It s the secont time i have posted here and i can t seem to get these toughts out of my mind ... like .. i m 32 yo ... and thinking how will i provide for my familly ... how will i do the things i love and how will this disiease afect my love life ... can someone tell me how this disiease afected them .. how long can u live a normal life .. when did they use a cane or crutch ... if any1 can be more explicit in information on how to go on without depresion please tell me! Thanks to all
Hi Litamarius: I am so sorry that you are having depression. 32 is very young for you to be diagnosed with OA. I would encourage you to call your Dr. right away about your depression and get that managed. Maybe you need another Dr's opinion. You haven't mentioned what stage you are in of OA or if you are having problems with yours hips? There are a lot of young Hippies on this forum with lots of success stories. I am in my sixties so I can't compare what you are going through. I was a late bloomer with my surgery. RTH replacement Had a walker for a month or so and then went to a cane and then now I am on my own and go to the gym and back to work full time as a Real Estate Agent. Most important let our group know your story so they can give some advice and pleeeeeese go back to your Dr. immediately for your depression. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Good Luck and Cheer Up..
You’re young, and that stinks. I agree. When faced with pain and chronic disease, it’s normal to feel depressed,” why me?”
But put things in perspective- we don’t have cancer. This disease will not kill us. We live in the 21st century, where there are antiinflammatories, joint replacement and soon- probably in your lifetime, not mine- stem cell therapy. I have 2 hip revisions, this last one became infected and I am into the 8 weeks of IV antibiotics, no metal joint- taken out with a spacer placed confined to bed without being able to sit up more than 75 degrees and less than 50% weight bearing with a walker. But there are people out there with life ending illnesses- it’s NOT us. So, attack the OA as a chess opponent- what it does to you, have a good Rheumatologist and orthopedic surgeon. When you can’t sleep or walk due to the pain, discuss replacement. Injections/pilates/yoga/natural anti inflammatory mixes with cinnamon/pepper/apple cider vinegar etc. you will adapt and provide for your family. You will maneuver positions for sex. You are being challenged. You can provide positive motivation despite the chronic pain and all OA involves. Just put it in perspective. I’ve had patients with metastatic colon cancer at the age of 20. So, chin up, plan an attack and step into tomorrow knowing it will never come again so make the best of it and concentrate on those around you. You CAN do this...
Lynne's reply was right on the button.
I was diagnosed with OA when I was 32. it was in my knees and I was given exercises to do which I did not do often enough. I've had my knees replaced and I am still doing those exercises 20 years later. Over the next35 years i have used chiropractor, meds and some injections in my spine. I just had a hip replacement that got infected and had to be removed with a cement spacer put in. It sucks but i am getting my new hip in 2 weeks. While i was dealing with the OA over the years, i worked 2 jobs, got my college degree, raised my family, went dancing and did a lot of fun things. Just know your limitations. Ice up after you exercize. Your Dr may prescribe anti-inflammatories. See life goes on . when you put on weight you put stress on the joints that are affected so keep your weight down. Oh yeah. Before my hip surgery i was doing 501k's. However, i know my limits so i WALK the route- i don't run. It makes you feel better. If i cannot do the 501k then i will still walk but not be in a race. I will walk at a slower pace and cut back on the mileage. Good luck. You are going to be ok.
Sorry. I meant to say i walk in 5k's. Not 501k.
I also totally agree with Lynne. I am more than double your age (70) and while my OA was not bad until my 50s, I am unfortunately extremely familiar with depression. Run, don't walk, to your doctor, get on medication, start seeing a therapist, whatever you need to do. Depression is a very dangerous illness, but it is treatable, and in the meantime, it will make dealing with everything else so much harder. Even if you don't think you are "seriously" depressed, it is just fine to use these crutches to get through.
I have had quite a hard time with my hip replacement, but I am a bit unusual in that - many many people do very well. I also have had rheumatoid arthritis since I was in my 50s, yet neither OA nor RA (and fibromyalgia and some newish back issues), plus numerous foot and ankle surgeries, have stopped me from a great life.
