Good morning everyone just need some answers please.Things just seem to be going from bad to worse for me.
For the past 8 weeks have had the worst pain EVER in the upper half of my back, so eventually was sent for an xray about 4 weeks ago where a compression fracture of the T6 vertebrae was detected, was told not too much can be done except rest and pain relief........well the pain in the last 3 weeks or so has just got so much worse,but the area where the pain is has increased to the right side of my ribs and occasionally on the left where i feel like my ribcage is being crushed...unbearable nothing seems to help the pain ...on paracetamols and tremadol........has anyone experienced this sort of fracture? And where is the pain located.
I have an appointment on 25th for bone density test.
Thank you in advance.
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Den73
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sorry to hear you are in so much pain - this link - explains that along with ribs, pains can occur in other parts of body -
Acute osteoporotic VCF [VERTEBRAL COMPRESSION FRACTURE] pain is usually associated with intense, deep pain, tenderness to palpation at the site of the fracture, and often lasts from 2 weeks to 3 months. Prolonged sitting, standing, bending, and motion exacerbate the pain. Rest, recumbency, heat, and diversion may produce symptomatic relief. Paraspinal muscle spasm and ligament tenderness are common and can extend several levels up or down from the site of fracture. Irritation or compression of nerve roots can result from the fracture, with pain radiating anteriorly along the rib cage with thoracic osteoporotic VCFs or down into the buttocks or legs with lumbar osteoporotic VCFs. Spinal cord compression and myelopathy are rare with osteoporotic VCFs, but are more commonly reported in patients with vertebral metastases
My husband found a heated blanket and a recumbent position on the sofa, alongside prescribed medication a comfort and something distracting on the TV. Your suffering sounds miserable. May it pass soon.
Thank you ShegfieldJane i have a heat pad and of yes definitely a comfort as the pain is just something else. How long did it take for the pain to be relieved completely or was it ever 😌 Thank you for your thoughtful comments
Thank you DorsettLady that answrts some of the question raises others. I am also concerned about being misdiagnosed as Sjorgens and MS symptoms very similar.....as the MS hug is very close to the way I would describe the pain in my midriff ribs.
I have requested my GP's help in finding another rheumatologist, as the present one has basically written me off for 6 months and then will have a telephone appointment.
I am going to request to be tested for MS , dont know if I am barking up the wrong tree?
Thank you for those sites going to look them up now.
Thank you yes I learned fast nothing cut and dried and also what works for one does not necessarily work for another.But the comfort is we are all in the same boat and give the encouragement and reassurance that only fellow sufferers understand, so thank you all for the support.
I joined this dialog because I had some PMR-like symptoms, but my blood tests were not compatible with "classic" PMR. My rheumatologist wound up putting me on predisone and that worked. Also, I was able to "taper" very rapidly with no problems, but reading this blog I must concluded that PMR symptoms and the ability to use steroids to address PMR varies hugely among victims. "What works for one does not necessarily work for another." Amen!
Maybe it's not even possible to map the forms of PMR-related conditions and which "treatments" will work on one of those forms. Looks like trial and error.
If one's body screws up with resulting PMR-like symptoms, it doesn't look like the "experts" usually help much. I was lucky that predisone worked for me, but plainly others have much different results. It's hard to know where to turn if I suffer a "flare. " Wait and see, I suppose.
Thank you BeerHere you are so right.I have Sjorgens and GCA and Sjorgens as well so difficult to know whats causing what.....after reading all the comments I do believe my PMR is under control also on Pred just wanted to hear experiences of flares.
I live in the US. I have had quite a few spinal fractures. The Dr said the best thing was a procedure called vertebroplasty. It's a kind of a cement injection into to the fracture to help solidify the bones. And takes the pain away either right away or after a few days.Hope the info helps!
Thanks for your info Rox2112I read about this procedure in intrrnet,just very wary of any operation on the spine. Did you have any sude effects from this procedure?
I didn't have any adverse reactions to the procedure. Just make sure your surgeon has done alot of these. It's done while you're awake as an out patient. Good luck!
The problem with vertebroplasties is that given the strength of the injected vertebrae, those on either side are more apt to fracture. Experience speaking here. I have 10 fractures, 2 of which were plastied last September. These were the first two fractures. Ugh.
