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• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 40-49 >> Susannah - Interview 04 >> Susannah’s consultant has urged her to take her medication because if she falls she is at a higher risk of sustaining a hip fracture.

Susannah was diagnosed in 1978. Over the years she has had many fractures; to her spine, wrists, toe, ribs, etc. She describes her condition as “extreme osteoporosis”. Susannah does not take any medication. She is concerned about the side effects of drugs.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Elizabeth - Interview 09 >> Elizabeth’s bones keeps fracturing even though she has been on medication for more than ten years.

In 1978 Elizabeth fell and broke her femur and an x-ray revealed that she has osteoporosis. She has been on alendronic acid for several years now but she thinks that it is not that effective because while on it she has had several other fractures.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 50-59 >> Iris - Interview 24 >> Iris had physiotherapy for 12 weeks and then she continued on a daily basis with the routine set by her physiotherapist.

Her diagnosis of osteoporosis was prompted by her being invited by the osteoporosis nurse for a bone density scan. The type of fracture she had was unusually severe for the type of fall she incurred and, her age. She takes Actonel 3mg once weekly and calcium tablets.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 23-39 >> Jane - Interview 19 >> Jane’s pain affects much of her day-to-day life and as a result she feels that she is different from her peer group.

Jane’s excruciating back pain that started during labour wasn’t investigated until after six weeks later. Eventually she was diagnosed with osteoporosis through pregnancy but also with Coeliac disease. Jane says that she had coeliac symptoms for many years but again, these were not investigated. She is on Calcichew D3 Forte but not on medication for osteoporosis.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Valerie - Interview 03 >> Valerie found ways of doing things differently to manage her pain. When she is busy she doesn’t notice it so much.

Diagnosed in 2004 following complains of back and neck pains; on alendronic acid, 70 mg once weekly. She has had three bone density scans and there was improvement on the second but the third revealed a small deterioration of bone density.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Linda - Interview 21 >> Linda has made some changes to her lifestyle and she is now more cautious.

Diagnosed in 2005 and prescribed Fosamax 70 mg, once weekly and calcium tablets twice daily. A bone density scan in 2007 revealed that her bone density has improved and that she is osteopenic rather than osteoporotic. Linda continues taking her medication.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Clare - Interview 20 >> Clare, a physiotherapist, has a brisk half hour walk before breakfast and she goes to Pilates regularly.

Participation in a biomedical study revealed that her bone density was below the normal margins. A DXA scan confirmed a diagnosis of osteoporosis. Prescribe alendronic acid 70 mg once weekly and Adcal D3 two tablets per day. Maternal history of osteoporosis.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Victoria Iris - Interview 30 >> Victoria Iris strongly believes in exercise and she goes to weekly classes which she feels do her the world of good.

Victoria Iris was diagnosed in 1989 and at that time the only treatment available was HRT. Over the years her treatment has changed; Didronel, daily Fosamax and weekly Fosamax. Currently she is on the 18 months Forsteo (teriparatide) treatment. Victoria Iris developed Kyphosis but she didn’t become aware of it until it was evident.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 40-49 >> Michelle - Interview 02 >> Michelle has stopped skiing and she recently stopped jogging because she is afraid to fall and have fractures like her mum had.

In 1981 Michele was diagnosed with severe endometriosis. In 1995 and following a health assessment she was told that she was at risk of osteoporosis and was initially put on etidronate. Two years later her medication was changed to risedronate (Actonel). She also has coeliac disease.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 50-59 >> Iris - Interview 24 >> Iris was put off by her local group because she was given the impression it was for elderly people.

Her diagnosis of osteoporosis was prompted by her being invited by the osteoporosis nurse for a bone density scan. The type of fracture she had was unusually severe for the type of fall she incurred and, her age. She takes Actonel 3mg once weekly and calcium tablets.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Ann - Interview 35 >> Ann is much more aware of the ground she is walking on because she is frightened of falling.

