Osteoporosis with gastric issues - advice please

[EllieJ1970]

I have just joined this group, having been diagnosed with osteoporosis earlier this year. I have 3 insufficiency fractures, which are still giving me a lot of pain on a daily basis. However, I also have very severe gastric issues - I have a long history of IBS, which was, until late 2021, managed by modifying my lifestyle and diet. I maintained a steady (albeit low) weight and managed to live a relatively normal life. The symptoms suddenly worsened in later 2021 and the cause is still being investigated. I have found that since my diagnosis/vertebral fractures, that my stomach protrudes to the extent that I look as though I am in the early stages of pregnancy. This is due to trapped gas, which makes the back pain worse by radiating to my back. I know that's what it is because passing wind relieves the back pain. It can sometimes be agonising as well as very anxiety inducing. Does anyone here have a similar experience and has anything worked to help with this? I just need to be able somehow to release the trapped air.

[Teriparatide2024]

Hi Ellie. Apart from severe osteoporosis, I have a similar history to you regarding digestive disorder. Always avoid brassica vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, etc.). I have to eat little and often (five small meals a day). So long as I do, this all is well.. Have you tried Windeze (active ingredient is Simeticone)? This breaks up the bubbles containing gas, and relieves the symptoms. Beware of sticking to the instructions on box (don’t overdo).

[EllieJ1970 in reply to Teriparatide2024]

Hi - thanks so much for your reply. Yes, I have tried Simeticone and unfortunately it didn't help, and yes I was very careful as regards dosage! Is there anything else you can recommend to release the trapped gas?

[Teriparatide2024 in reply to EllieJ1970]

Never. Never, eat brassica vegetables......

[ROSModerator Partner]

Hi EllieJ1970,

Just wanted to wish you a very warm welcome to our community 😊 It sounds like there's a lot of things that you have been managing, and experiencing daily pain with that can be really exhausting. We have lots of wonderful supportive members here so I really hope you're able to find the support you're looking for here. Just in case you haven't already checked out our website, we have lots of information about living with osteoporosis, and even a helpline where you can speak to our friendly nurses for specialist advice. For more information, see: theros.org.uk/information-a...

All the very best,

Lulu

ROS Moderator

[EllieJ1970 in reply to ROSModerator]

Hi Lulu - thank you! I have had some lovely responses, so feel really comforted by that. I have already spoken on 3 occasions to the nurses and they were absolutely fantastic. Really reassuring as well as giving helpful tips and information about how to deal with what I'm going through.

[uncountable3]

Do you have a compression fracture at or near T8? I also have IBS. My osteoporosis diagnosis came with a line about "Severe Kyphotic curve". I have seen multiple physical therapists for kyphosis. While I failed to achieve any real progress I have learned some things that help. In particular, rolling slowly on a foam roller on the floor in just the right spot is often met with a crackle and gas release. For me, the relief is not permanent but it does help for a few hours.

My IBS has worsened since the osteoporosis diagnosis. I attribute this to being unable to restrict my diet so much for fear of undernouring my bones.

It is well known that kyphosis can cause digestive issues but I find that IBS bloat hampers my ability to stretch on the spine. The direction of the cause -> effect arrow is unclear.

[Coulby in reply to uncountable3]

Hi there..I'm on the LOW FODMAP DIET FOR IBS.It is amasing..You can also put any IBS LOW FODMAP APP onto your phone...It gives you a week of breakfast lunch dinner and in-between snacks, shopping list, symptom tracker,mood tracker...AND...its easy peezy. You lose a lot of excess fluid on it from the belly and joints.

At 72 I'm fantastic on it, even the pain in my lower back has lessened lots..It has not affected my Osteoporosis infact it feels a bit better.

Hope this helps🌻

[EllieJ1970 in reply to Coulby]

Hi - thank you for your reply - unfortunately I have tried the LOW FODMAP diet and for some reason it made absolutely no difference. However, since I did so is the period in which my symptoms have worsened so thank you for the suggestion - I will try it again as I know it has helped a very large number of people. I'm just happy to hear that it's worked so well for you.

[Coulby in reply to EllieJ1970]

Oh I'm sorry that didn't work for you..it was a blessing for me..I wish you the very best.xx

[EllieJ1970 in reply to uncountable3]

Thank you for your reply - my fractures are are at T7, 11 and 12 but I will definitely try out the foam roller suggestion - it makes sense that this would help with the trapped gas. Even if the relief isn't permanent, a few hours would be a huge bonus right now!