will help you through that if you have one done. I didn't go on the list as I am very lucky and have lost movement but actually cus I used to the pain my back gives I sort of don't register the hips too much. I also got some pain control that really does seem to suit me. If you haven't got that then please go back and get it as it makes things much easier. Nice to meet you and hope you will keep posting. Cris x

Thanks Cris

Had a bad week but getting there and now coming to terms with it all, its not as bad as some people are... plus this site helps loads.

x

tillypink

Rainbow77 wrote:

Hi Tillypink

I am sorry to hear about your news. It must be big shock for you. The MRI is a good thing as it will show exactly where it is and then hopefully the doctors will be able to put a plan together to help you.

It will take time to come to terms with it, be kind to yourself. But this forum is fantastic, feel free to post and ask as many questions as you like as there is always somebody who can help.

Take care

Fayann xx

Thanks Fayann x