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• 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 >> 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 60-69 >> Elizabeth - Interview 09 >> Elizabeth was disappointed with the private physiotherapist she saw.

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 50-59 >> Jenny - Interview 17 >> Jenny paid for private physiotherapy, which she says has been very helpful.

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 >> After her spinal fractures Jane was allocated six twenty minute sessions of physiotherapy which was available at other times when her spine went into

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 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 23-39 >> David - Interview 37 >> David had plenty of physiotherapy as a child but he chooses not to have any now because he believes that some physiotherapy can put a strain on the bo

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 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 >> Christine - Interview 18 >> Christine’s physiotherapist has been most willing to help and to look for alternative arrangements near her home.

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 >> Beryl - Interview 05 >> Beryl forgot she had had an x-ray and her physiotherapy session was postponed.

In her forties Beryl fractured both her wrists. In 2005 she was diagnosed with osteoporosis. She takes ibandronate (Bonviva) once monthly and Calcichew D3 Forte. She has pain in her neck and back and has restricted neck movement. Other conditions: diabetes and emphysema.

• 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 >> Sydney - Interview 16 >> Sydney who lives alone felt he was discharged too soon after his surgery.

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.

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• Bones & joints >> Osteoporosis >> Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy for osteoporosis >> Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy for osteoporosis

Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy