Is this latest excruciating pain caused by another compression fracture? It's round the back of my waist. It happened when my partner blocked my access to the sink yesterday morning and I had to lean over from the side.
Compression fracture - old or new? - Bone Health and O...
Compression fracture - old or new?
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MaggieSylvie
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19 Replies
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it could be a new one. Inhave had sudden onset horrible pain and each has been a fracture (I now know). Have you had them before with minimal trauma?
I've got four, Valerie, three of them with major trauma and pain lasting many months. They had just "disappeared" when this happened!
Very possibly, this is an example of how easily they can occur. I would contact your GP or fracture liaison nurse and request an x-ray.
Really! Impossible to get a GP appointment and fracture nurse non-existent where I live. Sorry to hear of this possible new fracture and the horrible pain resulting from it. Good luck if you do manage to get an appointment.
Thank you for your good wishes. I'm hoping pain killers will allow me to manage my life. I've already had to cancel meeting a friend today because I have just come downstairs. Managed to get a dressing gown on; anything else would take too long.
That doesn't sound good. Even though my area is served by a fairly small hospital, we have a full fracture liasion service with three nurses, including a practitioner nurse and consultant. I always contact them direct when I need help and they arrange x-rays and treatment.
We now have a physiotherapist attached to the surgery and they will be able to refer me for an MRI.
I think I am getting referred for an MRI. An x-ray wouldn't necessarily show anything, and it feels as if I have damaged softer tissue as well. The nurse at the surgery has prescribed Tramadol and I'm hoping it will arrive today. I am also, as it happens, seeing the nurse on Tuesday about other things. Face to face. Indeed, they can occur very easily - like my last two. The ease of occurrence does not reduce the pain element.
Have you had a DEXA scan to establish if you have osteoporosis?
Yes, and the result was good for my age. I am taking EvacalD3 (calciferol) and took alendronic acid for a while until I found out it was not good for teeth. Hopefully, this will keep the dreaded osteoporosis away, but the wisdom is that once you have compression fractures, more are likely. I suppose it's a domino effect.
I've had an x-ray when I have suspected another compression fracture and they have always shown them clearly. But you are lucky to have an MRI. Mind you, I wouldn't be able to lay on my back for an MRI, at least I can stand for an x-ray! I hope your pain does not last. I have been left in permanent pain with my fractures and suspect I have had another recently, which is causing additional pain.
Oh, that's true. I have pain lying, sitting or standing at the moment. Tramadol has arrived and I have taken one 50 mg of modifed release tablets. They've also sent Zydol 50 mg prolonged-release tablets (tramadol hydrochloride). I think there is a little loss of pain and more weakness in my arms. It took a long time, but the pain in three of my fractures disappeared recently and the fourth only hurts under certain conditions. It does take a long time; the pain does not have to be permanent, but you may have another one. Actually, it's not that the x-rays don't pick up the fractures but the staff who read them are not experienced enough to spot them. I took my x-ray to my chiropractor and she could see it, where the hospital staff couldn't.
so sorry to hear of your pain. May I ask, do you live in the UK?
If you do, self refer for an xray. Nuffield hospitals will allow this, obviously you do have to pay for it. Their care and service is exceptional.
I don’t know if this was mentioned or whether it is suitable for you, but paracetamol alongside Tramadol seems to make it more effective.
I'm taking paracetamol now. It doesn't do much for the pain but I don't think I can get out of bed without it. It's difficult sitting up sufficiently to take water with the pills. A bit worried about tramadol. Perhaps I should have chosen co-codamol as I'm already taking pregabalin, and some days I need to be able to drive. I was enjoying being painfree when this happened!
When this first happened to me I was taking tramadol and paracetamol but at the moment I am using my partner's paracetamol. I took two this morning to help me get out of bed - not much use, but yes. I will talk to the nurse on Tuesday and get a repeat prescription for paracetamol. I've had to drop my morning dose of pregabalin because of the drowsiness.
i agree that a new fracture seems to diminish pain from the older ones !
I know what you mean. Two long periods of steroids for Ulcerative Colitis have led to 5/6 vertebral fractures this year. This pain can be intense can’t it. I’m in hospital at the moment and finding the hospital bed really good for my back thank god. I find Tramadol takes the edge off. I dont think it makes me dozy/sleepy but I keep the dose as low as I can stand.
Hi Valerie, Yes got my Tramadol this morning and it has taken "the edge" off. I'm no more sleepy than I am with my 50 ml Pregabalin in the morning. The pain is worrying. I just have to hold off until I get to see the physio, I think, who will refer me for an MRI. I don't think my bed is helping very much. I've mentioned to my partner I would like it turning but I don't expect him to remember that without my nagging, and I won't be able to help him. My home help is on holiday for three weeks. At least I see the nurse on Tuesday. I'm sorry you are suffering from the same condition and concerned that your fractures have been caused by your medication. It's good that you are being cared for at the moment. Hope you're not in hospital too long, but it does give you a break. Hope you get some visitors😊😊
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