Hello everyone.
Im a newbie on here. Im 29 and was born with hip dysplasia. This was not diagnosed until 6 years ago .... and its been a long painful 6 years since. I used to be extremely active ... running, horse riding, skiing, mountaineering (Anything that involved being outside and a bit of adrenaline really!) but ive had to give it all up due to the pain in my hips. I took up cycling and mountain biking last year in the hope that it would enable me to get back into the countryside and it has. I am now completely addicted to my bikes and I am grateful that something good has come from all of this! Unfortunately though in the last 6 months, everyday life has become unbearable and its looking like the time is fast approaching to cross the line and become a surface hippy. I had my first consultation with the surgeon last week.
Ive been really struggling to get my head around all of this lately. Being 29, all my friends are very active and through no fault of their own, just dont understand why I cant do the things they do and just dont get how painful it can be. (I actually think they feel im a big wimp and need to get a grip!) Due to this, Ive stopped going on group holidays, avoided weekends away, shopping trips etc as I know it annoys people because I cant keep up with them. I feel noone quite understands ..... until I stumbled accross you guys. Surface hippies 8) Ive been reading your stories over the past month and can relate to so much. You really have inspired me and given me a little hope back. ... and some of the information I have gathered from this site has been great. So, I just wanted to say a big thank you.
I think you guys are all awesome.
Anna ;D
Welcome, Anna. You've come to the right place. I do think it is hard for others to understand......particularly folks so young. Even those who understand the pain often don't understand the anguish and indecisiveness that comes with having a huge procedure like this.
Where are you? Who's your surgeon? I'm sure you've read it already, but make sure your surgeon is very experienced.....particularly since you have the added difficulty level of hip dysplasia.
Anyway, good luck as you go through this journey. We'll all be here for you.
-Andy
Hi Anna
I am glad you found my website and I hope everyone here in the discussion group will give you support. We all have or had bad hips and know what pain and inactivity means. You are correct, that at any age, people don't understand until they have been bone on bone or had hip problems as you do. We understand and will be happy to help with any questions.
Keep a positive attitude, ask questions and look for answers - you will get your life back on track.
Pat
Andy - Im in York, England. I have read about the importance of a good surgeon which is what worries me at present. I wasnt too impressed by mine at my first consultation and cannot find anything out about his back ground on the internet. Im on the NHS which means I cant really choose my surgeon however I can try get referred to someone else. I have heard good things about Mr Nargol and his team who are not too far away from me so I am going to try and get referred to them (fingers crossed!)
Pat - You have done a great job. Thankyou so much for your encouragement and positive words ;D
Hay Anna welcome and wow! The world is a small place! there are now a few members on here from York! As I'm sure your aware cases with dysplasia are more difficult to do so go to the best surgeon you can find. Which device is Mr Nargol now using as I know he switched to the doomed ASR and had a lot of failures as a result.
I was 28 at the time of my op and am now approaching 7 months and doing well so you can get your life back on track!
Pm me if I can help on anyway!
Danny
Hi Danny,
Well I didnt realise York had so many people with wobbly hips! Id love to meet some of them. Im not sure what Mr Nargol is using at the minuite (I guess thats more research for me to do!) I just know I need to shop around a bit and ask lots of questions. Im really not happy with the surgeon I have been referred to so I dont think I will let him go ahead :'(
Were you on the NHS Danny, or private? Im glad you are doing so well ;D
Anna
I lived in York for 17 years and now live in sussex but my parents still live there and i come home regularly! :)
I did a mix and match o private and NHS because of the dificulties i encounted with the referral process with my stupid GP! I had my op on the NHS. If your not set on a surgeon then i would strongly recomend asking to be referred to Mr Treacy at the ROH in birmingham. He's the co designer of the bhr and has done more BHR's than anyone else in the world and is truley a world leader in this surgery.
