• Clip
• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Valerie - Interview 03 >> Valerie found ways of doing things differently to manage her pain. When she is busy she doesn’t notice it so much.

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 60-69 >> Neville - Interview 26 >> Neville takes frequent rests to ease the pain in the bottom of his back.

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 >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Clare - Interview 20 >> Clare thinks that her back pain has improved with her daily walks and rest sessions.

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 >> Robert - Interview 28 >> Robert said that his pain is a useless one because it is not telling him anything new about his condition.

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 70+ >> Betty - Interview 31 >> Betty’s level of disability has increased significantly over the last six months but she’s not sure if it is caused by her osteoporosis or her osteoar

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 70+ >> James - Interview 36 >> After seeing his GP for backache, James was referred for a non urgent MRI scan, which found that he had spinal fractures.

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+ >> Diana - Interview 22 >> Diana’s GP diagnosed a slipped disk and advised her to rest and take painkillers, and so when she later had episodes of pain she decided it was her sl

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 50-59 >> Marylin - Interview 12 >> After seeing a different GP in her practice, Marylin now takes stronger painkillers, which has helped to ease her pain.

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’.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 40-49 >> Robert - Interview 28 >> Robert talks about what he learned at the pain management programme and the impact it has had on his life.

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 40-49 >> Robert - Interview 28 >> Robert talks about what he learned at the pain management programme and the impact it has had on his life.

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 60-69 >> Shelia - Interview 29 >> Sheila needed to start taking morphine when other painkillers stopped being effective.

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 40-49 >> Robert - Interview 28 >> Although morphine patches give more continuous pain relief they only take the edge off Robert’s pain.

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 60-69 >> Cressida - Interview 01 >> Morphine patches have made a tremendous difference to the pain Cressida experiences.

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+ >> Noreen - Interview 25 >> Noreen talks about her experiences of being referred by her GP to the pain clinic.

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 60-69 >> Elizabeth - Interview 09 >> Elizabeth only takes painkillers when she is doing something more strenuous or when she feels she really needs them.

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 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 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 50-59 >> Dennis - Interview 13 >> Dennis is unable to take stronger painkillers because he is taking anti-depressants.

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 >> Sarah - Interview 27 >> Sarah needs a comfy chair to sit in when she is at social activities otherwise she could not sit still for very long.

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 70+ >> Noreen - Interview 25 >> Noreen is happy staying at home where she has everything she needs plus a supportive bunch of friends.

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 50-59 >> Rose - Interview 33 >> When recovering from her fracture Rose experienced a bout of depression which made her feel helpless and hopeless.

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 70+ >> James - Interview 36 >> It took a long time for James’s collapsed vertebrae to be diagnosed because his GP referred him for a non urgent MRI scan.

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+ >> Noreen - Interview 25 >> Noreen’s kyphoplasty took place later than the recommended time after a fracture so her operation was more complicated and took longer.

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 70+ >> James - Interview 36 >> James has had two vertebroplasty to repair collapsed vertebras.

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+ >> Noreen - Interview 25 >> Noreen recommends kyphoplasty to others because although she is not pain free, her spine is more stable.

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 50-59 >> Dennis - Interview 13 >> Pain affects Dennis’s ability to do everyday activities around the 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.

• Condition
• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Osteoporosis

Publication date: April 2009          Last updated July 2011

Review date: July 2013

 

Osteoporosis means 'porous bone'. With this disease bones lose density and become more fragile with a greater risk of fracturing. The loss of bone occurs 'silently' and progressively. Often there are no symptoms until the first fracture occurs. We interviewed 40 people with osteoporosis about their experiences of this condition. Select from the key topics below or choose from the 'Full list of topics' to explore all the topics covered.

• 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 >> 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 40-49 >> Emma - Interview 14 >> Emma’s GP reassured her that her vegetarian diet was a healthy and good diet for her osteoporosis. She also takes Omega 3 and cod liver oil which help

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+ >> Noreen - Interview 25 >> Noreen found it difficult to describe the pain she was having. Now she has a rest when she starts feeling pain so that it doesn’t get too bad.

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 >> Robert - Interview 28 >> Robert said that his pain is a useless one because it is not telling him anything new about his condition.

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 60-69 >> Clare - Interview 20 >> Clare thinks that her back pain has improved with her daily walks and rest sessions.

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+ >> Joan - Interview 39 >> Joan has breathing difficulties which is a secondary problem of osteoporosis.

