It's odd but...

[hmfsli]

... until my Mum was diagnosed with osteoporosis in early 2008 she was generally fit and healthy. She couldn't sit down for more than 5 minutes before she would say "Well, this won't do" and she'd be up out of the chair to do something or other. She was busier than ever after she retired it seemed.

It's hard to remember the exact order things happened in but it seems to me that the osteoporosis diagnosis was the start of the journey that led to the PSP diagnosis as it was the first time Mum had been to see the Dr in years. Much to her chagrin, Dad (& my sis?) went in with her and instead of just talking about an itchy scalp (Mum's reason for going!) they listed all the concerns that we had about her. This led to various referrals and the excellent neurologist. Since then there have been a number of health issues starting with a bowel problem then a hysterectomy, a TIA and a broken leg.

Osteoporosis and PSP are not a good mix although Mum has had relatively few falls and only one which resulted in a fracture. Once is enough though!

[Idris]

My Mum's always been as fit as a fiddle, too. She still is. I can't imagine what it must be like to have osteoperosis with PSP - my Mum hasn't had a single fracture (although some rather scary bruises and scalp wounds!) in all her falls. I feel for you, it must be a bit scary.

[hmfsli in reply to Idris]

It is another worry to add to all the rest.

[Fiona_McL]

My mum sometimes escaped from her wheelchair and falls- despite alarms, mats and all the rest. She's had multiple head injuries (a bust lip at the minute, like a boxer) but nothing requiring more than 4 or 5 stitches. We laugh and tell her she must have a rubber head that bounces, since she hasn't done serious damage. So far! I can understand the anxiety that osteoprosis must add...

[hmfsli in reply to Fiona_McL]

Mum is a lot less mobile now than she used to be but there were and still are times when she gets up from her chair and goes for a wander without her frame. She made it upstairs once while Dad was occupied and he found her on the floor in the bathroom. Fortunately that time no lasting damage but it led to a stair gate being installed so that Mum doesn't attempt the stairs unsupervised. It feels a bit awkward limiting her like that but weighed up against the risk of injury...

[jillannf6]

hi

have psp and 3 years b4 diagnosis fell out ot my armchair and fractured my ankle - a spiral fracture so have a plate in it

i thought nothign of if but had been falling b4 that (loss of balance) but no osteoporosis either .

It was the 1st time i had broken a bone and coped with it pretty well - 8 weeks non weight bearingi in my 1st floor flat so could not get out apart from going 2 my fracture clinic appts when the paramedics would carry me down to the ambulance and then to the hospital

"a grand day out " in wallace & gromit's words

and i am still managing the stairs really well

i am however parnaoid about goihg down slopes and tend to fall fwds

anyone else had thtsi problem?

jill

[clara]

Hi hmfsli, my mum too has osteroporis and likely PSP - we are on the diagnosis route, but last year she fell and fractured her pelvis TWICE...was a terrible time, she had to stay in local hospital for 2 weeks first fracture as I didnt know what to do - she was on her own caring for my autistic brother - my dad had dropped dead 6 months prior. It was the start of concerns about what was going on - just like you with your mum and the itchy scalp....my mum too has terrible dry scalp - is that part of it all?

Is your mum on calcium supplements?

Love Clara x

[hmfsli in reply to clara]

Hi Clara,

It sounds as if your family has been going through some very difficult times recently with the loss of your father and your Mum's illness too. Reading other blogs on this site it does seem as if dry and itchy skin is a part of PSP but as you may have gathered it is a very individual condition and affects people differently at different stages. Mum is on calcium supplements amongst other things.

I hope the diagnosis route goes quickly for you and your Mum's sake.

Take care

Hmfsli