Danny
Hi Anna
Welcome, nice to meet you but sorry that you've had to find us!! i also have dysplasia and wish i'd had this website when i first got diagnosed (WAY back in 96/97) there is also a facebook group Adult Hip Dysplasia where you can find lots of girls going through ups and downs with our condition and lots of support. I'm no expert and am just feeling my way as many of us are but here are some things that i've heard and digested: as far as surgeons are concerned, i've heard great things about Jon Conroy in Harrogate and of course there is Ronan Treacy in Birmingham who does resurfacings on the NHS and you should be able to choose and book but one problem with Dysplasia is that you can often get very high pain levels with little visible sign of arthritis, without the signs of arthritis you can have problems having resurfacing or replacement offered, only corrective surgery. Depending on your grade of Dysplasia you can be offered different options. I think mine is quite mild as i have a third of my femoral head outside of the acetabulum, i've seen much worse sockets! Specialist dysplasia surgeons seem to be few and far between but Johann Witt and Marcus Bankes in London are mentioned a lot, they do many PAO's re shaping the socket in the hip and giving lots of the girls several pain free years before going to THR. try and use choose and book codes to see someone on the NHS who knows what is going on with your hip. the best thing you could do is to ring up some of the surgeon's secretaries, they will help you understand whether you could see that surgeon, the best way to go about it and what your options might be. I found Mr Witt's secretary to be lovely. He's at UCH. there is also a book on Adult Hip Dysplasia - on Amazon - it's quite expensive and does look at the PAO a lot but i found it useful and interesting. I'd also sit down with your GP once you've got more information under your belt, chances are that you are his/her only Dysplasia patient and that they don't know a huge amount about it. good luck, i'd advise you to do your research and be your own advocate. you can have second opinions on the NHS, i'm sure. take care and hang in there. PM me if i can help in any way. Sal
Mr Conroy is an excellent arthroscopy surgeon but when he did mine was very much a thr man when it came to bionic implants. As Sal says sometimes dysplasia causes pain without arthritis. However if there is OA present in your joint space i would stand by the Ronan Treacy recomendation simply because hes so so experienced and can and has tackled the most complex cases with success.
I actually had a touch of dysplasia as my sockets are both very shallow.
Thanks guys. It seems I have alot more research to do than what I first thought!!!!!! I had best get started and im pretty sure I will be firing questions at you all left right and centre ... beware! ;D
Fire away Anna ;D
Hi Anna,
I researched the NorthEast of England. Mr Nargol is experienced and was closest to where my parents live but I did not get a response from an email. I think it was him who first highlighted the problem with the ASR device. Mr Jim Holland is my surgeon in Newcastle, he was recommended to me from another experienced surgeon and is listed on this site under the UK section. He has done ~1000 BHR's and about 3000 THR's to date and he has told me over a 10yr study of his HR patients there have been no major problems (there are a few papers you can google). I go in for my op a week tomorrow (7th June).
Sound advice from Danny with Treacy, he is the most experienced and one the world experts.
It might be worth trying to email them direct to check that they are prepared to do HR for Women, I am sure I read somewhere Nargol does not, but do not quote me on that.
Hmmmm, not many surgeons seem to want to resurface womens hips :'(
I have heard of Jim Holland. Good luck for the 7th June Morph. I hope everything goes perfect for you x
Welcome aboard, Anna. It seems that you have your work cut out for you to get to the right surgeon, but it is very important that you do. This surgery, by the right doctor is like a miracle. We all were like you, avoiding the activities we love but, I've got to say that right now 6 1/2 months after bilateral surgery I am feeling pretty awesome. I'm working out religiously and shopping for a triathlon bike for the sport I loved but had to give up three years ago. Look at yesterday's workouts, just to show how far I've come:
35 minutes stretching and core
42 minutes running (unknown pace in the woods)
35 minute swim
60 minute mountain bike
Thank you for the compliment in your title and I do feel that way. Once you get through this, you will feel awesome too!
Quote from: Anna on May 30, 2012, 09:05:20 AM
Hmmmm, not many surgeons seem to want to resurface womens hips :'(
I have heard of Jim Holland. Good luck for the 7th June Morph. I hope everything goes perfect for you x
That's because it's even harder to place the device accurately in women than men. So most will just tell you that it's no good for women.
Anna, Welcome to surface hippy. I know what you mean that no one understands the pain, my huband did not understand. He did not understand until the pain was so bad that I would cry at night, then he agreed that I needed surgery. It was a big leap of faith, but I did it and I am 100% satisfied with my choice.
My surgeon also does not like to do women, because of the lower sucess rate, but I still meet with him. He wanted to see what size device I would be and I was just at the cutoff for him. I had full faith in my surgeon and he has done tremednous work on many people.
There are some women on this board and it is owned by a Woman, Pat. Funny both hip resurfacing sites are ran by women, I would say the HR is for women too. Find the right surgeon. I would definately try to get Dr Tracey if he is not that far away.
