Painful hips, buttocks, lower back and pins and needles in hands and feet!

Hello AW3 

Many of us, young and old, are searching for answers to hip pain and at 47, I am really so sorry that you have this. There is an ongoing thread where those of us suffering are detailing our search for proper diagnosis and treatment following pelvic radiotherapyTo those with painful hips... 

If it is possible, I would follow up with the late side effects clinic in the Christie; they should definitely be more aware of the side effects of pelvic radiotherapy and can hopefully signpost you to further treatment.

You really are having a hard time of it and my heart goes out to you.

Please do follow this up with the Christie and share what happens.

Big hug

Irene xx

Hi AW3 ,

I'm so sorry that you’re suffering this pain, I know exactly how you’re feeling although I’m 13 years your senior. 

I think a diagnosis of fibromyalgia is a cop out to be perfectly honest with you & it seems many Dr’s don’t have a clue how to go about treating or even referring us to the correct services when we have late onset side effects that leave us in pain! 

I'm pleased to see, like myself, you’ve not taken the first diagnosis lying down & are being your own best advocate in seeking answers, we shouldn’t have to do this but needs must eh?

I self referred back into physio a few weeks ago & had my first appointment yesterday. Like with you all of my reflexes were tested & responded as they should, he did some tests to check if there was obvious nerve damage but said all was ok there, he tested the strength of my legs & said it appears good although my legs feel like lead often & weak sometimes especially if I’ve been on my feet for a while. He said although I did have some signs of sciatica that he didn’t think this was the source of my pain. Then he checked my back & boy I nearly hit the ceiling, he said I’m extremely sensitive (that was putting it mildly!) on both of my sacroiliac joints & in the L5 area. I’ve got a simple physio plan for now until I get an MRI requested by my GP in January. The MRI appointment has come through for the 11th of April & I’m away that weekend! Typical! So this has had to be cancelled & I’m back on the list! I was told by the GP that the referral was for my lower spine & hips but they probably wouldn’t agree to my hips! I’ve spoken with the radiology department to try to rearrange my appointment & the lady there said they are doing my hips also so that’s a relief. 

I'm also waiting on a call back from a pelvic radiotherapy late effects clinic close to me. 

I really hope that the Christie agree to see you, please keep us updated on how you’re getting on. 

Nicola 

Hello AW3,

I can hear your frustration. I really hope that you will be referred to Christie’s and hopefully the late effects Clinic will have a greater understanding of your pain and be able to advise.

Of course it is getting you down and I imagine that’s something of an understatement given that you were clearly so active previously.  There are certainly a few of us here that have experienced significant pain post pelvic radiotherapy and understand how frustrating it can be in getting guidance on how to manage.

I have everything crossed that your referral will go through quickly.

xx

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia about 15yrs ago after seeing a rheumatologist who barely examined me. He said I’d have to learn to live with it and discharged me. The female gp who was thorough enough to find my cancer pointed out that now she’d be looking at a diagnosis of peri-menopause before getting into things like fibro. The symptoms are virtually identical. Now there’s so much publicity about menopause. Once you’ve got the ‘label’ of fibro everything you present at the drs with they try to brush off as ‘it’s just your fibro. I do hope you get to see someone at the late effects clinic who can help x

I finished my treatment in December 2025. I’ve had fibromyalgia for years which is manageable. However over the last 3 weeks I have restricted movement in my right hip and crippling pain. There’s a very big difference between the types of pain and I’m so glad you are challenging your GPs opinion. Do let us know how you get on.

Hi there, I’m so sorry you’re going through this, I can really relate to how hard it is. I was given the all-clear from cancer in July 2025 and had been back to normal life rowing, walking, and feeling like myself again.

Since Christmas, though, I’ve developed a constant, tense pain in my tailbone, and over the past week it’s spread to my hip, pelvis, and left leg. The pain has become really intense. I’m back working full-time in an office role (currently from home), but I’m waiting for an MRI and starting to feel like I may need to go back on sick leave, as I’m struggling to concentrate properly.

I hadn’t heard of post-radiation disease before, but the more I read about it, the more it seems to match what I’m experiencing.

Hi Mix , I’m sorry to hear that you’re suffering with pain also. Mine has crept in over the last 3 years, gradually worsening to the point where I’ve had to seek help. I’m waiting for an appointment for my MRI, I’m suspecting the findings will be very similar to Irene’s results documented on the other thread To those with painful hips... . 
I hope your MRI comes through quickly. 

Nicola 

Hi Mix,

I remember you getting the all clear, so I’m sorry to hear that you’re experiencing this pain.  I understand how difficult it can be.  I’m sure it’s difficult to concentrate and function well if you’re in constant pain. 
I hope that you get your MRI and results quickly and that the problem can be identified , and more importantly treated and resolved. 

Please let us know how you get on. There are a few of us who are experiencing something similar post treatment so you’re not alone. 

Sending hugs xx

Hello Mix 

Pain is just so debilitating and I am sorry that you continue to go through this too.  It was the MRI that showed I had tendinopathy and bursitis in both hips (in addition to degenerative osteoarthritis I already knew about).  I hope you don't have to wait too long for the MRI which will give a more in-depth picture of what is going on with the muscles and tendons.  I have my first appointment with the MSK clinic next week so will be posting back how I get on.

Irene xx