Osteoporosis & compression fractures - 55 year old

[Sunnygirl69]

Hello there, I'm new to this forum. I'm wondering are there any other ladies on here who were diagnosed as 'young' as me? Diagnosed at 53, two compression fractures at 55. I'm feeling scared right now, this puts me in very high risk category going forward, with almost 20% risk of major fracture over next 10 years.

[CinnamonRose]

Hi sunny, I'm a few years older than you, I was diagnosed at 57 I'm 62 now I know what you mean about being scared.

It's a weird uncertain feeling, you're the same person but have been told that something in your body isn't working properly.

It makes you feel isolated and alone.

That's where this forum is so helpful.

Knowing that you're not alone and that there are others facing similar circumstances.

My consultant told me to try not to live in fear.

This has been really helpful.

It's also a big thing for your family and friends to adjust to.

I was determined to try and carry on as if nothing was wrong, but unfortunately my body didn't agree!

So you do have to try and work out what is right for you.

We've always done loads of entertaining friends and family often with an over flowing house

That's changed somewhat

We've worked out we can still do it but the daughter in law's do most of it now instead, it takes a bit of adjusting and getting a new mindset.

The boot is well and truly on the other foot!!

I now also ask for assistance in shops with heavy bags etc.

You'll find that most people respond very kindly and are only too happy to help.

The ROS has help line, the staff are wonderful, very helpful and sympathetic, if you're struggling they'll be happy to help, even if it's only to talk things through to get it straight in your head

I do find writing down something positive everyday does help, it's a good way to finish the day.

A friend suggested it to me and it's surprising how many things I can write down even on a bad day.

I hope this helps a little

I've not been on here very long but I've found the community really helpful

Xx

[betloww]

Hi I also have been diagnosed with oesteopenia and osteoporosis. Im 55. 1.55m tall and weighs only 40kg. I still jog everyday for 1.5hrs. Tomorrow i will be getting my evenity injection.

[KieranB]

I’m afraid I’m not a ‘lady’

Yes there are men on here and I’m 46 and was diagnosed with a -4.7 t score in my back and -2.5 and -3 in hips in the summer. I have 8 compression fractures.

I’m waiting for an operation and to see a proper rheumatologist in January.

I’ve extremely scared but the ROS nurses are excellent.

Keep going with your medical appointments and do t always believe the statistics!

K

[Dor68]

Hi, I was also diagnosed early, with is Osto , at 50, and recently they missed I have ankoylosis spondylitis of my back which they missed on X-ray 6 years ago, I’ve also been diagnosed with osto/ arthritis in my hands.

I broke my hip so easy 6 years ago when I was 50, only by tripping over my puppy in front room, which is carpeted, the consultant said there was an older fracture to on X-ray? I’ve fractured few ribs, by sneezing and coughing,

I have now a whole new metal hip, and to be honest it’s never been the same, I can’t walk like I used to, ( long) I’m in pain a lot with my hips, I can’t horse ride any more for the fear of falling. I have to think ahead of where my family want to go or do, it’s very isolating for me now, although I have 2 little dogs now, and I HAVE to go out for a walk, etc, which they have been my godsend,

I’m on vit D, calcium, Naproxen , Alendronic Acid tablets, once a week, other meds to not connected to this disease but now they want me to start to inject myself with Adalimumab which I’ve been putting it off for nearly a year, as I’ve read the side effects. I just don’t want to feel even more isolated on it, as I read it lowers your immunity.

I think as long as you get monitored regularly for your bones, that’s the best, as mine was missed, I’m careful what I do, now, as it is a fear, esp after breaking my hip, ( I live on my own) so was layed on living room floor for hours unable to move.

It’s about thinking ahead, I live in a house, and I know the stairs are beginning to be an issue, so would like to move to a bungalow, but the ones which are nice are more expensive, so am unable to at the mo,

Just because they say you are at risk, you may not, it’s about pre planning, and knowing what you can or shouldn’t do, my daughter in law, son and kids want to go away sking for her 40th, I’m fed up as I know I can’t go, I don’t think people realise how it can hold you back and make you fear somethings,

I need to put a shower in, and grab rails, I have rails on my bed to help me up, I’ve now got an automatic car ( higher up ) suv. It’s all the things we didn’t have to think about before!

