The residents will have a "real" dr monitoring what they do. See if you can speak with that person at your next appt to explain your treatment plan. Never forget you are your own best advocate.

@A myRAteam Member

Hi! I have seen an orthopedic surgeon for my back. I have Osteoarthritis of the spine especially lower back. He recommended surgery. Being my spinal cord was not affected I opted for rehabilitation therapy instead. If I were you I would get an MRI via the Orthopedic Surgeon or Rheumatologist and see how bad your hip is. If it there is significant erosion I would consider opting for hip replacement. Easier said than done. If there is moderate to mild erosion I would not consider surgery. Either way, rehabilitative therapy. Physical therapy is something I would definitely do. Getting pain medication and staying active is the best way you are going to be able to stay functional in my opinion.

Good luck! :)

Mentioned Users

A myRAtea...

There are many meds and med combinations that are used to treat RA and sometimes it takes a while to find the right fit. Is he working with you or is he the "my way or the highway type"? Have you told him how you feel? If he is workable hang in there. If not find someone who listens to you.

I have an ortho for hips and a different one for hands. it does get difficult to know where to turn and who to consult with doesn't it?

Interesting... My Sister- in Law called yesterday and told me that she had a ganglion cyst on her wrist and carpal tunnel syndrome. The ganglion cyst can be treated in several ways- By Proceedure, a syringe and the "bad" cells can be taken out ( like popping a zit) It takes only a few minutes, and is very un-invasive! It can also be cured by eating one tsp. of red mineral clay dissolved in water twice a day, and it is gone in 2 to 4 weeks. In the "old days" it was healed by dropping a heavy object on it, such as a book, but this "cure is now deemed as causing more harm than good. A ganglion cyst, if it is pressing on a nerve, can be quite painful, and can feel like carpal tunnel syndrome! If you ask me- It is the same thing as a rheumatoid nodule! I had 7 of them drained from my left wrist! I've had one for about 7 years in my ankle... that's what is making me walk funny! I'm seriously considering getting some red clay powder and trying it myself. If that's the case, a lot of these things that they call "R.A." symptoms are nothing but mineral deficiencies!! I also read about a Doctor, Joel Wallach, in "Dead Doctors Don't Lie" That he believes that its impossible to get all of the minerals you need to stay healthy from diet alone. There's something like 90 essential minerals that your body needs to stay healthy and most of our soil the minerals have been "farmed out". He developed a "Pig arthritis formula" which he used in a rest-home, and many of the people were delighted with the results! Its got me so intrigued, I had to mention it to all of you "Partners in Pain"