Osteoporosis

[chrissie789]

Hi

Could anyone please advise approx 4 years ago after having a dexa scan i was told i have osteoporosis. My last scan showed it had got worse i guess partly with age i am 65. My doctor keeps telling me to remove mats don't leave anything on floor etc as i am at high risks of fractures. 7 and 8 years ago I had two falls. The first i broke my wrist and the latter i broke 7 ribs. When I asked the Doctor for results she just says i am at high risk. I believe my osteoporosis was caused by having a full hysterectomy in my early 40's i was warned before the operation there is a high risk of osteoporosis after the hysterectomy. Due to oestrogen deficiency.

i have had a copy letter from hospital 're having to come off aldronic due to an ulcer and they are arranging for injections. To the point...sorry I go on a bit my T-score is -2.8 does it mean I have got it quite bad or just mild

Your thoughts would be appreciated

[sassy59]

Hi Chrissie, my husband Pete has osteoporosis because he was on high steroids for a number of years. He used to take Risidronate once a week but after his last dexa scan he’s taking a break from the pills.

I hope things improve for you. Xxxx

[sassy59 in reply to sassy59]

P.S. your number means you have osteoporosis and have had fractures xxxxx

[O2Trees in reply to sassy59]

Does Chrissie's number mean she's had fractures Sassy? Ive not been told that and Im about the same as Chrissie, and I haven't had fractures. Since Pete is taking a break, does that mean his osteoporosis is a bit better? That would be great.

[sassy59 in reply to O2Trees]

No I should have put may have as I just read up online. I bow to your knowledge. Sorry about that.

Yes I believe Pete is doing better thank you and he can’t quite believe it. Xxxx🤫😇

[O2Trees in reply to sassy59]

That is totally brilliant Sassy, good for him, you must be delighted too. x

[sassy59 in reply to O2Trees]

I am! Xxx 😀👍

[O2Trees in reply to sassy59]

I only seem to have it in the hip, the spine was actually better than the previous DEXA and just osteopenia. No idea why

[sassy59 in reply to O2Trees]

Petes was in hips and spine but all good now. Yeah. Xxxx😀

[chrissie789 in reply to sassy59]

Many thanks sassy, it's like top secret info from the docs.

I hope Pete keeps well and the only break he has is from the tablets x

[sassy59 in reply to chrissie789]

Thank you chrissie. Take care xxxx

[O2Trees]

Hi Chrissie. Less than -2.5 is classed as osteoporosis - above that is osteopenia. I am -2.7 so its only 0.2 over the limit for osteoporosis so I think that would be considered relatively mild. I have discussed this result with the osteoporosis nurse and for now, unless i have to go onto permanent prednisolone (like Pete in Sassy's reply), we have agreed I don't need to take medication right now. I have had a few falls, but only when doing things DIY and playing table tennis, so not in the usual way of things, just walking around. But they've been quite heavy ones yet I haven't broken anything, only a sprained ankle, so Im happy to go on without meds at the moment. My GP is ok with it too as apparently Im not considered a high fracture risk.

But if you are at risk, you should talk it through thoroughly with your GP - if possible get referred to an osteoporosis nurse specialist as they know loads. Some of the meds are a bit of a risk for people with copd who also have reflux. The main category of meds - bisphosphonates (sp?) - can damage the oesophagus. The instructions say to take them first thing in the morning and stay upright for half an hour after taking them. I did this religiously for about a couple of years a while back but still ended up with Barretts Oesophagus, pre-cancer though not that likely to progress, but still something you don't really want if you can avoid it. If you do have reflux there is a form of these meds which is delivered as an injection I think about every 6 months therefore no threat to the oesophagus. Having said this, there are lots here who take the standard form and seem happy with it.

[chrissie789 in reply to O2Trees]

Hi 02

Thanks for your reply. Yes I am going to have the injection they had to get my vitamin d up first with course of tablets

I couldn't eat well without choking or food and tablets getting stuck. I have had a endoscopy which showed i have a sliding hernia and ulcer in my oesophagus. They put me on a high dose of tablets for ulcer for 3 months and after that my next endoscopy showed it had improved so I just take one tablet daily

I also have copd and scoliosis

You have been a great help. Many thanks

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Hi Chrissie I also have osteoporosis which is severe. I have been told the same as you about being very careful not to fall, as I am high risk of fracures and breaks. I have the iv infusion yearly so much better. Let me know you are doing. Love Bernadette 😊x

[knitter in reply to Damon1864]

Hi Bernadette, I have been offered the annual infusion at our local hospital instead of taking the weekly alendronic acid.

