Dear Dr. Gott: I am a 63-year-old female. I have been about 20
pounds overweight for the last 10 years. I had two back surgeries,
one at L4 and the other at L5, nearly 30 years ago.
My current problem is inflammation of the bursa sacs in both of
my hips. I have seen two physicians, three orthopedists and a
physical therapist. I have had two cortisone shots, three different
prescription anti-inflammatories and work out in a heated pool.
Nothing seems to be helping.
Ten years ago, I took an office job and sit for eight hours a
day. About that same time, I started Lipitor. Two years ago, I
stopped for six weeks (with doctor approval), but the hip pain did
not go away. My doctors keeps telling me that it is hard to heal
this type of problem, but I am tired of hurting. I cannot lie on
either side and am unable to walk even a single city block. Please
help!
Dear Reader: Bursa is a fluid-filled sac-like cavity that reduces
friction between two tissues. There are several bursa within the
body, but those most commonly affected by inflammation are those
within the joints. The common affliction of "water on the knee" is
caused when excess fluid accumulates in the bursa at the knee. This
is also common in the elbows and hips.
You repeatedly mention 10 years, so I am assuming this has been
going on for quite awhile. If you have had this pain for that long a
period, it is now time to explore other options, such as
acupressure, acupuncture, different non-narcotic or narcotic
prescriptions and others. Have your physicians ruled out excess
fluid as a cause? If not, perhaps this is the root of the problem
and a simple draining procedure would solve it. As a last resort
(which you seem to be nearing), surgical removal of the bursa in
your hips is an option.
Speak to your orthopedist about what the next steps are.
Write Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th floor, New
York, NY 10016.
(C) 2009 Tulsa World. via ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved