- My usual hip problem returned at the weekend after a rain-avoiding dash in Sainsbury’s car park. Considering I’ve had the hip block, should I have felt this as I did? Could the cortisone effects have worn off so soon or does this indicate a different problem?
- As I can almost touch the point that catches/causes pain on the posterior side of the greater trochanter, is open surgery the right thing to do?
- My anterior impingement and anterior atrophied labrum are all well and good (they’re not of course), but given that all pain and discomfort is posterior, is open surgery the right thing for me? Is this going a fix a problem that isn’t the real problem?
- Is it possible to inspect the acetabulum rim/labrum area without removal of the greater trochanter (in order to eliminate other possibilities before the osteotomy and dislocation)?
- I read in your literature that movements do not usually return to ‘normal’ after open hip surgery. What does this mean for me and what might it stop me doing?
- I’ve had moderate to downright painful aching deep in both glutes for over three weeks now. My legs feel like they’re not supporting me and, when it’s at its worst, it’s too painful to sit down. Why might I be getting this? Is it Piriformis Syndrome or maybe a sciatic nerve problem? Is it related to my hips? How do I/we fix it?
- I’m concerned that my left hip will give me problems when I’m on crutches post operatively. Would it be a good idea to have a hip block on that side to help?
30 November 2009
Questions for my surgeon
On Wednesday I have a consultation with my surgeon to ask a few final questions. It’s been rescheduled for 8.15am, which considering I live 90 miles away means a very early start! I will ask…
24 November 2009
My latest concerns
I’m getting properly worried about the forthcoming operation now. It’s not the procedure that I’m really concerned about (although it is hugely invasive) – It’s more about going through all this when the problem is still kind of unknown.
In a funny kind of way, I really wanted the MRA to show a dirty great labral tear. That would’ve at least identified a true source of pain. Instead, we have a mild cam anterior impingement with no anterior pain. None whatsoever! The sharp pain when stepping in a certain way or walking up a stair is solely posterior. Maybe my minor impingement is not an/the issue?
The hip block injection seems to have eased the problem, I fairly sure of that. However, I can’t be completely sure. I’ve had spells in the past where days and weeks have passed without any catching or snagging, allowing me to lead a completely normal life without any pain. I didn’t have a hip block then, so maybe that’s what I’m experiencing now? It’s unlikely, given the gradual worsening of my hip problem, but it’s a possibility. I’m still trying to flare it up, but the other problem of pain in my glutes has taken a more prominent position of late, forcing me to lead a very sedentary lifestyle.
As the operation is just over 3 weeks away, maybe this is just a bout of pre-op nerves, or maybe I have genuine cause for concern. What is certain is that my consultant is going to get a lot of questions at my appointment next week.
Interesting links:
In a funny kind of way, I really wanted the MRA to show a dirty great labral tear. That would’ve at least identified a true source of pain. Instead, we have a mild cam anterior impingement with no anterior pain. None whatsoever! The sharp pain when stepping in a certain way or walking up a stair is solely posterior. Maybe my minor impingement is not an/the issue?
The hip block injection seems to have eased the problem, I fairly sure of that. However, I can’t be completely sure. I’ve had spells in the past where days and weeks have passed without any catching or snagging, allowing me to lead a completely normal life without any pain. I didn’t have a hip block then, so maybe that’s what I’m experiencing now? It’s unlikely, given the gradual worsening of my hip problem, but it’s a possibility. I’m still trying to flare it up, but the other problem of pain in my glutes has taken a more prominent position of late, forcing me to lead a very sedentary lifestyle.
As the operation is just over 3 weeks away, maybe this is just a bout of pre-op nerves, or maybe I have genuine cause for concern. What is certain is that my consultant is going to get a lot of questions at my appointment next week.
Interesting links:
- Surgery for femoroacetabular impingement (NHS Library)
- Info-sheet about open FAI surgery (NICE)
- Open surgery for hip impingement (CAUTION - Contains surgical images. British Journal of Hospital Medicine, Feb 2009 - Norton/Fern)
- Open and arthroscopic surgical comparison (University of York)
20 November 2009
The countdown begins
This afternoon I heard back from my consultant's secretary. He's reviewed my diary since the hip block and feels we should proceed with the surgery as planned. That means I'll be having the operation in less than 4 weeks time.
I have requested another consultation before the op, just to run over a few questions and to voice my concerns. That's booked for early December.
So, it's happening! My stomach has twisted itself into knots a couple of times this afternoon at the prospect of what lies ahead, but I'm sure it'll be fine. Pre-op nerves!
