Evening. This is my first post althogh I`ve been meaning to join for months!
I was diagnosd about years ago and was prescribed Risedronate and Ad Cal. I have no idea about what my scores are; in fact initially I was prescribed the above meds after a phone call in which I described my symptoms and the GP said in that case I probably had osteoporosis. A few months later i did see another GP and had a bone scan which confirmd this apparently. I also had an MRI which revealed bulging lumbar discs and a fractured vertibrae. I had a broken wrist a year or so before that but didnt think that was other than a normal break and didn`t suspect anything else.
Reading lots of posts here I feel comparatively lucky. I don`t get any side effects from the medication and have ad no further breaks. I do suffer backache and find it too painful to walk the dogs which I used to do regularly but othr than that I do most normal activities. My main concern is my loss of height. I understand that this happens frequently and of course is partially owing to my curved spine. The problem is that having lost 5 and a half inches from my uppr body, i can only describe it as having concertinaed leaving folds of flesh. These are not only unsightly but leave me feeling very uncomfortable and often breathless as my ribs are being restricted. I am wondering if others have exeperienced this and if there is anything that can help.
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Julemark
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I had no idea I had lost height until xmas 2023 when my daughter said she looked taller than me now. At that point I was in the middle of 'muscular backache'...according to physio at gp practice. I measured my height in Jan 2024, I was 1.5inches shorter, couldn't believe it. Then as pains did not improve etc,by the time gp took me seriously, at bone scan in may this year I had lost 3.5inches. After reading here,the answer is no, it's not unusual to lose height after compression fractures of vertebrae. I didn't have severe pain with the first, but when the thoracic ones occurred my life changed completely. I love walking, but it's no longer a pleasure. It's an essential part of an excercise routine and a reason to get out of house to lift my mood. I'm still hoping it will improve, and the exercises and back stretches do help my breathing and squashed gut. It's taken ages, but it's got a little more bearable. My body may not be pretty, but I'm learning how to disguise my lumps with scarfs and roomier tops. I have taken on board lots of advice from this forum, and enjoy dropping in to read posts most days. It's therapy!. I find the exercise videos from the R.O.S site very helpful. I'm nearly a year on from my most recent back flare up, it's been slow progress, but there is some light at end of tunnel.
Julemark I' m 68 and started Risedronate just two months ago, with no side effects so far. I would suggest you to make a better investigation about your back pain. My doctor also took the same medicine and also no side effects. However in my opinion ( not a doctor) it is good to start the exercices at ROS page.
I have lost nearly 4 inches in last 8 years due to my Osteoporosis. I also get breathless due to my cuviture of my spine and the huge amount of metalwork the Neurosurgeons have put in my spine as it crumbles. Unfortunately, nothing can be done about height but me and the family just make fun and laugh that I have become a little elf! I realised years ago the only way not to let the dreaded Osteoporosis get to you is to think positive and keep "taking the pills"! Good luck and try to keep smiling. I know that some days that's hard to do.
I’ve lost 10cm in height and like you my middle is all squashed up. My goal is now to loose some weight to make some room. (Do they calculate BMI based on you old height or your new height?). I feel for you as it is uncomfortable and walking is hard because it’s hard holding your body upright.
I lost 6 1/2 inches from at least 6 vertebral fractures, my kyphosis is quite bad but you get used to it. I find the worst bit is when your 'fat flaps' get sweaty and sore under boobs so use Proshield gel. I used to have a great body now it's totally wrecked! 🤷♀️ What can you do? Not worry - accept and adapt. I have other more pressing health problems atm so that takes my mind off it. Buy some loose tops? 🤗
Just wanted to wish you a very warm welcome to our community, thank you for joining us here 😊 Losing height just as you describe can affect us in lots of different ways which can be really difficult, and even change the way we feel about ourselves. It can help to share our experiences with others who understand what it's like, so we hope you continue to use our community and connect with our wonderful members 😊
In case you haven't already checked us out, we also have lots of information and support on our website: theros.org.uk/information-a...
I lost 10cm in height when I had two spinal fractures. I was horrified that I know have rolls of flab round my tummy, and my boobs now sit on the top roll of flab!
it’s also hard to stand or sit upright without some support, not helped by osteoarthritis in both hips! I’m doing the back strengthening exercises on the ROS website and think they do help.
Hi Juliemark. Oh yes I can relate to that. I was fine six years ago. Now I’ve got rolls of fat, my back is rounded and my tummy sticks out like I’m pregnant. I havent found a cure yet but if you should hear of one please let me know. I’ve lost three or four inches. I’ve had seven fractures in my spine.
