Advice

[Coppock]

Just been told I have osteoporosis after having scan doctor prescribed alendrolic acid 70mg 1per week is this classed as a disability I'm claiming universal credit as not working due to back pain and recently lost mum just wondered as they are pushing me to go back into work as I have been a carer in community number years and I know I won't be able to do heavy lifting or moving. Just need some advice oh I'm on ad Al d3 750mg 2 twice a day. Thank you.

[Met00]

Assuming you're in the UK, osteoporosis isn't classified as a disability in itself, but you may be classed as disabled because of limitations resulting from the effects of osteoporosis, such as fractures or loss of height. You may be able to apply for PIP, which would involve an assessment to decide whether you were eligible for it. If you're limited in what you can do, under disability legislation employers have to make reasonable adjustments to the workplace to make it possible for you to continue working if possible. Back problems would count as a disability in this instance, with adjustments, for example, including appropriate supportive seating. I don't know what reasonable adjustments could be made for a carer, unless they can find a different role for you. Do you belong to a union? If so, they should be able to advise. Or you could get in touch with the Citizen's Advice Bureau.

[HeronNS]

That is a pretty hefty calcium supplement, as wbiC suggests. How much Vitamin D are you getting from it? You probably need less calcium, more Vitamin D (depending what's in that supplement) and also if you can please add Vitamin K2 (not K1). Vitamin K2, along with magnesium, is very important for getting calcium into the bones where you want it and not settling onto the walls of blood vessels or into organs where it can do harm.

[Dorsetlass2300]

Hello. I have no advice for you on your disability queries. However, your prescription for Adcal 750 g twice a day is the same as mine. But I only take half of that . So 2 tablets a day because that is a lot of calcium which can be detrimental. The GP’s never ask which foods we eat - they just prescribe all your calcium needs through tablets. Try to research which foods are good sources of calcium and build up your intake that way. There are many calculators online which can help you work out your calcium intake through food. Also follow Heron NS’ good advice on Vitamin K2. There is a bit of Vitamin D in your ADcal but top up safely with sun when it shines again! I wish you well.

[Dolliedodge]

Hi , yes you can claim pip , they will see how your condition effects your day to day life , I revive pip . Also tell universal credit and they will send you to there dr as well , so you will not have to sign on. Sorry you have this horrible condition and good luck with your claim .

[Jennymary]

Just a word of warning, I was registered blind in October 2017, before I was diagnosed with osteoporosis in the spine, I also have a few, other health issues, applied for PIP, sent off my Certificate of Visual Impairment, also a clinic letter stating left eye blind, had a face to face assessment, results came back, Care aspect nil, which I expected, Mobility aspect mil, didn't appeal for a lot of reasons, sorry this isn't related to bone health though

[Sunseaandsand]

Hi, No osteoporosis is not classed as a disability and it will not make you eligible to claim any disability allowance.

I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your mum, there is no one like our mums and although it is now a good number of years since the loss of mine I still miss her terribly.

If you have to do heavy lifting in your role of carer you could put yourself at risk of fracture so you do need to avoid that at all costs.

Is it at all possible to continue your work without being involved with the lifting??

Maybe you could take on lighter duties, if not then perhaps a chamge of workplace would be your best option.

I do not mean to sound harsh in anyway but osteoporosis and backache is not a cause to claim disability benefits.

Please do not label yourself as disabled when you are clearly not.

Enjoy your health why you have it and make the most of any mobility you have, fit plenty of weight bearing excersise into your daily routine,

have a good diet andprotect your bones in every way you can.

[AnnieW55]

Good advice given above. I was automatically given AdCal D3 on leaving hospital after a hip fracture. Those tablets were giving me 1250mg of calcium before any dietary calcium and 25mcg of D3. After speaking with my osteo consultant we agreed I was getting enough calcium from my diet and didn’t need the calcium tablets. (You can work out your calcium intake from the many lists on the internet.). Vitamin D3 should be taken, if necessary, after having your level assessed via a blood test. In the UK it is likely that you will not get enough sunshine to increase your D3 levels, especially if you spend most of your time indoors. You can get D3 on prescription in some areas but is one supplement that is cheap to buy.