1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health

Fracturing easily - how do you manage everyday life?

Posted by isabelle7 @isabelle7, Jul 2 5:15pm

My husband developed osteoporosis from taking long-term, high-doses of prednisone for PMR & GCA since May 2023. With those illnesses, he had no other choice. The prednisone has wreaked havoc with his body, including causing severe steroid-induced osteoporosis.

He had one compression fracture at T11 that he didn't know he had. A few weeks ago he bent down to empty the dishwasher, felt some discomfort, and now has two new fractures. A bit higher on his spine. The doctor says she believes he got the fractures bending emptying the dishwasher.

We saw a physical therapist who told him not to bend and not to lift anything over 10 pounds. Have you ever tried not bending down, ever? It's tough. He drops something, he calls me to pick it up. He wants to water the plants? I have to go out and turn the hose on for him. He can't clean out the litter box because it's on the floor, so I put together a kid table and put the litter box on that to make it easier but it's hard now for him to reach the bags. It's difficult for him to bend down to empty the dryer or washer. I could go on and on.

My question to people with more experience that we have is - what can he do that won't cause more fractures, since he's obviously very prone to them right now? We just were able to convince his doctor to prescribe Forteo. Fortunately our insurance covered it so he will start it soon. We are hoping that is going to help.

I'd love to hear how you guys have managed everyday life with severe osteoporosis. .

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

doreenc | @doreenc | Jul 3 9:58am

I fractured my L3 on December 30th due to a severe cough which started on the 25th. When I tell my doctors this, they're quick to point that this is a fragility fracture (and I somewhat agree) but I was in bed lying on my side in a fetal position and twisted my entire torso over the bed for hours (I was forcefully coughing up copious amounts of phlegm). I later on found out that this was the worst possible position to be in while forcefully coughing for hours on end.

Anyway, PT started about 3 months after the fracture and I was taught to always bend using my knees (my knees aren't great either). I bend my knees when unloading the dishwasher or accessing certain drawers. I also use a kneeling cushion if I need to access a lower drawer. When I change the sheets - I can remove them - but my husband will put on the fitted sheet for me and I can finish the rest. I have multiple hand reachers but rarely use them now because I instinctively bend at the knees to pick stuff up from the floor (but nothing heavy). I do get frustrated by certain things - like my cabinet under the kitchen sink is a mess and needs a good scrub and I don't know if I could do that (do I kneel for an extended time to clean it or sit on the floor and lean forward)? Either option will probably bring on some serious back pain, or worse case, a fracture). So, yes, I had to grapple with some limitations because of the fracture. But I should point out that the first 3 months while it healed, I didn't bend at all on the advice of my spine doc (hence all reachers). My husband did the lionshare of the housework for those first 3 months. I rearranged my pots and pans so they were easily accessible. I also bought a metal pooper scooper to use as a dustpan after I sweep. I still use it because I don't know if bending down to use a dustpan is something I could or should do.

I would be curious to hear about other experiences with vertebra fractures and what you can and cannot do. I'd say I do 85-90% of everything I normally would do, but within reason (no lifting heavy grocery bags, no lifting anything heavy from the floor, etc). The hardest part is the "no bending". I don't know if my doctor meant for the first 3 months while the fracture healed, or is it forever? (For the record, I've asked my PT and doctors but I never get a clear answer on the "forever" part.

REPLY
1 reply
isabelle7 | @isabelle7 | Jul 3 11:29am
In reply to @doreenc "I fractured my L3 on December 30th due to a severe cough which started on the..." + (show)
@doreenc

I fractured my L3 on December 30th due to a severe cough which started on the 25th. When I tell my doctors this, they're quick to point that this is a fragility fracture (and I somewhat agree) but I was in bed lying on my side in a fetal position and twisted my entire torso over the bed for hours (I was forcefully coughing up copious amounts of phlegm). I later on found out that this was the worst possible position to be in while forcefully coughing for hours on end.

