Last year, an xray showed I had degenerative osteoarthritis in both hips. This had come on gradually since pelvic radiotherapy but rapidly getting worse. Last July, my GP referred me to a 'Triage Assessment clinic' where I would be examined and a decision would be made on the next step of appropriate treatment. The letter told me several options would be considered including pain relief and physiotherapy (the orthopaedic surgeon was the last option).
I was seen last week in a clinic by a specialist physiotherapist. I have to admit I went along ready to do battle; I already take codeine (and consequently stool softeners) to be able to walk and I religiously followed a physiotherapy course for months which didn't make a mite of difference. I needn't have worried. The physiotherapist was really empathetic, examined me really thoroughly and didn't seek to change my painkillers or advise more physiotherapy. She thinks that in addition to the arthritis, I have lesions and tendonitis. She pointed out that it is premature to refer me to an orthapaedic surgeon when there are treatments that could make a considerable difference in the meantime. So I am going for a full MRI of my hips to show muscular damage and IF that is present I will be referred for extracorporeal shock wave therapy - a non-invasive treatment which apparently has a better outcome than steroid injections and promotes permanent healing in damaged muscles. I have never heard of this. I half-expected steroid injections but (apparently) this is non-invasive and better.
So I am now waiting for my MRI but it was a heads up for a treatment that I have never heard of! I will keep you updated.
Irene xx
UPDATE
I am reeling. I saw the specialist physiotherapist on 6th February, today an appointment for the MRI came through for 18th February. I will see the clinic a couple of weeks after that. The NHS at its best, I think. I will keep you all updated!
Oh wow Irene75359 , I’d never heard of this either! My Dr told me it’s unlikely that they’ll review my hips with an MRI & that it’ll be most likely X-rays even though I’ve been referred for the MRI on my lower spine. I had a steroid injection in my right hip in December & my left done at the beginning of January, neither have given any pain relief at all.
I hope you don’t have to wait too long for your MRI, I fear mine may be on the bottom of a very long waiting list!
Nicola
