Wednesday, 6 August 2008

Problem hips....not me I'm only 38

OK, so where do I begin? I'm pretty average really, Im a family man, I play a little sport, mostly golf and a bit of cycling and walk my two dogs regularly. My weight is only slightly more than it should be for my height (175cm).

I visited my GP last year after playing golf and feeling a sharp pain right down my left leg that was severe enough for me to abandon my game! My GP diagnosed a trochanteric bursitis and prescribed anti inflammatory medication. I carried on with the medication for about a year but I decided that although there were good times the drugs hadn't addressed the problem.

Upon revisiting my GP in January 2008 I re-explained the symptoms I had been experiencing; which had become more regular and painful these included:

  • Sudden loss of strength in my leg
  • General and shooting pains
  • Inability to walk any real distance
  • Driving pain (my car is manual)
  • Prolonged aching and restricted movement

This resulted in me being a real grouch!!! my poor family went through it.

Fortunately I saw a different GP who pulled me about a bit and suggested he refer me to our local hospital to see an orthopaedic specialist.

March 2008 my hospital appointment came through, it was a two part appointment with a visit to X-ray first, followed by the consultants appointment a week later.

The consultant laid me down and checked ranges of movement in both my legs, this took minutes and then showed me the X-ray, it was conclusive that there was arthritis in my left hip. Now being 38 - an ex serviceman and physically fit, this was unbelievable to me, I couldn't really take it in, what did it mean? I was assured by the consultant that within about 5 years he would see me again for a hip replacement, and in the meantime he would make me an appointment to see his colleague regarding pain management.

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