THORACIC COMPRESSION FRACTURES AND POSTURAL CHANGES

Posted by harryboy7 @harryboy7, Oct 21 11:30am

I recently had a T8 compression fracture. I wore a brace for 4 months. Also had one 10 years ago, at T12. I have noticed some alarming changes to my body. I now have Kyphosis. My spine has lost height, which has caused postural changes. It is pushing forward an compressing my organs. Suddenly my stomach is pushed outward. Like my body was folded in half. I am wondering if anyone has experienced this. (You can look up Kyphosis and Thoracic compression fractures ).
I now have been slightly out of breath and having loud sloshing sounds in my abdomen. My doctor has mentioned the compression fracture is mostly causing this.
I would love to hear from people who know what I am talking about, and share their personal experiences. Thank you

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Profile picture for laura1970 @laura1970

@ricksgal can you get accurate DEXA scsns of the spine after so many kyphoplasties?

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@laura1970 I assume so but I really don’t know

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Profile picture for harryboy7 @harryboy7

@jennirdh I am so sorry, I get it. Compression fractures are super painful. I am 71. I had no idea this was going to happen. You know you do all the right things, and then WAM. Severe Osteoporosis and compression fractures. And the changes to our spine. My belly looks like I am pregnant. You really sound like me. Its hard isn't it? I am so tired of pain. Wore a brace for 4months. Still in a lot of pain, and wondering when will this go away.
I have started PT. I won't do the Kyphoplasty. My doctor does not recommend it. It is comforting that I am not alone.
Did you tolerate Tymlos? I am only doing 6 clicks. I get nauseated and my bad hurts really bad. Afraid to go to 70 mcg.
You hang in there too.

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@harryboy7 thanks for your kind words! I literally feel your pain and am sorry for it. I have severe stenosis now, too, since the compression fractures in my lumbar area are impinging on the nerves. Ugh that nerve pain is bad in a whole different way. I feel so decrepit now but just had my first grandchild so I have to rally!
I tolerate full Tymlos dose, I worked up to it gradually over a few weeks. I do not like the way it makes my heart race for a while after the shot, but I am expecting it so I keep busy during it (which is why I do mine in the morning). Other than the fast heartbeat and frequent urination for an hour or so I have no other side effects, luckily. I have seen other ppl post abdomen weight gain with Tymlos and it did that to me also. As long as it’s helping my bones which it does appear to be doing, I’ll put up with it. I’m also doing Osteostrong and that’s helping, mentally at least, and hopefully a bit physically!

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I had a T7 CF and was offered kyphoplasty but ended up not having it done. I now have a kink in my spine and am noticing some of the changes you are describing. I probably should have had the surgery but my bones were so soft. Because of the fracture I started taking Tymlos and then Teriparatide. I was afraid that my very soft bones could fracture in the area adjacent to the cement.

I, too, am trying to keep my muscles and bones as strong and limber as possible with exercises including bone building exercises from The Bone Clinic, yoga and, more recently, qi gong. The qi gong spine movements especially seem to loosen muscles and ligaments, relax and help heal the spine.

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Profile picture for jennirdh @jennirdh

@harryboy7 thanks for your kind words! I literally feel your pain and am sorry for it. I have severe stenosis now, too, since the compression fractures in my lumbar area are impinging on the nerves. Ugh that nerve pain is bad in a whole different way. I feel so decrepit now but just had my first grandchild so I have to rally!
I tolerate full Tymlos dose, I worked up to it gradually over a few weeks. I do not like the way it makes my heart race for a while after the shot, but I am expecting it so I keep busy during it (which is why I do mine in the morning). Other than the fast heartbeat and frequent urination for an hour or so I have no other side effects, luckily. I have seen other ppl post abdomen weight gain with Tymlos and it did that to me also. As long as it’s helping my bones which it does appear to be doing, I’ll put up with it. I’m also doing Osteostrong and that’s helping, mentally at least, and hopefully a bit physically!

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@jennirdh Congratulation on your first grandchild! That will give you a lot of joy and love. And love is healing.
Be well and I hope things improve.

