Severe Degenerative Arthritis and Osteoporosis

[Bluebell999]

I have had osteoarthritis for many years, both knees and hips have been replaced and I have degeneration in other joints.

Nearly four years ago I had a spinal collapse with the vertabrae in most of my back tumbling like dominoes, caused by osteoporosis.

A recent xray has now confirmed severe degenerative cervical arthritis and I am wondering whether these two different conditions are in fact linked.

I have lupus and other autoimmune conditions and have taken steroids for many years. This was thought to have partly contributed towards the cause of my osteoporosis.

But has taking steroids for two decades also increased the chance of degenerative arthritis.?

Is there a connection?.

[piglette]

When I saw an orthopaedic surgeon about osteoarthritis in my hip, he said that it was caused by the steroids eating away at the cartilage . I am not sure how true that is on the other hand.

[Batty1]

I blame my excessive use of steroids over my lifetime for Psoriasis’s on my failing bones and I reject any prescription that is a steroid.

[Bluebell999 in reply to Batty1]

I have managed to reduce the steroids to 5mg a day. Unfortunately I need to take it as I would have great difficulty getting out of bed, let alone pottering about. It also controls my asthma, urticaria and hayfever.

I had a choice, steroids, with a mostly normal life, except for the odd flare up for 22 years, or 22 years of getting weaker and with more flare ups and increasing pain everywhere in my body.

I opted for a good quality of life and to enjoy my children and grandchildren and make happy memories. I do not regret that.

I do have osteoporosis, the spinal collapse was unfortunate, but it is better managed now that I know about it and the treatment seems to work.

I still don't really know if the degenerative arthritis is linked to osteoporosis. I thought one was wear and tear, and joints could be replaced, and the other, widespread bone loss, causing fractures.

It seems a mystery to me.

[Batty1 in reply to Bluebell999]

Have you ever had your thyroid levels tested?

[Bluebell999 in reply to Batty1]

Yes, I was hypothyroid for over many years with Levothyroxine at 150mcg daily. Then about 4 or 5 years ago, the levels kept being out of range, the Levo reduced until finally I have swung the other way and now hyperthyroid. I have antibodies for both conditions, which I have been told is very unusual.

I know being hyperthyroid increases the risk of osteoporosis and it could be the combination of being hyper and steroids. Oddly enough I feel quite well and have more energy, but I am not on any treatment as I have no symptoms.

Strange isn't it?

[Batty1 in reply to Bluebell999]

hypo and hyperthyroidism can cause so many health issues… Im finding this out the hard way I lost my thyroid to cancer in 2017 and developed psoriatic arthritis shortly after the thyroidectomy and every day is a nightmare.

[Bluebell999 in reply to Batty1]

I'm so sorry to hear that. It does seem that once we are seriously ill with something, other conditions follow.

I do hope you find some treatment which allows you to cope with psoriatic arthritis and that your thyroid levels remain stable on the Levo.

Wishing you a better future with your health.

Xx