Osteoporosis and Me ?>

Osteoporosis and Me

What is Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis causes bones to lose strength and break more easily. On its own it has no symptoms – but the fractures it causes make it one of the worst causes of disability and death in the UK today.

Like many people with osteoporosis, I was diagnosed AFTER I broke a bone. My ankle fracture was caused by a trauma (slipping off a paddleboard onto concrete!). But many with the disease will suffer “fragility” fractures – where the bone, often a hip or vertebra, breaks from little or no force. The curved back and loss of height common in older women is one visible sign of spinal fractures caused by osteoporosis where the vertebrae crumble or compress. 

Who gets osteoporosis?

1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50 will break a bone because of Osteoporosis.

But it’s not just a disease of old ladies. Conditions such as crohns, coeliac disease and eating disorders all affect bone strength. As do treatments for some cancers and epilepsy.

The impact of an osteoporosis diagnosis can be devastating. When I was diagnosed, it was just 2 months after my ankle break. I was already feeling very low and this was another hammer blow. I felt I’d immediately become old (at 59), and that the rest of my life would be filled with pain and restrictions.

I’ve come to terms with my diagnosis now, but it took time.

Why Me?

Well, I’m post menopausal so bang in the right age group. My previous breast cancer meant I didn’t even consider HRT (which can help). I’ve never smoked but nor did I exercise much through my forties and I was diagnosed with low vitamin D a few years ago.

And there’s probably a genetic link. Although my mother has never been officially diagnosed, she has a significant curve and has lost a lot of height in recent years.

Treatment

I take a weekly tablet (Alendronic Acid – one of a group of drugs called Bisphosphonates). Luckily I haven’t suffered any side effects.

Unfortunately it has to be taken with plenty of tap (not mineral) water and all my Manchester friends will know how disgusting the tap water tastes! Plus you can’t have anything else for 30 minutes, so my early morning cuppa is delayed.

Many GPs don’t really understand osteoporosis. They hand out the recommended medication, warn you to avoid falling and leave you to get on with it. Fortunately mine directed me to the Royal Osteoporosis Society website.

Lifestyle changes

I had to change my exercise routine anyway because of the ankle injury, but I made a decision not to even attempt riding my road bike (never mind clipping in) – I stick to gentle rides mostly on trails and paths.

Twisting is not recommended, so I no longer do yoga but I’ve discovered ballet and now do strength training with weights. And after a lifetime of watching the game, I’ve finally got the chance to play cricket with a local walking cricket group – we may not be good but we have the BEST fun.

Vitamin D and calcium are essential for bone strength. I was already taking a vitamin D supplement but I’ve adjusted my diet to ensure I get enough calcium – more dairy, sardines and leafy veg. It can be tricky to balance this with keeping my weight steady – cheese is great for calcium but not so good for the waistline.

I still live in dread of breaking something, but I try not to let it limit my life.

Helping the ROS

The Royal Osteoporosis Society were a big help to me. The nurses on the helpline are very knowledgeable and understanding. The website has loads of advice on diet and exercise.

Which is why I’m taking on the London Marathon in 2025 to support them and give something back. Most of the money raised goes towards funding the helpline nurses who were a lifesaver for me. Please sponsor me if you can.

2 thoughts on “Osteoporosis and Me

  1. Very interesting read Alison. Such a bugger, but great to see you have some plans, particularly the exercise plan. I’ve realised myself that exercise is the thing! We just gotta keep moving.

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