Confused ? - Osteoporosis Message Board

benson · 04-18-2008, 12:51 PM

Hello...I'm hoping somebody can enlighten me a little (or a lot)

.
I'm 47 years old, but I had underwent the menopause by the age of 28. Genetics

. I've only ever had 2 bone density tests, the last one approx 3 years ago. Well over the weekend I had a nasty fall. I also have R.S.D (Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome), so I instinctively 'protected' my hand, which meant I fell somewhat harder and more awkwardly. Well the pain was immediate. When OH came in from work, he took me to the E.R. and several X-Rays were taken. I was informed everything was O.K. and given an IM injection for the pain. Then a few days later, it transpires that after further deliberation it looks like I have sustained a spinal compressed fracture, with a highly suspect old fracture as well. I'm currently waiting for a C.T. scan to confirm the diagnosis. However in the interim I have been given a prescription for Apo Calcitonin Nasal Spray which indicates it is for post menopausal osteoporosis. The information suggests that side effects are minimal. I've never had any tests whatsoever other than a couple of bone density tests. Would the x-rays show the osteoporosis? Does anybody else use this drug or can point me in the right direction please

The doc further implied I would also need an 'operation'? I'm actually very confused, and any guidance would be increadibly helpful. I feel like I'm on a rollercoaster at the moment, as what with the r.s.d, high blood pressure, cervial cancer(fortunately in situ), as well as having to see another gynae specialist, and now this

and all within the last few years really.

taape · 04-18-2008, 11:05 PM

Benson,
Sorry to hear about your fall and possible spinal fractures. It seems like from what you say that maybe one of the fractures was a traumatic fracture plus an old fracture that could be a compression fracture. The bone density tests can indicate osteoporosis or not. Do you know the results of the two tests you had?If not, I would ask what your T score is. It's too bad that you didn't get some kind of treatment for early menopause like increased calcium intake or did you?

Anyways, osteoporosis can be seen on xray when it is severe enough to see that the bones are thin. I have it severely and it can been seen on spinal xrays and on xrays of my shoulders.

I have heard of the medication. You can look it up online as I can't remember if it is a type of hormone or what. The doctor may be talking about you having a surgery where they put cement in between the spinal vetebrae which seals the fractures. I think it's called vetebroplasty or something like that.

It's a good thing your getting a CT scan as I wouldn't want to have surgery unless I knew for sure that there were fractures and there was a way to fix them. Make sure you see an orthopedic surgeon for surgery or other specialist.

You've been dealing with alot lately. I hope things can settle down medically for you.

benson · 04-19-2008, 09:03 AM

Taape, thanks so very much for your reply. I really appreciated it. I never received any feed back from my bone density tests, but I will ask. I'll research T Cells on line as well. As for early menopause treatment, unfortunately no

We kinda figured there was some problems early on in our marriage, 'cos we were going through I.V.F at the time (I was 25), when I was told to abandon any attempts. Even on the maximum amount of fertility drugs, I just wasn't producing the eggs. A bit depressing when women of 50 are having treatment, and I'm told I'm too old

. Recently I've just had a cold knife cone biopsy to remove the C.I.S which indicated other problems relating to non treatment of my early menopause. However, (fortunately), because of the C.I.S I was able to secure an appointment to another gynae specialist who can help me with some of these other issues, hopefully

If not then I'm in for even more troubles. The point of this was that although I presented with a problem, I was told there was nothing that could be done. This apparently was not the case, and I just hope it hasn't been left to long for me to get the help I need. So now I've had this fall, and been prescribed this drug, I think I need to be more proactive with my own health management, because I keep falling through the cracks. Even with my R.S.D I was told there was nothing that could be done, and I was left that long, it's now considered chronic

I've looked up the drug, but I'm hoping 'users' and people with this problem can inform me or point me in the right direction, because in all honesty, the medical profession have not treated me well. I'm not crying about it, as it's not in my nature, I just want to educate myself this time around. If that makes any sense

I was told it would take around a week or two for the C.T. scan, so I guess I'll know more about the actual status of the fractures then. Thankyou

I truely hope things improve for yourself as well

taape · 04-19-2008, 11:35 AM

I've had to learn the hard way also that each person has to be active in finding solutions to medical issues. Unless you've got a terrific doctor you won't get all the answers.

Unless your doctor says you shouldn't you can start taking calcium supplements and eating dairy. That's all I'm doing as I've been through Forteo treatment, can't use bisphosphonates or hormones and currently there's no more medications out there.

Monday morning I would call your doctor and have them read you your T scores so you know the extent of the osteoporosis. Then request copies of the results to keep for your records. I had never broke a bone until about a month ago and now I have a fracture ankle and with osteoporosis I'm worried about it healing.

Let us know what shows up on the CTscan.

benson · 04-19-2008, 08:44 PM

Taape, thankyou once again. I'll ask for those results as you suggest. I do take calcium tablets and Vit D....however I will admit it's only a very recent thing. I used to exercise regularly at the gym, back home in the U.K. Unfortunately the R.S.D took a toll on that because I was left with no intervention and no pain control for nearly 2 years. I've also been a vegetarian since I was 10 (I was a wilful child

), not exactly vegan but moreso than lacto. I eat rennet free cheese. So I have never been big on dairy since an early age. Hopefully I'll get my cat scan soon, and I will post the results. Big Karma to you, and I sincerely hope that ankle pulls right for you.