Lori
Hi Anna and welcome. You've gotten some great advice, the thing I would add is that in your research, rely on the hippys that have gone before you, especially in dealing with the NHS.
This surgery, when done right can really get you back on track; you deserve the best you can get. Several people fought hard with their insurance providers to get placed with the best surgeon possible, and you have some of the best in the UK. As you can see with Danny and others, younger hippys can make a good recovery and go on with a happy life.
Keep going, keep in touch and use all of the resources that Pat has made available.
Hi Anna, I'm also in York, (Huntington) and I'm waiting to have surgery with Mr Treacy in Birmingham sometime in the next two months.
I had the same problem as Danny where the NHS messed up my referral so I paid to see Mr Treacy privately, and he then referred me to him on NHS from York.
Probably the best £150 I'll ever spend.
When I found out I needed a new hip, I was told most people choose the hospital because of the location and ease of car parking,etc!
I couldn't believe it-it's so important to get an experienced surgeon.
It's only 2 hrs on a train to Birmingham, then 30 mins on a bus that stops right outside the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital and you can see one of the very best surgeons in the world.
Who ever you choose, good luck and I look forward to reading of your progress, Cheers,Mike.
Hi Anna,
I'm a Dysplasia sufferer too. I'm 31 and wasn't diagnosed until I was 29! I've been in constant pain for 3 years.
You should know that under the NHS it's the patients choice whom they see and where, so if you were willing to travel to see Mr Treacy for example then there shouldn't be any problems in getting referred to him. Maybe this depends on your local PCT. I'm in Essex and thought I would struggle getting to see Mr Treacy, but I had my appointment through within the month.
x
Hay mike,
We actually drive from north of York in like 3hrs. It's only 160miles and to see one of the best in the world I thought that was a small price to pay!
Mike/Anna I'm coming back up to York in July if either of you wanted to meet up?
Anna - good to have you here. I see that Danny responded. I was going to suggest that he'll have a lot to offer to you as well many others here. He's young, he's in the UK, his surgeon is extremely experienced, and he's done a lot of homework. Stick around. I think if you can take your time on this journey, the time you spend getting a good understanding of what you're getting yourself into, the more confidence and comfort you'll gain.
Wow, thanks everyone. My head is spinning with so much information. I think it may explode! I think you have all given me some really good advice. Theres alot more to know than what I first thought (both good and bad it seems) I need to start reading up :)
Well guys, I pick up my xrays tomorrow so I can show all my friends my awesome wobbly hips .... but more importantly I can show Mr Treacy them on the 11th June. YIPPEEE. I have an appointment with the famouns Mr Treacy himself. Im quite excited about that one, even if he cant do anything to help, it will be an experience! ;D
I'm pleased you got an appointment with the man! I pray he can help you.
Danny
Good going, Anna! Way to take control.
Quote from: Anna on May 31, 2012, 09:14:39 PM
Well guys, I pick up my xrays tomorrow so I can show all my friends my awesome wobbly hips .... but more importantly I can show Mr Treacy them on the 11th June. YIPPEEE. I have an appointment with the famouns Mr Treacy himself. Im quite excited about that one, even if he cant do anything to help, it will be an experience! ;D
Good for you Anna! He's a lovely man, very thorough and rest assured, he'll do his upmost to help you.
I hope you realize that many of us glossy-eyed hippies would love to have some time to chat and learn from some of the well known HR surgeons, like Treacy. I almost drove 600 miles to see McMinn last Feb, but I ended up fussing about the fuel costs and not going. Sadly, I've joked about having 2 more hips that need work, just so I could see Gross, Su, Bose,....I know, it sounds a little weird.
Thanks everyone for your kind words ;D
... and Tin Soldier, I am starting to get what you mean. The more I read, the more I learn, the more I want to know. Its actually all quite fascinating! ..... but still, dont joke about things like that!!
See Anna your really lucky only having to drive 160 miles to meet a surgical god ;D
I remember my first appointment with Treacy... sitting in the outpatients waiting room and I saw him stroll in and got quite excited at the possibility of him becoming my surgeon! Quite sad really ;D
Quote from: rubyred on June 02, 2012, 05:05:59 PM
I remember my first appointment with Treacy... sitting in the outpatients waiting room and I saw him stroll in and got quite excited at the possibility of him becoming my surgeon! Quite sad really ;D
It's not sad at all! :)
Ha did you see his rather nice cars ruby? He's got some lovely motors! ;D I must say though he is the nicest most compassionate surgeon I've ever met and surgeons are normally arrogant and aloof! But he's genuinely interested in helping you!
