Does anyone have

Patriot3 · ‎06-07-2010

Osteoporosis? I've had it for years and this past Oct developed and really sore back. Can't get into my surgeon (I had spinal fusion 8 yrs ago) until after Christmas, so I went to my PCP. I was afraid I had a small fracture since Osteoporosis doesn't hurt unless you fracture a bone.

He ordered xrays and found no fracture, but some Arthritis. I've never had Arthritis, but if it is like this, I have pity on anyone who has it. The pain is on the sides of the spine, but sometimes goes all across. It is very debilitating and I've never had this pain before.

I can't walk very far before it just "shuts me down". I have been using the 4% lidocaine patches, and they help some, but just some. I take Flurbiprofen now and then, but have to be careful due to it having caused an ulcer in the past. I DO NOT want to go on any narcotic drug!

I'm still going to see the Ortho doc.

I know no one has a medical answer since we are not doctors, but just wondered if anyone else has had this. Thanks in advance.

Merry Christmas to everyone!

LTT1 · ‎03-09-2010

@Patriot3

Yes I do and have dealt with this type of arthritis (osteoarthritis, for me) for over 30 years.

My PCP raised my total calcium requirements and VitaminD each day AND added a fosamax generic. Just wait til he hears that I was not taking the required dose of my calcium each day!

The Dexascan (have you had a bone scan?) showed loss in my hip bones for the first time.

I have been on an NSAID for many years to combat the pain. My neurologist used to stress walking and weight-bearing exercises.

Don’t over do...when it starts hurting slow down or stop until you can see your doctor. Can you see someone to discuss the pain before that time?

~Have a Kind Heart, Fierce Mind, Brave Spirit~

hckynut · ‎03-10-2010

@Patriot3

I have osteoarthritis in my spine. It started a few years after my 1st back surgery(ruptured L-5/S-1), back in 1974. My factory job of lifting 60-80lb reels of telephone wire sure didn't help. I since have had surgery to remove my ruptured L-3, that was around 2011-2012, I think!

Lots of the same in 3 fingers of both hands. Could only use these 3 fingers, on each hand, to lift those reels of wire. Some mornings I cannot even open my hands until I run the under very warm water to loosen them up.

Since I have a bleeding problem with my Right Colon(over 130+ blood transfusions), I cannot take any Anti-inflammatory meds, like Advil/Aleve or any of the NSAIDS, Celebrex etc. I WILL NOT take any Opioids for any pain. My only thing to take now, has been for years, is Tylenol type meds.

I have never let these arthritic areas effect any part of my life, and plan on never letting it do so. I keep all of my muscles/connective tissues as strong and as flexible as possible. Lots of resistance training and lots and lots of stretching exercises. I also use my Teeter Inversion Table, which seems to help my spine and even my Abs and Quads.

Hope you get some answers that help you with your pain from your Ortho Doctor.

hckynut

hckynut(john)

Scorpio1971 · ‎03-10-2010

What a coincidence...bone density scan coming up in 2 days for me. Haven't had one in over 2+ years and last one was not good...osteopenia very close to osteoporosis. Recently had to change endocrinologists and she ordered bone density scan & battery of blood tests and Vitamin D was very, very low. Have not been taking my Calcium with vitamin D plus additional Vitamin D as I should have been doing. So, needless to say, not expecting good news from bone density scan. She wants me to have a shot but, cannot remember name if it, but cannot have any dental work done for several months after having that shot. I do not have luck with dental work and something always occurs, and cannot go around with dental pain for several months if it happens, so have opted to not have it. I do have disc problems and full of arthritis so will have to await outcome of scan and go from there. Good luck with your Ortho appointment.

Mom2Dogs · ‎03-09-2010

Yes....started as osteopenia now osteoporosis.....I take boniva 1x a month. I had to have my hand xrayed for an injury....I didn't break anything but there is thining of the bones in my hands.

I'd have to pull the paperwork to see what my scan results were but they have never improved with taking drugs and vitamin D. I was diagnosed probably 8 years ago. For me the drugs have not improved the density. Next scan is not for 2 years.