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• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 40-49 >> Robert - Interview 28 >> Robert’s volunteer work with the NOS has been a ‘lifeline.’

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 23-39 >> Jane - Interview 19 >> Jane received no support for her and her new born baby from outside her family.

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 >> Elizabeth - Interview 09 >> When recovering from a fracture, the practical support Elizabeth got from her friend helped her a lot. Her grandson helped by preparing and having lun

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+ >> James - Interview 36 >> James’ mobility is severely affected but he can still drive short journeys.

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 >> Cressida - Interview 01 >> Moving to a new area in sheltered accommodation had restricted Cressida’s opportunities to be sociable but she was grateful for the time she spent wit

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 70+ >> Diana - Interview 22 >> Diana has an active social life with her friends and her days are always busy.

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 40-49 >> Emma - Interview 14 >> Emma belongs to a temple where there are a lot of social activities that she gets involved with.

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 70+ >> Joan - Interview 39 >> Joan’s husband was able to have a holiday in Norway because all the arrangements for his wife’s care had been made by their daughters.

Around 1994, Joan was prescribed increasing doses of steroid tablets over a nine month period to treat auto immune haemophilic anemia. The steroids caused her to develop osteoporosis. She has severe curvature of the spine. Medication; ibandronate infusions.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Joan - Interview 10 >> Although Joan lives alone she has great support from her family, her neighbours and from paid help with the things she finds difficult to do.

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 >> Shelia - Interview 29 >> Sheila’s husband took over the cooking and the housework after she was diagnosed because she was in so much pain.

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 50-59 >> Pat - Interview 32 >> After her fracture, Pat’s husband worked full-time and looked after her at the same time.

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 60-69 >> Neville - Interview 26 >> Neville thinks himself ‘very lucky’ to have two sons that visit every week and do things for him including decorating and looking after his garden.

Medication; Didronel and later Fosimax but he did not stick to his treatment. In 2005; diagnosed with rectal cancer, had surgery and now uses an ileostomi bag. Neville wants to find out about non-oral medication for osteoporosis. Takes painkillers every day because he suffers from severe back pain.