So I've been diagnosed with osteoarthritis. I'm 35.

[AllOverIt]

Just that really.

Had hip issues all my life, but progressively worse in the last 5 years. Finally got bullied into seeing the GP, who referred me to a consultant. Having looked at my MRI and CT scans, I have osteoarthritis in both hips. Early stages, but quite a bit of cartilage damage there already.

I'm quite active and the consultant has advised me to give up running and high impact activity. Apart from swimming and Pilates, what else is good.

Is there any other advice people can give? I'm looking into memory foam mattresses as sleeping is quite uncomfortable.

It's not too much of a shock as both my parents have arthritis, they're gradually being rebuilt year on year

I just feel so young still

Ask consultant about the possibility of stem cell treatment to regrow cartilage on hips. I went to a specialist about getting it down on my knee, but it was too far gone for stem cell treatment to be any good (I have the knees of an 80 year old in the body of a 37 year old.). If you need a specialist's name PM me.

Ah, sympathies. I'm in my 40s and have arthritis in my hip, knees, spine and hands. I agree with all the advice re. pilates, swimming, new mattress. Are you seeing a physio? I'm finding that quite helpful. Also, I've given up sitting on my squashy sofa and got a highbacked chair. I was worried I wouldn't be able to relax in it but it is pretty comfortable.

I haven't tackled diet yet, but it seems the next way to go.

The human skeleton is only designed to last about 60 years and OA is really common, most people just don't know they have it. Water and yoga are my top twips

Wow! Some great advice here. I'm on the case for a topper then, and some extra deep sheets. Waiting for my consultant appointment to come through as they're going to 'tidy up' the left hip. Urgh.

Will ask about stem cell stuff when I see him. My right hip is quite far gone, I think. Just waiting for that to deteriorate enough for full hip replacement on that one. There might hope with my left one though....

Another question, what depth are your toppers? The ones I'm looking at don't seem very deep.....

Sorry to hear about your dx.
I have psoriatic arthritis It affects my knee and hands/giners mainly, and sometimes my neck. Was dx about 2-3 years ago. I have just turned 40y now. I am on daily meds inc steroids, and have painkillers for as and when required. I have flare ups but it is better controlled these days and fortunuately so far I have very limited damage.

Hope you get things sorted.