Compression Fractures - Pregnancy - Osteoporosis

• By LoriAnn5245
• Reply 3477169
• October 21, 2012 at 7:11 pm
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HI Lucy--
The same thing happened to me in 1999 -- I was 29 (I am now 42) and had 5 compression fractures while pregnant. It took a long time for me to get diagnosed... 6 weeks post pregnany--by then I had taken care of a baby for that time-- lifting over and over again and doing physical therapy that was not appropriate for a broken back. I have to say I worked my butt off to get rid of my pain. It lasted a long time-- probably more muscle damage then anything else. I did water therapy (after I learned the exercises I went by myself) every day for 45 minutes in a 92 degree water. It helped a lot . I had to wear a clamshell backbrace for 3 years off and on b/c the pain was too great w/o. I also walked like a maniac to build up my muscles.
I was advised against kyphoplasty right away by my orthopedist 13 years ago-- he is happy that this was the decision that was made. They are not pleased at the results people are getting w/ this procedure.
I had great luck w/ Forteo. so perhaps that will help.
Funny I thought I was the only one this happened to until I stumbled on this website a few days ago! Where have I been???
If I can be of any assistance or support I am happy to help. It is a lonely experience when this happens to you and you have a new baby on top of it....

• By susan66
• Reply 3477242
• October 21, 2012 at 7:47 pm
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Lucy...I had 3 lumbar compression fx's this summer and had 2 kyhoplastys and I am extremely happy I did. my pain is gone and the only thing I feel is a feeling like I could never again bend backwards and I feel like stretching when I first wake up. The doc said my pain would probably go away as the fx's heal but it would take along time so I chose kypoplasty. one of my fx's was 10 weeks old and the procedure still helped alot. good luck and hang in there.!!!

• By LucyLucyM
• Reply 3477289
• October 21, 2012 at 8:09 pm
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I have Celiac disease and was not diagnosed until I was 27. My doctors think that is the reason for osteoporosis, and the pregnancy put my body over the edge. I am having a new MRI this week then seeing my neurosurgeon again. He will see if there have been any changes or if there are any new options, I guess. I so wish the pain would get better. I never thought I would spend my son's first year nearly disabled from fractures. It's unreal.

• By Lorrieanne
• Reply 3480241
• October 22, 2012 at 9:16 pm
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Hi Lucy, I was diagnosed in March with a compression fracture and osteoporosis. I had just turned 50, and felt every day of it! The best advice I got was to buy the book YOUR BONES by Lara Pizzorno. It helped me understand op and the vitamins and minerals needed for bone health. It gave me hope, and I really needed some! I also walked- first basic walking workouts on TV, then worked back up to actual walks. I gave up coffee, soda, diet drinks, alcohol. Added more spinach, broc, almonds, prunes. It was a few months before I suddenly realized I felt much better. I was stronger and walking further and faster. And now, a few months later I feel even better. I don't have to tell you how hard pregnancy and nursing are on your body! Try to have other people pick up the baby and hand him/her to you whenever possible, this is what I do with my grandbabies- my husband hands me the baby and I can hold him and play w/o having to bend over to get him! I know this is less realistic when you are the one raising the child!
Have you had your Vit D level checked? Mine was very low for a very long time, and played a big role in my op. I take 7000iu per day now. I have convinced 11 people to have their levels checked and only 2 were in the good range- high 40's (even though it is believed the best range is 60-70) And these were young active people! It is believed that around 75% of all people are deficient in this very important Vit.
Good luck!!
Lorrieanne

• By newgirlmom
• Reply 3483114
• October 23, 2012 at 7:55 pm
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LoriAnn5245, how is your OP now at 42? Did your scores improve through out that 13 year time span?

• By LoriAnn5245
• Reply 3488596 · In reply to 3483114 by newgirlmom
• October 25, 2012 at 2:18 pm
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Hi--
I am sorry for the delayed response (I too am a young mom trying to balance much--)-
My osteoporosis improved a lot on Forteo.... I tried all the other drugs and nothing helped. I am pain-free (knock on wood)--but work my butt off trying to make that happen -- a lot of working out, eating right, yoga etc, weight training (not crazy and nothing directly over my head).
In the past 2 years I have had a decline in the dx results. I am going off all western meds and focusing on what I have learned on this site and getting a vitamin regimine that will work for me.
I am a firm believer the body can get better-- for 1 1/2 years I was in extreme pain wearing a clamshell back brace for comfort and protection... I was told I might have to come to terms w/ the pain--but I did/could not believe that.
Keep focused--b/c it helps. I know how it feels to feel robbed of this wonderful time w/ your child. I risked a lot and felt I needed a redo and had another child 6 1/2 years later-- I was very careful and hopeful and I DID NOT break or hurt my back. Life can get better. Any other support you would like--please feel free to write again.

• By LucyLucyM
• Reply 3510676
• November 2, 2012 at 9:37 pm
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Thank you all for your posts and support. My MRI actually found 8 compression fractures, but the worst one is L2, and I will be having Kyphoplasty on this vertebra only, just before Thanksgiving. I have pain up and down my back but the sharp, non stop pain is in my low back, which my doctor believe is associated with this severe L2 fracture. I am hopeful that it will help me.