A good occupational therapist can be fantastic, for ideas, to.

[Teriparatide2024 in reply to Dor68]

I had to move from a house the stairs to a bungalow. So what I did was moved to a ‘ park home’ which was much than a normal bungalow. Best decision I ever made! I love it. Very comfortable. Lots of light. Very warm. Xx

[Sunnygirl69]

Thank u for your comments, sorry Kieran. Something Cinnamon Rose said bout living in fear, that's how I am now. I am blessed I have a loving husband & 3 beautiful kids but I feel I will almost have to wrap myself in cotton wool going forward. I don't want to live in fear but I don't want to ever be in this position again either, recovering from vertebral compression fractures.Dor68 I like what u said bout planning ahead but

What can I do if anything to take myself out of high risk category?

[Dor68 in reply to Sunnygirl69]

I think it’s about more being, knowledgable of the condition, as there’s so much info, I like Poor Ruby have fibromyalgia , I think discuss options of meds with your consultant, then go and find information of the pros and cons, ( I’ve been nearly a year) can’t deciding on my injections

Gentle exercise is good, walking, see if doctor can refer you to a hydrotherapy pool, your body will tell you what your able to do.

Foods which are good for inflammation ( I’m still learning) also I think on here talking to others who are going through it, may give you an idea which you haven’t thought off!

[Rooruby]

Hi I too was diagnosed early around 46. I had Alendronic Acid on and off up until this year as I have started teriparatide injection. They also suggested prolia but I did not wantvto take that due to rebound effect. I had a fracture of spine Sept 23 and as off now still has not repaired hence why the suggested teriparatide. It is a daily injection which I have tolerated very well and you take for 2 years. I was very upset was I was told I had it and refused all meds etc. I finally met a lovely consultant around 8 years ago who really explained everything and then I began to accept it. I try to walk most days and up until the fracture was very active but due to severe pain as I also have osteoarthritis fibromyalgia and scoliosis someday it's tough. As for meds I personally avoid opiates due to side effects but take low dose gabapentin and use heat pads and do hydrotherapy. Good luck and I'm sure you will find this forum very helpful

[Purplegrey44]

Hi, I'm 44yrs old & was diagnosed a few months ago, after braking 2 ribs & no idea how I'd done it. I understand exactly how you feel I'm really scared about braking any more bones.

[Sleeplessinlife]

I had my 7 compression fractures diagnosed this year, I'm careful how I move and turn and stretch, but I'm not living in fear. I'm very aware of the risks. But you have to try and live a life. Its not the same, I have adopted cinnamon roses habit of writing each day in my diary, the good bits, and sometimes the bad, but I can now look over the whole year and see how I have improved. It's been slow, it's not remarkable, but it's better. I've taken tips from many in this forum. The heat pad has been one of them, it helps me enormously. It's not the life I hoped for at my age (67), but I'm adapting. Working out every single day what helps or hinders progress. I'd say try not to think of worst case scenarios. Instead, read everything, and be thankful evermore for this forum and all who contribute.

[Coffeepixie]

I was diagnosed at 49 via a DEXA scan due to early menopause and a grandmother who had severe osteoporosis. It has altered how I do everything including my diet, exercise and avoiding lifting anything heavy. I feel lucky to be aware of it so early on as a lot of people here are only diagnosed when they have their first break. It's a shame that in the UK (I don't know about elsewhere) there seems to be little or no prevention such as scans for women at the start of menopause and men at a certain age point

[uptheyard]

Hi, not quite as young as you but was 59 and it happened during covid so was not able to speak to a doctor or see a doctor (who only prescribed paracetamol etc) even though I said it felt like I was crumpling up. Eventually husband paid for mri scan after 5 months of agony and was diagnosed with 5 lumbar and 1 t12 (one was still healing at this point). I live on farm with horses, sheep, alpacas etc and now mostly do what I did before, I still work as well. Have had very little help/advice from the doctors apart from just handing out drugs, so NHS best in the world - I don't think so. Unfortunately probably due to lack of help my most annoying problems are loss of height leading to fat tummy and round shoulders. The worst thing is any exercises are mostly geared to little old ladies in their 80's . I muck out horses pushing wheelbarrows, carrying water buckets etc so sitting exercises are a bit pointless!!!

It does get better, just don't give up or give in.

Well that's rant of the day over.