Anyway, PT started about 3 months after the fracture and I was taught to always bend using my knees (my knees aren't great either). I bend my knees when unloading the dishwasher or accessing certain drawers. I also use a kneeling cushion if I need to access a lower drawer. When I change the sheets - I can remove them - but my husband will put on the fitted sheet for me and I can finish the rest. I have multiple hand reachers but rarely use them now because I instinctively bend at the knees to pick stuff up from the floor (but nothing heavy). I do get frustrated by certain things - like my cabinet under the kitchen sink is a mess and needs a good scrub and I don't know if I could do that (do I kneel for an extended time to clean it or sit on the floor and lean forward)? Either option will probably bring on some serious back pain, or worse case, a fracture). So, yes, I had to grapple with some limitations because of the fracture. But I should point out that the first 3 months while it healed, I didn't bend at all on the advice of my spine doc (hence all reachers). My husband did the lionshare of the housework for those first 3 months. I rearranged my pots and pans so they were easily accessible. I also bought a metal pooper scooper to use as a dustpan after I sweep. I still use it because I don't know if bending down to use a dustpan is something I could or should do.

I would be curious to hear about other experiences with vertebra fractures and what you can and cannot do. I'd say I do 85-90% of everything I normally would do, but within reason (no lifting heavy grocery bags, no lifting anything heavy from the floor, etc). The hardest part is the "no bending". I don't know if my doctor meant for the first 3 months while the fracture healed, or is it forever? (For the record, I've asked my PT and doctors but I never get a clear answer on the "forever" part.

Jump to this post

@doreenc

Wow! You have been through it!! I tend to disagree with you about the "fragility fracture" with all that coughing and twisting. I've argued many points with doctors and have changed doctors when needed. Our first rheumatologist (he has PMR and GCA, high doses of prednisone to treat those conditions is what caused his steroid-induced osteoporosis.) His T-score is -3.4 so it's serious and he's fracturing easily. Unfortunately.

I am going to get some reachers to have around the house. I'd get knee pads for the floor but watching the way he gets up from the floor, I'm afraid he'd potentially cause himself another fracture.

I have no issues doing whatever needs to be done around the house, and asking for help for things that I just can't do (like I hired gardeners to take care of our large yard with two hills. I cannot possibly do it and there's no way he can. I also hired cleaners every couple weeks to clean our bathrooms, the upstairs and our kitchen floor.) I can keep up with the rest. I run a licensed child care and preschool out of my home so I'm constantly cleaning downstairs. He was my assistant however he can no longer lift any of the kids but he can still tell stories and sing to them. I try to keep him as involved in the things he can do because it's uplifting for him. Otherwise I find him slouched over falling asleep on the couch - and keep telling him to recline. He just isn't catching on very quickly at how serious this is. I really thought the news of two new fractures, one caused from simply reaching the low rack of the dishwasher, would open his eyes. He's just resistant to change. I just have to keep talking with him and reminding him.

The poor guy was completely healthy until May 2023 when he developed PMR. That was awful enough, then he got the dreaded giant cell arteritis and landed in the hospital. He's had very high doses of prednisone for over a year and is now finally tapering down. He's on another drug for the GCA and now going to start Forteo. He has bruises up and down his arms that look awful and embarrass him. His eyes and face are puffy from the prednisone. He just got some sort of hemorrhage in one eye so the entire white of the eye looks bloody. It's not dangerous but it does look scary. It's just been one thing after the other. He developed osteoporosis and is now awaiting the results of a CT scan of his bladder as there might be an issue there too. As well as needing a thyroid biopsy in August after finding large nodules. It's just one thing compiled on top of another and I get his frustration. The good news is the back pain is getting better so he's not in much pain at all anymore. He did suffer for months so this part is good. However it makes him feel like he can do more than the doctor says is safe.

I also rearranged pots and pans to make them more easily accessible. We have to do what we have to do to make things work and to make them easier.

I agree with you that the hardest part is no bending. They don't want him lifting anything over 5 pounds so he can't even buy cat litter (20 pounds) at the store. I told him no more putting things into the cart and reaching down. So if he wants to shop on his own get only what will fit in the upper kid seat area and nothing heavy. I feel like the old crab always telling him what he can and can't do. It's exhausting but if I don't he'll keep doing them. Someone posted that I can't make him do these things and he's going to have to figure it out and realize he's just hurting himself. That was good advice. One thing I've learned is that the longer it takes, the more he resists doing the right things, the worse it is on me because I'm left doing everything. And with running a daycare and house, it's a lot.

