Hi,
Over the last decade, I have acquired fractures to C2, T4, 5, 7 and now T10.
The musculoskeletal practitioner referred me to a fracture clinic following the most recent fracture 2 weeks ago, and I wondered if anyone has attended one of these clinics and could give me some idea of what to expect?
I should add that, after an x-ray, I waited for an assessment in A&E for 4 hours but was in too much pain to stay any longer, so went home. Probably not a wise move!
Hi Speedbird
I was referred to the Fracture Liaison Service after a broken wrist. I’m grateful that I live in a postcode where this was possible, but my word the process takes a long, long time at least in my area
I was x-rayed mid-January, got referred Feb, had a phone assessment mid-April (lifestyle, family history questions), referred for a Dexa scan which took place in June, got the results by phone end July, then 3 wks for a face-to-face GP appointment, so it was mid-August by the time I gots meds.
The fracture liaison nurse said my meds would be sent to the pharmacist. I wasn’t happy with that and insisted on a GP appointment. I used the time to read and research, taking a list of questions (and my husband) with me.
Prior to GP appointment, the nurse told me she was sending me some info. This took 2 wks to arrive and was basically “join Bonemed Online”.
The FLS is great for getting you in the system, but as far as I can see education is not forthcoming
In summary, I’d say FLS is good but requires quite an input from patients.
Good luck with your care
Hi, GeordieMeg,
Thank you very much for your reply.
From what I’ve read, the service is very slow here too plus, in a rural area, public transport is scanty and the clinics are some distance away, not helpful if you don’t drive!
I guess I’ll make a gentle start with the ROS excercises and see what, if anything arises re the clinic.
Best wishes.
It is an improvement I’m sure but still relies on the patient to move things along but must be better than when I was first inneed of treatment a few years ago. I’d never had any problems with fractures in all of my 66 years at the time but hurt my back from trying to turn a sheep over that had become “mislaid”. I knew that it was something other than a pulled muscle as I felt it pop and it was so painful. However, after a couple of months it got better and then I caught Covid. After several weeks I was still feeling really rough,losing weight, no appetite and night sweats. After being fast tracked to test for anything more sinister I was diagnosed with PMR. Was given little information about the steroid I was prescribed and sent away with that and a ppi. Information I had read stated that I could have a Dexa scan after three months on the steroid but when I asked about it there was a 5 month waiting list so I paid for a private one which showed a spine score of -5 and a previously fractured vertebrae at L4. I was then given alendrolic acid to help my bones and that was that. I am so pleased that at that point I contacted The ROS for advice as one of the nurses told me that the new Evenity drug may well be an option for me and recommended I speak to my GP. To cut a very long story short I was referred to the hospital, took a 12mth course of Evenity which improved my spine score by 23% and my hip score by 20%, I have now been taking the follow on medication Denosomab for 18months and fingers crossed, no further fractures. I have largely had to push things along myself but my worry still is that some may not be as able to access information and may miss out on the best treatment for their situation.
Thanks for your response, Bayleaf, I’m glad to hear your positive story.
I’m in the odd situation where all my DEXA scans , including one that I had 2 weeks ago, indicate that I have osteopenia, not osteoporosis. However, as I have spinal fractures, I am regarded as osteoporotic and take Alendronic Acid for this!