Hi, i have recently been diagnosed with severe osteoporosis after 8 spinal fractures, several of which I didn’t know about and our now healed. I hope to start daily injections any day now. Due to the severity i am unable to continue with any exercise atm. Up until this point i was extremely active and fit. As much as the back pain is so horrid I’m struggling just as much with my changing body shape that gets worse as the day goes on, i also have lordosis of the spine which doesn’t help and have lost three inches in height in as many months. Does anyone have any tips on how to cope with the problem of protruding abdomen and stomach which is extremely uncomfortable and really getting me down.
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Oh dear, I can so relate to the change in shape… I have so many spinal fractures now, and am waiting for MRI results after I slid on some dog poo and landed smack on my lower back. I know I have one fracture, but I think I have one on the endplate on the other side…and since my fall, my back feels so weak. Up till then I had 7 fracture of the spine…and was doing really well…lots of exercise.. I walk the dogs twice a day and try to do 10,000 steps. I still do this and sometimes do more than 10,000 steps, but gardening has become more difficult, lifting isnt good… Since the accident my stomach has really given up and is huge… (well others wouldn’t see it as that but I do). Before I went to slimming world and lost a stone and half of weight…and was really pleased with how I was looking. Unfortunately stopping slimming world, the weight does go back on…not all of it, but some of it… and as I said since this fall in December, oh dear… Back to the baggy troused, pull ons, and baggy tops… I do watch my diet, and I do hold my stomach in to the best of my ability… But it now saddens me to see my body like this… I have also lost 3 inches in height over the last few years, and definitely more since the fall… so obviously the extra fat and organs have to fit in to a smaller space… But look on the bright side…there are lots of lovely baggy italian style clothes out there… and actually Primark do some really nice baggy stuff, I have lived in their jogging pants since the fall…and some nice length tops… Judging by your profile name…we are the same year…
Made In Italy Clothing | Laundry B. They have some nice stuff on here…
Hello Jillilie and thank you so much for responding.
Our situation seems very similar and I guess we are a similar age, I’m a very young and on trend 73 year old.
Thank you so much for the links you sent with regards to clothing, I’m going to have a good look later.
As much as I hate the change of shape it’s also that you feel so damned uncomfortable, especially as the day goes on.
I hope your MRI goes well, another fracture is what we dread as each one sets you back again not to mention the pain.
No idea where you live obviously, would be so good to meet women locally who are in similar positions and have positive outcomes.
It does us all good to hear positive stories…
I’m in Dorset.
Thanks again and I wish you well.
I would have said before the last fall, I am a very young 70’s… But the last fall has taken its toll…and I get in pain in my back very quickly… I am going deaf and have just had hearing aids fitted…so I walk with a stick since the fall and i wear hearing aids…and I do feel old… But Rock and Metal music… hahahah.
I am waiting for the results of the MRI, its over a month already… I will have to chase the powers that be up…
I live in Suffolk, so sadly miles away… but there are other ways to meet virtually…
We have to put one foot in front of another… I work from home, and that keeps me busy during the week for a few hours …
I wish you well too… This isn’t easy and its frightening that more bones could break… I just had yet another Zelondrate IV. I has 3 and was supposed to stop, but since the fall and further fractures, the specialist has said I need another 2 just to be sure… They are yearly and I don’t have side effects…so its OK. You are brave with daily injections… Me and needles do not go together even if I was dying it wouldn’t happen, I kick up enough fuss when I have the IV or blood tests.
Well done you for still working and good luck with everything.
I’m sure the daily jabs are a walk on the park, but as you say we are always trying to advocate for ourselves with the powers that be.
We must try to live for the day and never give up.
Easier said than done I know.
Take care
Hi Julie & Grandy,
I feel for you both as I have the same problem, body shape, stomach sticks out, curvature, Kythosis and lost 3inches in height, through having 7 spinal & 3 rib fractures, although all healed I am in constant pain & have to rest in between jobs. It’s a constant worry in case you fracture another vertebrae.
