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Bones & joints
Osteoporosis
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Full list of topics
Diagnosis and learning more about osteoporosis :
What is osteoporosis? (Introduction Dr. Ashok Bhalla)
Being diagnosed with osteoporosis
DXA scans and other tests for osteoporosis
Who develops osteoporosis?
Treatments and interventions :
Medication for osteoporosis
Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy for osteoporosis
Surgery for osteoporosis
Use of complementary therapies by patients with osteoporosis
Managing osteoporosis :
Pain and other physical problems in osteoporosis
Pain and medication in osteoporosis
Food, diet and supplements for osteoporosis
Osteoporosis, smoking and alcohol
Osteoporosis and exercise
Information and support :
Information needs for people with osteoporosis
Sources of information for people with osteoporosis
Osteoporosis organisations and local support groups
Doctor - patient communication :
Communicating with health professionals
Messages to doctors and nurses working with people with osteoporosis
Living with osteoporosis :
Impact on home due to osteoporosis
Family, friends and support for people with osteoporosis
Osteoporosis, mobility, driving and transport
The effect of osteoporosis on work and finances
Osteoporosis, social life, leisure and holidays
Feelings and thoughts about life and body image :
Body image of people with osteoporosis
Feelings and thoughts about osteoporosis
Messages to others with osteoporosis
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Osteoporosis
Subject index
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Bones & joints
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 60-69
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Linda - Interview 21
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Linda had a DXA scan after stopping HRT which showed a slightly below normal result. Three years later after her mother developed osteoporosis, anothe
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
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 60-69
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Clare - Interview 20
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Clare would like a private consultantion with a specialist that is unhurried so that she can have all her questions answered fully.
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
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 50-59
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Susan - Interview 11
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Susan felt that she hadn’t received enough information from her doctors about the side effects or the effectiveness of her medication.
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
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 50-59
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Keith - Interview 38
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Keith occasionally drinks more than the recommended units but he doesn’t ‘binge drink’.
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).
Bones & joints
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 40-49
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Michelle - Interview 02
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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
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 40-49
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Emma - Interview 14
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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
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 50-59
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Jenny - Interview 17
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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
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 50-59
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Gloria - Interview 06
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As well as newspaper articles and booklets from the NOS, Gloria always reads the quarterly National Osteoporosis magazine to keep up to date.
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
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 50-59
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Keith - Interview 38
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Keith found websites helpful to learn about fracture risk rates and testosterone treatment but there was little about side effects. The information le
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).
Bones & joints
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 40-49
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Michelle - Interview 02
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Chat rooms on the internet helped Michelle to learn how others were coping and recovering.
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
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 50-59
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Jenny - Interview 17
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Jenny used the NOS website and helpline which was excellent. She also used the Internet to learn about other people’s experiences.
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
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 70+
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Diana - Interview 22
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Diana said that most of her information comes from the NOS magazine but sometimes she is too busy to read it.
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
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 60-69
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Linda - Interview 21
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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
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 50-59
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Iris - Interview 24
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Iris who is osteopenic went to an education class run by the dietitian at her local hospital.
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
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 60-69
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Valerie - Interview 03
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Valerie would go to her local support group if they ran a class on the benefits of weight lifting exercises for osteoporosis.
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
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 40-49
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Chris - Interview 23
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Chris decided to get a second opinion with a private consultant after her GP said there was nothing that could be done about her osteoporosis.
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
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 50-59
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Margery - Interview 40
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Margery has seen a big improvement in the knowledge of osteoporosis in her general practice.
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
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 60-69
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Shelia - Interview 29
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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
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 40-49
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Robert - Interview 28
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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
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 70+
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Joan - Interview 39
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Over the years, Joan has lost ten inches in height. Her doctors didn’t make it clear what was happening to her.
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
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 60-69
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Victoria Iris - Interview 30
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Victoria Iris is expecting to get more discomfort as she gets older because her body is out of alignment.
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
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 60-69
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Clare - Interview 20
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Clare has oat-based cereal for breakfast and she now eats more green vegetables.
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
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 50-59
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Gloria - Interview 06
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Gloria stopped taking dairy products after she had surgery to removed stones from her kidneys. She thinks that her calcium-free diet may have contribu
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
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 70+
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Betty - Interview 31
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Betty avoided dairy products for many years because it seemed to make her pain worse from her osteoarthritis but now she takes goat’s milk.
Betty was diagnosed in 2004 and was initially put on Fosamax but then changed to Pamidronate infusions every three months. She stopped her treatment for two years because she no longer was able to use public transport. Her new hospital is nearer and her daughter drives her there.
Bones & joints
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 40-49
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Sydney - Interview 16
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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
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 70+
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Carol - Interview 15
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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
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 60-69
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Neville - Interview 26
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Neville might have persevered more with his medication if he had more information about osteoporosis.
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.
Bones & joints
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 60-69
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Clare - Interview 20
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Clare wants to know how she can help herself now so that she can maintain her independence as she grows older.
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
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 50-59
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Iris - Interview 24
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Iris would like information and advice that is relevant for an active person and she tries to focus on information which has positive messages.
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
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 40-49
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Chris - Interview 23
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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 50-59
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Keith - Interview 38
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Keith thinks there needs to be more awareness and information about the fact that men can develop osteoporosis too.
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).
Bones & joints
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 23-39
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Jane - Interview 19
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After her fractures, Jane wanted to get fit and get on with her life but she couldn’t find any information about how to do that.
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
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 23-39
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David - Interview 37
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Positive information for younger people is needed, which explains that if people are careful they can still lead an active life.
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
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Osteoporosis
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Age of diagnosis 70+
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Carol - Interview 15
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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
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Age of diagnosis 50-59
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Iris - Interview 24
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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.
Topic
Bones & joints
>>
Osteoporosis
>>
Information needs for people with osteoporosis
>>
Information needs for people with osteoporosis
Information needs for people with osteoporosis
Bones & joints
>>
Osteoporosis
>>
Age of diagnosis 60-69
>>
Clare - Interview 20
>>
Clare wants to know how she can help herself now so that she can maintain her independence as she grows older.
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
>>
Sources of information for people with osteoporosis
>>
Sources of information for people with osteoporosis
Sources of information for people with osteoporosis
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