Osteoporosis and Spinal Fractures

[Missus835]

Hi all. Early last week I thought I had fractured another vertebrae. I was "standing" at the kitchen counter, holding on with one hand, and my back collapsed inward. Pain around waist to navel began immediately. Hoping it would settle, by Friday it had not, so went to ER. They did a new CT scan. The resident misinterpreted the findings, as I did have a copy of the previous report. His contradicted what the surgeon had told me about possible new fractures occurring on either side of the vertebroplasties. Monday I attempted to get copies of the new report. No luck. Finally, yesterday, I reached out to Neurologist's Admin. She sent me copies of all 3 reports. I wish I had not opened that can of worms. Whilst reading the most recent, my surgeon called. Believe it or not! It's not looking great for my back and my arteries are quite a mess. 7 new fractures and a lot of plaque throughout body. I will attach the report. The scary part is the plaque issue and of course daughter reminded me that I did have the medications. She does not have GAD and does not get the "logic" of why I did not take them. If I could explain anxiety...I would. Maybe in another post.

You see, I did not take the AA as it was ruining my stomach and esophagus. Nor did I take the Rasuvastatin because I was afraid of the possible fx; more soreness etc., which when added to the back, I could not handle.. That is where my general anxiety kicked in. Now I have to take the statin and scheduled for Zolendronic Infusion next week. Oh yes, a blood pressure pill. This is the first time any practioner has addressed my BP since PMR started or in ALL those previous trips to the ER. My thyroid markers are good though. I now have a home BP monitor.

Spoke with my NP yesterday who is arranging a stat, urgent MRI at Surgeon's request, so he can accurately determine which vertebrae are acute and need more vertebroplasties. He said, "I don't want to fill your whole spine with cement".

Both of them went over the scan report and NP addressed the issues in her wheelhouse. I'm also scheduled for a follow-up BDX next week; something my rheumy never did.

Today begins the statin and the BP pill journey. So many damn pills, but I need them because the alternative isn't great. Long post I know. TIA for your thoughts.

[Miserere]

I can only offer my sympathy - in barrow-loads. I am so sorry you are having to go through all this and can only imagine how you must feel sometimes. I do hope the medications and surgery at least ease things for you. Take care xxx

[Missus835 in reply to Miserere]

Thank you. Not completely recovered from last surgery on Sept 21. Back is still quite bruised and tender. Unsure when or if next one will be. In the meantime I'm in good spirits. Neighbour asked how I was not depressed. I do cry with the pain occasionally and the frustration of being mostly on the bed for going on 4 months having had no answers until recently. My new NP is on the ball. Take care m'dear🌹

[SheffieldJane]

You are going to have to surrender to these necessary treatments, you have the irrefutable evidence that they are necessary to rescue your mobility. You need to flag up the side effects that you suffer and agree to yet more medication to protect your digestive system. You need much more advice than you have ever had, to deal with all of this and you need to heed it. Try not to think of this as a can of worms but as a complex set of problems to be addressed by well trained people. Take your very sensible sounding daughter with you when you have a consultation. She will hear beyond the “ white noise” of fear. Wishing you the best possible outcomes. Keep us posted Missus835.

[Missus835 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Yes you're not wrong SJ. Heeding the advice snd I already take 2 doses of ppi to protect the stomach. My daughter goes to each and every consultation. What does "flag up" mean? Thank you m'dear...🌻

[HeronNS in reply to Missus835]

Flag up = Emphasize the side effects and draw the relevant medical person's attention to them and how they affect your quality of life. I think this is like the referee waving a flag to draw attention to an infraction, or traffic control people managing the traffic....

One of the hidden side effects of PPIs is they can affect absorption of nutrients, so you do need to make sure you (sorry, more pills) get supplements for some of the essential things - like the micronutrients which support bone health.

You are a brave and determined person! 🍀

[Missus835 in reply to HeronNS]

They can also cause bone density issues and I've been on this one long before PMR, but for GERD. So perhaps that and the pred have ganged up on me. Thank you for the "flag up" explanation. Had not heard that before. Is it a UK term? Thankz Heron. 💐

[SheffieldJane in reply to Missus835]

Thanks Heron, that’s what I meant about “flag up”. I avoided PPIs because I feared the side effects but after being in horrible pain fro a flare up of Diverticulitis and eventually experiencing relief. I am grateful for them - nothing else helped.

[HeronNS in reply to Missus835]

Perhaps. I do have British background so somewhat bilingual, although I don't know all the Britishisms (OH escaped me until I asked, for example. But then I wouldn't have learned that one as a child would I? OH= hubby, or other half.)

[Missus835 in reply to HeronNS]

Took me awhile for OH as well.😆

[Rachmaninov2]

I can fully understand your ‘logic’, I am in a similar situation regarding medications. Good luck with the statin and blood pressure pill journey Missus.

[Missus835 in reply to Rachmaninov2]

Thank you. Sometimes it's nice to get affirmation, especially from those who go thru it.🤞

[powerwalk]

Oh only to wish you the best with all this. Its been a long journey for you. I totally get not wanting more pills, as someone myself who reacts very badly to meds! (I need to phone for my Dexa scan results and i physically cannot bring myself to do it in case my bones have deterioriated and i nees to take bone meds !!). Bit by bit you will get a grip on it all, at least you are in the system as they say!! Look after yourself.

[Missus835 in reply to powerwalk]

Yes powerwalk, it took ages and tenacity to even get in the system and now quite a few caregivers are on board. I am grateful for that. Your T scores may be fine. I have a follow-up dexa scan next Tuesday. This should have been done about 5 months ago. Rheumy dropped the ball on that and many other things. Today I have physio and I am going to try to switch to one of the therapists who specializes in osteoporosis. Thanks for your reply.