Hi my name is Fiona I am 41 now but my story has been a long one.
On my 33rd birthday back in September 2003 I took my self to A&E after 8 years of pain in my groin right around to my back. I'd had numerous GP appointments and phsyio for back problems but nothing seemed to help and I couldn't take any more.
I was x-rayed that day and spoke to an orthopaedic consultant who told me that I had arthritis in my hip and because of my age there was nothing they could do for me, I was given a walking stick and sent home on a diet of strong pain killers. I had to give up my part time job. I had 2 children aged 8 and 5 but did have a supportive husband.
3 months later I received a letter to say that Mr Norton was interested in my case after talking with my local consultant but it meant travelling 4 hrs to Cornwall. This didn’t matter I was happy to see some one who may be able to help.
I was diagnosed with right anterior hip impingement with acetabular cyst and probable labral tear and offered hip preservation surgery. I felt so lucky and in August 2004 went ahead with the operation in St Michael’s hospital, Hayle. My family came with me and stayed close by as I was miles from home in Yeovil. The operation went well and though the trip home was stressful I had everything in place to ease my recovery. Within the first 8 weeks I was getting around well on my crutches and off of pain killers. It was a result and I was so happy and thank full to Mr Norton. I started a new job in June 2005 and life seemed to be good.
It was the following summer 2006 when I noticed gradually the pain increasing again in my hip, I would find myself rubbing my hip as it ached and the need for pain relief at the end of a day. My yearly check up in Cornwall was approaching so I knew I would mention this to my consultant.
I was told the x-ray showed evidence of subluxation of the hip and loss of joint space and that progression of arthritic changes meant I would benefit from a resurfacing of the hip bone urgently.
St Michael’s hospital February 2007 I went ahead with the metal on metal bearing hip resurfacing with my family in tow and aids in place for my return home. The operation was successful and knowing what to expect from good care and increased exercise I was back on my feet and working by the end of May. Unfortunately whether it was the strain from the events of my past two operations , the lack of income or my low self esteem my marriage broke up and I was left fighting for my home, bringing up my children and holding down a job but at least my hip was strong and pain free.
During the spring of 2008 after talking with my consultant on my yearly check up. It was decided that I should transfer back to my consultant in Yeovil for the removal of the 3 screws in my operated leg which were causing me some discomfort when I tried to lie on that side at night. This was done easy enough in day surgery , only taking 2 weeks off of work and my mum to support me when needed.
2009 should have been a year of going forward but no. In June I found my self made redundant at work, I was panicking! Some thing in my left hip wasn’t right and I had no job. Who was going to employ someone with arthritis in one hip and a false hip for the other. Even if I needed surgery on my other hip these things take a long time and I had to work.
I found a job by August 2009 and visited my local consultant, he was willing to examine my hip and during the year I attended X-rays and MRI scans involving the need for injection into my joint under local anaesthetic, it was concluded that I needed resurfacing of the left hip due to early on set of arthritis and deterioration of the cartilage and that this would be done at Yeovil with a ceramic joint as they no longer advised the use of metal on metal implants, so I agreed and waited for my date for surgery.
December 2010, one week before Christmas my 4th operation took place, it was successful but I felt low and tired and lacking the enthusiasm to pick myself up and fight for fitness. I’m a mother , we do find the will to keep going and with my mothers selflessness and my children’s need of me I did it, I got back into full fitness , back to work, back to exercise , back to healthy diet and by the summer of 2011 I entered the charity event and walked the race for life with my mum and my daughter. Life was good even with two false hips.
Its now 2012 and for the last three or four months I have been experiencing an aching pain down my right hip that makes me feel sick, stabbing pain that catches me off guard, a stiffness in my hip joint and I’m reaching for the pain killers after work. I’ve been to see my consultant and am awaiting the results of an ultrasound and blood tests to see what the cobalt levels in my blood are. It’s been five years since my MOM implant and yes I’ve heard and read all the scary stories and I’m no stranger to this pain. I just want this rollercoaster ride to stop and be someone else other than Fiona with the hip problems. I am thankful to my consultants that have listened and acted for my best possible well being. What ever the out come of the tests I believe a revision is probable but I will keep going until 2013 is a good year.