Just worried a bit about the short term side effects.....flu like symptoms for instance.

[Damon1864 Volunteer in reply to knitter]

High knitter, I had mine done at Bassetlaw Hospital, it only took twenty minutes for it to run through. I was there about two hours as they had a lot of blood transfusions to do. But they gave me a cuppa, and my lunch, explained everything to me, they were really nice. I felt a bit tired afterwards but I was fine. I would recommend it.let me know how you got on. 😊 Bernadette xx

[chrissie789 in reply to Damon1864]

I just thought it was like a normal injection didn't realise it took about 20 minutes to run through

I have been on here 're my copd for a few years. I wish I would have asked 're osteoporosis then. I found out so much with this one post

[chrissie789 in reply to Damon1864]

Hi Damon

Hope all goes well with you too. My injections should have started in March, I chased them up to day. They are sending me an appointment out.

[Stumpy55]

Hello chrissie789, I have severe Osteoporosis in both hips and spine. I was taking Alendronic Acid tabs but I kept forgetting the time I was suppose to take them so now I have yearly infusion treatment at the hospital, much better idea.

[mrsmummy]

You may get more info from a 'bone' forum. Try here: healthunlocked.com/bonehealth

[chrissie789 in reply to mrsmummy]

Many thanks i will have a look

[chrissie789]

A silly question. Does your build make a difference in anyway

In the last year i appear to have shrunk 2 inches guess that's old age I am 5 feet tall and weigh 7.5 stone

[O2Trees in reply to chrissie789]

Ive lost height too Chrissie - from 5'7" to 5'5" and now 9 stone. People who are heavier are at less risk simply because they are carrying more weight.

[skischool in reply to O2Trees]

welcome to the disappearing world of old age,i have shrunk from 5'6 to 5'5" and weigh only 8 stone.i believe the Queen is now only 3' 6" and Prince Philip only pocket sized so even the rich and privileged are not immune, S & S x

[casper99]

I have it too and along with the alendronic acid, I took Vitamin K2 natural Annatto as suggested on here by a former member and the bone density in my spine, went up by 10% in the first year. It apparently directs the Vitamin D straight to the bones rather than the arteries. xx

[Patches2 in reply to casper99]

I was very interested in your post regarding Vit K natural Annatto. I am unable to take bone medication due to the cocktail of drugs I take so would like to know what is Annatto and from where I can purchase this please. The brand and full name would be great.

[poppit1946]

Hi Chrissie, I have osteoporosis and have had the tablets took a years break and then was rescanned to find it had got worse. I did not go back on the tablets instead I have had the infusion injection which takes about 10 minutes to do at the hospital. It is done once a year and for three years. On my second one sometime this year. Still have to take the vitiamin D supplement that they give but otherwise nothing. T-score 2-8 is in the middle of the range so do not worry about that. Just be aware of your surroundings and remove obstacles that might make you trip. (by the way I had full hysto long before you did I was only in my late 20's)

Good luck

[chrissie789 in reply to poppit1946]

Hi Popping. That's really young to have the operation was you pre warned about osteoporosis numerous times before the operation. I am usually careful especially on the uneven pavements. I had to get my dog one of the head collars that fits around is nose...works a bit like a bridle....he is about a stone heavier than me lol

[poppit1946 in reply to chrissie789]

Yes more so as it ran in the family my mum had it and so did my gran. I had to have it done due to cervical cancer, but am totally clear now of cancer and have been for many a year, just the problem of falling as I walk with crutches.

[chrissie789 in reply to poppit1946]

Hi Poppit

Yes my gran had op so did my mom and my sister

Do you stay in when snow/ice...its hard enough without crutches

[poppit1946 in reply to chrissie789]

Yes most of the time when it is slushy, if the snow is soft then it is not to bad. Have got used to them as it was November 199 when I first had to start using them after an accident (slipped on wet floor) and damaged leg , but at 72 I can not complain I am still here aches and pains and all Ha Ha Good luck Take care

[Busybee57]

Hi Chrissie I have scoliosis and have lost over two inches in height due to my spine bending. I hope you find something that works for you soon xx

[chrissie789 in reply to Busybee57]

Hi Busybee. Yes mine bends i also had a slight hump on my back which has got bigger slightly though could be bad posture