Connect
Fracturing easily - how do you manage everyday life?
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. .
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.
Connect
Do you know why gabapentin would be bad for bones?
No I didn't. If I did I would have not taken it.
To clarify my question, what I meant to ask is how do you know, or how did you find out, that gabapentin is bad for bones? It sounds like you found out something about this after you had already taken the drug.
@sandrac
Thank you. I hope it works too.
I joined a osteoporosis group and it was discussed. Then I did my own research and found several science based articles that proved that. Many articles stated that most doctors are not aware of this.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI like the golfers lift to pick things up. https://totalback.com/blog/the-golfers-lift/
I usually can find a counter, wall, chair, etc. to hang onto as I pick something up.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@cat1203
Thank you for the link. I’ll check it out.
@cat1203
I just watched your link and I have been doing this without knowing it was a thing. I take care of young children and am constantly having to pick things up. I do this leg lift and figured this didn’t hurt when my back was hurting some time ago. It works!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI have that for myself but mine doesn’t have pockets darn it. For anyone who enjoys gardening this is a definite must have. Great suggestion!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI just finished weeding most of a 50' (?) narrow strip between my driveway and my neighbor's. A kneeling pad helped but I needed to have 2 so I could move from one to another (leap frogging) without getting off mine to advance it. My main problem is standing up afterwards and getting my balance restored.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction