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Anybody else struggling with how OP has made your body into a freak ?

Posted by ladybear57 @ladybear57, Jun 23 1:24pm

I have always been a little crooked due to a pretty significant scoliosis. Between November and December I suffered 5 thoracic fractures. Since then I walk doubled over. Unable to stand upright. I feel like absolute freak. I’m only 68 and look like I’m 90.
The pain is incredible. Making our bed feels like a marathon. I have been doing PT since late March. I don’t think I am a candidate for a kyphoplasty due to the severity of my OP. I am thoroughly discouraged and depressed. I have dealt with chronic pain and back and cervical issues for over 30 yrs so I’m not new to this game. I’m just tired of being in the game.

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ladybear57 | @ladybear57 | Jul 7 4:08am
In reply to @ssmab "Hello ladybear, I am sorry to hear that you are dealing with spinal compression fractures. I..." + (show)
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Hello ladybear,
I am sorry to hear that you are dealing with spinal compression fractures. I have had 3 of them, 2 in the thoracic area, T7 and T8. I got the 2 years ago and if I am careful and do my pt exercises I am pain free in my back for the most part now. Has your PT suggested to you to do the Sara Meeks Method of spinal decompression? My PT thinks it is very important. You lie on your back on a firm surface, either on the floor or you can have a board on top of a bed, then cover the board with a yoga mat and 2 folded quilts so it it firm but not uncomfortable. You lie there flat with your knees up , arms a few inches from your side, palms up, and your feet flat on the surface you are lying on. There is a YouTube video that shows how to do this. Sorry, but I don't know how to save it in a file and attach it to this reply. If you look up "Sara Meeks Method of Spinal Decompression" on YouTube it should pop up. Sara is a PT with many years of experience. I do this method every day for 15 minutes. My PT suggested that this is very helpful for pain and also to keep your spine from curving. You just lie quietly, don't move, and you concentrate on your breathing. I use this time for prayer and positive thoughts. I have survived breast cancer and got these compression fractures just about the time I was diagnosed so the quiet prayer and positive thought time have helped me so much. My PT said if I continue to do this every day it will help a lot to avoid a hump on my back. It helps to avoid pain also. You may want to ask your PT about this Sara Merks Method of spinal decompression. I am wishing the best for you, and I hope this can help you.❤️

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No, they hadn’t but thanks to you I was able to print a copy of it off and showed it to them. They felt that even with all my other spine cervical issues that I might benefit from it. I am going to try it. Thanks for the suggestion.

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ssmab | @ssmab | Jul 7 7:42am
In reply to @ladybear57 "No, they hadn’t but thanks to you I was able to print a copy of it..." + (show)
Profile picture for ladybear57 @ladybear57

No, they hadn’t but thanks to you I was able to print a copy of it off and showed it to them. They felt that even with all my other spine cervical issues that I might benefit from it. I am going to try it. Thanks for the suggestion.

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You are so welcome. I sure hope it will help you.❤️

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bamaqueen | @bamaqueen | Jul 8 11:27am

I think I’m your older twin! 71 with 5 thoracic fractures. I’ve also been fighting the curvature battle and back pain before compression fractures. I was holding my own for a long time. I even have Susan Meeks book “Walk Tall”. I used to be able to do the exercises plus a combination of others from PT. A couple of years ago I lost my way due to a rare lung disease and taking care of my 99 year old mother. Mom is gone now and I swear she took over my body. At least she left me her rollator! We have to laugh even though it’s hard.
I have not had any surgery. I had a kyphoplasty scheduled, but had to postpone due to bad cough and the doctor just canceled the procedure!
I went to a pain management doctor after more fractures and he wouldn’t do anything because of the lung infection. I have not found a reasonable doctor to help with osteoporosis. They all just want to prescribe a medication (many have horrible side effects and risks). Right now I’m very limited in activity. Leave the house a couple of times a week and haven’t driven in over a year,
I have lost about 4-5 inches in height and by the end of the day I look like I’m very pregnant. I am embarrassed to even see friends. I’m with you on being tired of this game. No one understands how bad it is except my husband because he lives it. I go from needing assistance with everything (can’t even dress myself) and screaming pain to being able to manage at a snails pace.
I have tried several braces and they cause me more pain. Depression and frustration is ongoing. My Mom passed 15 months ago and I still haven’t cleaned out her house. It’s an eight hour drive and I don’t think I can handle it.
Enough of my misery.
I don’t have an answer for you, but I encourage you to keep going. You are definitely not alone.

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cs53 | @cs53 | Jul 9 10:13am

Why would osteoporosis be a problem for kyphoplasty? Isn't that what it is for. Can you get a few of them, maybe you could stand up straight? I have OP but no fractures yet. You may have to take a bone building drug like Tymlos or Forteo. I finally relented and it is not easy with side effects. It's not fair women have to put up with this.

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