Hi Den73 so sorry to hear of your pain. I have PMR and GCA and severe osteoporosis which my rheumatologist thinks was caused by being on high dose steroids (40mg) for several months. A Dexa scan showed osteoporosis and a CT scan showed multiple compression fractures in my thoracic and lumbar spine. The pain has been unbearable at times but I think is mainly caused by muscle spasms and my GP has prescribed diazepam which I take twice a day - one first thing in the morning and one before going to bed at night. It helps both with the pain and with enabling me to sleep well. I also take a couple of paracetamol at the same time and that seems to work for me. I am on six monthly injections of denosumab for my bones. Other than that hot water bottles are amazing and I often have a couple behind my back when I am sitting and also in bed. Talking to a nurse at the Royal Osteoporosis Society was very helpful. I also have an amazing rollator which helps so much when walking outside. It really supports the back and I can sit down whenever I want. It is very elegant too so I have got over my embarrassment in using one and enjoy it now. The pain from fractures seems to take a couple of months to ease off for me and then it almost disappears but I think this may not be the same for everyone. Just have to be very careful not to overdo it then - especially with bending, twisting or lifting! All the best for your pain being resolved.
Like yours and doubtless many others, my spinal pain is off the Richter scale. Today I've been tracking my experience on The Subjective Units of Distress scale, where 0/10 is utter misery and 10/10 bliss. So, at 0800hrs (2/10); 1100hrs (6/10); 1300hrs (8/10) and 1500hrs (2/10) again and so it goes. I'm almost drooling, such is the pain. GP said the recent diagnosis of osteopenia is thanks to the pred over the last 10 years. Not complaining PMRpro! I'm all for QOL too. I've just had the last of 4x6-monthly injections of Prolia in the hope of bone strengthening. Will be up for a bone density test in the near future. Hoping for the best. I've had two "falls" as a result of a nasty little disorder called REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder, (akin to sleepwalking), when I fell out of bed culminating in 7 spinal fractures from the lumbar region upwards. GP said should have improved in 3 months and I'm still waiting. I'm on Oxycodone for the pain which does the job mostly, but nobody has a clue as to where to go from here, apart from rest and meds. Rest is the last thing I want to do! GP suggested a 2-week pain clinic. I told him that I know it hurts so don't worry about it. Seriously though, I'm very sorry for your experience and if I come across any psychological interventions worth a go, I'll let you know. God bless!
Hi Johnnox oh wow I so hear your description of the pain, but sympathise greatly with you as your condition is far worse than I am (at the moment) I am battling and your description of the pain being off the richter scale hits the nail on the head. Thank you so much for sharing your experience it encourages all in pain to know as difficult as it is we can get through with encouragement like your experience, hope you find a reasonable aid to your condition. Take care
Thanks mate! Becoming comfortable with discomfort is a good psychological trick if you can go there. Keep participating in life as best you can and notice how courageous you really are and that the pain does not define the person that you are.
Sorry to hear you are experiencing this pain, I have had the same, it's excruciating. Mine got better once my long awaited X ray results came back and I was prescribed Morphine, Diazepam and put on Risedronate for severe Osteoporosis. I slept in a reclining chair for almost 6 months, because of the pain, I couldn't lay down in bed but I am much better now and I can. It's very frightening to have that pain, I hope you get pain free soon, you will get through it 🙂
Thank you Songbird6 for your encouragement, its so good to chat with soneone who understands the enormaity of this pain, your advice of sleeping in a recliner chair is taken on board, going to try that! My GP put me on Risedronate but nothing for pain really just paracetemol which doesnt even touch sides, then when i went back he prescribed Tremadol but that didnt do much better, I have had many comments of Diazapam and the good results.
Takke care and wishing you too a pain managed week ahead
I had the same for 3months. Told I had pulled muscles! Kept seizing up. Wasn't till I had a thoracic xray that it showed T6 and 7 were fractured. T7 was unstable and had to wear a back brace for 4 weeks. My ribs were so painful as well. Wasn't until I saw my lovely osteopath that I got an answer as to why my ribs were so painful. With the collapse of the 2 vertebra the corresponding ribs are rubbing together, hence the pain. I am on Gabapentin for the nerve pain. Paracetomol when needed. Took a while to improve. Since then I have added T2 &5, L1 & L3. I still keep active which I think is important.7.5 years on Pred for PMR/GCA .
Thank you for your informative reply, very similar to my experience and it was also the xray that showed the real issue, mine has also been about 9 weeks now. So its looking I can look forward to more verterbraes being affected😱
Its the scariest pain because once it starts gripping there is almost nothing I can do to stop it running its course.
