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Need feedback: Thoracic spine compressions and organ crowding

Posted by harryboy7 @harryboy7, Dec 12, 2025

I was told this by my doctor and internet info, that depending on the severity of the thoracic compression fracture, organ crowding can happen. The spine can cause some kyphotic changes ( hunching). In severe cases, it can cause respiratory issues, and GI issues.
After my compression fractures, My abdomen started protruding outward...like my body was folded in half. Has this happened to anyone? I also keep getting this sloshing sound ( like water stuck in my gut). It is really loud. The sound is different then the normal gurgles. There is no pain. Also I have experienced more constipation, no matter what I do to help.
I have been on Tymlos for six months.
Any feedback I will appreciate. Thanks

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gowalking | @gowalking | Jan 16 5:41pm
In reply to @harryboy7 "@gowalking I titrated the Tymlos. My side effects were nausea every single day for 6 months...." + (show)
Profile picture for harryboy7 @harryboy7

@gowalking I titrated the Tymlos. My side effects were nausea every single day for 6 months. Since stopping the Tymlos, the nausea went away. I am still off the drug. I am not taking any other Osteo med.
I asked about doing a dexascan at 6 months. They won't do it.
I plan to write my Endo that I went off Tymlos. I know he will be totally be negative about it. They only know so much on what the manufactures say.
I thought about staying on Tymlos for one year. Then get my Dex. If there is no change...I will stop all together.
I wish there was data out there regarding dosing recommendations. If I were to only take 5 mcg would it help. I don't know.

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@harryboy7
I don't know either. A lot of people on here have said they titrate on the dose. That was never an option for me..first dose, the doctor stabbed me with the full dose and it was awful for about 15 minutes. She said the next dose would be fine. She was right, I had no further side effects. Are you taking it on an empty stomach? If so, maybe eat a few saltine crackers and ginger ale 15 minutes before? Or an anti nausea pill, if cleared by your doctor.

I'm curious why you haven't told your doctor you stopped the treatment?
How long ago did you stop? Possibly there is another treatment you can take. Going with no treatment seems risky to me as you may be losing what you gained from the six months that you did take TYMLOS.

I had a DEXA as soon as I started TYMLOS so we had a baseline marker. Another DEXA at one year, which showed great improvement, and will have a third DEXA at my two year mark. My doctor ordered the first two and I feel certain she will order the third.

Who said no to your DEXA? If your doctor orders it, most insurance will cover it. The out of pocket, if you pay on your own, is around $100, but you can get an exact amount from the facility that would do the scan. It's no big deal for your doctor to order it.

If your doctor is going to be negative about you stopping...be patient, you stopped without consulting him first and may have delayed your progress by doing so. Hopefully, that is not the case. It's very possible he could have put you on another treatment. But if you are uncomfortable talking with your doctor, it's time to shop for another one.

Let me know what you decide to do. But PLEASE go on something.

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marjoram2 | @marjoram2 | Jan 18 10:27pm
In reply to @tillymack "@marjoram2 I have osteoporosis and scoliosis, one wedge shaped vertebrae, and no waist, but I can..." + (show)
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@marjoram2 I have osteoporosis and scoliosis, one wedge shaped vertebrae, and no waist, but I can recreate my waist if I stand correctly as my PT has advised. I notice you are taking BHRT. Have you been taking BHRT for some years or have you just started? I would like to start that as well.

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@tillymack I just started the BHRT about two months ago. The nurse practitioner who prescribed the bio-identical cream (applied 6 out of 7 days a week) said it would probably help with sleep--she was right. I want to find a PT at a facility that has equipment similar to machines in the gyms--so I can know which are safe for me to use.

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joellem763 | @joellem763 | Aug 13 3:32pm
In reply to @maymore "I might have shared this before, but after my thoracic compression fractures, I used a brace..." + (show)
Profile picture for maymore @maymore

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.

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@maymore I will ask my doctor if I could use that brace. Where can you purchase the brace please. Thank you for your advice!

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bamaqueen | @bamaqueen | Aug 14 8:24am

I have organ crowding from a 4 inch loss in height from 5 thoracic compression fractures. Also, scoliosis, kyphosis and Dowagers hump. Embarrassing. I have the protruding abdomen also. My lungs showed atelectasis in the lower lobes. My pulmonologist thinks it’s from the crowding and me not inhaling deep enough.
I don’t have any answers for you unfortunately. I went to PT several times before it even got this bad with no significant improvement. It’s difficult to try to correct when I am already in pain and find it difficult to just get through a normal day.
I do get the gurgling stomach at times and staying regular is a constant problem. All I can say is you are not alone and just do the best you can.

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pks82 | @pks82 | 3 hours ago

May 11, 2025 due to a violent accident I suffered a burst fracture of my L1 vertebrae. The spinal doctor I was referred to was less than helpful. He told me he could offer me no stability by doing surgery. Five weeks later it had totally collapsed. It took him 2 months after that to get me to a brace fitter.
The physical therapist told me about kyphosis and how it might affect my body. This June 2026 my abdomen protruded to look like a term pregnancy. I've had to buy pregnancy tops. I am small except for this and am a personal trainer of many years. I was told how I would look, not how it would affect my organs. Also in June of this year, acid reflux and I now eat several small meals a day. My main problem is getting a deep breath. I've lost height in my torso as my rib cage moved closer to my pelvis. Since organs can't be flattened they must move outward. Lungs are also crowded and the breathing muscle the diaphragm is also affected. To help with this I consciously keep my shoulders down and retracted. I still have my brace and the moment I put it on I can breathe normally. I've started wearing it on the bad days for half a day. I am 82 years old, eat a very healthy diet and walk 4 miles a day, Plus train clients part time. So I do count my blessings. But I can certainly sympathize.

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