Osteoperosis - Any Experience

[stevenjm]

I don't want to google this becuase i would prefer some stories from experience rather than sift through google results for answers. I have a pain managment appt on friday for neuropathic pain in abdomen and back and thought maybe o good idea to get ct scan so the clinic has up to date info.

I took x-rays to doctor first and he said i have 3 extensive fractures in my spine, degenerative something or other and narrowing of some nerve area. He suggested i get bone density test done as i may have osteoperosis but also said at my age i should not have it.

I am realling panicking now because on the scan it looks like two of the disks are going to have the fractures join and maybe spit in two. Anybody have experience with this type of thing or osteoperosis treatments/ cures/ prognosis? thanks.

[apetley]

Years ago I had much the same sort of scare.

Turned out the fractures were actually an 'extra' joint in my spine.

Not that common but a known abnormality.

Have the extra tests, best to know either way.

[stevenjm]

Years ago I had much the same sort of scare.

Turned out the fractures were actually an 'extra' joint in my spine.

Not that common but a known abnormality.

Have the extra tests, best to know either way.

Thanks for the info. I don't think its that though because theres big pieces broken off and missing and not just on the edges either. It actually looks really scary.

[ChiangMaiAmerican]

If it in fact turns out to be osteoporosis related fractures and you are experiencing significant pain you may want to consider a vertebroplasty. The procedure is relatively simple as far as surgeries go. A small incision about the size of a lead pencil is made adjacent to the vertebra where the fracture is located and bone cement is injected into the fracture. The fix is permanent and the pain relief is almost immediate. To strengthen bones weakened by osteoporosis as your doctor about Fosamax. My elderly mother was diganosed with osteoprosis in the 1990s when my then 3 year old neice accidently kicked her while swimming. The result was a fractured rib. Bone density tests confirmed osteoporosis. She began having constant pain in her bones. She began a taking Fosamax and the pain began to lessen over time. About 3 years ago she was struck by a falling tree while standing on her boat dock. The force threw her in the water. She was taken to the emergency room for xrays since she was in severe pain. The result was large areas of bruising but NO fractures. Had she not taken the Fosamax over the years she would have likely had extensive fracturing due to the force and areas that were struck by the tree. Osteoporosis is not fun but it can be successfully managed.

[stevenjm]

If it in fact turns out to be osteoporosis related fractures and you are experiencing significant pain you may want to consider a vertebroplasty. The procedure is relatively simple as far as surgeries go. A small incision about the size of a lead pencil is made adjacent to the vertebra where the fracture is located and bone cement is injected into the fracture. The fix is permanent and the pain relief is almost immediate. To strengthen bones weakened by osteoporosis as your doctor about Fosamax. My elderly mother was diganosed with osteoprosis in the 1990s when my then 3 year old neice accidently kicked her while swimming. The result was a fractured rib. Bone density tests confirmed osteoporosis. She began having constant pain in her bones. She began a taking Fosamax and the pain began to lessen over time. About 3 years ago she was struck by a falling tree while standing on her boat dock. The force threw her in the water. She was taken to the emergency room for xrays since she was in severe pain. The result was large areas of bruising but NO fractures. Had she not taken the Fosamax over the years she would have likely had extensive fracturing due to the force and areas that were struck by the tree. Osteoporosis is not fun but it can be successfully managed.

Thanks heaps for taking the time to post that. I get my bone density results tomorrow

The vertebroplasty sounds really good and i'll bring it up with the doctor for sure. good to hear it can be managed too because thats what scares me given the visual of the xrays - it appears i will be in deep trouble if the fractures get any larger.

[sbk]

My mother had severe osteoporosis brought on by radiation and chemotherapy from two separate breast cancers. Not sure if you've had cancer, but that can cause it.

She couldn't take Fosamax because it upset her stomach too much, so she ended up getting an IV treatment every 3 months instead. It seemed to help her quite a bit and she didn't complain about pain. She did fall on the ice once, (after having the treatment for a few years) and had a hairline crack in her hip, but fortunately, no real break.

[stevenjm]

My mother had severe osteoporosis brought on by radiation and chemotherapy from two separate breast cancers. Not sure if you've had cancer, but that can cause it.

She couldn't take Fosamax because it upset her stomach too much, so she ended up getting an IV treatment every 3 months instead. It seemed to help her quite a bit and she didn't complain about pain. She did fall on the ice once, (after having the treatment for a few years) and had a hairline crack in her hip, but fortunately, no real break.

Thanks heaps SBK - your comments regarding the chemotherapy are really interesting because I had interferon treatment about 10 years ago - daily injections for 1 year.

Not sure if its true or not but remember somebody commenting that interferon is a mild form of chemotherapy - also interesting is the fact thats about how long I have been suffering with chronic pain, might be on to something here......hmmmm....it all fits in.

[ChiangMaiAmerican]

Not sure if its true or not but remember somebody commenting that interferon is a mild form of chemotherapy - also interesting is the fact thats about how long I have been suffering with chronic pain, might be on to something here......hmmmm....it all fits in.

Interferon is a substance produced by the body. I have forgotten exactly how many different interferions humans produce but there are many. Only some have shown efficacy when reproduced in a laboratory and injected as medication. Interferon is not chemotherapy but might be considered such by some since they are used to treat some cancers along with chemotherapy agents. Interferon is also used to treat Hepatitis C and Multiple Sclerosis.

Edited December 13, 2007 by ChiangMaiAmerican

[sbk]

I have to wonder if chemo and radiation (she had both btw) affect more those people susceptible to osteoporosis already. My mom's mother and grandmother both had osteoporosis.

Anyway, if you find you do have it, and have difficulty taking the fosamax, be aware that the IV drip is a viable option. Good luck!

[jaideeguy]

My father 88, who i am caregiving now was diagnosed with osteoporosis after a fractured hip, then small fractures in vertebre and is on the fosamax treatment....once a week and twice daily 600mg calcium w/vit D [important!]. it's been a couple of years now and no more breaks. he wears a brace for his back support and is back to walking 2k a day.

Do a google and educate yourself more, i did and learned more than i can pass on here.

good luck!!

[chinadarling]

I would definately get properly tested and if you feel the need get a second opinion. I have heard that calcium replacement takes years not months. so the sooner you start getting healthy the better. You should research different kinds of calcium. You dont have to have milk to get it but you do need something.

[lopburi3]

There seems to be more than one medication available, as my wife is using Actonel once a week and daily 1000mg calcium.

[stevenjm]

Actually actonel is exactly what i have been prescribed. The bone density tests showed minor osteoporosis in my right hip. My back seemed ok as far as density went though and doctor seems to think the vertabrae fractures are from a previous motrocycle accident. Thanks for all the replies and advice too. have been prescribed the tablets once weekly and go into hospital soon for attempted nerve block to try and adress the pain - apparently these can last up to 12 months. First attempt is going to be done via medical imaging under sedation with aneasthetic and cortisone injected into effected nerve areas and failing success from that there was a similar procedure using something else that i can't recall name of.