I’ve just been diagnosed with osteoporosis after suffering a compound fracture of my tibia and fibula when I fell down a hill and into a tree last November. My fibula has mended, but the tibia is taking forever. I’m told that the reason for the slow repair is that it was a nasty fracture and the bones broke at an angle, so there is a lot of surface area to mend. The consultant says that osteoporosis won’t affect the speed of repair.
My DXA results show a spine T‑score of -3.1 and a hip T‑score of −2.9, which aren’t great. The clinical pharmacist based at my GP’s surgery has put me on alendronic acid and a calcium supplement, but I haven’t seen anyone and they have rather left me to it apart from that.
I’m anxious to get as much information as I can and to find out what I can do to stop the osteoporosis getting any worse and, if possible, to improve it a bit. I’m a bit over the hill to start, at just over 70, but I believe it can be done.
Hi Patsy and welcome to the club that no-one wants to join.
I’m also just over 70 and like everyone else on here, found that help, advice and information on the NHS is sadly very lacking.
Personally, and everyone is individual, I have gained most of my information from the ROS and unfortunately by paying for private scans etc.
I’ve set out my own tailored plan based on my research. Although I only have osteopenia, I have decided to take Alendronic Acid for just three years to give my bone density a boost coupled with lots of exercise and nutrition.
I’m having a REMS scan in September, not because I think it’s better than DEXA but more to give me a broader picture of my bone strength. As I suffered some minor fragility fractures a couple of years ago, I’m hoping that I’m at least doing everything I can to slow down or stabilise this condition.
My best advice would be to arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible from responsible sources, reach out to this community then work out a way forward best for yourself.
I’m now feeling as good as I did before diagnosis and apart from some minor modifications carrying on with life.
Thank you so much for your help. I’m interested in the fact that you are having a REMS scan. Please could you explain what it shows that the DXA scan doesn’t? I’m wondering if it would be beneficial to me.
As far as I know, Rems can give an idea of the trabecular strength of the bone, (the network encased by the outer bone cortex.) The doctor who heads the clinic that I’m attending ‘Osteoscan’ says that we need to consider more than just bone mineral density. People of a small build are very likely to have less bone density, but if you look at a petite ballet dancer, it’s very likely that her bones will be strong due to all the strength and resistance involved over years of training.
For me, DEXA was a good starting point as it’s been used for years and is the gold standard criteria. However, as I’m coming up to two years of Alendronic Acid, I want to gain more information to help me decide my next steps.
If you Google ‘osteoscan’ or Dr. Nick Birch, lots of information will come up. Good luck and all the best in your quest for as much info as you can get. X
Welcome to the group. I have 5 compression fractures in my spine between Jan25 and Oct25 with sever density spine -4.35 right hip -3.75 left hip 3.25 doctors didn’t give me the results of the dxa scan, doctors were not interested I was left alone every time I call they just prescribe painkillers and advised to rest which made my pain worse it took me 10 months to see the rheumatology only because the hospit physio therapists advised due to the amount of spinal fractures he will not touch me and referred me to the rheumatology it was crazy GP didn’t, I came across ROS after doing my research one day ROS popped up I read about them and joined straight away they were amazing the nurse listened to me I was on the phone for over an hour cried in-between our conversation was over an hour my body shape changed i have pouched stomach and lost nearly 3 inches of my hight I was going through terrible depression by the end of the call I felt so relieved that there is a light at the end of the tunnel I knew there us nothing can be done with my shap and stomach but I felt there is hope to get on with life, I joining this group its been great helped please call the nurse line they are amazing. Good luck, you not alone. xx
The ROS provides some wonderful resources ot their website. I have been doing the back and other exercises regularly to a great CD
The nurses are wonderful and their helpline has got me through some dark times.
It has taken me six months to relax and go out walking without being terrified. But I am on medication, I am strengthening my body with activity and my self confidence is much improved. Things can get better after a diagnosis of OP
.
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