Just Diagnosed - not sure which type I have......

Mel65

Hello everyone!
I have suffered hip pain for a couple of years which has become increasingly uncomfortable of late. I saw a specialist today who examined me, he said I had no movement in my left hip. I went for an Xray and he confirmed I have arthritis. I was a bit shocked, I am 47 years old. He showed me the Xray of the hip and lack of fluid etc. He stated that when the pain became to bad I would need a hip replacement. I live abroad, English was the consultants second language, I am sure he told me I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. When I got home I did some research and my symptoms seem more like Osteoarthritis and also I understand you would need a blood test to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. Obviously I will give him a call tomorrow to clarify but I just wondered what criteria was used to distinguish one condition from the other. Any help welcome Thx

dreamdaisy

Hello, it's nice to meet you and I hope we can help with information and support. Having said that I now have to go and cook so I won't be about for a little while, but I hope to be back later. I have an auto-immune form and that has led to osteo-arthritis so, with having a creaky foot in both camps, I am familiar with the troubles both bring.

Over here OA is usually diagnosed via Xray but an auto-type may need an Xray, MRI scan and (most importantly) blood tests. If the latter haven't been ordered my best guess is that you have OA, but I am not a doctor. I wish you well. DD

trepolpen

hi Mel , sounds like Osteoarthritis

I have RA & had it a long time , talking to my Rheumatoligist , he said RA dont affect Hips even though mine plays up a bit

BonnGayle

Hi just thought Id say hello Im an expat and my Rheumy was the same said probably arthritis but he wants more bloods and stuff for a future appointment. English is also his second language but was pretty good anythings better than German !

hileena111

Welcome to the forum.
I have OA....it was diagnosed with x rays/MRI's etc
I know little about the RA end of things
I've had a hip replacement and am supposed to have the other one done but no date as yet.
Love
Hileena

lizzieuk1

Hi, ra usually affects peripheral joints and is typically symetrical with swelling, stiffness and pain it is autoimmune whereas oa isnt, hips are less often involved but may occ be. Did u have any blood tests? For ra u normally get tested for rheumatoid factor and anti ccp - a protein that is found in most ra sufferers, also for inflammatory markers such as crp and ESR high levels indicate high inflammation. If u only have hip problems I would think oa is most likely but if u have other joints involved esp hands/feet then ra could be involved. The nras website is very useful for ra info, have a quick look.
Hope u get treated soon and feel as bit better, xx

Rowantree

I have oa and I'm only 41. I have it in my hands and feet. So goes to show we don't always follow the rules! I had the blood tests for ra, they all came back negative. Generally speaking, MTS people have really good results from joint replacements or fusions. I'm expecting to be told I need both wrists fused.

frogmorton

Hi Mell

Lovely to meet you and welcome you to our forums.

I hope you get your diagnosis soon. Could well be OA some people on here started with it in their teens so not totally unheard of.

Whichever type it is you have come to the right place here

Everyone is so kind and supportive

Love

Toni xxx