The Results Are In

I have osteoporosis and my doctor says it’s pretty bad. Although Osteoporosis is common in women my age, apparently it is more common and more serious when combined with MS.

So what happens? Bones become weak and break easily.

My story: I had a bone density test and found out I have osteoporosis. I took Fosamax and extra calcium to try to strengthen my bones. I see commercials that promise rebuilding bones, but not my bones. Months later another test found little or no improvement, so I now take Forteo. Last week I had another bone scan to see if that is helping.

The bone test requires quite a few bone jostlings to get in and out of the car and on and off the scan table. Because my osteoporosis is rather severe, each jostle is a new breakage opportunity. Everybody’s bones are breakable, but I think mine are extra breakable.

Yes, they break easily. One time my leg was broken getting in the car. My doctor sent me to get an x-ray and an MRI – sounds logical to me. My leg is broken during a transfer, so let’s see -- transfer into car; drive to doctor’s office; transfer out of the car; see doctor; transfer onto x-ray table; transfer off table; transfer to MRI table; transfer off table; transfer into car; drive home; transfer out of car; go into house.

But wait, this story is no yet finished. They told me everything was fine and I should go home, so I did. I was home less than half an hour when they called and said I had to go back. Are you sure? Okay, one more time – transfer into car; drive to doctor’s office; transfer out of the car; see doctor; transfer into car; drive home; transfer out of car; go into house.

Let me summarize: My leg was broken transferring into the car, so to confirm diagnosis and get a treatment regimen, I went through twelve (that’s 12) transfers. I couldn’t wear a cast, but the break was in the femur above the knee, so just sitting might work. I should take Ibuprofen, put no weight on my leg, and keep it still. Ibuprofen is fine and there’s little chance of weight from my seated position. Therefore, I transferred 12 times to be told to keep my leg still. In my wheelchair it’s almost always still anyway.

A couple of weeks ago I had another test to see if the new medication is working. Cici called today and the results are in. My pelvis is still pretty bad, but my spine has improved – just a touch, but improved. I should continue with my daily Forteo shots.

It’s a good thing. I have to try to strengthen my bones so I can go take another bone density test!

technorati tags: osteoporosis, ms, multiplesclerosis, forteo, fosamax, fracture, brokenbone