Thank you for the explanation of the sore ribs, I was beginning to think really bad things as thr pain can become unbearable almost nauseating.
Thank you so much fir the encouragement of being more active I am not st the miment..total newby. Take care
Can you go back to your GP and ask for heavier painkillers, pleasantly but explaining that on one to ten you’re on ten for pain (or the other way round if that’s how it’s tallied). Sounds like you need them to get through this. If he/she is reluctant ask to speak to the Practice Manager and explain your dilemma. You don’t want to offend anyone but you can’t carry on like this..,, Whatever happens I do send you hopes this horrid time is soon over and your pain eased xx
Hi I have osteoporosis too with osteoarthritis in my spine and joints, I unfortunately had a fall at the weekend and landed on my chest and chin, thankfully no ribs broken this time but horrendous pain so hospital gave me oramorph to use at home which does help a bit and of course heat from my microwave pals. I’ve had fractures before and this feels worse than my fractures believe it or not but I also have another pleural effusion going on diagnosed by X-ray Thursday and told on Saturday it’s now a lot bigger and infected so I know I’m getting pain from that too.
Oh Wendy I really sympathise with you, especially when one bad thing just leads to another! Hang in there I think we are all very conscious of dealing with what we have been handed and not allow it to completely defeat us, what a wonderful forum this is because we all understand the extent of the pain and the ongoing struggles.I personally appreciate the gold advice ihave been given since I posted.
Yes definitely, without this forum I’d be lost. I have the outlook that there is loads of people a lot worse than me and being on this forum you definitely witness it.
Numptybrain, I’m just jumping on here to reinforce what you’re saying about this forum.
I just don’t know what I’d do without the wonderful people on here. There is always someone who will reply and it makes me feel there’s other people around me.
Our “children” live away (one down under) and we have no other family around us, plus my lovely hubby never does any research!! Good job I’m always on the case🤣
Good MorningSo sorry to read this I know exactly how you feel .
I have had 4 cracked Vertabraes All within a space 5 months So I understand how painful it is
I found a hot water bottle was best for me My consultant thought it was better to let them heal as he initially intended to do the op but reconsidered as I'm still on steriods and said it possibly could need done again So far it has healed however I'm suffering badly with nerve pain so the GP has put me on nortriptyline Rheumatology wanted me to get nerve blocks done However again he didn't think this was a good idea But I have osteoarthritis so still suffering Bit I did find sitting in a recliner seat much more comfortable (whether this is right or not I don't know ) Hope you get some relief soon xx
Thank you Vide for your experience and advice much appreciated...I am in the process of finding a new rheumatologist and having a DEXA scan only had the xray so far which shiwrd the fracture, especially with regard to the op rather healing by itself with care and management is a better option to me, but if it gets too bad then it will be a consideration.Thank you for your caring wishes for my recovery. Xxx
I hope you don’t have to wait too long for your Dexa scan. If for your piece of mind want one much sooner, then a Private scan could be the way to go. Surprisingly, the cost of them is circa £120-150 depending where you have it etc.
I do hope you find some relief for your pain. Thinking of you. M.
Not quite the same but I have T12 ( amongst other fractures and I know the pain is unbearable at times
Initially in my case I literally strapped an ice pack to the area , let it do its job then tried moving around . Still painful but eased enough to get up .
Ice packs and heat pads are your friend .
Different meds work for different people .
I am on gabapentin, paracetamol
And if and when needed Diazepam.
Your dexa scan will confirm if you have osteoporosis.
I’m way further along than you but hard as it is, a positive attitude helps . Take comfort each time you do one little thing that you couldn’t do the day before .
It does get easier but I know how tough it is for you right now and it feels like it’s never going to end .
Hope you find some relief from the awful pain soon.
Thank you Looby60 you are so right I feel like my whoke life gas just been swiped and a whole new one which I really dont like......but knowing I am not alone is a huge encouragement to change my channel of thought and think positively. It has quite literally been one thing after another back to back.
I understand the one thing after the other back to back only too well . At times it’s one step forward and 2 steps back . Definitely challenging to say the least.
A chsllenge I accept now but I will never give up.
Don’t let it beat you , there is plenty of support from some lovely people on here .
