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• 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 70+ >> Alice - Interview 34 >> Alice plays golf twice a week so walking around the golf course gives her plenty of exercise.

Diagnosed with slight osteoporosis in 2008 following the development of a pain between her shoulder blades; had her menopause at the age of forty but there is no maternal history of the condition. Her GP put her on medication following the x-ray results while she waited for a bone density scan. She is on alendronic acid, once weekly and Adcal D3 two tablets a day.

• 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 60-69 >> Joan - Interview 10 >> Joan has a favourite park for walking because the surface is level and there are plenty of people around, so if she falls she feels safe.

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+ >> James - Interview 36 >> James’s level of activity has been greatly reduced and he said that getting used to that was one of the most difficult aspects of growing old.

James is on alendronic acid once weekly and calcium tablets two a day. He also takes Omeprazole and Domperidone for his acid reflux. For a dysfunctional bladder he takes amitriptyline at bedtime. He had vertebroplasty surgery done three times to repair collapsed vertebraes but the last time it was unsuccessful and is waiting to have it done again.

• 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.