Right side pain

[Tofueater]

This is my first post, apart from responses to others. I had an accident in 2020 and fractured my left hip which required a full hip replacement. This was my first indication that I had osteoporosis as I had a follow-up Dexa scan. I was put on Alendronic acid and calcium and vitamin D tablets. In January 2023 I suddenly experienced severe back pain which was initially diagnosed as a back spasm. However, no amount of pain killers helped and I ended up in A&E where a CT scan showed that I had three spinal compression fractures. The pain, as I’m sure many of you will have experienced, was dreadful. Since then I have had a course of Evenity and an infusion of Zolendronate. One of the problems that I have had for the last two years is a bad pain in my right side at waist height. It’s not all the time but is very frequent, often when I am walking about and often after eating. I wonder has anyone else experienced the same? I can’t straighten my back properly due to the compression fractures, I walk differently, have lost an inch in height and my stomach now protrudes……..what joy! Still, I appreciate that many of you have much worse to deal with and my thoughts are with you. Not many people understand the pain and discomfort that living with severe osteoporosis entails. Warm thoughts to you all in this community.

[Sleeplessinlife]

Hi tofueater, I'm impressed you got a ct scan, after my January 2024 severe back pain, including to a and e visits , nothing was done, sent home on diclofenic. Eventually a trainee gp asked if I had had an xray! Anyway, that's water under the bridge now as they say, 7 compression/ wedge fractures now diagnosed. I'm getting a lot of left sided pain. I'm putting it down to squashed intestines. Like you, I can't stay upright well, and I'm permanently 6months pregnant. I empathise 100%. Currently trying to work out what to wear on Xmas day, anyone got fashion tips for a glammed up look to disguise baby?

[ABwn in reply to Sleeplessinlife]

Hi Sleeplessinlife - like you I have swelling similar to pregnancy. I also have a hiatus hernia, so double swelling. I found dresses that aren't waisted, similar to dresses and tops that you used to get when I was pregnant many, many years ago!! The trouble is the glammed up ones can be very expensive. Good luck finding something.

[fraid in reply to Sleeplessinlife]

Re clothes to disguise osteo tum etc. I wear loose long tops, mostly black. Have to get elasticated waist leggins several sizes too big to accommodate bulge but the skinny legs on them suit mine so not flapping about round there-it's not the 70s loon pants era! Black covers a lot and looks elegant and slimming ( I tell meself 😁) you can add a dash of colour for contrast.

Xmas day I plan to wear long black velvet skirt that has long shiny bead belt, long black poloneck ( thermals underneath) , pearls, long silver or blue necklace outside- depends on man's blue waistcoat or beige & gold one ( would match my gold converse) disguise shape pulled in a bit at back, leggins underneath ( it's cold 🥶 and I'm not expecting any shenanigans 🤭 🙁). Loud earrings and lippy, probably silver or black slipper boots. Shall look like a yeti but shall be warm,I made the effort so shall have plenty booze at hand! Merry Xmas!🤶Too soon? Well you did ask! 🤗😂😂

[ABwn]

Hi Tofueater - my specialist in the Rheumatology Dept doesn't use Dexa scans, instead he trusts in MRI scans. I fell just before last Christmas and was diagnosed with compression fractures alongside RA and osteoporosis. I also have a bad pain in my right hip, which sometimes extends down to ankle. I also have a hiatus hernia, and difficulty keeping a straight back. Still no idea what is causing the pain in my right hip, it's now higher than my left. Walking hurts back as well. My physio has advised me to walk as much as possible and when the pain gets too much to sit down and bend forward. That would be ok if I didn't live in a built up area!! I looked forward to retiring and being able to travel abroad when I wanted to. I do miss not being able to walk very far. Take care and good luck.

[Tofueater in reply to ABwn]

Thank you for your reply. I do hope that you can sort out your hip pain. I think some of the problems that we experience is from referred pain from other areas in our bodies. Whatever, the pain is there and is very unpleasant and tiring. I wish you well and be gentle with yourself.

[fraid in reply to Tofueater]

I agree a lot is referred pain. I get it all over the place inc.between waist and pelvis at side, think also coz my kyphosis makes lower ribs rub on pelvis so try pull them apart a bit and massage pain, ibuleve. So many of us in such a state, terrible. Accept and adapt is my motto and smile even through gritted teeth, releases endorphins which make you feel better! 😁😬🤗

[Tofueater in reply to fraid]

Dear Fraid, thank you for your reply. I will try massage when the pain hits my side. I also find bending over and sitting down for a few minutes, when I can, a good help. As you say, keep smiling……it really does help😊.

[Ketchican]

Thank goodness for this helpline and I so feel for us all with this horrible condition. However, as to the pain that you describe which I share having three spinal fractures mis-diagnosd and subsequent Kyphosis, I find the exercises that ROS recommend to address the pain of spinal fractures, really help me manage the pain. The best two being The Bridge and The Cat. The other one that is good is the stand-up press-up against the wall with tightened shoulder blades I now have one shoulder blade significantly lower than the other but black and dark polo neck sweaters disguise it. The tummy issue is a real bind because not only does it look so unattractive but my trousers do not fit and a large size drowns me everywhere else! pain around the hip and ribs can be vicious and is worse when sitting and I avoid leaning forward and only do that with a floor exercise when I sit on my feet and stretch my arms out straight as far as I can and that seems to help. Good luck everyone. I had just retired too aged 77 years and was planning on travel etc - keep smiling. x

[Morganalefaye]

Have you had a recent MRI scan? I developed scoliosis having had a similar history to yours.