New here

Rebecca85

Hi

I'm new here, I have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in both hips and struggling a bit with pain, sleep and work. Hoping I can pick up some tips on how to cope with it all.

Naomi33

Hello @Rebecca85 and welcome to the Community.

We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience as well.

I understand you have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in both hips and struggling a bit with pain.

I am sure that others will connect with you to share their support, but in the meantime have please view the following link.

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

Please keep posting and let us know how you are getting on and I am sure others will connect with you soon.

With best wishes

@Naomi33

Fran54

Hi@Rebecca85

sorry to hear that you are struggling with hip pain. I know how you feel as I too have recently been diagnosed with Osteoarthritis in both hips. I am assuming that now you have been diagnosed that your Doctor has prescribed you with painkillers as they certainly can help ease the aching/stiffness. Also, I was referred to my local MSK clinic and was given physio exercises to help strengthen the muscles in the surrounding area. It does take a while before you feel any benefit but they are worth doing. As for sleeping I have to sleep on my back but often wake in the night and find that getting up and walking about eases it a bit. I also use a walking stick now as it does give me more confidence when out and about. I cannot help with work as I am retired, but no doubt someone will come along on here to give you some helpful tips.

Take care🙂

Trish9556

Hi @Rebecca85

i sympathise with you entirely and I'm glad I retired last year. I could not have continued walking up and down three flights of stairs all day now.

I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis is both hips last December. I was given two sets of crutches in march post surgery for something else when the physio saw how much I was struggling and told me I must use them.

Saw a physio from MSK in April who was lovely. Told me not to do any exercises until she knew what she was dealing with as I was in so much pain.

I had an hour's worth of MRIs on my hips in August and subsequently told I also had gluteal tendinopathy on my worst side which was also causing its own level if pain

She referred me last month on the NHS to a private hospital for treatment and I have an appointment on the 25th of this month.

To top everything I have now been given a diagnosis of osteonecrosis on one wrist which means that I can no longer use crutches or a stick effectively . I can't get around very well and when I do I pay the price for trying. Physio gave me some exercises but I have to manage what I can do

The pain I have had this year is the worst I've ever experienced. I had two babies with no pain relief and this worse. I can't take anti inflammatories, paracetamol didn't touch it and I had to come off codeine and gabapentin as they stopped working. Tramadol was working but not enough on the maximum dose

I now have morphine patches which are the lowest dose. I could probably do with a higher one but think a bit of pain, and sometimes more than a bit of pain, reminds me not to overdo stuff. I top the patches with paracetamol and extra tramadol when I need to.

I boost this with hot and cold compresses and red tiger balm. I also take multivitamins.

I don't sleep very well. If at all. I've been a side sleeper all my life and the side I sleep on is the worst. I use pillows and cushions between my legs for support but these usually end up on the floor. I have been told not to sleep on my back as I also have bronchiectstasis.

I have applied to the Nuffield health joint care programme and waiting to hear from them but suspect I might have to postpone until I've seen the surgeons fir my hips and wrist

I feel as if I stuck in limbo so if you find a magic wand please share it. Thank heavens for grandchildren who keep me going!

Love n hugs

Trish xx