I so agree Looby60, there are days when you just feel you swimming against the tide, then you go on the forum, talk to all these gorgeous folk who, for some have suffered years of pain and great discomfort and can still give you encouragement, a great boost to positiveness! Its taught me to accept what is on our plates and work with it.So thank you for your encouragement today and no life is too precious to let it beat us. X
Thank you all for the support we give each other. Have a lovely day one and allxxxxx
Sometimes everything gets more than a little overwhelming. My fractures came a few months after my husband died and then I shifted from the country in to town, such a huge change for me combined with grief and overwhelming pain, but I was determined to get back to being mobile and walking. My little dog helped so much, I bought her after I shifted in to town, so she gets me out walking, and I'm lucky I live in a cul-de-sac beside a park. I've met so many people with little dogs. My garden has helped too, just a small garden, but perfect for me. I belong to the pmr Facebook gardening group. There are so many of us in similar situations, I count myself lucky I don't have GCA, but do have osteoarthritis in many of my joints. Most people do in their 70s. Take care and don't stress if you can't do what you want to do, slowly does it, I've learnt the hard way. Janis
Oh so sorry you have been through so much just the pain of the fractures on its own can be overwhelming, I am no baby when it comes to pain, but this time I really did struggle, so well done to you for coping so well and keeping a positive attitude.And well done for getting your little dog, I have a cat, who has helped me through so much, our pets just seem to know when all is not well.
Keep going and keeping the positive outlook, there is so much these automimmune diseases present us with, some good days and some bad ones, thats where I have found the sound advice given on the forum has been invaluable to me and I so appreciate it.
Take care and my wish for us is that we have a bit of a break from pain. Xxx
I also have a fracture at T12 and mild endplate fractures seen at L2 and L5 .. I only take paracetamol when bad but I cannot stand up straight or do very much and then after a 5minute job have to rest all down to over 2 years on Steroids with PMR .. I am also very unsteady on my feet with no balance and use a walking stick and a walker .Has any one had the Kyphoplasty or Vertobroplasty treatment ? and I wonder how successful it might be ?
PS... I am Sylla123 ....... Not Hydra it some times comes up as that although I asked for it to be taken off .
Thank you Rox2112 for your reply , Which type of surgeon did your operation and Osteopath or a Neurosurgeon ? I do know a very good Neuro in Cambridge Addenbrooke's Hospital
I live in the US, so different surgeons do different procedures I think. My surgeon was a very good vascular surgeon that did it. If I were you I would try the neuro. If he doesn't do it, he probably knows who does.
I am almost 88 years old next month , I don't know if that will be a "no not advised" ? but I have never been ill in my life until PMR took a hold on me.
Sylla123 your symptoms sound just like mine, i am very unsteady also use a stick cannot walk unaided. And oh yes have to rest after a very shirt while, cooking is an issue but hubby really proving wonderful with his chopping of veges and food is mostly casseroles and roasted veg and soup, anything wholesome and able yo o en cook but it certai ly has proven a life changer.If I continue with fractures I may well look into the surgery and Rox2112 comment was very helpful just need to research on the surgeon and good news that it is done in a day clinic.
Den73...... Thank you for your reply ,, Yes it really is a bind having to rest every 5 to 10 minutes , My husband who was a brilliant cook , he was a chef we had a Greek restaurant , but alas he died almost 6 years ago , and now just putting a salad on a plate you would think is the most difficult thing to do , so it is mostly ready meals now and you can imagine what a let down that is now after years of gourmet food , and I have lost a lot of weight and I was never really heavy anyway. I have just managed to book a face to face appointment with my doctor but not until the end of July, but that alone is a miracle , I want to get a scan to see how things are first . Good luck to you and I hope you find a solution .
Oh Sylla123 what a pleasure it is to chat to you and to know a bit about your background.Such good memories to draw from and also sadness when as you say being so marvellously spoil with delicious food....and good companionship. Glad you are still resourceful amidst these challenges that we are facing. Keep going we will both find a solution its easier when we have a platform like this one with such great advice to keep us going.
