Osteoarthritis

RWhale

I have osteoarthritis in my lower spine , SI joint and both hips of which my right hip was replaced in January . My question is what treatment and support should I be getting to help with my mobility , pain and quality of life . I have a GP who is not interested and will not give me any pain relief or refer me for specialist treatment . I feel I have been left to deal with on my own . I suffer with regular flare ups from my lower back and my left hip is in constant pain . Is there specialist care for osteoarthritis ?

Many thanks

Rachel

[Deleted User]

Hi @RWhale

I'm sorry to hear that you're having such a rough time. Unfortunately it seems to be quite a common theme that people feel they are not getting the help and support that they need. It can be really tough going- but that's what we're here for!

It can be hard to know where to turn when you seem to have a GP who isn't listening but as the old saying goes...he who shouts loudest...It can be a pain, but don't give up. Do you have a specialist at all that you can contact following your replacement?

We have various bits of information for osteoarthritis here:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis-oa-of-the-spine/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis-oa-of-the-hip/

Here is a link to some hints and tips for managing hip pain, but listen to your body and only do what you are comfortable with:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2020/september/ways-to-help-manage-hip-pain/

I hope that you get somewhere with all of this really soon, but hang in there and keep talking to us! We are always here to listen.

Take care,

Sarah

Mike1

See a different GP and ask to be referred to your local Pain Clinic.

helpline_team

Hi RWhale,

Thank you for posting on the Helpline forum. I am sorry to hear about the pain you are still experiencing in your hip and low back since having a hip replacement last January. It sounds as if you have been going through a rough time with it all. SarahS and Mike1 have given helpful responses to your post and links to information. As Mike1 suggested, it may help to try a different GP. Referral to a pain clinic may also be worth considering. You could ask for a new referral to a physiotherapist to help with your mobility and to give advice about exercise.  

If at any point you feel it may help to talk things through informally and in confidence, you are welcome to call our Free Helpline on 0800 520 0520 weekdays 9am – 6pm.

I hope the information given below will be of some help. 

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/exercising-with-arthritis/exercises-for-healthy-joints/

Best wishes,

Fiona, Helpline Advisor