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• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Sarah - Interview 27 >> Sarah thinks that it is her lack of exercise rather than her diet that has contributed to her weight gain.

In 2002 Sarah took part in a clinical trial were she was first diagnosed with osteoporosis. It seems that her diagnosis wasn’t sent to her GP. In 2008 she fell and hurt her back and her GP sent her for an x-ray and it was then that her condition was officially diagnosed. Current treatment: alendronic acid once weekly and calcium tablets.

• 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 40-49 >> Sydney - Interview 16 >> Sydney takes the bus to go shopping for groceries but he always goes at less busy times so that he can avoid crowds.

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.

• Topic
• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Osteoporosis, mobility, driving and transport >> Osteoporosis, mobility, driving and transport

Osteoporosis, mobility, driving and transport

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Christine - Interview 18 >> A nurse raised the possibility that Christine might have osteoporosis and told her to ask her GP for a DXA scan.

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 70+ >> Betty - Interview 31 >> Betty lives in the outskirts of a big city and it takes her around one hour to get to her hospital in the city centre. She can’t walk long distances a

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 >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 50-59 >> Dennis - Interview 13 >> It was very painful when Dennis first had physiotherapy after his fracture but now he has no pain when he exercises at home.

Dennis was diagnosed with osteoporosis in 2004. In 2007 his spine ‘collapsed’ and he had two operations. He has to wear a supportive back brace for the next nine months. Until recently he was on Pamidronate but his treatment for osteoporosis is under review. He takes Calcichew D3 Forte and cod liver oil and Co-codamol for pain relief.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Christine - Interview 18 >> Christine uses her electric buggy to get around which enables her to be independent and to continue her social activities.

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 >> Ann - Interview 35 >> Ann is much more aware of the ground she is walking on because she is frightened of falling.

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 >> Sarah - Interview 27 >> Sarah finds it very uncomfortable to travel on some trains.

In 2002 Sarah took part in a clinical trial were she was first diagnosed with osteoporosis. It seems that her diagnosis wasn’t sent to her GP. In 2008 she fell and hurt her back and her GP sent her for an x-ray and it was then that her condition was officially diagnosed. Current treatment: alendronic acid once weekly and calcium tablets.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Victoria Iris - Interview 30 >> Assistance with travelling on public transport enables Victoria Iris to travel to meetings and to go on holiday. Being able to drive helps her to be i

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 40-49 >> Emma - Interview 14 >> Emma can no longer travel to work by train so now she drives.

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 and her husband only use their car for essential journeys because he doesn’t want to have an accident and lose his license.

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 23-39 >> David - Interview 37 >> Driving a car gives David independence and enables him to have an active social 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 >> 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 70+ >> Betty - Interview 31 >> Betty uses the Dial a Ride scheme to get about or sometimes she takes a taxi.

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.