[If you are fond of your arse, you might want to skip this blog entry, since it might well bore it off you]
The X-rays that were done last Friday show a moderate degree of degeneration in both hips, and also some kind of bony growth in both that is probably interfering with the proper functioning of the hips.
Dr A also did a thorough examination of my knees and agreed that the articulation of the left knee in particular is very poor, ie, it has stiffened up so that I cannot straighten the leg, and therefore I walk with the leg bent to compensate. This in turn is probably what is causing all the groin and other muscular pain. The upshot is that I have been referred to the Musculoskeletal Assessment and Treatment Service, after which a decision will be made on the best course of action, up to and including surgery.
In the meantime, there is very little I can do except continue with the painkillers (Naproxen and Tramadol), and do as much walking as possible. Other actions like massage, ibuprofen, etc, are possibly palliative, but, as Dr A said, "this condition is not going to get better", ie, without specialist treatment/surgery.
So, none of this takes away the physical discomfort, but it has certainly lifted my mood for the usual reasons: I now know more precisely what is wrong; and I know that something is going to be done about it.
As to the nightsweats, they are a direct consequence of the painkiller regime, so I can either stop taking the painkillers and sleep in a dry bed, or keep taking them, and put up with having to change the bed linen 2-3 times a night.
I realise that all my troubles originate with the fact that I am getting older, so, if you will excuse me, I am going to read up about monkey glands. And maybe bathing in virgins' milk, if there is such a thing.
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