I was diagnosed with osteoporosis 6 years ago after fracturing my T8. Since been diagnosed with fibromyalgia too. Last summer started getting soreness and aches in my hips and lower back. It has worsened considerably since then, affecting my ability to sit comfortably at times and to go from sitting to standing without pain. Most mornings the pain is intense on waking and it takes time for me to summon the courage to get out of bed, because the soreness is so unpleasant! Throughout the day the pain comes and goes and some days are much worse than others. Mostly feel it in my left hip and sacroiliac area, but get it moving to the right hip some days too. Fatigue levels have been increasing as you'd expect.
Earlier this month I had my rheumatology follow-up, last time I saw them was 2017, so about 2 years ago. Been booked in for DXA scans but had x-rays of hips and pelvis while I was there, got results in the post today. Not sure what to make of them.
They found no acute bone injury or fractures. Moderate degenerative changes in the hips. But: moderate to significant loss of the femoral acetabular joint space bilaterally with associated significant ossification of the acetabular labrum bilaterally seen. Also loss of the sacroiliac joint space bilaterally seen. Appearances in keeping with moderate to significant degenerative changes.
I would like to understand what that means! They've scheduled me for follow up in 4 months. DXA scan in June, if I remember rightly, but that came in a separate letter last week.
About the lumbar spine x-ray it says "no acute bony abnormality seen. Normal spinal alignment. Vertebral heights and discs spaces are maintained throughout. No obvious spondylolisthesis or spondylosis." That sounds reassuring, but I've read that spondylosis doesn't always appear on x-rays, and given the "moderate to significant degenerative changes" elsewhere, I'm wondering if I should be concerned. They're obviously in no hurry to do anything about the pain and discomfort!
I'm 52 and previously much more mobile. I'm also male, so menopausal explanations can be ruled out in my case. Don't drink and haven't smoked for 3 years. Would really appreciate feedback from anyone who can relate, and/or can interpret the findings of the xrays 