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Osteoporosis - just diagnosed

Posted , 4 users are following.

sue05901
sue05901

Hi, am a 64 yr old lady, already with back problems and arachnoiditis - just been diagnosed with osteoporosis in spine/hips/pelvis. Have been put on Alendronic acid and calcium tabs with Vit D3 - 

I fractured my L1 in March when bending and pulling/pushing/ to move my bed sad

Its the first ( and very hopefully!) the last fracture, but would be grateful for any advice/comments.

On Tramadol and paracetemol.

 

0 likes, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • kathleen65757
    kathleen65757 sue05901

    Posted

    Sue, what was your t score from your bone density test?

    What happens when you break that? Does it just get left to repair itself?

    Sorry you have had such problems whilst still firstly young.

    I am 70 and have been diagnosed with osteoporosis as well but delaying taking medication.

    I am going to try to improve my bones naturally.

    My worst result was 4.3 on T4. But other parts were better.

    My GP did another test too which showed I was not at such a bad risk as shown by the bone density test.

    • sue05901
      sue05901 kathleen65757

      Posted

      Hi Kathleen,

      No, they don't do anything. It hopefully will just settle down and over time heal itself. Though my MRI has shown it is a wedge fracture but that there is a small piece at the edge of the vertebra where the fracture begins, which is possible may displace if anything further happens  [sad]

      The hip neck was 3, lower lumbar was 3.5 in L4 - overall spine total was 2.7.

      The GP that I saw for the results was not my usual GP, who is really supportive, this one was very matter of fact and as it was a low trauma fracture (not a high impact) the hospital had said to start with Alendronate and Calcium/vit D.

      I asked her whether I really needed to take all this as I already take Vit D3 and also multivits with calcium, but she insisted.

      I have an appointment with my own GP in 3 weeks, so am keen to see what she says. I am down for a rescan in 2 years.

      What was this extra test your GP did?

      Really don't like taking any more tablets than I need, been on painkillers for more than 20 years now  [sad] (

      Many thanks

      Sue

    • kathleen65757
      kathleen65757 sue05901

      Posted

      It was an online questionnaire type test where she filled my information and I got the impression it was good I did not smoke or drink. 

      Did you have your teeth checked before you started taking the medication?

      My back results are worse than yours but my hip is better.

      I am still not starting AA. When I told my GP who had sent me away to research and think about it that I had decided not to start the drug she was okay with it.

      I will retest next year and think about it again.

       

    • sue05901
      sue05901 kathleen65757

      Posted

      Right. I did an online one which made me fairly low risk, but was more concerned as the fracture at L1 seemed so easy to happen sad   will see what my own GP says in a few weeks time and go from there.

      Saw my dentist this week, and she was quite happy with me taking AA, just to maintain good dental care daily.

      Thanks a lot.

  • sue05901
    sue05901

    Posted

    Hi Kathleen,

    No, they don't do anything. It hopefully will just settle down and over time heal itself. Though my MRI has shown it is a wedge fracture but that there is a small piece at the edge of the vertebra where the fracture begins, which is possible may displace if anything further happens sad

    The hip neck was 3, lower lumbar was 3.5 in L4 - overall spine total was 2.7.

    The GP that I saw for the results was not my usual GP, who is really supportive, this one was very matter of fact and as it was a low trauma fracture (not a high impact) the hospital had said to start with Alendronate and Calcium/vit D.

    I asked her whether I really needed to take all this as I already take Vit D3 and also multivits with calcium, but she insisted.

    I have an appointment with my own GP in 3 weeks, so am keen to see what she says. I am down for a rescan in 2 years.

    What was this extra test your GP did?

    Really don't like taking any more tablets than I need, been on painkillers for more than 20 years now sad(

    Many thanks

    Sue

     

    • alison28608
      alison28608 sue05901

      Posted

      Hi Sue. My story is very like yours. 2 fractures of the spine and a T score of -3.5. Like you I hate taking any medication but after living for 60 years eating loads if cheese, enjoying the sun, having a late menopause, never smoking and only having the occasional glass of wine, I was found to have OP. Have been active all my life, ran 3 times a week and stayed the same weight since I was 21. I lived my life doing all the natural things to prevent OP but still got it. My GP, who is good, told me, we make our bones in the early years and after we get into our 30s, we loose more bone than it is possible to make so we use our reserves. This is the reason I started on AA because it actually makes bone, which I need, to prevent any more fracture. My dentist said my teeth are in good condition, but to be extra careful with my dental hygine. He has never seen a case of AA causing problems, except in books/internet. Take care and good luck
    • sue05901
      sue05901 alison28608

      Posted

      We sound very alike. I don't smoke and just odd glass wine on rare occasion we go out for a meal. No early menapause, no family history, always eaten sensibly with milk, cheese, fish and meat. Hadn't broken any bones until now although had disc surgeries in 1986 and 2007 for prolapses. Came as a bit of a shock to find whole spine etc so much weakened, but hopefully the AA will help rebuild or at least stabilise. Had dental check up last week and as your dentist has said, ex care with dental hygeine and following strict instructions all should be fine.

      Thanks for your comments, and hope all goes well with you too.

    • Juno-Irl-Dub
      Juno-Irl-Dub sue05901

      Posted

      Hi Sue, No, just sent a research paper reference to Alison. We're both interested in trying to clarify if there's a difference between  bone density and  bone quality . . . Am still trying to make sense of it. If you're interested I'll send you on the reference also.  J
    • alison28608
      alison28608 sue05901

      Posted

      On a lighter note, just imagine the state we would be in if we hadn't done everything right. !!!!!!!
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