what are your symptoms from Osteoporosis ?

@SusanEllen66
To be honest, there does not seem to be symptoms to osteoporosis, most people learn about it either from a dexa or unfortunately after they fracture.
Now after a fracture, there will always be discomfort and down right awful pain.
Lots of people may confuse osteoarthritis, which definitely makes itself be known, and osteoporosis. These are two different conditions, although it is possible to have both conditions at the same time.
Doctors should definitely be ordering baseline dexa scans earlier, this way the condition can be caught and treated, naturally hopefully, before the condition worsens.
This is all based on my opinion and on my experience dealing with osteoporosis the last 7 years.

Idk. The drs tell me osteoporosis has no pain. I have hip pains and I feel weak when I lift anything over 8 lbs . I never took meds until I was diagnosed with osteoporosis.

@SusanEllen66
I read there are no symptoms in the early stages. My doctor says my back pain may be from my osteoporosis. I think it's arthritis. I fall frequently but no broken bones yet.
Jake

Recently I had the flu, which then became pneumonia, during this time it was discovered that I have two spinal compression fractures T6 and T 12. Since this has happened I have had lower back pain, hip pain and back muscle pain. Some of the pain I believe was from being in bed or sitting too long. But now I have problems with bowel movements and if I walk short distances or stand too long the back pain seems to increase. I will be seeing a physical therapist and getting an MRI in the next two weeks. I also am trying to do light stretching exercises and chair yoga. I do not take meds for the osteoporosis because I refuse to go that route. I am 64 years old. I’m hoping the PT helps and gives me guidelines on correct exercises to do. Anyone else have the issues with bowel movements? That is my concern at the moment.

Same

Learn how to lift. Doing it the wrong, especially repeatedly, way will cause pain.

@ny2ganana
Hi, I’m not a doctor so please don’t take what I say as medical advice, I’m only commenting based on my own experience-
Sounds like your fractures were fragility fractures. Have you had a dexa to confirm osteoporosis?
If you are experiencing fragility fractures, you should probably consult with an endocrinologist and discuss medication options.
More than likely you would benefit from an anabolic, Tymlos or Forteo. I’m not a fan of Evenity. I’m actually not a fan of any osteoporosis medications. BUT, I do believe there is a time and place for them, and if you are experiencing fragility fractures, now is the time.
And you’ve mentioned, since the fractures and following the pneumonia, you are experiencing pain. If you continue to fracture, the pain can get worse and become debilitating. I’m not saying this to scare you, I’ve been there, I know what it’s like.
Starting your treatment with an anabolic before you’ve taken any other osteoporosis meds is a plus. They tend to work best on “virgin “ bones. You would have to follow up with a bisphosphonate after the anabolic.
Exercise, supplements, and good nutrition, while very important for our bones and overall health are great, but they will not be enough to grow bone and stop the fractures.
I’m 7 years in to this journey, have tried 5 different osteoporosis meds, and have had 6 pelvic fractures.
This site has some very knowledgeable people who can provide guidance in your journey, but at the end of the day, the decision is yours. Do your research and look for a knowledgeable doctor that can help.

@ny2ganana
I almost forgot to comment on the constipation issue.
Fairly often I have some issues with IBS with constipation. I find that eating a few dried prunes daily helps with this. Golden kiwi are full of fiber and vitamin C which also help me go. Also the prunes contain boron which is great for bones!

@SusanEllen66 According to my now-retired long-time PCP, High Blood Pressure has often been referred to as "the silent killer" because there are often no apparent symptoms until you have a heart attack or stroke.

She said Osteoporosis ought to be called "the silent crippler" because there are no symptoms until a fracture or your spine begins to collapse. That is why she was always insistent that all of her female patients, and some males, get routine DEXA scans. Not necessarily annually - in my case, at 73, with no osteopenia, mine are every 3 years. My younger sister has osteopenia so hers are every year (our grandmother, aunt and several cousins all have or had severe osteoporosis.)

How are you dealing with your osteoporosis?

Yes. I have difficulty in that area as well. I think it may be due to the Atorvistatin and calcium pills but not totally sure.