Vertebral compression fractures, what to do?

HI, I presume your Mum has been on some form of meds. for her Osteoporosis (OP) over the past years - perhaps the stndard the standard ' workhorses" of Alendronate (Fosamax) or Risedronate (Actonel) and now has had fractures. There afre 2 things that come to mind when older people are prescribed these meds. - they find the regime of taking them a bit difficult ( ie. on emmpty stomach, must stay upright for minimum of 30mins. , and no food or drink for the same period of time).  The result of this is that often people forget to take them, or forget about the above regime. In fact, research has shown that up to 85% of patients stop taking their OP meds. in the first year. The effect then can be a deterioration of bone condition and an increased risk of fractures. It seems that the advised treatment (apart from pain meds. in the first few weeks) is either to put the patient on Prolia which is injected by the GP every 6 months or Forsteo (Teriparatide) which is injected ( using a pen like a diabetic uses ) daily for 1 - 2 years. I know that Forsteo, apart from building bone, also helps with pain. Finally, apart from meds., treatment and advice from a Physio who specialises in OP is really helpful. Kind wishes.

 Hi stfefania (0r George??) If your Mum's rheumatologist wants to keep her on the same meds. as before, suggest that she take it monthly (eg. on the 1st. of every month) instead of weekly - perhaps less of a hassle for her. The same medication can even be given once a year.  However the literature says that she should be on a stronger medication.  . . 

Hi again, it seems thaere may be a number of reasons why DEXA results show no improvement: 1)  Malabsorbtion problem eg. undiagnosed Coeliac disease. 2) No weight-bearing exercise (hard, given your Mum's age). 3) She has developed another condition eg. Thyroid problem. 4) Taking steroids for some other condition eg. Asthma. 5) She was NOT scanned on the same machine as her last scan. (very important as there are slight differences in calibration of some machines and the readings can be affected).  Re. your question about more Forsteo treatment: If she had the full 2 years of injections - that is the max. as there are some safety concerns after this length of time.  So really I can only say - get a Rheumatologist to see her and see what his years of training throws up !  Regardless of all this, she must have really good pain relief. Best of luck and let us know what is decided. Kind regards.

I am 73 and was diagnosed, much to my horror, with severe osteoporosis and 4 compression fractures in my spine in March 2014.  I have had 3 X-rays which show that the fractures are stil  I have shrunk by 4 inches (10 cms) and am now 5'1 (155 cms) which I hate and have problems with reaching things.  

In March 2014, much to my disbelief, I was diagnosed with sevee osteoporosis and four compression fractures.  I have shrunk 4 ins (10 cms) and am now 5 ft 1 ins (155 cms) which I dislike intensely as I now have trouble in reaching things.  I have had a DEXA scan and 2 X-rays and 1 scan which shows the fractures have not closed.  The Orthopaedic Dept have declined to see me as they are too busy.