I held a satisfying though stressful job until age 69, I became a yoga teacher and yoga therapist when I was 50, and now that I am retired I am traveling as much as I can - last year Iceland and Cambridge University for 2 weeks each (despite hip pain), this year I an already booked for a dinosaur dig in Wyoming with my youngest grandchild; a trip to the Baltic area to visit St Petersburg, Riga, Tallinn, and Vilnius; and another to Patagonia in Chile and Argentina. I am also exploring new late-life careers as a poetry therapist and guided autobiography facilitator. I take about 5 or 6 classes for seniors every semester ay my local university.
This is not to say everyone can be as lucky as I am, or that travel and such is everyone's cup of tea, but it is totally true that there are so many options today for staving off and repairing physical issues, don't be needlessly afraid. And the options improve all the time. Keep after your doctors or find new ones until they address your concerns. Please, please, please get help for your depression and find your optimism. It is terrible to have these issues at your young age, but it can get better, I promise. Keep reading this blog also - even in my worst days of pain after my hip surgery, people here had encouraging words and helpful suggestions that made me feel so much better. Hang in there, kiddo (compared to most of us here), and good luck to you!
I ended up bone on bone and had to do a replacement. I am 3 weeks post and feel awesome! OE is treatable even if you end up with a replacement. Don’t look at as an end all to life, the only restriction I have is no high impact aerobics and no running. Life is good
You are very young and before you despair, there are lots of questions for you to get answered. As someone else said, it's not cancer, it's not the end of the world. Find out what stage your OA is, most doctors use four stages, some 5. This does not mean you won't be able to provide for your family, or that you will be a cripple, or that you will even need surgery. After you find out what stage osteoarthritis you have, get a second opinion. Take your time and don't act rashly on any surgery. Osteoarthritis is treatable with some anti-inflammatories, often losing weight helps take the strain off your joints and that helps too, plus regular APPROPRIATE exercise can delay the progression from one stage to another. It is even possible that with proper weight control and meds and exercise, if you're still early stage 1 OA, that you will never even need joint replacement. Or, that you won't have to have that for a long time. There are trials going on with stem cell treatments for OA and more and more is being learned. Confide in a friend or ask people on this board. You can have a long, happy life with OA. Learn all you can about it and you will be surprised at how common it is in we humans as we age, and how you don't need to stay depressed. That's my two cents worth. Some people who have OA don't even have pain. I knew someone who learned she had end stage arthritis in her late eighties, but she had never had any pain , she just suddenly had trouble walking and she needed a hip replacement ! Within six months, she had a hip replacement and she is great now. She was unusual not to have any pain until the arthritis was so advanced, but it happens. Stay positive and don't give up. You have your whole life ahead of you.
You may feel you're on a roller coaster of emotion accepting one day, and angry the next. It may help to remind yourself that these feelings are normal, and will ease with time.
Coping strategies by talking with your doctor to help you with PT , healthy diet , taking meds as well as other alternatives for your stage of OA , are you in pain at this's point, can you cope with daily routines?
Important to find support and ways to manage your OA you may be another ten years out before hip replacement is needed. Mine took about that long before I needed THR and another 10 years went by before I needed the other hip done. Every story is different and many are happy with the outcome.
Stay active find small things that you can enjoy every day, and set realistic short-term goals for yourself. Remember this is not the end it's the beginning of understanding how to take care of bones and joints. This is only a diagnosis and you have control of your life to make the decisions that will bring happiness, acceptance and a positive attitude.
I read about a dance instructor at 95 years old still giving lessons to her students and she has had hip replacements in both hips and like many of us hippies here we are still very active!
Just a idea for valuable info after THR for positive responses. The question to ask in a new discussion would be how many hippies are still doing what they love doing since hip replacement? How old were you when diagnosed and had THR? How do we manage to continue to live a active life pain free?
