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Building bone before massive spinal surgery
I have severe osteoporosis, and adult onset scoliosis. On July 13, 2025, I had a high impact fall that greatly destroyed my already compromised spine. I have been bedridden since, finally cleared for PT a month ago, and am more mobile, but in 24/7 pain, worsening when standing, worse agony while sitting. My L1 vertebrae received a wedge fracture, which, after the fracture healed, caused kyphosis to become much more pronounced, and as a result, the ribs attached from there are collapsing forward, “sitting on my pelvis”, as the orthopedist described.
There is strange, intense pain in the frontal ribs from the wedge shaped fracture.
After multiple, multiple efforts with osteopaths, Feldenkrais, PT, gentle exercise walking, Alge Cal, et al, surgery seems the only option now. I am terrified, suspect and trying to find courage.
First step is to see an endocrinologist tomorrow to determine which bone building drug to take. More terror. I do not know how to pay for these expensive drugs, I am on Medicare, which I doubt my Part D plan will pay. And two, side effects. I have had intractable migraine since age 5, am 74 now. If headaches as a side effect tip that scale I cannot go on. The migraines are diabolical, lasting for days in blinding pain. . I have one new med that sometimes aborts ~ I’ve taken every migraine med to no avail.
I would appreciate any help / suggestions about Forteo and the other new bone building drug and any other helpful input. I have great access to the dark side, so in relation to the surgery, which is extensive, 🌟PLEASE no horror stories, I know them all. Thank you for understanding.
There are two thoughts: one is to have the surgery soon, taking the bone support drug alongside; the other is to take the med for awhile to build bone, then do surgery. The issue is, my spine has gotten much worse, about 40%, since the fracture healed and complications arose, so waiting means more worsening. Not waiting means possibility of the bones not being strong enough to support the hardware put into the spine, so more fractures, more surgeries.
I do not know how my life has come to this point. I am an active woman, potter, art teacher, yoga teacher… and now this.
Thanks to all for any thoughts.
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@nliebrecht Thank you and blessings for a stable healing . 💛 It sounds like we are in the same boat with adult onset scoliosis, fractures, and spinal deterioration. I agree with the recommendation of taking Evenity for 6 months to stabilize bone before surgery, but the surgeon said he does surgery and beginning a bone building drug “side by side”. I do not know what to think, but that sounds so risky, and am going for more opinions in the meantime.
Are you taking Evenity? If so, would you share the side effects you had to put up with? I am terrified, but started prep today re, beginning Evenity, by seeing my dentist for a thorough exam. I rarely get cavities and today 3 were found plus the need for 2 crowns. Unbelievable. Thank you again for your response, I will be sending you healing light and thoughts for ease. ✨💛✨
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2 ReactionsPart B will pay for reclast infusions and prolia injections. I tried the reclast and the body aches, muscle and joint, were unbearable, also ran a fever. I have a low immune system, have had Sepsis 14 times. I ended up having a sepsis infection afterwards. I then switched to prolia and have been getting an injection every 6 months. It's built my bone mass by 8 - 11%, depending on the location. Now my Dr wants to put me on the new drug Jubbonti that is similar to prolia.
I've had osteopenia for 23 years. 4 years ago, following a sepsis infection, bacteria migrated to my back, giving me osteomyelitis, discitis and burst fractures in T9 & T10 vertebrae, compressing my spinal cord. I knew at the time I'd need further surgery but they wanted to put it off as long as possible. The rods in my back are protruding significantly on the top and bottom. Several screws and broken and several others have backed out. I've had worsening kyphosis, progressing all of the time. Now my neck hurts trying to look up all of the time. I think surgery is now just around the corner and the odds are high. Like you, I'm terrified. I know they'll want to do some bone grafting because further hardware isn't likely going to hold. I've lost 3" in height. I bet you've just significant loss too. I wasn't tall to begin with; I'm now 4'10! I see the surgeon December 29th
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4 ReactionsI’m sorry to hear of the nightmare you are experiencing.
This is indeed terrifying. I am, at the moment, trying to face my personal situation with courage, still to be found. I am trying to learn about the journey on Evenity right now, step by step, without looking to the future that may hold deep scary places in the dark side,which I am too easily prone to do. Take care of yourself, and especially try to tend your spirit. 🦋❤️🩹🦋
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2 ReactionsThis is all so scary and most of us are in the same boat. Do you trust your medical staff? That is the key to moving forward. If you trust them, follow what they say to the best of your ability. Believe in you heart that they have your very best interest at heart. Cast your cares upon the Lord and seek Him to provide you with wise counselors that are only going to provide the best direction for the best outcome. Take a deep breath and believe that you are on the road to recovery. What you tell yourself about this process is as important as any tangible thing that is done to you or for you. Wishing you the very best! k
Thank you for your support, K. ✨💛✨
M~
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