I have been having pain in my left hip for the past month. Well, enough pain that I haven't even been going downstairs and I have been using a cane just to walk around at home. I finally got myself to a walk in clinic. I had to use a walk in clinic because my doctor just closed her practice, so I no longer have a family doctor. Anyhoo, this doctor said she though it was osteoarthritis. She sent me for X-rays and they confirm that it is. In fact, she was surprised by how much there was. It's only in my left hip joint. She said I will probably need a hip replacement at some point.
She gave me a referral to get a cortisone injection.
I am now doing some research about osteoarthritis. I will probably get a second opinion about options. The doctor didn't seem up-to-date on new research and possible treatments. Also, she didn't want to think about marijuana for pain, even though recreational marijuana is now legal here in Canada. "Well, you could try it, but we don't recommend it." I think I want a doctor who has a more open mind.
I feel your pain. Yesterday I went to Rheumatology for my hands. I got three cortisone shots right into the joints that were swollen. Boy, did that
HURT But in three months I will gladly go back for more shots if needed. I had lost the use of my right hand and got a shot right at the thumb where it is attached to the wrist. Today, I am using both hands with no pain.
My previous Rheumatologist left to have her baby. She always gave me the shots right under my fingernails. It was like I had been given new hands. This new doctor gave me the shots right into the joint.
I too have had the shots in both hips. My body is riddled with arthritis. For the first time in years, I could walk more than ten feet before the pain set in. After the shots, I stopped using my scooter to make runs to the store and walked instead. Today with only one leg, that is no longer a problem for me.
My advice is to go for the shots. It is very painful when you get them, but take a calming medication if possible before you go. Oh, BTW, they do spray the area of injection with Novocain before they give you the shot. That helps quite a bit.
Today, I can now type with all fingers, open a jar, and a host of other activities that I haven't been able to do for a long time. By the time I got home from the visit, I could move and use all fingers on both hands. And there is no residual pain. For what little pain that comes with the injection, it is well worth the relief you will receive.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do. And make sure it is a Rheumatologist that you see and not a PCP. Do let us know what you decide to do.
Look at your local hospital that has a clinic with it. They should have a listing of Rheumatologists with their education, and how many years in practice, etc. A teaching hospital should have one.
