Fracturing easily - how do you manage everyday life?

I have spinal fractures. There are some things I still cannot do (lift over a certain weight, open sticky windows etc.). But a good PT and maybe OT (some PT's are enough) will teach him how to do some of these things safely. Instead of bending over, for instance, stay straight and bend down with knees. My legs are strong because I use them to lift, get up and so on- not my back.

I cook by sliding pots along the counter. Sometimes I put the pot on and use a glass to fill it with water. I drag bags of laundry rather than carry. He will have to learn how to make accommodations and life will get easier- and once the Forteo improves the bones. I know how hard it is!

@windyshores

Thank you for sharing. I read this to my husband because I think it’s good for him to hear from others with more experience. He said thank you.

@isabelle7 I still make mistakes. For instance, plants are heavier after watering and I leaned over to move it and had a lot of pain. But no fractures thanks to Tymlos.

After awhile, once medicated and improved, I have gotten less scared of fracturing (it's been 3 years) though I still have an occasional x-ray to make sure!

I don't carry things in front of me. For instance, a small pack of water bottles. I carry them on the side or in a bag over my shoulder.

There are a lot of tricks! And the meds really help!

@isabelle7, windyshores provided you with some good tips. It's also critically important to learn how to properly do a hip hinge. I recommend this physical therapist, Lisa Moore, and this entire video series, but you can go to 4:40 for a good hip hinge lesson.

I forgot to mention that Margaret Martin at melioguide.com has a class on movement/exercise with fractures. However it costs $89. She also has a book and videos online. Tai chi really helps me: no twisting at the waist at all.

I have a long handled grabber -actually several-that I keep in different rooms. Lifesaver. I also have garden kneelers that I plop on the floor so that I can safely access lower drawers and dishwasher.

@marymj7

Thanks for those ideas. I had mentioned a handled grabber and he complained he can't carry one around with him. Putting one in several rooms is a great idea!! I'll be doing that.

As for garden kneelers, do you mean the flat pads? And do you get down on your knees? He's got bad knees so going on his knees isn't great for him.

He's having a really hard time accepting limitations - he's always been very active. I'm trying to make things as easy for him while stressing the importance of not bending and lifting. I know he's still doing things he's not supposed to. I thought learning he had two new fractures would do it but he's still having a hard time with it.

@isabelle7 My husband is very active too and I know if he had the limitations you've mentioned he would have a very hard time.

I have been lifting weights for about 30 years. When I was diagnosed with osteoporosis about 10 years ago I shifted my weight lifting to work on my back and hips. Although I had taken Fosamax for 5 years I had a fracture (sacrum) last year due to pelvic radiation therapy for uterine cancer. I've no idea how that happened and so I'm now seeing an endocrinologist and am on Evenity for 12 months (I have 4 more months to go).

I'm very careful to not bend at the waist unless I do so gently with no weight and only when I'm doing a yoga stretch. Since I've been weightlifting for so many years my legs are strong enough that I remind myself to squat. I keep my back straight, my chest up and squat with just my legs. The squat is what was recommended by my endocrinologist. Sometimes I need help and so I ask my husband if I'm trying to pick up something out of reach or that is too heavy for me.

It's up to your husband, of course, to decide how he wants to live his life. As much as you'd like to help and assist you can only do so much for him. Here is how I look at this: "When you argue with reality, you lose". Your husband's reality has new limitations. He can grouse all he wants but the reality won't change and if he continues to argue with it he'll continue to make himself unhappy, may have more fractures and then he will lose. Hopefully he will figure this out. He doesn't have to like it but that's the way it is. Right?

Yes, I mean the flat cushion kneelers. I have bad knees, too, but the cushioning makes kneeling pain free for me-but he may have different issues. I hope, like me, he would feel so much more empowered and independent with those tools. I know that I do. I am only 65 and an very active. I hike 6 miles a day, work with a trainer, and practice Tai Chi.

Well done! You have got the right drug, Forteo, for long-term steroid induced osteoporosis.
You have received good insights from others. Connect is great for that
Sending you all the best that you will see improvements as these months go by.