How frustrating not getting an answer on whether it's forever or not.

I'm anxious to see what others have to say on their experiences on what they can and can't do. It's super helpful hearing from others and so appreciated!!

REPLY
1 reply
isabelle7 | @isabelle7 | Jul 3 11:34am
In reply to @isabelle7 "@doreenc Wow! You have been through it!! I tend to disagree with you about the "fragility..." + (show)
@isabelle7

@doreenc

Wow! You have been through it!! I tend to disagree with you about the "fragility fracture" with all that coughing and twisting. I've argued many points with doctors and have changed doctors when needed. Our first rheumatologist (he has PMR and GCA, high doses of prednisone to treat those conditions is what caused his steroid-induced osteoporosis.) His T-score is -3.4 so it's serious and he's fracturing easily. Unfortunately.

I am going to get some reachers to have around the house. I'd get knee pads for the floor but watching the way he gets up from the floor, I'm afraid he'd potentially cause himself another fracture.

I have no issues doing whatever needs to be done around the house, and asking for help for things that I just can't do (like I hired gardeners to take care of our large yard with two hills. I cannot possibly do it and there's no way he can. I also hired cleaners every couple weeks to clean our bathrooms, the upstairs and our kitchen floor.) I can keep up with the rest. I run a licensed child care and preschool out of my home so I'm constantly cleaning downstairs. He was my assistant however he can no longer lift any of the kids but he can still tell stories and sing to them. I try to keep him as involved in the things he can do because it's uplifting for him. Otherwise I find him slouched over falling asleep on the couch - and keep telling him to recline. He just isn't catching on very quickly at how serious this is. I really thought the news of two new fractures, one caused from simply reaching the low rack of the dishwasher, would open his eyes. He's just resistant to change. I just have to keep talking with him and reminding him.

The poor guy was completely healthy until May 2023 when he developed PMR. That was awful enough, then he got the dreaded giant cell arteritis and landed in the hospital. He's had very high doses of prednisone for over a year and is now finally tapering down. He's on another drug for the GCA and now going to start Forteo. He has bruises up and down his arms that look awful and embarrass him. His eyes and face are puffy from the prednisone. He just got some sort of hemorrhage in one eye so the entire white of the eye looks bloody. It's not dangerous but it does look scary. It's just been one thing after the other. He developed osteoporosis and is now awaiting the results of a CT scan of his bladder as there might be an issue there too. As well as needing a thyroid biopsy in August after finding large nodules. It's just one thing compiled on top of another and I get his frustration. The good news is the back pain is getting better so he's not in much pain at all anymore. He did suffer for months so this part is good. However it makes him feel like he can do more than the doctor says is safe.

I also rearranged pots and pans to make them more easily accessible. We have to do what we have to do to make things work and to make them easier.

I agree with you that the hardest part is no bending. They don't want him lifting anything over 5 pounds so he can't even buy cat litter (20 pounds) at the store. I told him no more putting things into the cart and reaching down. So if he wants to shop on his own get only what will fit in the upper kid seat area and nothing heavy. I feel like the old crab always telling him what he can and can't do. It's exhausting but if I don't he'll keep doing them. Someone posted that I can't make him do these things and he's going to have to figure it out and realize he's just hurting himself. That was good advice. One thing I've learned is that the longer it takes, the more he resists doing the right things, the worse it is on me because I'm left doing everything. And with running a daycare and house, it's a lot.

How frustrating not getting an answer on whether it's forever or not.

I'm anxious to see what others have to say on their experiences on what they can and can't do. It's super helpful hearing from others and so appreciated!!

Jump to this post

@doreenc

Geez!! I just read my response and I meant to say I disagree with your doctors - not you - about the fracture.

