Does osteoarthritis of the hip suddenly 'flare' and worsen?

Stigger

Hi

I've had arthritis of the left hip for some years and for the last two, there has been no cartilage at all, just 'bone on bone'. My range of movement, pain levels etc, although variable day to day, have been reasonably constant over that time and despite being urged to have a THR, I declined as I was able to work and cope with painkillers and plenty of rest breaks.

Over the last 4 - 6 weeks, everything seems to be deteriorating at an incredible rate. I can barely move, the pain has increased, can't sleep and have neuropathic pain all down my leg to the ankle; groin pain has increased substantially and I am exhausted.

I know that RA flares but does OA too or suddenly deteriorate? Thanks in advance.

barbara12

Hi stigger
I have just had my first THR..I have put it off for over 3 years, but I have to say I was warned to get on the list has suddenly it will be so painful you wish you had.
The pain I had in the 2 months before my op was awful, and yes I said it was a flare not just my hip but other joints seemed to join in , it went on for days.
Just to say that if I can have it done then anyone can,just ask anyone on here I was terrified... I am 4 weeks post op and pain free in that hip, it feels so strong, the op pain only lasted a few day and wasn't to bad at all.
I know work is important but just think that you wont be able to very soon if you don't have it done...
You take care and if you need to ask anything ask away x

Stigger

Thanks Barbara, I'm not worried about the op, to be honest, I didn't think it was as bad as they said it was and felt a bit of a fraud as I was able to go to work (I teach) and muddle through life. I always imagined that people who had to have a THR would be in agony, really ill and unable to do anything - which wasn't really me.

Is now though

Just really surprised at how quickly it has deteriorated after being on a plateau for so long - I just thought it would be like that for ever really - it was bad, but didn't realise how bad it could be - I had no idea. Had no appreciation of how quickly it can and does deteriorate and affect all my other joints, bones and general health. I used to read other peoples posts who were having a THR and thought that I wasn't as badly off as them, so shouldn't have it done yet, even if the GP/surgeon said it was - it just didn't 'feel' it.

Seeing the GP on Wed to get back on the list Thank you.

constable

Hi there

I had my thr over 2 years ago now. Before, I ended up using a walking stick. The pain was really awful. And of course it does course so much pain everywhere else. My back, leg, ankles. Night time was a night mare. Could barely move. To stand up after sitting was quite a feat I can tell you.

Anyway, the time has come, yes. Get yourself on the list. You need to now.

Let us know how you're doctors appointment goes wont you.

Stigger

Thank you Karen, what you describe is how I suddenly am now! I use two sticks (crutches) to walk and yes, night time is a night mare! Anything, just pushing the hoover around is exhausting.

I'm glad you've recovered so well, and yes, I will let you know what they say on Wednesday.

Thanks again.

hileena111

Hi
You go for it
I had one done 3 and a half yrs ago and the second was due to be done 4 months later. They then thought it might be coming from my back so started investigations on that. I do have arthritis in my back and also scoliosis but eventually after test after test the Pain clinic has written to the Orhtopaedic surgeon saying that he should see me again about the 2nd THR.
I have had all sorts of injections in my back and hips and it hasn't helped.
So just waiting to hear from the ortho and poss 4 and a half yrs after the first one they might offer me one.
So like I say...go for it
Love
Hileena

dreamdaisy

Hello Stigger, I am sorry to read that you now find yourself in such a pickle and well done for coping so well up until now. All forms of arthritis are progressive and degenerative and it would appear that yours has progressed and degenerated all in a sudden rush. It may well be time to get the new hip before the other one begins to protest at the extra work it will be doing so I hope you will soon be considered and 'done'. Good luck, please keep us informed as to what happens. DD

stickywicket

Stigger, you are certainly not a fraud. There is no predicting how or when these things deteriorate but yours clearly has done so very quickly so get on that list and take whatever meds you need in the meantime. I hope you can get a THR sooner rather than later.

dachshund

Hello Stigger
good luck for wed I hope you are put on the list. there comes a time
when we've reached are limit.
take care
joan xx

Stigger

Thanks to everyone for their replies, much appreciated. I hope I will go on the list too; I really don't want the other hip to develop problems as well as that leg is amputated.

I was offered a THR before but as I said, it really didn't seem bad enough, I guess these things have a mind of their own

Fingers crossed for Wednesday

Lofty123

Hi Stigger,
Sorry to hear that things have deteriorated so rapidly for you. Really hope you get the op ASAP.

I was quite relieved to read your post, I thought I was losing the plot a little, It's difficult to understand how it can effect other joints, hands, feet & ankles in my case.

I've had osteoarthritis of both hips for 7 years now, and it has for the most part been controllable with mild painkillers and diet changes. However, like you it seems to have suddenly worsened. the last 3 days have been a nightmare. I have had to resort to Ibrufen, which is causing stomach problems and raised blood pressure, not good when I am already on meds to reduce it!

When I was first diagnosed my GP advised that I stick it out as long as possible before having a THR, given my age (46 at the time).
I think that time is rapidly approaching.

Lofty

villier

Hi Stigger

Good luck for Wednesday, my OA affects my hands and know this past six months it has got loads worse and think I will be having another op soon, hope you get put on the list for your hip........................Marie xx

Stigger

Hi Lofty et al, saw the new GP and she was great. Wasn't surprised that it had suddenly deteriorated, she said it was common to do so after being on a pain plateau for many years and that this would cause issues elsewhere in the body. So, not imagining it after all
She has promised to write to surgeon and put me back on list, saying that operation would take place by Christmas.
She also did thorough overhaul of my meds, symptoms etc and did an 'holistic review' which asked about all aspect of life, pain, symptoms etc. She then changed my meds to Tramadol, from co-codomol and took the Amitriptyline away (they interact apparently).
All in all, very good meeting with very positive outcome. Yippee !!
Thanks everyone.

stickywicket

That's good. I hope it happens sooner rather than later. A new doc is often a breath of fresh air so good news on the meds front too.

Lofty123

Hi Stigger,
glad all went so well for you, really hope you get your op by Christmas.
Nice to know your new GP understands your situation and is sympathetic, great to have such a comprehensive review of lifestyle and meds. I am hoping for the same when I visit my GP next week.
Hope your new meds make life bearable until you get your op. Keep us posted.

All the best,


Lofty

DebbieT

Hi,

I'm glad to read ure GP was so helpful on multiple fronts. All the best for getting ure THR asap. Ul be a new you

Take care (((( )))) x