Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Hi All,

Raj,
I have constant hip pain. I try to rotate them if I can stand the pain. I hope you get to feeling better and if you have surgery, that it goes well.
Lon

Lon

Hello Raj!

I cannot offer much information on hip replacement surgery, but I just wanted to take a moment to say welcome to KickAS. This place (and more importantly the people here) are a great resource and wealth of information. Not to mention, loving, caring individuals always ready with a hug or a smile or words to comfort.

I hope you enjoy your new home as much I did.
Jeanna

The conclusion is always the same;
Love is the most powerful and still
the most unknown energy of the world.
- Unknown

This place does have a way of making everyone feel good. It may not take away the pain, but it give you a sense of security knowing your not alone.
As far as my hip problems, it's been going on for about 3 years..has just gotten worse over the years. When I first started having problems with AS back in 95 it was in the middle of my spine and docs had no clue what was going on. One specialist that I was refered to mentioned AS, but then ruled it out because of me being a woman. The pain continued in my spine but not as severe so I went back to work. Awhile later my hips started giving me problems and I was sent to another Rheumotologist who finally diagnosed me with AS. I've had problems with them since and it hasn't let up... just got worse as did the area in my spine which is now fused and not as painful, but the lower spine is giving me problems now. I have since learned from the research my doctors have done of my medical history that the AS has been around a lot longer than originally thought...maybe even 15 years. The pain killers do help out alot and and enables me to live better than I was, but like you, I can't spend a day at the mall are over do it in anyway because then I really pay for it, as I'm sure you know.
I'm curious as to how long you've had problems with your hips and the extent of the damage. Through research I've learned that hip replacements are not as bad as what they were a few years back. New technology and all has made it much simpler and the recovery period alot quicker.
Has your doctor given you a date yet for the operation?

Lisa

Hi Raj,

I can't help you out on the hips either....only hip job I need right now is just to make them a little smaller...do you know anyone who does that?...

Well, hope you we can still be a support to you anyway...I have a feeling Stevec is going to reply to your post and tell you all about hip replacement...

have a wonderful day!

Sending "Lovie Dovies" you're way!
....Debbie

Hey LittleSis,

I have had this hip problems for couple of years now. It started as slight pain that used to come and go and then generally progressed. I found out late last year they were affected.. but the dumb doc. said it was AVN. Recently I saw another surgeon in Rush hospital Chicago and he said it was AS. Which a rheumy confirmed by the hlab-27 positive test...

So thats the story made short... I did a whole lot of research on hip replacement and found out that there is something called Metal on Metal Hip Resurfacing which is a lot more conservative procedure and which is extensively done in Europe and has recently been approved by FDA. This is something for young patients in which they do not remove the whole bone head. I hav still not decided on a date. Am just delaying it as much as I can. I don't really know if it is such a great idea. But I want to get it done soon now.
You all have been really helpful.

Takecare,
Raj

LOL Deb...that was a good one
Sounds like you and I have the same kind of hip trouble.
I know of a few good docs that could help, but I think we would both need to rob a bank or hit the lottery.
Take Care,
Lisa

I've got that problem, too. Now should I blame it on the AS or my appetite?

Cindy

Hi Raj,
Welcome to the KickAS family.

Michelle

I blame it on both, but when it all comes down to it...it's the AS
My appetite is caused from the meds that I'm on which I take for AS

Lisa

Hi Raj!
Sorry to hear about the hip pain. Mine mostly hurt when I lay down for bed or sit down...they crackle in an unhealthy manner. They only hurt when the lower back is in the midst of a bad flare..which hasn't been too bad. The upper back is in the flare up right now for me. As....it's an equal opportunity pain disease...one day your hips...next week your ankle, then your hands....
that's not the kind of equal opportunity pain that I was anticipating!! But then again with AS nothing is normal...
Take care...and welcome!

Askickin'buggie