Hi All

Hello Everyone

Thanks firstly to Phil for introducing me to the charity and secondly for encouraging me to come and use the forums.

I do admit to feeling a bit of a fraud here as after reading everyone else's story my situation is positively good. However as a newbie to hip issues I am glad of the support of others.

I'm in my late 30s (yeah ok I admit only a few months to the big 4-0) and was always sporty as a child and through my early twenties. Then lots happened and I moved, got married, had four children etc. etc. and I became less active. After the birth of my last child I had lots of physical issues some of which led to me having to have a hysterectomy when I was just 35. That operation solved several issues but left me with an issue with my hip. At the time it was only occasional pain and I didn't take much notice to be honest and carried on with life. Over the past four years however the issues have got worse and the pain far more frequent and intense.

I finally got round to raising the issue with my GP earlier this year who thought it was fluid in (or was it on?) the joint and referred me for physio. I had my first physio appointment yesterday where the news was broken to me that it was unlikely to be fluid but the joint itself and the diagnosis is in fact arthritis. I am lucky (?) that it is just in one hip. I have been given both stretching and strengthening exercises to do and am having heat treatment as well. At the moment the physio is unsure of (a) the outcome of the treatments or (b) my long-term prospects.

However, no matter what, I remain positive. 12 months ago I decided I ought to get off my backside and (a) lose the excess weight I had gained over the years and (b) get fit again so I did the NHS Choices Couch to 5k running plan. Despite starting in the cold, ice, snow, rain and winds, I stuck with it and finished the 9 week plan. I hit obstacles along the way by suffering with shin splints (what a nightmare those were) plus trying to fit in round family life, increased work etc. etc. but I did it. I have kept it going on and off since then but have recently got properly back into it and am running 5k three times a week. Many people said I shouldn't given my hip pains but as running doesn't hurt, I've kept going. My physio thinks that I should keep at it so long as it doesn't hurt as it works the joint and also helps to strengthen the surrounding muscle so I am keeping going bearing in mind her advice that I can take any exercise to the point of pain but not beyond it.

I look forward to reading other people's posts and advice and am happy to share my story whatever it is that may come next.

Best wishes to all and again big thanks to Phil (and also to Lisa for her part in getting this charity and forum off the ground).

Ruth xx