THORASIC SPINE COMPRESSIONS AND ORGAN CROWDING

@gowalking
I had Kypoplasty on T 12 and L3. There are risks but after 2 months of terrible pain I chose to do it. Constipation was chronic . Nothing helped including high price medications. I learned I had other compression fractures I was unaware of. I stopped Prolia in June 2024 and I know that contributed to significant and rapid bone loss. I have recently had colonoscopy endoscopy and nuclear med tests in an effort to fix the bowel issues but those tests were negative . I have just completed PT and now having problem holding my neck up and lower back weakness. I also experience sharp pain when my ribs touch my pelvis. I had thorough cardiac work up after extreme shortness of breath . It was determined that it was result of bones pushing on my diaphragm. I have kyphosis which I believe has worsened. Returning to spine doctor this week. I continue to exercise to strengthen lower body which is very important. I’ve loss 23 pounds so my focus now is eating more protein. I’m 76 years old and a year ago I was jogging, walking and working on ceilings. It’s important to have a physician or Nurse Practitioner who listens to you. In closing I had my first round of Evenity today. In one year I will need to go back on another drug. My life changed dramatically and I’m sure your life did too. But take one day at a time. I’m reminded that even if my circumstances are out of my control ; they are still in God’s control.

@gowalking
I had Kypoplasty on T 12 and L3. There are risks but after 2 months of terrible pain I chose to do it. Constipation was chronic . Nothing helped including high price medications. I learned I had other compression fractures I was unaware of. I stopped Prolia in June 2024 and I know that contributed to significant and rapid bone loss. I have recently had colonoscopy endoscopy and nuclear med tests in an effort to fix the bowel issues but those tests were negative . I have just completed PT and now having problem holding my neck up and lower back weakness. I also experience sharp pain when my ribs touch my pelvis. I had thorough cardiac work up after extreme shortness of breath . It was determined that it was result of bones pushing on my diaphragm. I have kyphosis which I believe has worsened. Returning to spine doctor this week. I continue to exercise to strengthen lower body which is very important. I’ve loss 23 pounds so my focus now is eating more protein. I’m 76 years old and a year ago I was jogging, walking and working on ceilings. It’s important to have a physician or Nurse Practitioner who listens to you. In closing I had my first round of Evenity today. In one year I will need to go back on another drug. My life changed dramatically and I’m sure your life did too. But take one day at a time. I’m reminded that even if my circumstances are out of my control ; they are still in God’s control.

I had a kyphoplasty on #11. As a result I have organ crowding. And yes, my abdomen protrudes. Before the procedure I had a completely flat abdomen. I have perfect posture. Posture doesn't have anything to do with my protruding stomach.

I will have my two year TYMLOS treatment appointment in March with my bone doctor. Hopefully, she will order some testing and a Dexa Scan to confirm where exactly my bones are right now in regards to osteoporosis. A year ago, they were much improved and in the osteopina range.
In February, I will have an appointment with a neurosurgeon to discuss straightening my back.
So, my TYMLOS journey is coming to a close, but still on a journey of recovery.
Im getting anxious, excited, hopeful, scared and nervous all at once.
I don't know what comes after TYMLOS........but I'm going to keep you posted on the outcome of my appointments, what the plan is going forward and the success of TYMLOS.

My feeling is positive...all will be good...happy days and good health ahead!!

I might have shared this before, but after my thoracic compression fractures, I used a brace called a Spinomed. It’s very specific for helping with and even preventing kyphosis. You wear it twice a day for an hour each time, and I’m doing well. The best part is it was fully covered by Medicare.

@maymore Wow, Medicare covers it? Margaret Martin (who I love) promotes it but it costs betweem $550 and $850! I wonder what kind of diagnosis you need to snag one thru Medicare?

@gowalking It is nice to hear the positive remarks, and the better bone scores. I am on Tymlos. Only 6 months so far. But I recently stopped due to unwanted side effects. After stopping, I felt normal. It is hard to go back on it.
I love how you ended your post. It gives me hope. But I am still afraid to go back to the drug. Any advice for me?

I have two vertebral fractures T8 and T9 and I have lost quite a few inches in height due to other apparently older wedge shaped vertebrae. Until about 2 years ago I used to have a waist but now have the protruding belly. I am 83. Early on after the fractures I found I just feel better with a wide elastic (black) around the under rib area (it seems to keep my innards more in place). I got the "broken rib brace" on Amazon and like that it is black because it looks more like a clothing item than a medical device. I can wear it under or over my clothing, placing it a little lower than my ribs. For part of the day I also use a LSO brace. Advised not to use it a lot but it just helps me have more energy and know which way is up when walking or standing. It gives me a touch point on the back to stand as straight as possible. Have been told I have severe osteoporosis and hope to avoid using the bone meds. I am on BHRT--hoping it will help along with exercise, supplements and more protein.

@harryboy7

What were your side effects?
I had none after the initial first injection.
Recently, breathing has become difficult, but my PCP and Pulmonary doctor have both said it is due to the curve in my spine crushing my lungs. It does seem to be more intense right after my shot, but I'm so close to the end, I'm not stopping now.

So, if you have stopped TYMLOS, are you taking anything else?
Have you had a DEXA SCAN to see if six months gave you any success? I would be worried that you may be losing any gains you had with the TYMLOS.
What does your doctor say?