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• 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 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 70+ >> Carol - Interview 15 >> Carol believes exercise is important. She walks regularly, does Tai Chi and Chi Kung weekly but she doesn’t take any risks.

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 23-39 >> David - Interview 37 >> Swimming benefits David’s joints and the day after a swim they feel loose.

David was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis (re-diagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis) at the age of two and on 2006, following a hip fracture, he was diagnosed with osteoporosis. He thinks that osteoporosis is the result of his arthritis and the long-term use of steroids. On alendronic acid once weekly and calcium two tablets a day.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 50-59 >> Susan - Interview 11 >> Susan finds brisk walking easier to do than slow walking. She does exercises at home when she has the time.

Susan was diagnosed in 2005. She was put on alendronic acid but started having a severe burning sensation on her throat. She stopped taking the medication. She is very concerned about the possible side effects of pharmacological treatments.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 70+ >> Noreen - Interview 25 >> Noreen’s physiotherapist gave her gentle massage and gentle exercises to do because her back was very fragile.

Diagnosed in 2006 following a compressed T11 fracture in the spine; experienced severe pain. Surgical procedure; Kyphoplasty. Oral medications provoked adverse side effects. Currently on intravenous drug; ibandronate 3 mg once every three months plus calcium tablets.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 40-49 >> Irene - Interview 41 >> Irene explains how the exercise programme for people with osteoporosis came about and how it has expanded outside the hospital setting.

Diagnosed in 1989 at the age of 49 and put on HRT and sandocal. In March 1990 diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent lumpectomy and radiotherapy; HRT discontinued. First DXA scan in 1998. Now on alendronic acid and Adcal D3. Improvement in bone density and now she has osteopenia rather than osteoporosis.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 40-49 >> Irene - Interview 41 >> Irene said that the exercise programme was like a ‘drug trial’ study. The physiotherapist compared between patients taking part in the exercise sessio

Diagnosed in 1989 at the age of 49 and put on HRT and sandocal. In March 1990 diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent lumpectomy and radiotherapy; HRT discontinued. First DXA scan in 1998. Now on alendronic acid and Adcal D3. Improvement in bone density and now she has osteopenia rather than osteoporosis.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 40-49 >> Irene - Interview 41 >> Irene talks about the type of movements included in the exercise programme for people with osteoporosis.

Diagnosed in 1989 at the age of 49 and put on HRT and sandocal. In March 1990 diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent lumpectomy and radiotherapy; HRT discontinued. First DXA scan in 1998. Now on alendronic acid and Adcal D3. Improvement in bone density and now she has osteopenia rather than osteoporosis.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 50-59 >> Rose - Interview 33 >> Rose went to weekly hydrotherapy classes where she was able to do exercises in the water which made her feel good.

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 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 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 60-69 >> Linda - Interview 21 >> Although Linda finds her regular visits to the gym boring, since she has been diagnosed with osteoporosis she goes regularly because she believes it i

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 40-49 >> Michelle - Interview 02 >> Michelle was advised to run for no longer than ninety minutes per session but she would like some advice about what type of exercise would be best for

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 40-49 >> Emma - Interview 14 >> Emma gets headaches when she is at the gym and she is unsure what exercises she should be doing.

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 50-59 >> Jenny - Interview 17 >> Jenny had private physiotherapy sessions that enabled her to devise an exercise programme that is good and safe.

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 23-39 >> Jane - Interview 19 >> Jane is concerned about exercising because she is frightened of falling and causing fractures.

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 50-59 >> Susan - Interview 11 >> Instead of playing badminton, Susan remains active by bicycling, walking, playing bridge, gardening and travelling abroad regularly.

Susan was diagnosed in 2005. She was put on alendronic acid but started having a severe burning sensation on her throat. She stopped taking the medication. She is very concerned about the possible side effects of pharmacological treatments.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Valerie - Interview 03 >> Valerie feels that her age and being single has had more of an effect on her social life than osteoporosis has.

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 50-59 >> Jenny - Interview 17 >> Jenny’s regular neck and back exercises help to keep her back straight and her neck flexible.

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 >> A health professional explains about Osteoporosis >> Dr Bhalla - Interview 42 >> Dr Bhalla explains the importance of calcium and vitamin D for our bone health as well as the need to do weight bearing exercises.

Dr Ashok Bhalla is a consultant rheumatologist at Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Bath.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 40-49 >> Robert - Interview 28 >> Robert feels frustrated that he can’t see any strong reason as to why he developed 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 >> Jenny - Interview 17 >> Jenny goes dancing three times a week and says it is brilliant for osteoporosis.

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 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 60-69 >> Linda - Interview 21 >> Linda saw a private doctor to find out information about the type of exercise and diet she should be following.

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 70+ >> Diana - Interview 22 >> Diana is a member of the local walkers club and once a week she goes with a friend for an hour long walk.

In 2003 Diana was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis of the spine. She paid herself to have the Forsteo (teriparatide) treatment that consists of daily subcutaneous injections for 18 months. Describes Forsteo as ‘marvellous’ Currently on Actonel once a week.

• 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 60-69 >> Ann - Interview 35 >> Ann’s doctor advised her that going up and down her stairs at home several times a day was good exercise when the weather was bad.

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 >> 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 50-59 >> Marylin - Interview 12 >> Marylin cycles everywhere and goes to an exercise class at the gym every evening.

Diagnosed in 2005 and currently on alendronic acid 70 mgs once weekly, Calcichew D3 Forte and for her back pain she takes Co-Dytramol one a day. Marilyn’s mother has rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. After her diagnosis she took the decision to retire at sixty and ‘enjoy life’.

• Topic
• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Osteoporosis and exercise >> Osteoporosis and exercise

Osteoporosis and exercise

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 50-59 >> Susan - Interview 11 >> Susan finds brisk walking easier to do than slow walking. She does exercises at home when she has the time.

Susan was diagnosed in 2005. She was put on alendronic acid but started having a severe burning sensation on her throat. She stopped taking the medication. She is very concerned about the possible side effects of pharmacological treatments.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 50-59 >> Marylin - Interview 12 >> Marylin cycles everywhere and goes to an exercise class at the gym every evening.

Diagnosed in 2005 and currently on alendronic acid 70 mgs once weekly, Calcichew D3 Forte and for her back pain she takes Co-Dytramol one a day. Marilyn’s mother has rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. After her diagnosis she took the decision to retire at sixty and ‘enjoy life’.