My PAO story

[Rayray]

I think we have all lost it Kate so in a way I'm glad to hear you have too. I understand totally as it is so difficult when you don't really know when the end of it all will be. This is all so much of a strain. I really thought that 2009 would be the end of my mobility issues too and now know it's not and it is so frustrating. March seems a long way off but then you appointment could be then anyway I suppose but if you can see him earlier - it is not worth delaying this. Can you email him to get advice I wonder? I have found this really helpful as often you don't need to see the surgeon, just describe what is going on - he may even say it is something he has seen before and is easy to sort - here's hoping.

[Janet]

A good cry is just what you need sometimes Kate, so don't worry about it. Your kids will see just how much strain you are under, and maybe will help you out with little housework jobs, and not do anything too naughty to add to your worries.

I see now why you're holding out for March. I suppose that once Christmas is out of the way, it's not too many weeks away. What is the actual date? At least then Mr Witt wouldn't be able to say that you need to give it more time, or try physio and meds for longer too. Perhaps try e-mailing though, as Rayray suggests, just in case he feels that it is something that shouldn't be delayed.

Thinking of you and sending you big, squashy hugs
Janet x

[oscarsmum]

Thanks Janet, need all the hugs I can get at the moment.

Appointment is 12th March so not too bad. I am going back to the GP to try and sort some physio out, at least then I have done that before seeing him,but not too enthusiastic about emailing or ringing UCLH myself as I went through all of that at 5 weeks post op remember and didn't get anywhere, so I doubt if I will this far out from surgery.
Hardly slept at all last night and was like a zombie at work today,although have a stupid cold too so thats partly to blame. Back on diclo, paras and codeine, can't believe am still getting pain through all of that, tried to stand up today and hip locked and I couldn't move at all for a while, luckily everyone was at lunch except me so as able to have a quick cry, then gave myself a talking to before anyone got back. Work have actually been really good to me this week,I have given up on the crutches as its affecting my other hip too much, and the Manager actually told me not to do too much and make sure the others in the office do the legwork!( he has a heart- it must be Christmas! lol )
Kate xx

[Spam1]

What about the other surgeon you were seeing Kate? I know he discharged you technically, but is there any way you could get a quicker local appt with him, as he may just be able to get in touch with Witt and request local scans if required so that when you go in March, if Witt did want you to have had any scans they will have been done and save another trip??

Sounds like you need to take a few days off and rest. please go to bed and get over the cold and let your poor hip rest too! Take advantage whilst work are being nice to sign yourself off for a few days next week, then at least you can have an extended break with the weekend. I hate to think of you crying at work and being in so much pain, something is obviously not right. Can you use heat pads/wheat bag to see if that helps or even for other hip so you can use the crutches more?

Massive Hugs,
xxx

[Dee34]

Kate,

just catching up as I've been caught up in work this week, I'm so sorry to hear you're in pain again, especially after everything you've been through. I think your gut instinct is often right in these situations as you know something isn't quite right but that realisation can be pretty traumatic. Especially when there are lots of people around saying 'oh aren't you better yet'. At least you have us and we understand and get it. I wish I was closer so I could give you a big hug instead of a virtual one.

It breaks my heart to think of you struggling alone in the office crying. At least your manager is being reasonably good - the reality probably is that he can see you are struggling. I think we've all been there in one way or another and at least you know we know how it feels if that's any consolation.
I understand re the London trip but wonder whether writing directly to Mr Witt might be an option ? Any time I've written to a consultant I usually get a fairly quick response. You could maybe even write asking him to call you or as Sam suggests whether he would recommend you see Prof Schilders in the interim.
The other thing I was going to suggest was maybe seeing a private physio ? I know money is tight but it's usually about £35 for a session and if you find a good one they are worth their weight in gold. It might just help to alleviate or confirm some of your worries ?

big hugs again,

Dee x

[Janet]

Kate - how are you? I hope you've gotten rid of your stinky cold. Have you managed to see a physio yet? I really hope that your hip hasn't been locking too much - that was awful that you ended up crying on your own at work. I hope that you can enjoy the Christmas break, and that your family look after you so that you can put your feet up and give yourself a break.

Take care and more hugs
Janet x

[oscarsmum]

Hi All,

Cold gone, thanks Janet.

Went back to the GP today, she is going to get in touch with Witt because she said I must see him before March, and also wants to see if he can sort a steroid injection at the same time, if he thinks its necessary. She is also getting in touch with physio, but doesn't think they can do much at the minute as everything is so inflammed, and really wants Witts thoughts first. Has also put me on Fentanyl patches as well as the diclo, and wants some feedback from him about pain management/pain clinic. She has been superb even though she is not my own GP ( who is an arrogant so and so, but thats another story,lol) and is also concerned about whether I am getting depressed. I tried to explain that its just that things have gone on for so long and there doesn't seem to be an end at the minute, and while you can cope when there is a surgery on the horizon, sometimes its not easy afterwards when it should be improving but isn't. I feel as if I am back at square one.

Only 2 more days though, then I have a week off YAY! Will be interesting to see if I can work with the patches as I havent had them before, but she is hoping that the constant pain relief will be easier to cope with than the dihydrocodeine only when things have got too bad.

One very important question though, if anyone has had them-can I drink over Christmas ???
Hope you all have a fantastic Christmas, and these stupid hips don't spoil it too much for anyone.
Hugs
Kate xxx

[Dee34]

oh Kate I'm so pleased that you saw a really helpful GP and that she is of the opinion you need to see him sooner - lets keep our fingers crossed that process is speedy and I hope the patches help. Yay to having a week off !

Dee x

[Janet]

Kate, thank goodness you got to see this other GP rather than the arrogant one. She sounds much better, and is doing the job that you would expect your GP to do. I'm so pleased that she is being so pro-active, and hopefully, you'll get an appointment with Mr Witt soon. I'm afraid I've never had the fentanyl patches, so I don't know whether you can have a drink!

Keep your chin up
Janet x

[Spam1]

Kate, ditto what has been said above, glad you have seen a decent GP who is actually getting you sorted out. Hope you get to see Witt soon AND can still have a few days off to go see a show and make a few days of it. Enjoy your week off, and hope the patches really help the pain. Umm, I know it says on the tram that you shouldnt drink alcohol, and I think that goes for all morphine type stuff, but I'm sure a few sips are ok, might just make you a bit drowsy - great excuse to not have to help with christmas dinner cleaning up!!
Hugs, thinking of you,
Sam
xxx