STOP! Don't do this if you have osteoporosis

Posted by isabelle7 @isabelle7, Jul 7 8:35pm

I am starting this thread hoping people will post things they've done that they have regretted, for one reason or another, when suffering from osteoporosis.

I'm going to start the conversation with a list of things we've learned already, and we are newbies!

1. Lift objects heavier than recommended by your physician (for my husband, that means nothing heavier than 5 pounds right now, with 3 fractures).

2. Don't bend at the waist! He got a fracture bending to empty the dishwasher.

3. Be cautious when driving - avoid rough roads, bumps, and go very slow over speed bumps.

4. We had planned to go on a boating tour (on a commercial fishing boat) on the ocean. After seeing a boat rocking and bouncing over choppy water we decided not to go.

5. Do not slouch when sitting in a chair or couch. If you're going to rest for any period of time on a couch elevate your legs (per our physical therapist).

6. Do not try any exercises until you have cleared it with your doctor, especially before your doctor confirms your fracture is stable.)

Please add to the discussion. I think this could be useful to people, especially people new to this.

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

isabelle7 | @isabelle7 | Jul 25 10:32am

In reply to @windyshores "Good grief @isabelle7. You are getting quite the medical training! Take care of yourself if you..." + (show)

@windyshores

I am getting quite the medical training! This for someone who has known her entire life that while there are things I'm good at and love, nursing isn't one of them. And here I am. LOL I'm one of the most squeamish people I know and that doesn't help. Giving shots - I said I could never do. I'm doing it. Changing a catheter - something I never dreamed I'd have to do. I'm doing it. Funny how we can do things we once thought we couldn't. I remind myself often that we are fortunate in so many ways and so many others have it far worse that we do.

We started the Forteo shots Monday and they're going great. Not nearly as hard as I thought they'd be. The Actemra shots are a one-time use epi-pen type device where the Forteo is one where you insert a new needle each day. My husband says the Forteo shots hurt less than the Actemra shots so that's good.

I hope all is well with you!!

speedweeder | @speedweeder | Jul 27 10:19am

In reply to @annie1 "I have osteoporosis, previously to taking Reclast it was "severe" after three years of Reclast infusions..." + (show)

I have shrunk 4” in the last year. Three fractures last September and more late last October when I was feeling better and decided to get something out of the oven that slipped causing me to fall. Ugh!!! I so wish I had called my husband in from mowing to get it out. What is disheartening is how my innards have compacted. Also, I never thought I was a vain person but I am. I look terrible in my clothes because I’m so hunched over.

vmcd | @vmcd | Jul 27 10:38am

In reply to @speedweeder "I have shrunk 4” in the last year. Three fractures last September and more late last..." + (show)

Oh how this is so identical to my experience…when I lost the first few inches I thought for sure they had measured me wrong and then after more fractures to have lost even more height was crazy - looking at myself in the mirror makes me cringe - the hunched shoulders and protruding stomach was so alarming at first and now I just try to avoid catching sight of my reflection.

windyshores | @windyshores | Jul 27 4:21pm

@speedweeder and @vmcd right there with you, and yes to the compressed innards- GI issues, breathing issues pain, inability to lift- and these things don't "heal," they "stabilize." It is good for us to post so people know how serious fractures are. Tai chi helps me some. Meds have helped a lot, mainly Tymlos.

deestb | @deestb | Jul 28 9:00am

Very helpful!!
Am dealing with 2 compression spinal issues plus two lumbar fractures
Getting a total back brace to help.with posture
Hip surgery coming up
Thanks 😊

babbsjoy | @babbsjoy | Jul 28 9:40am

In reply to @deestb "Very helpful!! Am dealing with 2 compression spinal issues plus two lumbar fractures Getting a total..." + (show)

@deestb , @windyshores ,@vmcd, @speedweeder

Thank you for letting those of us who are just starting all of this know how serious it can get if we don’t face up to the situation and keep up the good fight! Yesterday I received word from my insurance company that I am approved for Tymlos. I am very very grateful! But for a few minutes I was tempted to say, let’s put this off a while….( my dad, who lives with us, is going through some issues and needs time and attention beyond his norm and I am afraid how any side effects will impact this). But you have reminded me that I can’t just let this go! Thank you so very much. You make a difference.

madhub140 | @madhub140 | Jul 28 10:39am

In reply to @windyshores "@speedweeder and @vmcd right there with you, and yes to the compressed innards- GI issues, breathing..." + (show)

My sister had six fractures and does Tai chi with a community in Portland, OR every single day except Sunday. She says it is what pretty much saved her attitude on life.

lulub98 | @lulub98 | Jul 28 4:15pm

I have recently been diagnosed with osteoporosis at 81. I’d like some feedback if it is possible to rebuild density with proper diet, exercise (strength training w/ professional) yoga, and walking and biking ( and I just started taking a collagen powder. What do you think?

babbsjoy | @babbsjoy | Jul 28 7:13pm

In reply to @babbsjoy "@deestb , @windyshores ,@vmcd, @speedweeder Thank you for letting those of us who are just starting..." + (show)

(And that is NOT to say that because someone has suffered fracture, they ignored osteo, or anything like that! This is such a silent situation that it happens without us even knowing it is happening—I know I was shocked at my severe diagnosis!! I just meant that I appreciate these brave women opening up about how seriously fracture can effect your life, so be cautious and carefully weigh options and don’t ignore, as I was tempted to do for a bit!)