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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. .
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Use both hands on the sides, it’s very sturdy. I have to pull myself up with it then get my balance and keep going. I’m assuming you have it in the lower position?
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2 ReactionsI am envious of those who can stay stationary while weeding long enough to use a kneeler. I used a pad today because I was kneeling on concrete but usually use only my knees when in a huge mulch bed. I just have to rely on the use-it-or-lose-it approach to regain my balance when standing up.
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1 Reaction@gammyb
Thanks! Ours should arrive today so we'll see how it works. I think the pockets will be very useful.
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1 Reaction@normahorn
Good for you continuing to do things to regain your balance. Have you ever considered one of those large balls to sit on for balance? There are lots of exercises online for people with different issues that work on balance. It might be worth a look.
#7 on this link talks about the ball for balance:
https://www.healthline.com/health/managing-osteoporosis/exercises-to-strengthen-your-bones#Exercises-that-build-healthy-bones
@normahorn
Getting up from the ground is an issue even for me and I don't have osteoporosis, my husband does. I always need to have something to grab onto (since I hurt my back a few years ago, this has been an issue.) I'm thinking the kneeling device with handles and pockets might be the answer but we'll see. Ours arrives today.
@gammyb
I haven't tried it, nor has my husband (who is the one with osteoporosis). I'll report back here once it arrives and we have a chance to use it. I think the handles to pull up will be very helpful even for me.
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1 ReactionI scooted across my bed on my backside and felt like I fractured again. Pain is a little better today. That is what I mean about mistakes. I am not getting an x-ray every time. I took a muscle relaxer to distinguish bone and muscle pain. It's improving. Probably not a fracture.
Do a roll off the bed! No scooting or crab walking or whatever!
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4 Reactions@windyshore
No bed scooting for sure! I'll mention this to my husband. It's so easy to do things without even thinking that it might cause harm. It sounds like it's muscular. I hope so!! Feel better!!
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