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• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 50-59 >> Jenny - Interview 17 >> Over several years Jenny’s medication regime changed from Fosamax to Actonel to Boniva but she still experienced indigestion and stomach problems. She

Diagnosed in 2003. She has been on several medications: Fosamax, Actonel and Bonviva. She has experienced side effects with all of them. Now off medication and waiting for her next DXA scan. Considering taking the newly licensed once a year drug Aclasta (zoledronic acid).

• 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 40-49 >> Michelle - Interview 02 >> Michelle was advised by her GP to stop taking Actonel because she had been taking it for almost 15 years and would no longer benefit from it.

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 60-69 >> Shelia - Interview 29 >> After taking teriparatide for eighteen months, Sheila said that her bones are stronger and she can walk again.

For the last five years before her diagnosis in 2003 she suffered from severe and painful backaches. She was in a wheelchair and her husband was her main carer. She was eventually referred to a consultant who secured funding for her to go on to the teriparatide treatment (Forsteo).

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Shelia - Interview 29 >> Sheila’s son remarked on how much better his mother was since being under the care of a consultant.

For the last five years before her diagnosis in 2003 she suffered from severe and painful backaches. She was in a wheelchair and her husband was her main carer. She was eventually referred to a consultant who secured funding for her to go on to the teriparatide treatment (Forsteo).

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 40-49 >> Robert - Interview 28 >> Robert describes his doctors different attitudes before and after he was diagnosed with osteoporosis.

Robert was diagnosed with osteoporosis at the age of forty-three. Robert had to wait seven months before been referred to a bone metabolic specialist who sent him without delay to have a bone density scan. Now his osteoporosis is under control but he continues experiencing severe pain due to the damage caused by the condition.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 50-59 >> Pat - Interview 32 >> Pat asked to be referred to a different consultant and she now feels much better.

Diagnosed in 1994 after complaining of severe back pain. She is currently on Actonel (risedronate) but was first put on Didronel (etidronate) and then Fosamax once a week. Recent DXA scans revealed that her bone density has greatly improved.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 50-59 >> Margery - Interview 40 >> There was no DXA scanner in the area were Margery lives and she had to travel to a big city to have it done and subsequently to see a consultant.

Diagnosed in 1994 after a DXA scan revealed severe osteoporosis. Her consultant prescribed Fosamax at first, then added Calcium, Vitamin D and HRT. Currently she carries with the same treatment minus HRT and takes Calcichew D3 Forte. She has regained bone density and is osteopenic.

• 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.