Useful items and links for people with fractures

@isabelle7 thank you, what a helpful idea for a thread!

I would add to the list......medications! Tymlos and Forteo can help with healing, I have been told, and anabolics may also, of course, help with preventing more fractures.

I would also add that both physical and occupational therapy can be useful in learning how to move and accommodated existing fractures, as well as strengthening supportive muscles.

One of my big problems is windows. I need to be able to open them safely. This limits my rental options.

@windyshores

I can see where opening windows could be a problem. And it just made me think that my husband is reaching and opening our bedroom window which could be a bit dangerous with his three current fractures. I’m glad you mentioned that.

He’s getting ready to start Forteo in a couple weeks and we are very hopeful. He’ll do Forteo for two years and then go on Reclast for 2-5 years per his endocrinologist. Such a good point you made including these meds.

Our physical therapist who my husband saw last week is being so helpful with stressing what he shouldn’t do. Right now we’re waiting for X-rays to make sure his new fractures are stable.

I live alone so windows really are a problem!

Hope the x-rays are good news.

@isabelle7 Thank you for starting this new Discussion. We have double hung windows in our house and this has not been discussed anywhere else that I know of.

@naturegirl5

You're welcome! Information on Connect from people willing to share has been so valuable in the journey to getting my husband on track healthwise. Dealing with illnesses we'd never even heard of and then steroid-induced osteoporosis on top of it all. The steroids were the necessary evil to get him stable and we're not out of those woods quite yet. But we are making progress.

@windyshores

I can definitely see how opening windows could be an issue for someone who isn't supposed to reach and lift. Some of our windows slide open from side-to-side easily, however some upstairs windows are up and down and those could definitely cause issues.

For people with osteoporosis looking for a new place to live, they should add checking windows for ease of opening to their list before renting/buying.

Hello Isabelle7!
Thank you for the list of helpful resources! I too have Osteoporosis and have had 3 back surgeries. The grabber stick is by far the most helpful item for me. I am now 13 months post-surgery for a 3-level fusion and continue to use my grabber sticks daily. Yes, sticks! I have them everywhere!! In my kitchen, bathroom, laundry room and garage. After buying numerous grabbers I have found this one to be the very best. It can pick up anything & it also can pull weeds!
https://www.amazon.com/RMS-Grabber-Reacher-Rotating-Gripper/dp/B07PHL4DKP?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1
I would also add to the list a long handled shoehorn. Very helpful!
Lastly, I would recommend that everyone with back issues (osteoporosis or surgery) have a top loading washing machine and raise your dryer with an elevated box so you do NOT bend when moving items from washer to dryer. The grabber stick helps to move the items from washer to dryer with absolutely NO bending.

God bless you all & may today be a better day for each of us.
Peace!

I like the weed pulling comment but I have met some dandelions that would put up a good fight.

@backincontrol

You're very welcome! Some came from others who post here. I just put it in one spot hoping we can all share what works for us. I'm glad to hear the grabber sticks work so well for you. I ordered a couple that have arrived and my husband is insisting I buy the ones you suggested. So I am placing the order today. We just got home from a couple days at the coast trying to beat the heat.

He does have a long handled shoehorn and I will double that it's very helpful. He's the one with osteoporosis.

Last week I was thinking that he should not be bending down taking things out of the dryer. We're learning these things as we go along. He started with one fracture, and over the last couple months has two more. So we have to reevaluate everything he's doing. The doctor thinks he got at least one of those from emptying the dishwasher. That put a whole new perspective on things. I can empty the dryer for him and he can help hang the clothes. I'm willing to work with him and do the bulk of the work around here to give him time to heal and rebuild bone, now that we'll be starting the Forteo.

I'll also mention the reacher grabber for taking things from the washer to the dryer. And in a pinch he can use it to remove things from the dryer. I'm going to keep the two I ordered and get the ones you suggested so we can put them in different areas of the house and his garage. If we like the ones you suggested more we can return the new ones we bought and order another set of yours. We'll get it figured out.

I saw something today that made me think. "Today is always the best day." I think I'll try to live by that as much as I can. We should appreciate each day, even with its challenges, and work toward healing and making our tomorrows the best they can be. Peace to you too!

@isabelle7 my PT taught me to empty the wash and lift to the dryer by using my knees.
The key to the dishwasher might be using knees but also one dish at a time.