Glad you have a face to face appointment with your doctor, wish you all the best xxxx
I'm sorry you're going through what I've been for a year now, with a total of 10 vertebral compression fractures. Much of the time spent on my bed, with the heating pad. This has been caused by long-term use of Pred, which I need for PMR. I now have acute Osteoporosis. The pain in your ribs may be from muscle spasms in your back as they are trying to compensate for the fractured vertebrae. It is hella painful, difficult to breathe or even eat by times and I now take Tylenol 3 which is acetaminophen plus codeine, plus an extra 15 mg of codeine for breakthrough pain, which does nothing. I had a Zoledronic Acid infusion last October to help build up the bones, but my most recent fracture occurred 3 weeks ago at T8. You must be very careful. No bending to the floor, no heavy lifting, watch how you turn your upper half. Get lots of Vitamin D3, K2, calcium if you're not already. Protein is a must. You might also want to join Bone Health which is another forum on Health Unlocked. Also Margaret Martin videos on YouTube related to Osteoporosis and vertebral fractures. I did have vertebroplasties done at L1, L2 last September, but the problem is the vertebrae on either side of the plasties, fractured. So my Osteoporosis Specialist says no more. They inject cement into the vertebrae to strengthen and rebuild them. It takes a lot of rest and patience and a positive attitude to get through this. At least I'm still able to walk, cook. It's not easy living alone. Use a rollator with a seat. Use a grabber to reach things high or low. Keep moving (it will hurt). Do things very slowly. Don't overdo. I'd says try to build muscle, but it's not working for me as I always end up re-hurting the muscles. All the best with your dexa scan. I'm due for another one and have an appointment with the Osteo this Friday. All the best with your scan. Hugs ~ Deb
Thank you so much Missus835, oh wow itruly feel for you you have been on a rough road, yes the pred as the way it was put to me was either the pred (60mg) for almost a year or face possible blindness,my GCA was really a problem and the pred definitely has helped. But sadly fixes onr thing and causes otherbissues feels like our backs againstbthe wall I have successfully decreased the pred to 12mg hope to get it to 5mg and see how I am.Thank you for your very sound advice I do use a grabber, need to consider a rollatar with a seat and learn to move slower and not to overdo things
And yes I too need to build muscle, so a complete change of lifestyle.
Thank you for the good wishes for my dexa scan and the same for you on your appointment with osteo and yout dexa scan. Take care xxxx
I too am just at 10.5 mg from 11. Finding it a very difficult taper, but Dorset Lady's 5 week taper plan will hopefully get me through it. 1.0 mg is too much fir me, but we're all different. Get that rollator. Lol. I opposed it for a long time....but as they say "what needs must". Also watch for cataracts. They said there is no such thing as ripe. Cataracts are cataracts. I just had mine done. Also from the Pred. Take care
I also followed DorsetLadys taper plan, worked brilliantly, great advice. Slower was definitely better! And the lower we go the slower. Yes definitely going to look into the rollator as you say 'needs must' and whatever makes our lives easier...do it us my motto😆Mmmm, I had the start of cataracts when I started this journey a year ago and they have definitely got worse so thats the next bix to tick I have an appointment with eye specialist in August.
I was in very intense pain for months. Thought it was PMR related although I was still on Prednisolone. Eventually I had a scan which confirmed that I had 8 vertebral spine fractures. The pain has eventually subsided but I am left 6 inches shorter and unable to stand straight. I blame the high doses of prednisolone I had been on, my tendency to osteoporosis and the fact that I had had to stop my osteoporosis medication for a while. I am due for a Dexa scan next week and am not expecting good results. I hope you feel better soon and encourage you to wait it out and do anything you can to aleviate the pain.
Thank you dphu, I so sympathise with anyone who has expetienced this pain😱 absolute agony,but I have taken on board all the comments and definitely pacing myself as to what i can do, resting as much as I can and tak8ng pain killers when the pain becomes too much, but it does feel like the pain is lessening.Thank you for your advice appreciate it. Take care xxxx
Sorry your in so much pain I have had every symptom you have compri fracture t 6 could not stand bend the pain was unbearable .eased after 3,,months it been in pain. Ever since when I walk I feel like my neck and spine are being crushed I am only walk short distance have osteoarthritis in my neck and shoulders I just feel worn out .but wish you better
That is exactly how I am feeling today , met our grandson who has taken a gap year, he is in South Africa and we in the UK he is leaving tomorrow on further adventures coukd not let him leave without saying good bye, the walk back to the carpark totally finished me and you right after a walk my back from waist up felt as you describe.Nursing the hot water bottle and taken painkillers..but oh so worth it.
I am sorry you also feel worn out, its pain that does that to one. ....we will have good days and bad days, lets embrace the good ones as best we can. I wish you well too. Xx
Thank you glad it's not just me not that I wish anyone else pain .I think this is my life pain I don't understand the crisis g pressure when I walk had all the pain killers x
I just said similar to my husband not that we wish this pain on anyone, but that you and others understand this is a real pain is comforting and we can encourage each other becsuse low times are going to come especially when pain is involved, so many do not understand, things like you must watch your diet you should walk more...in this pain?A total lack of understanding but within the forum we know all understand.
I use a stick to help with the walking, its still painful but seems to be less than when I walk completely unaided., wishing you less pain in the coming days xxxxx
I couldn't do anything when I had my fractures. Just had to lie on the sofa and rest. Meals were very simple, but slowly I healed. Lying flat with my feet slightly elevated was the best position. When my Dr saw how agonizing it was to walk, she gave me morphine tablets. They did help, and I slowly healed. Good luck to all of you with fractures, it surely is a trial to live with. I was lucky a friend lent me her Mother's walker, or I couldn't have stayed alone. 😮💨 Janis NZ
All the best Janis I found walking very difficult too, but for the first 3 weeks of my fracture couldnt get an appointment, had no idea what was causing the horrendous pain, only after 3 weeks and an xray the cause found then proper painkillers were prescribed, at least I am slightly wiser now for the next time!! Go well Janis xxxxx
Hi Den 3, I have had pmr for nearly 5 years, on prednisone for the same time.my GP has been very good at scheduling my aclasta regularly when due. But it hasn't stopped me getting osteoporosis and having two stress fractures, 1 in my sacral bone in the bottom of my spine, extremely painful, couldn't get to the bathroom without a walker, I just lay on my sofa for 10 weeks until it healed, then in January this year I had a stress fracture in my pelvis, same again, unbelievable pain and so hard to get from sofa to bathroom. Very difficult living alone! However after another 10 weeks on the sofa, it healed and I'm back walking my little dog twice a day, just a gentle amble around the rugby fields near me. The groin still gets a bit sore sometimes, but nothing like the pain I was originally in. Good luck to you in your journey. Janis
Good morning Kuwisufferer2 019 so sorry to hear that you have also endured pain from these fractures, very painful I know only too well.I really hope I can avoid them in the future🤦
And living alone must be awful, so sorry that sort of pain is almost overwhelming,I know only too well.
The pain has greatly reduced for me now , so it seems to be healing, been 3 months almost, just going to have to be careful, if that would even help dont know?
My orthopedic surgeon told me that most people don't realize that a stress fracture can happen just by turning over in bed, you don't have to have a fall. I actually had two in my pelvis. I hope I don't get anymore, not something I want to go through again. I religiously take my vit D every month and try and eat green leafy vegetables and anything high in calcium. I also go to chair yoga and balance classes. Trying to do everything to help my bones! Janis
Thank you for that valuable advice, I will be going to chair frim next month, as like yourself certainly would like to prevent a fracture if any sort! I have me DEXA scan next week and then hopefully a treatment will be stated I do take calcium and vit D but dont think its strong enough? But see the GP in 2 weeks time my last blood tests showed vit d as borderline.
In the meantime try and be as careful as possible , take care xxxx Den
Hope your scan goes well. Good luck and hopefully Dr will give you the infusions(or the tablets) though my Dr said the infusions are better and they've certainly helped me.
Hi yes i hope so too, the fracture in my spine thankfully feels so much better.I am finding though the tsblet he gave me for bones is making me feel so nauseas I have Sjorgens and part of the symptoms is IBS and gastric problems and I thinknits triggered something feeling really nauseas tonight so yes I am going to ask for the injection as that bypasses the digestive system.
I will post the findings from my scan once I get the results.
Thank you for your interest and really hope you keep well and avoid these fractures in the future. Xxx
I am so sorry to hear this. I have bad pain around my sternum and sneezing is very bad. My rheumatologist ordered a chest x-ray of my rib cage to check for stress fractures. He also checked my lungs. All was normal. So, who knows why the pain is so bad around my sternum. Except for that and my neck, all else is better. My PC doctor said steroids are the only thing prescribed for that pain and I am on Pred (2.5mgs-3). A bone density test is next and a mammogram. I don't like all this x-ray. I pray they can determine why we have this pain.
So sorry that yo too are suffering this sort of pain, it really is debilitating i found i could hardly breathe. I am glad to say the fracture has healed but because osteoporosis hs been diagnsed I and all of us that have been diagnosed have to be so careful there is not a repeat fracture. I hav ben prescribed medscto strengthen the bonscand Vit DIts a never ending peocess, we all need encouragement to try move forward, that is what I appreciate about this forum, all know the feelings and pain involved in autoimmune diseases, we ll in this together and find the tips given have all bn so helpful. I do hope they uncover the source of pain after the bone scan. Take care. Den x
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PMR.. Osteoarthritis...
Could this be PMR?
3 years into PMR 
PMR Newbie