Lots of support here great advice by all fellow hippies . Everyone is really trying there best to help you understand OA . Hope to hear from you soon!
Having worked in mental health program management for many years, to me the depression is significant. Have you talked with a psychiatrist about it? You also may be undergoing an adjustment disorder related to your illness. At the least see a mental health professional for an evaluation. Also, it never hurts to get a second opinion regarding your OA. I know a few people who co tinge working with OA just following MD orders. It is not a death sentence but may seem that way. Also, at your age, a career change might be an option to learn to do something less stressful on your body.
Hi, I’m 35 and am nearly 7 weeks on from a total left hip replacement (with some other bits I won’t go into with pin removal and plates etc). I’ve had issues with my hips my whole life (this was my 5th op on my left hip) but being diagnosed with osteoarthritis really made me depressed. I totally understand. It felt like I was being made old when I feel young. I’m sure people of all ages feel this, but being diagnosed in my early 30s made me feel very isolated (my friends were supportive but it’s not something they really understand). Pain everyday is obviously very depressing too. I became quite depressed quite fast. A lot of people would tell me stories about their mum or nan’s arthritis and I felt like I was dealing with things that I shouldn’t have to til I was older (it didn’t help that my dad is ill with cancer too at a relatively young age). I would say you need to get the prognosis? Are you going to have a replacement or even 2? This has changed my life. Also sex is fine with arthritis (I found one or two positions weren’t perfect but actually it wasn’t affected that badly). Post op sex is back but tentative and I am back at work full time today (and slightly nervous). While I had bad OA (before this op) I felt very down, so please do write back. You can manage. Physio really helped. My physio did a thing called a hip distraction which REALLY helped for short term relief. Write back. I know exactly how you feel. Xxx
Hi,
I was first diagnosed when I was 40 and I wasn't presenting any major symptoms. I'm now 56 and was supposed to be having the op today but I was cancelled. However, up to 3 years ago I was dancing, gojng to the gym but they slowly declined until I am where I am now which is still pretty mobile but my problems come when I'm at rest with spasms and cramps etc. I have no need of a crutch or sticks. I decided to have the op because ny surgeon suggested that it would be wise to have it whilst I am still relatively young and then be able to carry on pain free and do things I love, rather than wait till I thought I was at an age where it was emotionally more acceptable to have the op and Yes I will have to have another op in my lifetime.
I posted on here the other day when I thought the op was looming I was absolutely scared stiff but the response was overwhelming from this site. I now feel more optimistic for when the new date does arrive. But am
I emotionally ready of course not. It's a scary thought having this op but I'm not alone in my fears, it seems to be very common emotion.
I didn't feel I needed any pain relief until 3 years ago and ny surgeon suggested steroid injection into the hip. The first time was really effective and provided almost 99% relief for nearly a year. The following injections were not so effective, but made it bearable , until the last one which didn't take effect at all, hence the op! My advice would be until your at the op stage, keep active as much as you can doing low impact things. If you can have the injection, try it, I believe the most you can have is 2 a year and can take a couple of weeks to kick in once you've had it. You don't mention if you are in any pain as yet?
Try to carry on and I try to say to myself when I have those "why me" days at aleast i don't have something terminal. It is hard. I have it in my hands to and sometimes that worries me long term more than my hip!
I wish you well
Hi I had Perthes at 11. Im now 34 I am having a thr on 27th Jan. Ive got 3 children 11mths, 3 and 8 yrs. 3 years ago after the birth of my 2nd child I started having hip pain and couldnt walk far, over the counter painkillers worked for abit but then I fell pregnant with my 3rd child and struggled for 9mths, Ive had to go on the sick as I work with pre-school children. My last x ray shows bone on bone so I have no choice but to have a hip replacement.
Ive felt how you feel now, especially being so young. Its not nice but like the others have said its the 21st Century there is so much available in ways of pain relief, physio and alternative therapies. Make sure you talk to people family and friends about how you feel. Im always here if you ever need to talk.
