It was shortly after my 40th birthday I started to have hip pain. It took several years before I discovered I had osteoarthritis due to dysplasia. I had seen my Mom struggle to walk for years until she went to the Doctor. He said her hips were the worst osteoarthritis he had ever seen. My sister also has OA due to dysplasia.

When my Dr mentioned arthritis, I refused to believe it. I had grown up being a gymnast, a ballet dancer, and a runner. Exercise filled my daily routine. Now, an unwelcome guest of chronic pain has entered my life.

Six years into my OA chronic pain journey, I have tried to fight the battle as best I can. I have changed my diet to help with inflammation. I have learned how to move in ways that are not painful. But my darkest days are when I cannot walk because of pain, and I wonder what is my path forward with pain being my constant companion. I wonder how long I should wait to get my hips replaced. I do not want my health to deteriorate because my movements are limited. I also do not want to hurt my back. I also wonder what happens if the new hips have a short life. Do I get another operation in my 60s?

Most people do not understand that I am living with chronic pain. Unless they see me on a very bad day when I am struggling to walk, my pain remains hidden. It is there when I sit, when I walk, and when I lay down. It has changed so much in my life. I am holding on for better days ahead and knowing some arthritis cannot be solved with an operation. I am currently looking for a new doctor since we moved, and hoping someone can provide me with support on my way forward in this journey.