Hi Mavary. I thought you were describing me at first, I just thought I was alone. It is my tummy that I really struggle with especially in the evening, I am trying to loose weight to see if it makes a difference but finding it hard
I was diagnosed in 2023 following months of agony and them trying to do physio I asked for a MRI to find out what was wrong which turned out to be osteoporosis and 5 fractures
I don’t have pain when I am sitting and I sleep ok, but as soon as I stand on my feet the pain starts and gets worse as the day goes by. Also the kyphosis gets bad as the day goes by
Me too. I can lie in bed but I’ve got to lie on my sides. I went to the dentist in the week and that’s agony to lie on my back. I was going to put my coat at the back of my head because of the Kyphos. I can’t put my head down without it. I can walk a little way but not far. I walked half way down the town a week or so ago. I had to stop and go in a cafe because I couldn’t walk another step. I had a coffee and cake and was there about half an hour then I revived enough to walk home. It was such a relief to get home and sit in my recliner. I sit most of the day anyway. I just put my washing away and I had to sit down. It’s a horrible thing to have. The pain is horrendous.
Oh Mavary it is exactly the same for me, I have to sleep on my side, can only lie on one because I broke my shoulder a couple of years ago and can’t lay on that side, when I last went to the dentist it was agony for me too, I just wanted to cry. I manage shopping but have a walker so I can sit if I want to and when we go for a longer walk I use an electric scooter, my husband pushes my walker so I can use that a little as well. I do a lot of crafts which involve bending and standing which I really struggle with so doing a bit then sitting. I can’t believe how much my life has changed in less than 2 years
That’s a brilliant idea. I’ve got a cheap little plastic one I can put up then put away after. But that killed my back. I’ve had a bad day with mine today. Mind you most days are bad.
I have had a bad week, not sure why other than trying to do too much, yesterday was particularly bad so just sat and did nothing I am hoping it’s going to be better today
I’ve had a bad week too. I had a fall about a week ago and since I did that my back has been worse when doing things and I don’t think I’m walking as good now. I hurt my leg as well and it’s still giving me trouble. I’m wondering if I’ve maybe chipped the bone under my knee.
I am so sorry to hear that, perhaps you need to go to A&E to check to see if you have damaged your knee. I have we had to up my meds because my back has not improved
That’s why I’ve got my scooter. I can go where I want on it. Without it I would be stuck home. I walk around the house ok but I can’t do very far as a straight walk.
hi Julemark, I have also lost 5 inches in height and had kyphosis and the osteoporosis tum, I use a Spinomed back brace which my consultant advised to give me support it has been a great help and I can now walk a lot better, these braces are made to measure will send pictures
Hi primrose81 these Spinomed back brace are prescribed by my consultant, so not had to pay they are made to measure and the appliance department at my local hospital sorted it, could ask your GP if they can sort it out for you.
Years ago I was at the chest clinic at the hospital and when my height was measured I mentioned I must have shrunk. The staff nurse just said "you will have due to the osteoporosis in your spine". I was horrified! Rheumatology has d8scharged me 6 times now since the original Consultant retired as I received Procaine infusions for years. The problem was Procaine was a little used local anaesthetic and not for infusions for fibromyalgia. It did help me and I had it for several years. Problem was there had been no research into using it that way and it wasn't licensed for that use. When he retired the hospital had most of those patients discharged. I was later and re-referred 5 more times. Every time I asked about Mt bones and was just told it was fine as I couldn’t take Calcichews. The latest time was October or November last year. This year in March I stepped over a puppy gate breaking 7 bones. I chipped some, injured my achieves tendon and very badly dislocated the ankle. Orthopaedics called it smashed. Now had a bone scan and in my spine, even worse and both hips. The density is horrendous and started Eventi today.
Sounds painful. I just stepped over a puppy gate in the garden and heard it. I knew straight away I had broken something. Didn't realise it was 7! If it was beside your big / great toe then it can also affect your balance.
I don’t know how mine happened I just thought it was aches and pains like we do. When it didn’t go away I went to the Dr. She gave me some cream to put on. I went back about a week or so later and she said well I’ll send you for an X-ray but I don’t think it’s broke. The next day I had a phone call. I’m afraid you have broken my foot.
Hi Julemark, this is also my first post. I am sorry for your pain, but thank you for your posts and the replies, they have made me feel more normal.
In 2020 I was 5ft 9in and I am now 5ft 2in. I find clothing difficult, and yesterday, I had to ask someone in the supermarket to reach some yogurts on the top shelf. Previously, my shopping was interrupted by others asking me, it is things like this which I find hard.
The nurse at my doctors laughed when I had lost 2 inches, but things have now moved on, and I have an appointment tomorrow with the MRI results and to check that I am on the best medicine.
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