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

Help! Diagnosed with osteoporosis at 33!!

Posted , 4 users are following.

julie27881
julie27881

Hi there

Beginning of the year I hurt my back had x Rays that come back showing low density in my spine top and lower I'm waiting on my dxa scan, My doctor said I have osteoporosis prescribed me with vitamin d tabs colc... Summit I was just wondering how people deal with day to day life... I have lower back ache constantly, I can't sit in the car for long I get all stiff and really ache, when I wake in the morning I feel as if I can't straighten up my back that it will snap, I m uncomfortable sleeping at night this achy pain is with me constantly, I take 2 painkillers every night just for least a few hours sleep I have also been for X-rays on my hips because I'm having pain in my hips when I lay down to go to sleep constant tossing and turning and I can't get comfy at all. I'm wandering is this definately osteoporosis or something else coz I read they call osteoporosis a silent disease and only painful when you have a fracture etc can I have a fracture all the time?? I have 4 children a house to run am I overdoing things.... All advice be much appreciated smile. smile 

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • eileen64__UK
    eileen64__UK julie27881

    Posted

    Hi Julie

    Are you waiting to have your DEXA scan or get the results of it?

    I was under the impression that there was no pain from it.....just pain if, because of osteoporosis you fracture something.

    I was diagnosed about 10 years ago with OSTEO  ARTHRITIS in my hips, lower spine neck and ankle.

    I was only diagnosed with osteoporosis a few months ago when I had a second hip replacement, and four weeks post op I was doing some NHS exercises and there was a crack, my leg gave way and I was taken into hospital....apparently I had fractured the greater trochanter bone....never heard of it before LOL but its up at the top of the hip where the replacement was done. I had a DEXA and it came back that I had osteoporosis and that is why it fractured so easily.eek

    I have pain but its from the arthritis, and scoliosis {C shaped curve in my spine} not from the osteoporosis......I have pain where the fracture is of course.

    So if it was your GP that diagnosed that I would ask for a referral to the hospital.

    Ask if it could be arthritis or something else other than opsteoporosis.

    Tell them what you have told us.

    My osteoporosis means that my bones are very brittle and I have to be careful not to break anything especially since I'm on crutches becuase of the hip fracture and its not easy walking in the winter on crutches.

    Let us know what happens

    By the way I'm in the UK.....where are you?

    Love

    Eileen   UK

     

    • julie27881
      julie27881 eileen64__UK

      Posted

      Thank you for getting back to me smile 

      I'm waiting on appointment threw the post for the dexa scan. ( I been waiting since January I seen the doctor 2 weeks ago and she is chasing it up so I'm assuming won't be long rolleyes )

      My doctor explained to me when she looked at my X-rays my bone density is very low indicating osteoporosis, she was quite shocked with me being so young an all. 

      I'm just worried a bit because my lower back is in constant dull achy pain I'm always feeling uncomfortable like I can't sit down or stand up for too long.

      I also had X-ray on my knee and have arthritis in my  knee. 

      When I seen the doctor 2 weeks ago I asked her for some pain relief because normal paracetamol don't work she asked what for looked at my notes and said back to me .... "Oh yeh I remember you you have arthritis in the spine! I explained what she told me last time about my X-ray and her saying I had osteoporosis she said .... Yes that's right your bones have very low density then went on about looking into getting the decade scan asap.... 

      So really I don't know where I am ... But I know I have to go back end of next week to see her about the X-rays on my hips because I can't seem to lay on my side for long before it's really painful. sad

      I'm in Wales I am , I don't really have much information on any of the conditions 2bh just the symptoms and pain. I have no one either to talk to that's going threw the same thing as all my friends are out to town enjoying wearing 6inch heels and I'm worried walking on wet leaves just in case I fall and break something lol smile such is life smile 

    • eileen64__UK
      eileen64__UK julie27881

      Posted

      Hi Julie

      It sounds as if its the arthritis that is causing the pain, not the osteoporosis.

      One thing.........when you go for any hospital appointments asked to be copied into their correspondence.

      That means that when she writes to your GP you will get a copy of that letter.   I always find that very useful........Sometimes when you come away from an appointment there are bits you forget or sometimes your GP gets told things you havent been told.  Or at least in more detail

      I dont know if you do it, but before a hospital appointment make a list......all the things you want to ask. I used go in there and when I came out I think.....Ohhhh why didnt I ask ***  So now {after people advising me} I make a list bfore I go.....where the pain is, when, does anything start it, anything you can think of.  You  might not need to ask all these questions......sometimes my consultant covers things without me asking the question.

      Love

      Eileen   UK

  • stefania3
    stefania3 julie27881

    Posted

    Hello Julie,  I'm sorry to hear that you are having such problems at such a young age.  The density of your bones can only be read from a DEXA scan and not mere X-rays.  I also heard that it is only paibful if one has a fracture, so I'm assuming your pain is from arthritic changes.  I myself have osteopenia, the precursor of osteoporosis and have recently had a Prolia injection to build up bone.  Since then I've also had aches and pains, so I don't know if that is it working or also arthritis.  Once you've had your DEXA scan I'd suggest that you see an orthopaedic or rheumatologist, to get proper advice.  Good luck and try and get a bit of rest, if possible!
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.