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Profile picture for maggie25 @maggie25

I had a T7 CF and was offered kyphoplasty but ended up not having it done. I now have a kink in my spine and am noticing some of the changes you are describing. I probably should have had the surgery but my bones were so soft. Because of the fracture I started taking Tymlos and then Teriparatide. I was afraid that my very soft bones could fracture in the area adjacent to the cement.

I, too, am trying to keep my muscles and bones as strong and limber as possible with exercises including bone building exercises from The Bone Clinic, yoga and, more recently, qi gong. The qi gong spine movements especially seem to loosen muscles and ligaments, relax and help heal the spine.

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@maggie25 I have a t7 and t8 compression fracture. Its been 5 months. Still a lot of pain. Regarding the Kyphpolasty, My doctor said the same thing about the cement can fracture the bone again. My bones aren't the best either, He did not recommend the procedure for me. I am not going to have one.
I am interested in the Qi gone. My goal is to get stronger again. Good luck in everything.

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I have osteoporosis and discovered 6-weeks ago that my back pain was not a pulled muscle but 3 compression fractures. The back doctor is suggesting the surgery with cement. I’ve had numerous (non-spinal) surgeries over the years and I was never worried, but hearing the possible things that could happen with the procedure I’m hesitant. I’ve also heard a Neuro-surgeon should be doing the surgery not an orthopedist. And the chance of CF around the “fixed vertabrae” is greater. HELP

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Profile picture for jennirdh @jennirdh

@eileenvan please let me know if you like the posture brace and what kind you chose. I’m considering one!

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@jennirdh I got corecare, but the size was wrong, waiting on the exchange. I saw a decompression back brace and really am considering that, I’m desperate to be out of pain. I’ll let you know about CoreCare after I get to try it.
Warm wishes, E

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Profile picture for momsters @momsters

I have osteoporosis and discovered 6-weeks ago that my back pain was not a pulled muscle but 3 compression fractures. The back doctor is suggesting the surgery with cement. I’ve had numerous (non-spinal) surgeries over the years and I was never worried, but hearing the possible things that could happen with the procedure I’m hesitant. I’ve also heard a Neuro-surgeon should be doing the surgery not an orthopedist. And the chance of CF around the “fixed vertabrae” is greater. HELP

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@momsters I’ve had 4 successful Kyphoplasty . I’ve also had ablations, those really helped.
Mine were done at a pain management center. (All in one year)
Warm wishes, E

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Profile picture for jennirdh @jennirdh

@harryboy7 thanks for your kind words! I literally feel your pain and am sorry for it. I have severe stenosis now, too, since the compression fractures in my lumbar area are impinging on the nerves. Ugh that nerve pain is bad in a whole different way. I feel so decrepit now but just had my first grandchild so I have to rally!
I tolerate full Tymlos dose, I worked up to it gradually over a few weeks. I do not like the way it makes my heart race for a while after the shot, but I am expecting it so I keep busy during it (which is why I do mine in the morning). Other than the fast heartbeat and frequent urination for an hour or so I have no other side effects, luckily. I have seen other ppl post abdomen weight gain with Tymlos and it did that to me also. As long as it’s helping my bones which it does appear to be doing, I’ll put up with it. I’m also doing Osteostrong and that’s helping, mentally at least, and hopefully a bit physically!

Jump to this post

@jennirdh my Dr. took me off of Tymlos for a week, I was having heart palpitations. They can be associated with blood clots. Just started back 3 days ago. My heart beats hard but not fast like before.
I would like to stop it and take Evenity. My Dr may do that as I still have a pounding heart.
Warm wishes, E

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Profile picture for momsters @momsters

I have osteoporosis and discovered 6-weeks ago that my back pain was not a pulled muscle but 3 compression fractures. The back doctor is suggesting the surgery with cement. I’ve had numerous (non-spinal) surgeries over the years and I was never worried, but hearing the possible things that could happen with the procedure I’m hesitant. I’ve also heard a Neuro-surgeon should be doing the surgery not an orthopedist. And the chance of CF around the “fixed vertabrae” is greater. HELP

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@momsters

I'm also facing eventual spinal surgery (lumbar laminectomy, triple fusion), and I'm told the surgeon will be using cement.

Interestingly, a neurosurgeon told me he'd use the cement. In a prior consultation with an orthopedic surgeon, nothing was said about cement.

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