Hello all from a new member.

Jo4737
Jo4737 Member Posts: 3
edited 11. Oct 2015, 13:15 in Say Hello Archive
Hi all,
I have just had a good start.....after writing a lengthy introduction I did not save it and lost the lot so I will keep this brief.

I was diagnosed with OA in my hands years ago but mostly found it manageable. Following a fall two and a half years ago down a flight of stairs I have recently been told by my trauma orthopaedic consultant that I have a labral tear and full chrondal loss in my right hip. Like another member I was told that although I need a hip replacement I am to young(54) and fit. Could someone please tell me how old, unfit and immobile I will have to become before I can have a pain free life again?

I try and stay as active as possible and positive but at the moment I am leaning more to birdwatching (feathered kind) and sulking!

Anyway I am looking forward to being part of your community as I feel very abandoned and isolated at the moment. I found this site in the wee small hours as I am up a lot in the night with the pain. I have read quite a few threads that have comforted and informed me so feel finding you is a godsend. :wink:

Comments

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 3,635
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello JoA437

    Welcome to the Arthritis Care Forum, I'm sure some of our members will be around shortly to welcome you more. Please feel free to take part in the many discussions and general chit chat. Any help required, please do not hesitate to approach one of the Moderating Team.

    Moderator JK
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,697
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Jo4737 and welcome from me too :) You know, I think we've all lost our posts at some time - and it's always the longer ones too :roll:

    There are several people on here who are 'too young' for new hips and knees. I was 'lucky' in that I got my first knees aged 31 but, by then, I'd had RA for over 20 years - and OA for a bit less.

    I'm sorry I have to go now but I'll be back later. Do post anywhere on any thread. Living With Arthritis is the most 'populated'. I'll look forward to seeing you around.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • Jen
    Jen Member Posts: 155
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Welcome Jo just wanted to say hello.

    I don't know the answer to the question you are asking.

    Perhaps ask your GP for referral to physio, anything that may help your mobility and pain.

    Best wishes Jen
    flower2520paars.gif~c200
  • theresak
    theresak Member Posts: 1,998
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Jo, and welcome - I`m glad you found us, but sorry you`ve had the need.

    I can`t help with your query I`m afraid, as I haven`t had any joints replaced yet, I have RA, with some OA as well. I hope you can find the answers you are looking for.

    I`m not sure what you take for pain relief, but it may be worth seeing your GP to see if your pain can be better controlled - it`s no fun waking up in the wee small hours with pain, though all of us on here know how that feels.
  • OliverT
    OliverT Member Posts: 26
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Jo, I hear you with the sulking. I'd say I was licking my wounds too, but that's possibly an unsavoury thought.

    I've been living with an arthritic hip for probably 10 yeas now - a few years of complete denial but silently and secretly enduring the pain, then when it got to the point I was making up excuses not to go for a walk I fessed up and went to the doctor. Then about 6 months on Naproxen which was a god send at the time as finally I could sleep properly.
    I didnt want to live on pills though, so looked around at what else might help with the pain, so I started changing my diet and did some research on diet for arthritis. There's a huge amount of anecdotal evidence that inflammation can be encouraged and or reduced by taking care of what sorts of things we eat and drink. THis shouldnt be such a surprise really, and wasnt such an easy thing to implement, but 6 months on from that and I was in far less pain than I ever had been and not taking any medication. Roll on a few more years and now I'm finding physical exercise to be my saviour. If you can, while you can, get active. No, more active than that!

    I don't know where you are, but I've managed to access workshops on living with pain, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help deal with the depression and fear, there are pilates and Qi Gong classes I can join and all from the NHS or local council, and all of that is helping hugely. Also of huge help is the private physio I've been seeing and the work done in a gym. 2 to 3 times a week, and swimming on top of that, plus daily stretching and exercises for any and every thign I can fit into the day.
    And all of that is helping as well.

    On top of that, I've had huge support and encouragement from members here and I'm in a far better place physically and mentally than I was only 4 weeks ago.

    For me, the hardest thing is adjustment. Adjusting to understanding that there IS something seriously wrong and that that is my reality. Adjusting to thinking that there IS something that I can do about it, and hardest of all actually doing that something.

    First step - talk to doctor, every and anyone about what help is available, and reach out and take that help. Talking here is a great first step!

    If you'd like to you're welcome to pm me for info on any of the above.
  • Jo4737
    Jo4737 Member Posts: 3
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Just to say a big thank you to all those who welcomed me today. You made a sulky women SMILE :sunny:
  • daffy2
    daffy2 Member Posts: 1,636
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Jo
    The following from the NICE guidelines CG177 are relevant to your query
    1.6.3Consider referral for joint surgery for people with osteoarthritis who experience joint symptoms (pain, stiffness and reduced function) that have a substantial impact on their quality of life and are refractory to non-surgical treatment
    1.6.5Patient-specific factors (including age, sex, smoking, obesity and comorbidities) should not be barriers to referral for joint surgery
    You might find it useful to read the document. Sadly, decisions about such matters are not necessarily made solely on clinical grounds, and there is an element of postcode lottery involved as well.
    Managing your pain will make a big difference so discuss meds with your GP(be persistent if necessary), ask what non-drug options(eg pain clinics) are available, see if Arthritis Care has courses in your area you could access. Some of Oliver's suggestions might be suitable/available. You are likely to find that the benefits of starting to have a wee bit of control over your situation far outweigh the effort involved in finding something that helps. Good luck and keep posting - it's good to talk!
  • OliverT
    OliverT Member Posts: 26
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Jo - can you pm me your email? for some reason the forum wont let me post or pm a response to your pm. cheers!
  • rayray
    rayray Member Posts: 115
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I can offer a little advice. After 20 years of symptoms which dramatically worsened in my 40's I was diagnosed with FAI which was causing arthritis. I was referred to a surgeon (after being sent round the houses locally for a couple of years) and had surgery on both hips. One hip sounds similar to yours and I had an arthroscopy on it 5 years ago and it is amazing. The other I had a series of surgeries on ending with a THR 4 years ago - this too is amazing.

    I went from using a wheelchair, buggy and crutches to walking three miles a day. It took around two years post op to achieve this but I have my life back. I now have arthritis elsewhere but that is another story. I was 49 when I had the THR.

    I would recommend getting a second opinon from a surgeon who specialises in hip arthritis and FAI in younger people. I am sure if you Google hip FAI surgeon and your area you will find one. These surgeons have experience of the younger hip and may advise other options or talk you through the THR pro's and con's. An arthroscopy can really help in some cases, my left hip was a complete mess but one op and it is still ok and this is far less invasive than a THR.

    I was given an uncemented titainium right hip as this is believed to last the longest in younger folk - up to 30 years I was told. This may have changed as these things do but do get a second opinion if you can.

    Of course I cannot say any of this is right for you but I do know that many hip problems in younger people are caused by problems with the hip structure and FAI surgeons have detailed knowledge and experience of this. I wish you luck.
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,280
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Jo4737 and a warm welcome form me
    I have had one THR but at 65 am a lot older..I would have had my second one by now but for back probs..you will find lots of info on the forum so hopefully you will stay with us ..
    Love
    Barbara