I didn't see his car, Danny but I can only imagine what he drives! He always looks so tanned - must be all that skiing he does!!
His genuine interest in wanting to help his patients was the first thing that struck me about him (other than his tan!). It really showed up the two surgeons i'd seen here in Essex. Mr Treacy spent ages examining me and reviewing my xrays he sent me for. The care and consideration was touching.
Only 160 miles :P ... but what if I break down on the way? Eeeek, im the most accident prone person in the world ... and actually, now I think of it, the last time I went to Birmingham I crashed my car (Well it wasnt MY car as such, it was a courtesy car as I wrote MY car off the week before that). Perhaps such an important meeting would warrant getting the train ::)
Ruby - Im pretty sure your surgeon will do just as great a job. After all, he was recomended by Mr Treacy. I think im going the same way as you. Ive sent my x rays off to a few surgeons but its not looking like im a good candidate for the BHR. I will see what Mr Treacy says though and keep my chin up. It seems theres some pretty good THR's around anyway. Hope you are ok x
Quote from: Anna on June 02, 2012, 05:21:47 PM
Ruby - Im pretty sure your surgeon will do just as great a job. After all, he was recomended by Mr Treacy. I think im going the same way as you. Ive sent my x rays off to a few surgeons but its not looking like im a good candidate for the BHR. I will see what Mr Treacy says though and keep my chin up. It seems theres some pretty good THR's around anyway. Hope you are ok x
Mr Bache seems nice enough. Honest and to the point which I what i'm after really. He said he's performed over 100 of these PAO surgeries, but it was actually Mr O'Hara that Mr Treacy wanted me to see for that... I thought this Mr Bache only did arthroscopy's!
Ha ha, thanks guys. Now when I meet him I wont be able to concentrate on anything other than his tan! :P
Honest and to the point can only be good :)
Well so far I've seen him in a Astana Martin db7 and a bentley continental gt both with private plates! I know he travels the world teaching surgeons as well as a little sking ;D Ruby all of the surgeons at the ROH are works class so I'm sure your in good hands and I prey that you get a good resolution!
Danny
Quote from: Dannywayoflife on June 02, 2012, 05:32:42 PM
Well so far I've seen him in a Astana Martin db7 and a bentley continental gt both with private plates! I know he travels the world teaching surgeons as well as a little sking ;D Ruby all of the surgeons at the ROH are works class so I'm sure your in good hands and I prey that you get a good resolution!
Danny
Now you're talking with an Aston! That's one hell of a gorgeous car!!
I'm praying for a good solution also. I'm not opposed to a little begging if need be lol. I have a friend who's willing to pay for me to go private so I can have the surgery, but I don't think he realises that money isn't the issue here - my cartilage is!
Aaaaaargh. I cant sleep. My hip really hurts :'(
For those of you who dont know, I went to see Mr Treacy. He cant do anything for me and said that I am unsuitable for a BHR due to my anteversion being too high and my dysplasia. Gutted. I wont be able to join your club. He is however referring me to Mr O'Hara at ROH in the hope that I can have a PAO instead of a THR so keep your fingers crossed for me. Maybe this will all be sorted one day ... but I think I have a looong depressing road ahead.
I hope you are all ok and recovering well from your ops x
Hi Anna- sorry to hear you cant have a resurfacing. At least you know for certain having seen Mr Treacy.
If he can't do it then it can't be done. I'm in a similar position but he told me there's a 30% chance that he can resurface mine, if not, its a THR.
What is a PAO, Anna? I've not heard that before.
It does get depressing when you don't get the news you don't want but keep thinking of those pain free days ahead when you finally get sorted out.
Hope it goes well from here for you, cheers, Mike.
No, no, no; don't get into any long depressing roads of any kind. Keep your head up and go see Mr O'Hara. Keep looking. i had it easy, I only saw two doctors before I found the one to fix me up. A lot of us have gone through a lot more to find the right one. You'll get there, keep looking and don't give up
What's a PAO?
