i am 48 years old and for the last seven years have been back and forward to the doctor because of back and leg pain.
It is only this year that I have received the diagnosis of Double Hip Dysplasia and Osteoarthritis.The dysplasia apparently was missed at checks when I was born.
I am now registered disabled because of the difficulty of walking any distance and climbing stairs. I have difficulty dressing because I cannot bend down to put on socks etc.
I now have a motability car which has changed my life considerably and have moved to a bungalow from a first storey flat which has made a big difference. I have used most avenues available to get the help I need and suggest that anyone in the same position as me do everything possible to get the same sort of help.
I am now waiting for a Arthroscopic debridement operation as my consultant does not want to do a hip replacement yet as I am still so young and he believes that I would need three replacements in my lifetime which could cause complications. I have been off work since May but as I am disabled this cannot be held against me. If you have problems with work it is important that they realise that this is a disability.
Looking to a future. :D
i was really interested to read your experience as i too have just recently been diagnosed with bilateral osteoarthritis and shallow acetabuli/cdh. I have had pain for years in my hips, legs and back, but it worsened this year. i am finding it hard to adjust to my poor mobilty and the need for help. Who did you get advice from re support? I am only 39 and think that it would be easier to access if I was older.
I am 50 years old and 4 years ago diagnosed with bilateral osteoarthritis and shallow acetabuli/cdh.
The pain and quality of life became so severe that I elected to have double hip replacements this year. I had my left one done in March and the other done in June.
I can honestly say I feel wonderful, I can walk about 1-2 miles before finding it tiring (I still walk with a limp) and I am not on any pain killers now.
Needless to say the consultants did point out my age being young and the need for revisions, but to be perfectly honest, I want my life now.
Thanks for your reply. I am waiting for a hip replacement for my worse side and have been told that I will need the other one doing in time. I have been re referred by my local hospital to a regional specialist centre as I will need some bone grafts during the surgery. I am nervous about having a big operation but am keen to be pain free and get on with my life!!