Those with Vertebral Fractures - Please share your story and advice

Posted by daisy17 @daisy17, Oct 13 10:32pm

I am 74 with severe osteoporosis, worse in my spine (T-score -4.1). I believe I recently developed a vertebral fracture and will see my PCP this week. I am feeling very scared and have a lot of worries about the recovery process, developing more fractures, and what to expect in my life going forward. I would like to hear from anyone who’s had one or more vertebral fractures. Could you please share your story and let me know what your experience has been, how your life has been affected, and if you have any suggestions or advice?

There wasn’t a fall or movement where I suddenly felt sharp pain. It was a gradual process that started with some low and mid-back pain (not severe). Two weeks later, I noticed pain at my spine, about waist level. The pain is worse with certain movements such as bending forward or leaning back against a chair and that area of my spine is tender if I press on it. The pain is tolerable with 1-2 tylenol a day. I am able to walk and sleep without pain, except for when I turn over in bed.

When I see my Dr this week, I assume she will schedule an X-ray of my spine. I read compression fractures don’t always show up on X-rays. If that’s the case, should I ask for a CT-scan or any other test? Is there anything I should do, such as movements to avoid etc, to prevent the fracture from getting worse before it can heal, and to prevent more fractures? Did you wear a brace?

I’m in discussions with my endocrinologist about medication. I have parathyroid issues that probably rule out Tymlos or Forteo. I’m consulting with an endocrine surgeon tomorrow. That would leave Fosamax or Evenity as options. But rather than discuss medications right now, I am mostly looking to connect with others with fractures.

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

jm7 | @jm7 | Oct 14 3:25pm

No I wanted an MRI to really see. It’s the most accurate as far as I know

windyshores | @windyshores | Oct 14 5:13pm

@daisy17 many people seem to do fine on Evenity including many who post here. It seems Evenity actually has fewer side effects than some of the other meds. Just my impression!

shamrock24 | @shamrock24 | Oct 15 1:47pm

I am currently 65. I had 3 vertebral fractures in 3 and a half months, but was misdiagnosed as neuropathy. Initially I experienced mild pain that gradually became severe pain. I had been physically active my entire life , so this was a shock. After getting a second opinion, I reluctantly decided to go with Evenity. My t scores of the spine went from -3.7 to -2.9 a year later. I recently had Reclast. I did not have any major issues with either drug, but still worry about the long term affects. I also took vitamin D, vitamin K2 MK7, magnesium, and 2 glasses of milk a day. While I was waiting the 3 months to get in to see a doctor for a second opinion, I purchased a vibration board off Amazon for around $200.00. You might want to read up on them and use them with caution. I have no idea if this helped me or not because there are conflicting studies with this. However, astronauts use some type of vibration machine when they return from space to help their bones. Although I didn’t want to go down this path, I am grateful that I am up, mobile, independent and not wheel chair bound. The most frustrating part of all of this is the confusing and conflicting information concerning osteoporosis.