Hey pippa73,

thanks for the info - well, there are a lot more things to consider now!

I am going to guess here - and it is a guess - that you should consider that you may have a hernia - just from what you have said...if you have a hernia, that can make it hard to stabilise your hip.
An ultrasound should do it.
if not, go see the physio to have a good look.
hope that helps