REPLY
isabelle7 | @isabelle7 | Jul 3 11:37am

@thisoldewe

Connect has been a life-saver, literally. First for PMR, then when he developed GCA (giant cell arteritis) and now that he's developed steroid-induced osteoporosis. So many good people with great and helpful advice. They turned me on to Forteo and I am very thankful for that. The doctor we first had (rheumatologis) hadn't even heard of Evenity or Forteo. We now have a new endicronologist who we really like. She knew about Forteo and agree with me that it was the superior drug. However, she was afraid our insurance wouldn't cover it. I asked her to give us the prescription and I would check and we were very fortunately covered. So only $15 per month which is amazing.

Sending you all the best too!! Have a fun and safe 4th!

REPLY
maryandnans | @maryandnans | Jul 3 1:17pm

My osteoporosis is not that bad. But I think taking gabapentin for ten months didn't help my bones. Now I am walking 3-4 miles 5 days a week and doing weight lifting exercises. That is supposed to help the bones I follow 2 Facebook groups for exercises.

REPLY
1 reply
maryandnans | @maryandnans | Jul 3 1:17pm

My osteoporosis is not that bad. But I think taking gabapentin for ten months didn't help my bones. Now I am walking 3-4 miles 5 days a week and doing weight lifting exercises. That is supposed to help the bones. I follow 2 Facebook groups for exercises. I wish your husband the best

REPLY
1 reply
isabelle7 | @isabelle7 | Jul 3 3:10pm
In reply to @marymj7 "Yes, I mean the flat cushion kneelers. I have bad knees, too, but the cushioning makes..." + (show)
@marymj7

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.

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@marymj7

I'm going to go ahead and order some of the cushion kneelers because he's like you - active. And not being able to do so many things, with so many limitations, is depressing to him. I'm trying to make adjustments around the house so he can be more independent because I know ultimately that's best for him.. I appreciate your thoughts. I also need to suggest Tai Chi for him. It's great you're able to walk that far! I know his back starts hurting when we walk too far but I found a perfect flat dirt path along the river that has benches within about every 5 minutes of walking which is awesome. So I'm encouraging we take advantage of that. He's 75. Until he got sick last year he behaved and had the stamina of a 45-year old.

REPLY
isabelle7 | @isabelle7 | Jul 3 3:16pm
In reply to @windyshores "@isabelle7 I still make mistakes. For instance, plants are heavier after watering and I leaned over..." + (show)
@windyshores

@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!

Jump to this post

@windyshores

That is so true about plants being heavier after they're watered. I'm sorry you hurt yourself and glad you didn't have fractures. We'll be starting him on Forteo in a couple of weeks. His new endicronologist has ordered calcitonin for pain for two weeks, then start Forteo. We should have the calcitonin in a couple days.

That's great to hear that over time, and with medications, you're less scared. That makes me hopeful. I don't blame you for having the occasional x-ray. I think it's wise to keep on top of this and also the DEXA scan periodically. Not sure how often.

Good advice not carrying things in front of you. I'll relay that info to him. Love the tips and tricks!! So thankful for Connect and the sweet people here willing to share their knowledge and experiences.

REPLY
isabelle7 | @isabelle7 | Jul 3 3:18pm
In reply to @babs10 "@isabelle7, windyshores provided you with some good tips. It's also critically important to learn how to..." + (show)
@babs10

@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.

Jump to this post

@babs10

Thanks for sharing the video. I have saved the link and will show it to my husband. I like the name "Brick House Bones". LOL

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1 reply
isabelle7 | @isabelle7 | Jul 3 3:27pm
In reply to @windyshores "I forgot to mention that Margaret Martin at melioguide.com has a class on movement/exercise with fractures...." + (show)
@windyshores

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.

Jump to this post

@windyshores

Thanks for the info on Margaret Martin and that Tai Chi really helps you. I'm adding that to the list of things to check out. You have no idea how thankful I am for you guys on Connect. I really don't know where we'd be if I had not found this place. Starting last year when he first got PMR to now that we find ourselves dealing with osteoporosis. I have great bones (DEXA scan) and it would have been me we would have been concerned about. Simply because I'm female I guess. We never in a million years thought it would be him, or that the prednisone could have done this to him. I only wish his doctors had told us along the way. There were things they could have done to prevent him from getting osteoporosis in the first place. I've read over and over that doctors fail to mention this to patients when in reality anyone on the high doses he's been on for over a year will end up with bone loss. Frustrating.

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