Pao stands for perri acetabular osteotamy. They basically cut out around the actabulum the bolt it back in place with screws at a more natural angle. At least that's my take on the little bit I've read about it.
Quote from: Dannywayoflife on June 17, 2012, 06:55:53 PM
Pao stands for perri acetabular osteotamy. They basically cut out around the actabulum the bolt it back in place with screws at a more natural angle. At least that's my take on the little bit I've read about it.
That's pretty much it.
A series of 3 cuts into the pelvis, rotated around somewhat so that the femoral head is covered better. Then all bolted back into place whilst it heals and re-joins together.
It sounds pretty brutal and to be frank, it is. It's major surgery but ultimately successful in the right candidate.
Anna, i'm a little surprised Mr Treacy said no to HR because of dysplasia. He never even used that reason for me. Just my age and because my OA wasn't severe enough at this stage.
Chin up, lovely. You know where I am if you need someone.
When is your big day Mike? Is it soon?
Thanks guys. Im trying to stay positive. If it wasnt for the fact that I can still cycle I think id have lost my head by now! "Money cant buy happiness but it can by you a bike, and thats pretty close" ... great quote. So I guess as long as I can still ride Im ok.
Danny and Ruby have described a PAO better than I could, but I can only have one if my OA hasnt progressed too much so we shall see. Im really crossing my fingers as it means I would be able to keep my natural hip which would be ace.
Ruby, I dont think the dysplasia was the main reason I couldnt have a BHR, I think it just contributed. The main reason was that my femur is pretty much straight. All the angles and anteversion are wrong. x
I dont know whether this is going to work! .......
Oooooh, it did work!! ;D
Can you see on my right hip .... the femur is just pretty much straight and doesnt bend into the socket ....
Quote from: Anna on June 18, 2012, 12:42:11 PM
Oooooh, it did work!! ;D
Can you see on my right hip .... the femur is just pretty much straight and doesnt bend into the socket ....
.... not that I really have any kind of socket for it to bend into!!! 'Uniquie' is what I am I believe ;D
Quote from: Anna on June 18, 2012, 12:42:11 PM
Oooooh, it did work!! ;D
Can you see on my right hip .... the femur is just pretty much straight and doesnt bend into the socket ....
Oooh yeah I can see. I don't have copies of my xrays, my chiropractor has them, but I'll get them back and maybe I can work out how to put them on here!
Do you have dysplasia in both hips, Anna?
Yeah your femurs are pretty straight. I believe it's a common issue with dysplasia. :(
Oooh yeah I can see. I don't have copies of my xrays, my chiropractor has them, but I'll get them back and maybe I can work out how to put them on here!
Do you have dysplasia in both hips, Anna?
[/quote]
Oooh, id like to see them Ruby! I find it all really quite fascinating now. .. looking at x rays etc and learning about hips. Is that wierd?? Its almost like a strange addiction.
Yes, I have dysplasia in both hips but I dont really get any pain in my left at the minute. Over the past few months its started to 'pop' a little so I guess its on its way out too :-[
.... like I said Danny ... im unique. I was always told that being unique is a good thing ..... im not so sure anymore! x
It took my chiropractor to point out what dsyplasia was. The first surgeons I saw here locally were useless. Told me I had this condition, but didn't explain or show it to me on my xrays.
I only have it in the left side, but my right is JUST about okay.
Your not alone anna I find the whole subject really interesting! X
ow, Anna, that looks painful. are you seeing Mr Bache / or O'hara? the Dysplasia girls on the other sites do swear by Marcus Bankes and Johann Witt they might be a good second opinion for you. They do more PAO's than have had hot dinners but will do THR if arthritis is present.
so sorry to hear that you are not getting an HR, there are some smaller prosthesis' out there - i'm hoping for a "mini" hip when i go back to see Mr Villar in Cambridge. I figure that he listened to me before, he might again.
when are you off to see the next surgeon?
Ruby - Hopefully your right will be fine then! :)
Sal - Im being referred to Mr O'Hara so im just waiting at the minute for a date. I hate waiting. Im gonna see what he says and go from there. I hear he is good too with dysplasia problems.
How are you Sal? When is your next appointment? x
Hi Anna-I've not got a firm date yet, all I know is that it will be in August.
I think I'm similar to you in not having a normal hip anatomy-Mr Treacy described me as 'awkward' and 'not a slam dunk'!