Finding something you can manage & enjoy takes your mind off the pain. I took to gardening & love every minute, even if I have to rest every now & then. Great to grow flowers from seed & buy plants & see how lovely your garden is.
Clothes are another issue, having to purchase a larger size which doesn’t suit, so I have altered them by taking in the sides & shortening tops & trouser waist bands.
We belong to an engineering club, my husband & I go every Sunday which is great with friends. Members who have made a steam engine or electric, run them to take rides to the public. I help by making tea, coffee & cake for all members & friends.
Take care hopefully you will find an interest to enjoy. Best wishes Maryann
Hi Maryann and thanks for your response.
As horrid as it is to hear other people’s suffering it’s also a comfort to hear that you are not alone.
Most of my interests before this were mostly focused around long walks and exercise, hopefully these will return in the future.
So yes I must look for different hobbies and pastimes for this phase of my life.
I wish you well for the future and keep safe.
Very best wishes:-))
Morning Grandy
I love your name- I called my paternal grandfather Grandy as did my children called my father - I am 88 and have had osteoporosis for 30+years- inherited from my father who had a Dowagers hump.Having been onHRT and thenAlendronic acid- I had no problems,but 18 months ago after losing height and had a protruding tummy and lower back and neck pain - Dr sent me for DXA scan- I was shocked with the results with a Tscore of -3 - I was prescribed Denosumab injections twice a year- I refused it due to the side effects.I do the exercises recommended- eat the right food- fruit,nuts,veg.and even ice cream- - small meals several times a day- everything in moderation- forget the 10,000 steps and 2 mile walks.- keep active - don’t sit for hours- I have just finished painting an outside low wall- I have a large garden and apart from cutting trees I mow,cut hedges and maintain it.I.am feeling fine- only when I do too much my back and neck play up.I can do squats-wall presses and even the ‘plank’!!! My tummy is slightly more noticeable- I wear clothes that have elastic waistbands- stand and walk upright. I only weigh just over 7 stone - but your mindset is important- don’t stress over it and take your Vit D3- Omega fish oil- and gentle walks- Enjoy life it’s not all doom and gloom
Good morning Natty
How encouraging is your story, thank you for sharing it with me. You are certainly an inspiring lady and fill me with hope for the future. I’m certainly more optimistic now and can’t wait for these fractures to heal so I can move on and get my life back on track.Thanks
I’ve just been diagnosed with osteoporosis and have yet to see the GP about treatment though I have been seeing a physio re back pain for a few months and they suggested the DEXA scan.
I have noticed a dramatic change in body shape which really took off after I wrenched my back saving myself from slipping a few weeks ago. The big tummy and shortening of my upper body are very pronounced. Like others very frustrating after losing post menopausal weight and being fit and healthy (or so I thought!)
Currently very immobile and in pain following the wrench - can’t stand for more than a few minutes without pain so everyday activities a struggle at present.
Hi
So sorry to hear this, it’s a tough place to be in the early days.
I too was unable to stand for more than a minute or two up until about three weeks ago.
Thankfully things are improving , slowly and not as quick as I would like but it’s going in the right direction.
I sincerely wish you well and that your gp points you in the right direction.
I’m grateful to have access to the ROS site, it’s nice to know that we are not alone and that help is on the end of the phone.
Take care :-))
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This sounds like a carbon copy of my own feelings so I do sympathise. The other effect I have found is that the skin under my bra line gets very red and sore due to the folds of skin being pushed up. Does anyone else suffer likewise and do you have any remedies to offer please? I did try nappy cream with limited success.
Yes, that deep fold of skin needs attention. It is difficult even to get one’s fingers right in there. I tried cream at first but it didn’t help and felt messy, so now I am just ultra careful about drying after showering, and then use some talc, unperfumed, no-one wants to smell like 1938!
That’s one side effect I haven’t suffered with (yet)!!
Maybe just a barrier cream like E45 ,or even Vaseline might be worth a try.
Oh the joy of it all, I’m just desperate to be pain free, beautiful sunny day here in Dorset and I’m lying on the bed trying to take the strain off of my thoracic back.
Things will get better, one day.
Good luck with the rash.