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 40-49 >> Emma - Interview 14 >> Emma’s sleep is affected because of pain which leads to her feeling tired but she thinks it is important to keep active during the day.

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+ >> Betty - Interview 31 >> Betty’s level of disability has increased significantly over the last six months but she’s not sure if it is caused by her osteoporosis or her osteoar

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 60-69 >> Neville - Interview 26 >> Neville takes frequent rests to ease the pain in the bottom of his back.

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 >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 40-49 >> Robert - Interview 28 >> Robert learnt that some of the pain he was experiencing was the result of bad posture and being on constant guard which was causing stiffness in his n

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 >> Laurence - Interview 07 >> Laurence doesn’t think that his one tablet a week treatment is helping because his back pain has got worse over the years. He has recently being refer

Diagnosed in 2003; was initially put on Didronel and then on Actonel and currently on weekly alendronic acid. He has doubts about the effectiveness of his medication. He suffers from severe back pain. Last DXA scan showed that he has three vertebral fractures. Recently he was referred to a consultant.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Shelia - Interview 29 >> After taking teriparatide for eighteen months, Sheila said that her bones are stronger and she can walk again.

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 >> Iris - Interview 24 >> Iris had physiotherapy for 12 weeks and then she continued on a daily basis with the routine set by her physiotherapist.

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 >> 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 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 50-59 >> Laurence - Interview 07 >> Laurence would like advice from his GP about whether to have physiotherapy and how much exercise to do.

Diagnosed in 2003; was initially put on Didronel and then on Actonel and currently on weekly alendronic acid. He has doubts about the effectiveness of his medication. He suffers from severe back pain. Last DXA scan showed that he has three vertebral fractures. Recently he was referred to a consultant.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 60-69 >> Sarah - Interview 27 >> Sarah enjoyed hydrotherapy. After her last physiotherapy session the back of her hand has been numb.

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 >> Joan - Interview 10 >> Joan uses relaxation techniques taught to her by a hypnotherapist, to cope with pain.

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+ >> Diana - Interview 22 >> Diana has tried reflexology and Indian head massage. She benefited from the reflexology but found the Indian head massage slightly painful.

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 >> Using a home massager helps to ease Emma’s pain and she can use at any time of the day.

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 >> Laurence - Interview 07 >> Laurence’s pain in his back makes it hard some days to do his physically demanding job.

Diagnosed in 2003; was initially put on Didronel and then on Actonel and currently on weekly alendronic acid. He has doubts about the effectiveness of his medication. He suffers from severe back pain. Last DXA scan showed that he has three vertebral fractures. Recently he was referred to a consultant.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 23-39 >> Jane - Interview 19 >> Jane’s pain affects much of her day-to-day life and as a result she feels that she is different from her peer group.

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.

• Topic
• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Pain and medication in osteoporosis >> Pain and medication in osteoporosis

Pain and medication in osteoporosis

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Pain and other physical problems in osteoporosis >> Pain and other physical problems in osteoporosis

Pain and other physical problems in osteoporosis

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 70+ >> Noreen - Interview 25 >> Noreen talks about her experiences of being referred by her GP to the pain clinic.

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 >> Robert - Interview 28 >> Although morphine patches give more continuous pain relief they only take the edge off Robert’s pain.

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 40-49 >> Robert - Interview 28 >> Robert talks about what he learned at the pain management programme and the impact it has had on his life.

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 >> Pat - Interview 32 >> Pat prefers to keep ‘on top’ of her pain relief so she takes painkillers twice a day in the morning and at night.

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 40-49 >> Robert - Interview 28 >> Robert learnt that some of the pain he was experiencing was the result of bad posture and being on constant guard which was causing stiffness in his n

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 60-69 >> Neville - Interview 26 >> Neville takes frequent rests to ease the pain in the bottom of his back.

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 >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 40-49 >> Emma - Interview 14 >> Emma’s sleep is affected because of pain which leads to her feeling tired but she thinks it is important to keep active during the day.

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 >> Marylin - Interview 12 >> After seeing a different GP in her practice, Marylin now takes stronger painkillers, which has helped to ease her pain.

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’.

• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Age of diagnosis 40-49 >> Emma - Interview 14 >> Emma’s sleep is affected because of pain which leads to her feeling tired but she thinks it is important to keep active during the day.

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 >> Iris - Interview 24 >> Iris had physiotherapy for 12 weeks and then she continued on a daily basis with the routine set by her physiotherapist.

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.