My mum is 55 and has recently been diagnosed with osteoporosis in her spine and hips, she has been off work for 7 months.
At first she had a lot of back pain, after various scans she had fractured her spine without any injury so was diagnosed with osteoporosis, She has got better but still struggles to walk to the shop which is at the end of the street, not too far, she even struggles to stand and wash the dishes.
2 days ago she was getting out of the bath and she said she felt her back go, it took her breath away and took a couple of minutes for her to get herself out, yesterday morning it took her half an hour to get out of bed and downstairs, couldn’t put her trousers on, couldn’t even stand to make a cup of tea as she couldn’t hold the kettle.
She is going to the drs today to see if he will send her for an X-ray to see if she’s fractured her spine.
She takes 2 co-codamol 30mg/500mg every 4hours which are strong and help.
We don’t have a lot of knowledge on this, she feels like she’s not getting any help from the drs or spine specialist with pain management or treatment and medicines, she’s worried about work, as she’s been off so long there’s no income.
Can anyone share their experience and offer any advice?
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Crazycatlady_101
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So sorry to hear about your Mum’s situation and especially the pain, knowing from experience the agony of spinal injury, Although you mention your Mum has been diagnosed with osteoporosis, you haven’t mentioned whether or not she is under a rheumatologist. If she isn’t then the GP MUST refer her so that at least the osteoporosis is treated in an effort to prevent further thinning of the bones and potential further fracture. At a very minimum I hope that at least she is being prescribed Vit D3 and a calcium supplement to take daily. The DEXA scans that are used to diagnose osteoporosis produce what is called a T-score which is used to calculate the severity of the OP - do you know what your Mum’s readings are? Get that rheumatology appointment ASAP. Meanwhile, if your Mum is able to get a panty girdle on without too much difficulty, that can help to support and relieve the pain in her lower back at least. Lots of good luck wishes to you both.
I agee with Celtic, I've had 4 (that I know of) vertibral fractures in my spine which are causing me pain 4 years later. I can barely stand and haven't been down to my local shops for weeks. I have a rollator (walker with wheels and a seat if I need a little sit) it folds up to fit in a car boot. One of these might help your mum a little. As I also have RA, I am treated by a rheumatologist, who know much more about the disease and how to treat it, than your GP would. Perhaps she could visit THEROS (theros.org.uk/) She could contact the Free osteoporosis Helpline nurses@theros.org.uk between 09:00 and 17:00, Monday to Friday, with the exception of Bank Holidays and Christmas closure. The service is provided by nurses with specialist knowledge of osteoporosis and bone health. The nurses are supported by a group of scientific and medical advisers, to ensure the information they give is accurate, independent and up-to-date.
The Helpline is free from UK landines, mobiles and call boxes. You do not need to be a member of the charity to use this service.
Thank you this helps a lot, I’m not sure what she scored from the dexa scan.
She’s been prescribed nothing from the drs only painkillers! She’s not been referred to a rheumatologist either, I think it’s definitely a trip back to the drs and get her on the right track!
Hi, Sorry to hear of your Mums pain, it sounds from what she is experiencing shes possibly had a further fracture. In my experience these fractures cause excrutiating pain.First get your mum back to the Doctors and insist for something stronger for the pain your Mum needs to rest while the fractures heal, above all no bending, lifting, reaching, carrying, also ask for a referall to Orthopedics, from there on she will have an MIR of the spine.
They will arrange all that is necessary, and possibly refer her to the pain clinic.
I have to warn you it's a slow process and you have to push all the way.
Your Mum is very lucky to have a Daughter who cares so much for her.
Read my posts,I think they may be of help the replies are not there to frighten people they are there to answer the Questions we want answers to.
Others own experiences are the best way of finding out.
Your poor Mum. I have had vertebral fractures and as well as pills I used a TENS machine to help with the pain, and a cold pad alternating with gentle heat. After a couple of months I was able to gradually get moving and to walk a bit further each month. I have taken the medication recommended and and can now live a normal life, though I take a wedge and a cushion if I am going to sit anywhere for any time, like a restaurant. There is hope, but your Mum will always need to take extra care. And she must get her medication.
So sorry to hear that. but I have also same problem, I was suffered from rheumatoid arthritis spread to whole body over last 30 years ,so had to change my job from a nurse & physio therapist to a librarian where I don't need stand on your feet, then my osteoporosis was soon developed ,and 2 years ago I had a bad constipation which was caused by spinal fracture. Definitely Corset helps a lot to support spine. but somehow body shape keep changing, it is difficult to find the best fitted one, therefore keep looking for and keep changing it. you have to move slowly and carefully. For my osteoporosis I take Colecalciferol tablet and Alendronicacid, which are prescript by doctor. hopefully they are preventing or slowing down further fracture. Never stop moving. if stop and keep sitting down or laying down for hours that aggravates her condition. Try to keep her life as normal as possible that is the best medicine. hope, managed to read and understand my explanation. (I'm not native )
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