I expect I need a hip replacement?

[singlecoil]

Persistent (but fairly low level) leg pain, doctor sent me for x-rays

"Marked lower lumbar spinal facet joint degenerative changes with

almost complete loss of disc space at L5/S1 associated with facet

joint degenerative changes"

I've not seen the doctor since getting the results (I'll book an appointment tomorrow). I have got NHS physiotherapy booked (13 week wait) but although I expect there are exercises etc that can ease the situation it's my guess I'm going to need replacement and have been researching private treatment accordingly.

All useful comments welcome.

[Bill]

Why a hip replacement? That's the lumbar (ie spinal) x-ray report.

Even if the leg pain is coming from your back then the preferred approach is conservative - exercises etc.

[singlecoil]

Sorry, quoted the wrong bit-

"Moderate to severe bilateral hip joint degenerative changes with

marked loss of joint space.

"

[Bill]

That makes more sense!

But bear in mind that x-rays and symptoms often don't correlate well, so it's worth trying exercises to get the muscles supporting your hips as strong as possible. If you do go on to need surgery hip replacements are often transformative.

[mcelliott]

Sound a bit like me 4yrs ago, got to the point where walking was done with a limp, and driving was agony, Dr said I would qualify as my hip was so worn, but as 48 I felt it a bit young to which he agreed, was alway hugely active but carried a lot of muscle but with some fat too, so lost 60lb in weight started walking and sea swim every day, now the difference is night and day, I still get discomfort but nothing like it was and easily avg 20000 steps a day, for sure it will need replacing at some point but I'm very happy to wait a lot longer.

Edit, just to say my main symptoms apart from the actual hip discomfort is a shooting pain around my groin, knee and shin pain that sometimes ends up in my foot.

Edited by mcelliott on Sunday 20th October 16:15

[964Cup]

You're going to need an S1/L5 spinal fusion first, I would suggest. There's a long thread on here about that operation, which may be worth a read.