I have requested another consultation before the op, just to run over a few questions and to voice my concerns. That's booked for early December.
So, it's happening! My stomach has twisted itself into knots a couple of times this afternoon at the prospect of what lies ahead, but I'm sure it'll be fine. Pre-op nerves!
What’s with my bum lately?!
It’s been two full weeks since the hip block and I’m pretty sure it has made a difference. I can’t be totally certain as I don’t always have pain, but the usual snagging/catching is happening less often and is moderately uncomfortable rather than painful.
I’m now trying to arrange things with my consultant to discuss the results and next steps, but am not having much luck. The operation is scheduled for less than four weeks time and I’m yet to know for sure if I’m having it! I hope I get a follow-up appointment soon.
This time a week ago I started to get pain and discomfort from deep in my buttocks. Not from the hips so unrelated to hip block, but deep in both glutes. So sore was my behind that it was too painful to sit down or lay on my back, so the only relief was to lie face down on the floor! Just what I needed.
I did a little research and read about something called Piriformis Syndrome, which seems to hit the nail on the head. I’ve been stretching out my piriformis muscles and it’s getting better, although I’m still unable to sit for long periods of time without a deep pain and burning feeling… a nightmare considering I spend most of my time sat at my desk. Ho hum.
A final note of thanks those who’ve posted comments on this blog to share stories, thoughts and experiences. Keep ‘em coming.
I’m now trying to arrange things with my consultant to discuss the results and next steps, but am not having much luck. The operation is scheduled for less than four weeks time and I’m yet to know for sure if I’m having it! I hope I get a follow-up appointment soon.
This time a week ago I started to get pain and discomfort from deep in my buttocks. Not from the hips so unrelated to hip block, but deep in both glutes. So sore was my behind that it was too painful to sit down or lay on my back, so the only relief was to lie face down on the floor! Just what I needed.
I did a little research and read about something called Piriformis Syndrome, which seems to hit the nail on the head. I’ve been stretching out my piriformis muscles and it’s getting better, although I’m still unable to sit for long periods of time without a deep pain and burning feeling… a nightmare considering I spend most of my time sat at my desk. Ho hum.
A final note of thanks those who’ve posted comments on this blog to share stories, thoughts and experiences. Keep ‘em coming.
10 November 2009
Hip block - is it working?
On Friday I had the hip block procedure at the Duchy hospital. Apart from a 4-hour wait in gowns, everything was straightforward.
Firstly I was given a local anaesthetic to numb the area, which was little more than a scratch. Then, as with the arthrogram injection, contrast dye was injected so that the final cortisone injection could be guided with fluoroscopy. It was all painless, with just a tight or full feeling after the contrast and cortisone injections.
On Saturday and Sunday I took it easy. The hip was a little tender after the injection so I chose not to test whether the block had worked. On Monday, I decided to walk to my office, which is about ¾ mile up hill. I intentionally walked briskly taking large strides - things that would often (but not always) flare things up. I didn’t have any discomfort or snagging and managed to walk home too. I’ve also been taking large steps and twisting my torso as I walk. Apart from looking rather foolish, these are usually easy ways to cause irritation but I’ve not had any of the usual symptoms. It all feels a bit odd!
I’ll keep doing things that could cause my hip to flare up. If indeed the hip block has given relief to the problem as it initially seems, I’ll be going into hospital in a little over 5 weeks time for surgery. I have butterflies in my stomach just thinking about it.
Firstly I was given a local anaesthetic to numb the area, which was little more than a scratch. Then, as with the arthrogram injection, contrast dye was injected so that the final cortisone injection could be guided with fluoroscopy. It was all painless, with just a tight or full feeling after the contrast and cortisone injections.
On Saturday and Sunday I took it easy. The hip was a little tender after the injection so I chose not to test whether the block had worked. On Monday, I decided to walk to my office, which is about ¾ mile up hill. I intentionally walked briskly taking large strides - things that would often (but not always) flare things up. I didn’t have any discomfort or snagging and managed to walk home too. I’ve also been taking large steps and twisting my torso as I walk. Apart from looking rather foolish, these are usually easy ways to cause irritation but I’ve not had any of the usual symptoms. It all feels a bit odd!
I’ll keep doing things that could cause my hip to flare up. If indeed the hip block has given relief to the problem as it initially seems, I’ll be going into hospital in a little over 5 weeks time for surgery. I have butterflies in my stomach just thinking about it.
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