Diagnosed in 2001. Ann has had side effects from several of the osteoporosis treatments; problems with swallowing, heartburn and pain. She is currently on Bonviva (ibandronate) once monthly orally, but she is changing to the intravenous injection form administered every three months. She was also diagnosed with coeliac disease.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Elizabeth - Interview 09 >> Osteoporosis has had no affect on Elizabeth’s ability to travel abroad to visit her daughters several times a year.

In 1978 Elizabeth fell and broke her femur and an x-ray revealed that she has osteoporosis. She has been on alendronic acid for several years now but she thinks that it is not that effective because while on it she has had several other fractures.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Elizabeth - Interview 09 >> Now she is older, Elizabeth isn’t as bothered when people comment about her loss of height.

In 1978 Elizabeth fell and broke her femur and an x-ray revealed that she has osteoporosis. She has been on alendronic acid for several years now but she thinks that it is not that effective because while on it she has had several other fractures.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 40-49 >> Sydney - Interview 16 >> Sydney hasn’t looked for any further information in case it causes him to worry.

Sidney thinks that he has been on alendronic acid (70 mg tablets once a week) for about ten years. Three years ago he fractured his femur but hasn’t had any other fractures. Feels lucky because he manages well on his own and experiences little pain or discomfort.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 70+ >> Carol - Interview 15 >> Having information which was easily accessible stopped Carol from thinking negative thoughts when she was first diagnosed.

Following a wrist fracture Carol’s GP sent her for a DXA scan and put her on medication for osteoporosis as a precautionary measure. She is on Bonviva (ibandronic acid) 150 mgs, once a month plus Adcal D3 twice a day. She fasts for six hours before taking Bonviva.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 40-49 >> Chris - Interview 23 >> Chris believes she needs to find the information she wants herself and not rely on medical professionals to get it for her.

Diagnosed in 1999. She is taking Actonel and Calcichew D3 Forte. Initially she was taking Actonel 5 mg once daily but found it impractical, especially during working days. She now takes 35 mg once weekly. She still experiences back pain but not as severe as before diagnosis.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Joan - Interview 10 >> Joan now does voluntary work at her local hospice where she has made some very good friends.

Since her forties Joan has had several wrist fractures that were not investigated for osteoporosis. It was only when she fell and fractured both her arms that the diagnosis came about. She was put on medication; alendronic acid but due to side effects it was changed to Strontium ranelate.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 70+ >> Carol - Interview 15 >> Carol felt very depressed and fearful for the first three months after she was diagnosed.

Following a wrist fracture Carol’s GP sent her for a DXA scan and put her on medication for osteoporosis as a precautionary measure. She is on Bonviva (ibandronic acid) 150 mgs, once a month plus Adcal D3 twice a day. She fasts for six hours before taking Bonviva.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 50-59 >> Rose - Interview 33 >> Rose feels positive about the future because of the greater knowledge now available about how to treat osteoporosis.

Diagnosed in1989 and on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for fourteen years. Currently on alendronic acid, 70 milligrams once weekly and Calcichew D3 Forte twice daily. Her bone density mass has improved particularly on her hips. She was also diagnosed with mastocytosis.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 50-59 >> Iris - Interview 24 >> Iris feels that she is doing everything she can to manage her osteoporosis well, but she would like more specialist advice.

Her diagnosis of osteoporosis was prompted by her being invited by the osteoporosis nurse for a bone density scan. The type of fracture she had was unusually severe for the type of fall she incurred and, her age. She takes Actonel 3mg once weekly and calcium tablets.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 40-49 >> Chris - Interview 23 >> Chris is more careful about everything she does and she plans ahead.

Diagnosed in 1999. She is taking Actonel and Calcichew D3 Forte. Initially she was taking Actonel 5 mg once daily but found it impractical, especially during working days. She now takes 35 mg once weekly. She still experiences back pain but not as severe as before diagnosis.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 40-49 >> Emma - Interview 14 >> Rather than giving up, Emma tries to find alternative ways of doing something she finds difficult because of her osteoporosis.

