Newly Diagnosed - Looking for advice

Wiz

Hi All.

I was diagnosed with OA (R Hip) in April & have just had my first (& apparently last) appointment with the Ortho's. The Dr said that my hip is "too far gone" to resurface, but they don't want to replace it due to my age (I'm 37). He gave me a crutch & told me to get re-referred when I "can't do it anymore"!

Was just looking for information on what I can do to help myself (natural supplement/treatments) etc, so that I can string my 'natural' hip out for a bit longer. I have 2 kids (nearly 2 & nearly 5), so obviously the older they are when I finally end up being admitted, the better.

Thanks in advance!!!

DebbieT

Hi & welcome Wiz,

I'm sorry this news has meant looking online for advice & support but I don't think ud find a better place!! The members are so clued up & full of practical advice

I'd suggest looking thru the medical abbreviations section above as some of the terms can be a bit puzzling to start with.

I'm quite new too so for me it's still pain meds & trying to keep my joints moving but others with much more advice will be along soon I'm sure.x

stickywicket

Blimey! That's not a very encouraging appointment. Sadly, quite a lot of people on here have heard similar messages though. Orthopaedic surgeons don't usually want to see people unless they intend operating so no surprise that you've only to go back when things get dire.

Like you I felt that I wanted my sons as old as possible before I went into hospital. My OA was caused by my longstanding RA though so they were 11 and almost 8 when I got my TKRs.

What can you do to make your hip last? Make sure the muscles surrounding it are kept strong by exercise. (Ask your GP for an appointment with a physio to help with that.) Eat healthily and lose weight if necessary. Some people feel supplements such as cod liver oil and/or glucosamine help a little. Try to recognise the early warning signs and stop when you can do a little more. (Not easy with little ones.) Finally, when it all gets a bit too much, come here and have a moan about it all. It can help And good luck!

barbara12

Hello Sarah
And welcome to the forum..
I am a lot older at 63 so I do feel for you...I am due to have my first THR next week...The first thing is to keep your weight down...but I hate how they blame OA on weight I only put it on when I stop being has mobile..maybe a physio could help...they can build up the thigh muscles to help the hip....I would say dont let things go to far before you get on that list...I know it could mean another in the future....but you need to be able to lead a pain free life now if you can.
Good Luck with everything...have you thought of a second opinion on the resurfacing...xx

dreamdaisy

Hello, you made it! I don't buy the age thing for one moment (believe you me, it would be a different story if you had bone cancer in your hip) but, because OA is so common I guess lines have to be drawn. There is a lady on here who has a TKR (total knee replacement) which is (I think) over thirty years old, so conserving a new joint can be done.

It's good that you have a crutch - I trust you are holding it on the left side, that is the best way to gain the maximum relief. I have OA in my right hip (plus both ankles and both knees) and have had no relief from supplements etc but we are all different. Keeping the joint 'oiled' is one thing but trying to stop the deterioration of the cartilage is another ball game altogether. Pain relief is important, and your GP may also deem that an anti-inflammatory tablet may help.

Try to not spend too much time on your feet - hips are easily aggravated (and very aggravating!) and don't be afaid to rest the joint whenever possible. I do gentle activity then rest a-while (but I also have an auto-immune arthritis and many affected joints). You will find your way through this, we're here to help with information and support. I wish you well. DD

hileena111

Hi and welcome to the forum.
I've got OA in both hips, {one has been replaced} lower back, ankle and neck...also some spinal problems.
Keep as fit as you can.....check out the exercise booklet that arthritis care do.
Try and get an appointment with a physiotherapist who can give you exact exercises.
Use your crutch...don't try to do without it....use it on the opposite side to the sore side.
Are you on painkillers or anti inflammatories? If you are ...take them....keep on top of pain.....don't play catch up
If they don't suit and have side effects go back to your GP and get them changed.
My ortho saw me to diagnose me, then quite a few times coming up to surgery and a couple of times after that and that was it.
It tends to be down to your GP to sort out OA.
Try to stop before you get sore....I know it must be hard with 2 little ones but this is the theory anyway don't keep going until you are in pain...stop when you feel you can still do a little bit more.
Try heat on it. A Wheat bag that you put in the microwave....most of us have a few of them
Some people swear by glucosomine but others say it doesn't help them....we are all different and react differently.
What about a gel....would that help? You can get some of them on prescription
Sorry....this isn't in any order....I just started typing without trying toput it in any order
Love
Hileena