Hip hip dismay!

Platt

Hi, apologies if anyone thinks the title of my comment is flippent or dismisive - its neither. Just got to keep on going. Had costisone injections for years on my knees, but my hips are now shot. Can only walk short distances, struggle to sit ( not great for work!) I hoped i could get a quick injection in my hips like my knees - but apparently not! Seen 1 specialist, waiting for the next appointment - painkillers make me feel sick, cant be "fuzzy" in work - feel totally stuck. Can anyone offer advise? Ty. Xx

stickywicket

Please don't apologise for injecting a little humour (no pun intended!) into the site. How does anyone cope with arthritis without it?

As for your question - although I've had knee jabs and the generalised bum jabs (I have RA) I've not had hips done. From what I read on here it would seem that hip jabs are usually guided which would necessitate more expertise and equipment, I'd guess, so maybe harder to come by.

Both my husband and I (four THRs between us) coped mainly by exercises before they were done, admittedly with some pain relief. I'm afraid one of the problems with stronger pain meds is the tendency to go comatose, not desirable for anyone but certainly not likely to endear one to one's boss There are adjustments in the workplace which must, legally, be made, though. Check them out on the Gov.UK site

Lilymary

Your title perfectly summed up my feelings about my hip!

Guided steroid injections into hips are done by a surgeon under local anaesthetic. The actual injection doesn’t take long, and have variable outcomes. Some people get some relief, but it didn’t do a thing for me.

i found I was ok on even quite high doses of cocodamol and naproxen (anti inflammatory) but different drugs affect people in different ways. Have a word with your GP to review this, or possibly ask to be referred to a pain clinic.

Meanwhile, exercise is important to build the muscles that support your hip. Do what little you can, as your pain levels allow, as it will also aid recovery after eventual surgery. Swimming and cycling can be good for hips. Could you also speak to your employer about different ways of working, different chair, rises computer screen, inflatable wedge cushion (which I found to be a godsend) etc.

Platt

Thank you both for replying. I totally emphasize with everything you have said. Painkillers seems the way to go - resulting in me feeling sick and total brain fog! I work hybrid and know i need to walk but some ( most!) days i feel like i am limping in to work like im 80! Even though work have known for many years about my condition, ive never been off more than allowed ( always taken annual if feeling bad) so worried about the whole sick thing. The thing that annoys me the most is the speed of which this has impacted me - at least with my knees i knew i got a little relief after my injections. Im into new territory now and hope i dont have to wait too long! Btw, i have found this site so helpful and lovely to hear from people going through similar issues. Xx

stickywicket

You do need to exercise the hip but not necessarily walk. Check out the hip exercises on here.

Unfortunately, arthritis goes at its own speed but keeping the supporting muscles strong does help a lot.

I do wonder if you've maybe been a little too stoical with work all along so they maybe don't realise how tough things are for you. See what things might help and ask for them.

Ribble

It seems to vary with offers of pain relief. I’ve just had a total knee replacement and was never offered any pain killers but perhaps they assumed that the cartilage was non existent and pain relief wouldn’t help. Who knows. I’ve had a left total hip replacement and I think they just wait until you can’t walk anywhere without pain.

The good thing is that the actual hip pain goes and feels so good after the initial recovery. Good luck with it all and happy days afterwards.

Platt

Thank you folks. I do feel sometimes no matter how much i try to explain how bad it gets - they dont really get it. If i can get through the week, that's it. I have nothing left to give. Which means all i do is survive work, sleep, to try and recover to do it all again on Monday ☹️. Xx

Platt

I had my physio appointment today, the consultant sent me for an x ray. I have scoliosis of the spine plus all the hip / lower back issues ( getting a trochanteric hip injection soon - I hope) am i over reacting when i worry about all the questions asked that obviously relate to cancer? Stupid i know but cant help but worry. Xx

stickywicket

You say the questions asked 'obviously relate to cancer' but maybe your anxiety is getting the better of you here. I know I'm no medic but nothing that you've written suggests cancer to me, just arthritis. About 30 years ago I was admitted with a broken hip and the docs first thought was that it might be bone cancer as I'd had breast cancer a couple of years before. Immediately they did an MRI. It wasn't cwncer and i got a new hip.

With luck, the injection will help. I hope it comes soon.

Platt

Thank you, i know I was panicking but its always in the back of our minds i suppose. The rate my mobility has deteriorated over the last few months shocked me and I feared the worse. I will take comfort in the words from the consultant " if its anything more than i expect to see i will call you myself" - well, he hasn't. So I am reassured enough. Thank you again for your support - it is very much appreciated. ❤️. Xx