1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Osteoporosis and Osteopenia

Shrinking?

Posted , 6 users are following.

aburdette211
aburdette211

Hey all.. I use to be 5 ft 2.5 and every year I have been losing a half inch in height. I figured it was from cervical disc degeneration but when I told my doctor I just lost another half inch, I'm 5 ft 1 now, she did a bone scan so I'm waiting 4 the results. Does this sound like osteoporosis, and is it severe when u start losing height. Went from 5 ft 2.5 to 5 ft 1 in 3 years.

1 like, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • chris00938
    chris00938 aburdette211

    Posted

    Hi Aburdette, It may be, but on the other hand, has anyone checked your spine for kyphosis or scoliosis?  I shrank too, but the bone density in my spine was fine but it was discovered I had quite pronounced scoliosis and to some extent, kyphosis and this was actually the cause of the height loss.  I'd lost about two and a half to three inches.  I'd had a bit of pain in the spine that I'd seen two different GP's and mentioned and both, without looking, said it was arthritis, and the scoliosis and kyphosis was only picked up on a routine hospital appointment for something else and they sent me straight along for x-rays and it was diagnosed then.
    • aburdette211
      aburdette211 chris00938

      Posted

      Hey there, yes I had everything checked, that's how the ortho found i have crevival disc degeneration and a ruptured disc at c5/c6 but this was all b4 I noticed I was losing height, when I started noticing i figured it was that, but lost another half inch quick and dr had me a bone density test done the next day. They think n have RA also.I also have CVI and Raynauds.
    • aburdette211
      aburdette211 chris00938

      Posted

      Well its took 11 years several doctors and one health problem after another added 2 the list to finally get some answers. But it is so much better to talk 2 people who have same or similar problems. Doctors don't know it all lol. I finally found a primary care manager who care and is super smart, she diagnosis me before any test are done and it always right, which is kinda scary to at times. But she is blunt and don't sugar coat it so u are prepared. I see her and 8 specialist in other fields. I'm falling apart lol
    • chris00938
      chris00938 aburdette211

      Posted

      I know the feeling about falling apart LOL!  But having a decent doctor helps hugely!  But yes, you're right - they don't know it all:-)
  • marian20478
    marian20478 aburdette211

    Posted

    Good Morning, I too have lost height, from 5ft 4inches to 4ft 10inches, roughly 6 fractures in my spine and now a fusion in the middle of my spine, yours sounds like osteoporosis but only the scan can give a true reading. I would certainly push to have one done, I also have COPD so it is important for me to know how much height and seight I am losing, will be in a dolls pram soon the speed I am going at, lol have a good day. x
    • aburdette211
      aburdette211 marian20478

      Posted

      Wow how long did it take you to lose that much height? I am still awaiting results from the bone scan. Thanks 4 your input
  • marian20478
    marian20478 aburdette211

    Posted

    In all it was about 2 years gradual loss and fractures, you notice it but not all at once! It is hard to face and to cope with especially when I tend to bend forward all the time, just got a brace to see if that will help, I do find that I tend to investigate everything first and then discuss with my consultant. Hope this helps and does not depress you too much.x
  • frankiefoo
    frankiefoo aburdette211

    Posted

    I used to be 5 ft 7. Had an MRI scan about 13 years ago and discovered I had 5 prolapsed discs in my Lumbar and 2 in my neck and had lost 2 inches in height. 

    This July I went for a DEXA scan and was measured... 5 ft 3. Lost another 2 inches since... from November last year when I was measured for another procedure!

    I'm waiting to see a Rheumatologist to get some answers. I was recently diagnosed with Osteomalacia too. Bone density is very low - Osteopenia.

  • aburdette211
    aburdette211

    Posted

    Well dr ordered blood work 2 check my vit D so I'm guessing something showed up on bone scan. Wasn't suppose to see him til Dec 14, but they moved it up til Nov 11
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.