It looks like us Yorkies have bad bones!
It got me down a bit when he told me, as I had just assumed I would get a HR, but after a week or so, I just thought there's nothing I can do about it, I'm under one of the worlds best surgeons so whatever he can do for me I'll take it.
I think once you see Mr O'Hara and talk about the next step forward you'll feel good about it all again.
Look forward to reading about your progress,
I think thats the right attitude Mike! You are in the best hands and im sure it will all go well. Let us know when you get your big date! ;D
Good luck for your situation too, Mike! Here's hoping something can be done for you.x
Welcome to the forum Anna.
You are in good hands here I see. We all need to do a hippie roadtrip to the UK and meet these folks someday, maybe have a pint and some bangers and mash?
BTW Anna, if you can shop around, more experience is always a plus.
Chuck
Its chips and gravy in yorkshire Chuck! ;D
By the way chips over here are French fries ;D
Quote from: Anna on June 19, 2012, 04:42:38 PM
Its chips and gravy in yorkshire Chuck! ;D
Oh yum! What do we have here in Essex? Erm... cheesy chips!!
Oh cheesy chips yummy!!!
Ugh... Cheesy chips!!! Not even tempted despite the fact that I'm tempted to eat everything at the moment... Am following the Dukan diet with hydrotherapy to try and help those hips. Weight goes down then up again (without cheating) but I think a rock steady 7kgs off so far. Despite that nd regular hydro it's an ow day today. On the plus side.. My hydro pool is Stobo castle health spa! There is an upside! Hope you guys are all doing well today. Any more dates yet Anna and Ruby?
Dukan diet man I can't do that I like my carbs way too much!
A blanket complement to everyone on the board is certainly a great way to introduce yourself! Good luck to you Anna.
No news from me i'm afraid... still waiting!
No news from meeither Sal ..... still waiting too ......
Oh Dear, Ladies. My next meeting is on 26th July, in Cambridge. we are off to Italy on Friday for 2 weeks with wheelchairs at airports to make things do-able. the kids will have a ball wheeling me around although i may have to apologise constantly to those whose shins get clobbered, does anyone have the italian for "gosh i'm so sorry are your legs ok?". I'm trying to rent/buy a wheelchair so that we can go to the Olympics in August. a few adjustments needed, pill popping and try and make the best of it. somehow, someday, someone WILL fix me (she prays). I shall keep everything crossed for you both.
love,
Sal
I live by the sea in Leigh in Essex, it's a gorgeous little fishing village and today I went down to the 'old' part where all the quaint pubs are.... Had such a nice couple of hours with a friend just soaking up the atmosphere... I couldn't ditch the crutches though, I wouldn't have been able to get very far, but I am truly shattered now. Was only out a couple of hours.
Discovered from my chiropractor this past Friday that I DO indeed have dysplasia in both hips :( I had no idea.
Anyone else depressed today? I wish sal had taken me on holiday with her :'(
Do you have any symptoms in your other hip ruby? You may never have a problem with it x
It aches a little Anna, but I just put it down to where I've been over-compensating for the left hand side :(
I had to make a decision yesterday. My holiday in the sun or a car.... I had to choose the car as I need an automatic :(
Aww, that's rubbish. I was in a lot of pain driving to work today. I finally got there and spent 20 mins sat in my car crying. Not having such a good day. Will it be a nice car ruby? :)
I don't want to book any holidays at the min as I don't want to miss any appointments and plus I don't think I would enjoy myself. Have you any updates from the doc? I haven't heard anything at all. I thought I would have done by now x
Also, does anyone know of any good pain killers? I've never been offered any by the docs so I just live off ibuprofen, paracetamol and codine ... the strongest I can find over the counter but I'm not supposed to take them for more than 3 days running. Clearly I am not abiding by this rule at the minute x
Anna theres some decent ones out there diclofenic can be bought over the counter. Its slightly stronger than brufen. If it were me then id speak to your GP as they will be able to give you a synergistic cocktail i had naproxin and some other drugs prior to the op they worked for me. Keep ya chin up HUN im thinking of ya. XX
Best get myself back to the docs again then. I may just live in a tent outside. Thanks Danny x
I think i've been through every pain killer known to man and so far the only things that have worked have been Morphine that I was given in recovery after my arthroscopy and gas & air that I was given in the ambulance after my hip gave out on some ladders and I fell off them.