In 1984 Emma had a hysterectomy. In 1992 she complained of severe headaches and was started on hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Diagnosed with osteoporosis around 1994-6 following ribs fracture. Current medication: Strontium ranelate (Protelos) 2 grams every night. Emma also takes omega 3 and cod liver oil.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Elizabeth - Interview 09 >> Elizabeth attributes her dislike of taking painkillers to a generational ‘thing’ and a way of not giving in ‘to old age’.

In 1978 Elizabeth fell and broke her femur and an x-ray revealed that she has osteoporosis. She has been on alendronic acid for several years now but she thinks that it is not that effective because while on it she has had several other fractures.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Cressida - Interview 01 >> Cressida was told by her consultant that the day would come when she would need pain relief treatment.

Diagnosed in 1989; on alendronic acid 70 mg once weekly. In 2007, admitted into hospital for rehabilitation and pain control. She had physiotherapy and hydrotherapy and also commenced on a buprenorphine patch (for pain control). On oral glucocorticoid for asthma for about 26 years.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 50-59 >> Gloria - Interview 06 >> Gloria thinks that most employers aren’t aware of how serious osteoporosis can be and do very little to help you.

In 1999 and following a wrist fracture, the doctor at the hospital advice her to ask her GP for a bone density scan to test for osteoporosis. No maternal history of osteoporosis, but surgery to both her kidneys. On alendronic acid once a week and on Adcal D3 once daily.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 23-39 >> Jane - Interview 19 >> Jane’s pain in her back hours after giving birth was not diagnosed until her friend took her to A&E and demanded further investigations.

Jane’s excruciating back pain that started during labour wasn’t investigated until after six weeks later. Eventually she was diagnosed with osteoporosis through pregnancy but also with Coeliac disease. Jane says that she had coeliac symptoms for many years but again, these were not investigated. She is on Calcichew D3 Forte but not on medication for osteoporosis.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Victoria Iris - Interview 30 >> Victoria Iris plans her travel by air very carefully. She recommends holidaying on a cruise ship.

Victoria Iris was diagnosed in 1989 and at that time the only treatment available was HRT. Over the years her treatment has changed; Didronel, daily Fosamax and weekly Fosamax. Currently she is on the 18 months Forsteo (teriparatide) treatment. Victoria Iris developed Kyphosis but she didn’t become aware of it until it was evident.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 40-49 >> Susannah - Interview 04 >> Susannah finds it upsetting when others notice her change in body shape and she realises that her body is changing.

Susannah was diagnosed in 1978. Over the years she has had many fractures; to her spine, wrists, toe, ribs, etc. She describes her condition as “extreme osteoporosis”. Susannah does not take any medication. She is concerned about the side effects of drugs.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 50-59 >> Rose - Interview 33 >> At first Rose was upset by her protruding stomach but now she has come to terms with her new body shape.

Diagnosed in1989 and on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for fourteen years. Currently on alendronic acid, 70 milligrams once weekly and Calcichew D3 Forte twice daily. Her bone density mass has improved particularly on her hips. She was also diagnosed with mastocytosis.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 40-49 >> Chris - Interview 23 >> When Chris was diagnosed with osteoporosis it was a wake-up call to change her life.

Diagnosed in 1999. She is taking Actonel and Calcichew D3 Forte. Initially she was taking Actonel 5 mg once daily but found it impractical, especially during working days. She now takes 35 mg once weekly. She still experiences back pain but not as severe as before diagnosis.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Christine - Interview 18 >> Christine overcomes her fear of falling because she believes being active is very important in preventing further deterioration of her bones.

Diagnosed in 2004 with what she described as a ‘mild form’ of osteoporosis. Medication since diagnosis: alendronic acid and calcium tablets. A second bone density scan revealed that her condition has improved after two years of treatment. Her mother has osteoporosis.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 50-59 >> Keith - Interview 38 >> Keith feels reassured that any change in his condition will be monitored by regular DXA scans and so he sees no need to worry about it.

His diagnosis came about in 2007 after medical investigation for a lump on his breast. The lump proved to be benign but the blood tests indicated that he had low testosterone levels and a DXA scan revealed mild osteoporosis. He was put on HRT treatment (testogel).