So, the Husbeast was doing some research for me on hip pain - since he is suffering watching me limp around. He discovered that there are a lot of people (forums) that show these symptoms post dramatic weight (greater than 50lbs) loss - a large number of them after WLS.
I suppose that I knew that it was going to be a part of the issue.
I had some x-rays taken yesterday (Hips and lumbar). I have a family history of hip joint issues.
My mother had her hip replaced at 55, both of her parents have had both of their hips replaced. My Nana, had one hip done twice. This does bode well for my long term hip health - but tomorrow they should have the films and be able to see if I inherited the genetic flaw of badly shaped femur heads that wear out the hp socket. Fingers crossed that I don't. I've seen what recovery from hip replacement looks like and I am NOT INTERESTED.
In the mean time, the appointment yesterday with my chiro was excellent. She did a lot of ART (Active Release Technique) aka - torture - on my adductor. Which released the hip a lot and I'm feeling better. Not 100%, but better, and I'm not worried that I'm about to go critical again and spend a week on the sofa unable to move my leg, walk or get up without assistance.
Anyway - its interesting that so many WLS people have ended up with hip issues. Have any of you gone for physiotherapy for gait and movement/lower back treatment?
Then again... it makes sense. I know that I walk differently, sit differently, lay down differently. My body feels, looks and physically IS different. Fat creates pressure in the body, and now that it is gone, everything is moving around more, shifting. So I suppose that this makes total sense.
I'm feeling more positive now, and hopeful that tomorrow I will get good news (normal femur and hip structure). However if I don't - I'm just going to be happy to know what the issue is and then work on solving it. I'm going to start looking for a physio clinic as well - I'm quite sure that it is in my future no matter what the x-rays say.
Now that you mention it...I've been having some strange hip stuff happening lately, too. Sometimes when I walk it feels like the top of my right femur is popping out of (& then quickly back into) the hip socket. It hurts like crazy for a second and then I'm fine.
ReplyDeleteInteresting!! Mine feels like its twisting in the socket in the wrong direction.
ReplyDeleteFurther investigation is needed!
I've always had back problems, but I have noticed thta over the past 2 years I've had major issues with my hip and pelvic area. Admittedly I did injure it lifting, but have had continual problems with it. There is alot of pressure off our skeletons with weight loss and everything is loosening up and has more movement. Hopefully it will be something that will heal over time and it's not genetic wear and tear!
ReplyDeleteHum, also interesting Roo! I'm wondering if you thik that you might have hurt yourself lifting because your body was differet. Did you do any lifting pre-weigtloss? :)
DeleteHi Tamzin! It is interesting what you say. You have a lot of analysis behind it including genetics of femur heads.
ReplyDeleteI'm a tall broad shouldered rather huge-ly built woman, though slim. But people expect that my knees would be built like steel, but our family genetics is to have strong-looking knees that really don't function as well as they appear. For this reason, I am definitely not a runner. I'd never put myself into knee problems that the rest of my family has.
But also asymmetry is a problem for many people. For example, if a woman carries a large heavy purse on one shoulder and never rotates it--that side of the body is being asymmetrical to the other side--causing additional stress on knee and hip joints. I found out when I started lifting free weights (vs. weight machines) that I was much stronger on one side of my body than the other side. So, for months, I worked on balancing my strength out--now both sides are roughly equal in strength. I believe that balance will help protect my joints.
:-) Marion