Right now i'm on Diclofenic & co-codomol mix. I was taking Ibruprofen for months on daily basis until it stopped working, God knows what effect it's had on my insides!
I'd get yourself to the GP and say that over the counter medicines just aren't cutting it. Mine gave me Targinact, which is Opium based, sadly it did nothing but make me light headed and woozy.
I've heard nothing about the results of my scan yet. It still may be too early, it's 2 weeks ago today. I tried to ring Mr Bache's secretary, but she wasn't picking up her phone.
But on to nicer things, yeah it's a beauty of a car :) Black Mini Cooper! x
Hmmmm, im not sure my doc will prescribe me morphine ;D I will go see him though. I dont want anymore days like today. Ive been in a right mood ... and I think Danny got some of the brunt of it. Soooorwy :-[
Keep us updated on the scan Ruby ... and the new car. Im very jealous x
Ha Anna I don't take offence easily Hun! Don't worry about it that's what friends are for! X
Hi Guys, I'm so sorry to hear you've been having a rough deal, Anna. Pain killers are difficult, to be honest most don't work very well but you can try them all in conjunction with each other. at the moment i'm taking 600mg ibroprofen (Nurofen extra also has a little codeine in it for those worse days), omeprazole to stop my tummy hurting. Paracetamol every 4 hrs and topping up with Codeine as i need it. at night i take quite a lot of codeine, and paracetamol in those dissolvable ones (you can buy 8/500 over the counter or be prescribed 30/500s) so it gets there quickly and the doctor has just given me tramadol to try because the codeine makes me itch so i've been taking a sleeping tablet on top of that, Zolpidem. I tried Amytriptilin which was ok but had an unfortunate effect on the bra size and I didn't need any more help in that department! you can get once a day diclofenac or once a day tramadol to keep you ahead of the worst of the pain. try going back to your GP, they should try and find a pain control system that works for you. you could also ask about pain clinics.
i hope you have some better days soon.
take care,
Sal xx
Quote from: Anna on June 28, 2012, 04:12:22 PM
Hmmmm, im not sure my doc will prescribe me morphine ;D I will go see him though. I dont want anymore days like today. Ive been in a right mood ... and I think Danny got some of the brunt of it. Soooorwy :-[
Keep us updated on the scan Ruby ... and the new car. Im very jealous x
I think it's my day today. I've barely slept due to pain and i'm in such a cranky mood. I just want to be normal again :( I miss my dancing :(
Thanks Sal, I took part in the study you told me about by Tina Gambling. I wrote 'My story' last night and sent it off. I think that will be pretty interesting to read again in a few years time, see if anything has changed. I found it pretty emotional writing it but I hope it helps other people in the future.
Awwww, Ruby. I hope you are ok. Think about that lovely little mini you are getting ;D ... and you WILL be able to dance again one day. We all will :)
I'll be ok Anna. Just sitting at work wishing it was 4.30!
I took part in Tina Gambling's study also. As I was writing my story I found it amazing how rapidly I went down hill and in such a short space of time! x
Dan`s the man!! girls x
How are we all doing? Anna, you ok?
I rang the ROH today as it's been 3 weeks since my scan and I haven't heard a thing. I spoke with Mr Bache's secretary who told me they hadn't even recieved the scan report though and she didn't know why :( But she's printed it off from Radiography and will get Mr Bache to look at it tomorrow and get back to me. x
Awww, Bilateralbliss, you will make Dan blush ;D
Im ok Ruby. Although the last two weeks have been a nightmare. When you said you went down hill very rapidly I thought we were a little different as ive got worse slowly over 6 years, but over the last month ive got alot worse very quickly. Im wondering whether im on that rapid slide now. Ive been really struggling and my 'good' hip is hurting alot which ive never had a problem with before :(
Well at least the ball is rolling now Ruby. Sounds like you will hopefully know pretty quickly if Mr Bache looks at it tomorrow. Fingers crossed for you x
Bet he`s not a blusher lol :D
Both mine deteriorated very quicky too. pleased you`ll get some news very soon now Michelle.
Which types of dancing do you love? I haven`t gone back to it yet, just a little indoors. maybe time
to start again, been a year now
I did go down hill pretty quickly over the course of about a year I guess. Following my arthroscopy in February 2011 and further injections in May 2011 was when I had to stop all my activities.