I’m 51 years young and 12 days post THR. My MRI in April 2016 showed bone on bone, I continued on and it was only in Sep 2017 when I had an arthritic seizure in my hip (which was beyond excruciating) I decided to get my hip done. NHS surgeon told me I was too young and to come back when I couldn’t walk!! Thankfully had private healthcare and Op took place 3rd Jan at 7:00pm and I was back in my room by 8:45pm, just a spinal and sedation used. Was up the next day - though medication complications resulted in me not being able to stand without my blood pressure plummeting, so once that was out of my system the next day I was up and moving and left 2 days later. I walked my dogs around my paddock yesterday and find the only issues I have are sitting down! I’m fine lying down, walking, standing etc! Sex was only painful after my arthritic seizure, so it certainly was never a problem!! I am very much looking forward to getting back in the swing without pain...literally counting down the days 😂
Depression wise - after 4 children I did have PNT but also after a horrific relationship I ended up with PTSD. I take Sertraline for the latter, but to be totally honest I don’t feel in the least bit depressed - just extremely grateful that hip replacements are possible.
Please go and speak to your GP - you shouldn’t suffer alone xx
I wonder what they did in the 1800’s for broken hips and knees?
Hi there, I was diagnosed with OA at the age of 25. I was born with hip dysplasia and it was eventually going to be arthritis in the hips. By 30 I had had both my kids and yes it was hard on my hips but I was determined to have everything like anyone else. By 31 I had my first hip replacement do I could walk and take care of my children and run a busy restaurant. I have arthritis in all my joints and I have to take anti inflammatory medication as well as avoids certain foods that make inflammation worse. I had 2 choices:. Do nothing and worry or take control and manage it. I did the latter. My Outlook is that you only live once and I want to live fully. I do not jump off planes or skate ot ski because I avoid all impact and contact sports. I exercise daily, keep thinking since it is easier on the joints. I keep busy with hobbies, volunteering, work and taking care of my family. I am honest with my hubby, who has been wonderful thru the surgeries. I am now turning 53 soon and I will not let anything keep me from happiness, specially OA. I have friends who have MS( progressive kind), and brain cancer, I have a son that has DMD and when I see how they fight to live , I really ground myself. Every day I make my list: 10 things I am thankful for, and what is my goal for that day.. I have talked to a counselor when it got really hard because living with pain can be extremely hard and it is up to each one to decide what is best for them. I just wanted you to know that yes it is possible to have a happy, rewarding life with OA or any other ailment. It is how we face it and deal with it that makes it or breaks it. Hope this helps you.
I am in the early stage but i m depresed because i overdid it at the gym and that was what started my OA.. i m depressed because i had a good life untill a few years ago and after that alot of things canged witch caused me to be quite depresive and now this ... i loved life but now i think that everyone will laugh at me when i will go on crutches . I have bilateral OA witch is very scary for me. I am afraid of doctors and hospitals because here in romania there are very bad .i went to the doctor took an xray and the doctor said i gave small marginal osteophites and in 30 years i will need a TRH.. of course ... 2 of them .. he said i have nothing 
sigh .... everything you guys posted is realy helpful but i m terified ...
Me too is the sitting. I have to get up every hour or so and go up and down stairs or March on the spot. My legs feel like Jell-O if I sit for too long but not when sleeping or walking.
It is ok to be scared. You can contact the arthritis association. They have exercises and diets to help. The hardest thing is to find the balance not to do too much. I go to the gym every day. Rule of thumb if it hurts do not do it. I find exercising in water a lot better. I had to use a cane when it got bad and I never had any problems with people staring or treating me differently. It was just hard to carry groceries. Love life was impacted as my hips locked and then was taking heavy duty pain killers which make you sleep. I am glad that both hips are now replaced and have almost no limitations. When it goes bone on bone, then they will replace the hips. The pain goes away so quickly and the recovery at least for me was quick. Start finding who is the best surgeon in your area, how many hip replacements does he do per year and talk to people in your area on how it went for them. It will get less scary.