t12 and exercise

[Radars]

is there anyone with my dx t12 with superior end-plate deformity that still do exercises because someone has said to be very careful as your compression disc's can collapse more, I get a bit breathless when I go for my daily walk, I have had a reclast infusion last April but I don't know if it is doing any good. any help please.

[Fruitandnutcase]

Radars is there any chance of finding someone with the right sort of knowledge who can explain to you exactly what is going on with your spine and your osteoporosis? Does your hospital have a specialist osteoporosis physiotherapist you could talk things over with?

After I saw the osteoporosis specialist nurse I was booked in to a physiotherapy session with the osteoporosis physiotherapist. Unfortunately that was cancelled because of covid but she phoned me and was really, really helpful so if you could be put in touch with someone like that it would really help you.

As for knowing whether or not your infusion is working I imagine you would need another DEXA scan.

[Radars in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

I am waiting for a referral, and I have put in a request for a scan of my spine, don't know how long it will take the way things are.

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to Radars]

Radars, I have got all my fingers crossed that your referral and scan come soon, 🤞

While you are waiting make a list of all the questions you need answered and take it with you so that you can go through it all with the person you see.

There is nothing worse than coming out of a consultation and realising that you have forgotten to ask about something so making a list before I went was what I ended up doing. You could also write down all the bits that hurt etc.

I’ve posted a link below to the breathing exercises we do at Pilates - it’s good to think that just lying down and breathing is helping your back. Also if you are doing push ups which might be a lot for your spine have you tried just doing them against a wall, that’s much more gentle.

Maybe you need to think of ‘exercise’ more as keeping your body moving gently rather than sitting around a lot or doing the type of exercises you did before your fractures.

[Radars in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

the pressups is what keeps my strength up I make sure I keep my spine straight, I always have done deep breathing the best I can bit harder with compressed disc's and reduced lung capacity.

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to Radars]

Just go gently - don’t go mad! You’ll probably find it easier the more you do it. You really need to see a really good, kind physiotherapist who is used to working with people with our sort of problems.

[CallMeSunny]

excellent advice from F&NCase, Radars……….gently does it is the way to go. You can refer yourself to NHS Physiotherapy (ask your GP Reception for your local phone number), then ask if you can see someone who treats osteoarthritis/spinal issues patients. Or…you could always put out a request on here; say which area of the country you live and ask for recommendations. Other things you might like to consider if you feel you can’t wait for the appointments your GP is arranging for you..Private X rays (priced around £200), REMS or Osteoscan diagnosis (you might have to travel to one) for bone density and half an hour with an orthopaedic consultant ..around £220. Go steady!

[CallMeSunny]

Another though!…..have you seen the really excellent videos on YouTube by Margaret Martin specifically for those of us with Osteoporosis? Thoroughly recommend.

[Radars in reply to CallMeSunny]

yeah but that's not for severe osteoporosis, she uses weights.

[DeannaAlphi in reply to Radars]

I use light weights and I have severe Osteoporosis. It is the stress on the bones and muscles which helps to strengthen the bones. I use 2, 3 and 4 pound weights very slowly and carefully.

[Mavary]

I get very breathless doing anything. My T12 is serious whatever that means. I’ve had seven fractures in all. The T12 being the worst. I’m seeing a physio through my Dr to try and be able to do more. I can walk but not far.

[Radars in reply to Mavary]

do you have pains in your back from just doing everyday things I do I don't know how many fractures I've had how do you know

[Mavary]

I can’t do much at all. I’ve had seven fractures. T12 being the worst. I hate preparing meals, washing up and many other things which you use your arms for. If I try to walk very far my back is going over more and more. So I don’t do it. I get my food because I’ve got to eat. .

[Mavary in reply to Mavary]

It definitely causes me to be breathless. I don’t want to be this person that can’t do things any more. I had four Children and I brought all them up. They are all out in the world now and have their own families. It’s a busy time getting Christmas presents for nine Grandchildren and two Great Grandchildren. Even some of them are quite grown up now. But it wasn’t easy when they were young. They always had a good cooked meal once a day and tea in the evening. And I always kept both them and the house tidy.

[Radars in reply to Mavary]

sorry you are struggling, have you any other health problems that make you breathless.

[Mavary in reply to Radars]

I have got lung problems but I think my back is what causes the breathlessness.

[Radars in reply to Mavary]

yeah it's compressed disc's that reduces lung capacity, that's why I am a little breathless when I go for my daily walk, don't know if my breathing will get worse.

[Mavary in reply to Radars]

Hopefully not.