Anna, all I can say is keep fighting. You'll get days where you wonder how you're going to cope but lots of ice and take whatever pain medicine you have. Rest as much as possible, but make sure you get up and stretch too otherwise, if you're anything like me, you'll stiffen up and that causes pain too!
Bilateralbliss, I used to Ballroom and Latin American - I loved it!
I'm deffo not a blusher ;)
"The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard ya hit. It's about how hard you can get it and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done! Now if you know what your worth, then go out and get what your worth."
I love Rocky. Keep fighting. Yeeeah ;D
Nice quote that Anna! :D
Michelle- that`s great, did try ballroom as a kid, wasn`t that good lol
My dancing is Bollywood, Bhangra and Modern!! Was often the only white girl in a Bollywood Bar lol
Have some videos somewhere dunno if could get them on here. Sometimes I`ve wondered if all the dancing wrecked my hips! Anyway have new ones now!
Danny- wonder how I knew that? ;)
Hi Anna
This is my first post to the forum and I've just read your story. I'm in your part of the world (well West Yorkshire) and I'm just planning my op date with Ronan Treacy. I'm lucky in that he said I was ideal for the op. Take it from me, as someone who has worked with medics and surgeons all my working life, if a top surgeon says that it is not a goer for you then that is GREAT advice. I know too many surgeons who do heroic things and end up destroying a joint...... I have a friend and ex employee who had 'heroic' hip surgery from someone and ended up with a recovery Total Hip replacement 12 months later which ended her Ironman 'career'.
Good luck with your next options. I know Ed Bache through work and he is a super guy and I suspect his surgery is similar. He is more of a specialist in paediatric orthopaedic surgery but that involves a lot of congenital hip dysplasia surgery so he is probably a perfect choice for you.
Hope it all works out. Keep us informed.
Lycraman
Welcome! Fellow Treacy BHR here!;) let us know how you get on
Danny
Thanks lycraman (I have a strong suspicion that is not your real name! ;D ) Ive very honoured to recieve your first post. I work in West Yorkshire (Leeds) so your not too far away at all!
I think you are right, if Ronan Treacy says no then its no and thats good advice. Thats why I went to see him, to know for sure from the best I suppose. I just hope option number 2 is ok because otherwise I will have to reside to the fact that I will be getting a THR at the tender age of 29. ... lucky I have no ironman career to ruin! I do however have a good career and if I dont get this sorted then I will be out of a job :'(
I think Ruby is with Mr Bache. Im waiting to be referred to Mr O'Hara but they both work at the Brum ROH and they both seem pretty good so fingers crossed for both of us hey.
Im very jealous of your BHR. Especially with Mr Treacy! Hes a VIP on this site. I felt like I was meeting a famous person when I shuck his hand. Danny is the man to talk to re anything you want to know as hes about 7 months (?) post op with Mr T. Please keep us all updated. Its nice to hear some positive stories, gives the rest of us a little hope.
Anna x
Bilateral bliss - I dont think your dancing wrecked your hips at all. I think if they are gonna go, they will go. Anyway, you have new ones now and I think you should keep dancing ;D
I went travelling to India last year and got into a bollywood film as an extra ... I CANNOT dance and thank god they didnt ask me to try! x
Lycraman - What a great username!
Welcome aboard. Very pleased to hear you're under one of the best hip surgeons in the world. I went to see Mr Treacy for my second opinion knowing that if he said no to HR then I have the very best decision given for me and my circumstances.
I'm under Mr Bache now so fingers crossed the outcome of the CT scan he sent me for show positive findings!
Anna. my guess is you`re very pretty :) Al least your were asked!
After thinking about the dancing I looked at some old video clips- I intend to go back
but think it will take a long time (if ever) to be able to get down and up the way I did!
Lycraman- welcome, you sure are in one of the best pairs of hands of Mr Treacy!
Ruby- hope you get your good news soon!
Quote from: bilateralbliss on July 08, 2012, 12:46:29 AM
Anna. my guess is you`re very pretty :) Al least your were asked!
After thinking about the dancing I looked at some old video clips- I intend to go back
but think it will take a long time (if ever) to be able to get down and up the way I did!
Ha ha, I think they just wanted a white girl and I was the only one on the street more like!!!!!
Get dancing again ;D
I would love to learn Bollywood dancing! It always looks beautiful!
I`ll teach you- deal ok :)