The Results are in...

GP phoned with my x-ray results at 10am. 

Basically it shows problems in both hips, left side worse.  I apparently have osteophytic lipping in the cup part of the joint.  These are bony growths common with osteoarthritis.  So it's as I suspected.  But...

I'm not 100% convinced that this is what is causing the acute pain and spasms when I try to sit down or lift my foot onto a step.  It might not be helping but I'm not sure it's the root of the problem.

My gut tells me it's more muscular in origin.  I was just ruminating over this this afternoon when I received a message from a blip pal with the suggestion I might have piriformis  syndrome.   I googled the symptoms and it's the closest description of what I've been experiencing that I've come across.  Definitely need to investigate further.

In the meantime my GP is referring me to an orthopaedic consultant and has advised me to lose weight and keep active (I am trying)  She's given me the number of the NHS physio dept and advised it's a self referral system now and the waiting list is quite long.  She's also given me the name of a local private physio.

I will self-refer to the NHS physio but I am also researching private physios who specialise in lower back, pelvis, hip and knee. 

But enough about me.  

Look at this wee face.  This is what keeps me smiling when the chips are down.  He was in full charm mode this morning as Karen, the newest recruit to his support team, was doing her manual handling training.  He quite enjoys being the teacher :-))  

And he was absolutely bouncing with delight tonight when I told him that I'd had a letter from his community physio telling me that after a year of being unable to go swimming in the hospital hydrotherapy pool (due to lack of equipment to get him safely in and out) they now have a proper changing bed and hoist and he could start a 6 week swimming block from next Thursday.  He is absolutely ecstatic!  And so am I :-)))