My rheumatologist told me I have osteoarthritis in my hips, and when I was ready I should see an orthopedist for injections into my hips. Now that my ankle is more under control (still painful, but I can walk more), my hip is bothering me again. So today I went to see the hip specialist.
They took X-rays, and the doctor said that both hips have moderate arthritis in them. Surprisingly, both hips have about the same amount of arthritis, which is odd because my left hip bothers me a lot more than my right. He said that might be because I often cross my legs with my left leg up, and that might be causing me to have more pain.
So I am supposed to not cross my legs as much (Felix will hate that!), use a cane when I walk (I am not happy about that), use my wheelchair if I’m going to be standing or walking more than 15 minutes (already doing that), and try cortisone injections into my hip. I’ll get my first one after we get back from our cruise.
I didn’t want to get injections in my hip, it gives me the heebie jeebies. But I figure I have to try it just in case it is worth it. If it is, and I can have less pain, great. But Tam has gotten injections and they made everything worse, so I’m reserving judgement until I see how my body specifically reacts.
He said if the injections don’t do anything, the next step is a hip replacement, but I think we’re a long way from that! Personally I never want to have surgery again after my ankle surgery recovery!!!
Here is a picture of Felix and me waiting for the doctor to come in at the appointment. It is a selfie and Felix who is a Japanese Chin wearing a purple vest, and I am wearing a white dress with purple flowers.
