Health Update: More Questions, No Answers

Well, I had an MRI last Monday, with an injection to help highlight any problems that might have been in the joint.

Nothing. The MRI showed nothing. No bone changes, no deformities. The bone is healthy, the soft tissues are apparently intact.

No explanation for why there has been recurrent pain in the hip for the last several years, regularly in the last twelve months. Except, possibly an iliotibial band problem. I did have significant knee pain for years… one symptom. But this doesn’t explain the pain in the actual joint area.

It’s not sciatica, I have that on the other side!

Oh — it’s also not bursitis… the PA who examined me today found tenderness over the greater trochanter, but not in the bursa on the outside of the hip.

No clear reason for the excruciating pain of the last week. It’s unusual for the injection to cause pain this far out, but apparently not unheard of.

Just more advice to keep taking anti-inflammatories and rest. Maybe to try Physical Therapy once the pain goes away (note self: as soon as pain goes away, make an appointment).

And still the questions: why does the hip “move” and “bind” periodically? What causes the pain that makes it hard to walk? How long will I be at less than 100% functionality?

I am very frustrated.