Is it unusual to lose lots of height?

[Julemark]

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.

[Sleeplessinlife]

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.

[Verauk]

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.

[Meuslialways]

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.

[Samosalover]

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.

[Crystalbowl]

I have lost about 4 inches in height over the last few years.

[fraid]

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? 🤗

[ROSModerator Partner]

Hi Julemark ,

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...

Wishing you the very best,

Lulu

ROS Moderator

[Lunasgran]

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.

[Mavary]

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.

[Lilbil]

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

Back brace