The Patient's Perspective

When I first found out I had osteoporosis, I found taking treatment difficult and, as a result, ended up not taking any medication at all. However, without the benefits of treatment, I suffered several vertebral fractures which have a significant impact on my quality of life. Having experienced the painful effects of osteoporosis first-hand, I now take my treatment as prescribed. Other people should not go through the pain and inconvenience of fracture unnecessarily and I would therefore encourage them to learn from my experience. My advice is to take your treatment as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Sophia Edlinger, Austria

I discovered I had osteoporosis at the age of 53, which finally gave me an answer to why I had endured a broken wrist and compressed fracture in my spine. Although my experience as a nurse made it easier to accept I have osteoporosis, it has still had a huge impact on my life. I have lost almost 13cm in height and I now find buses too difficult to use and have had to buy new clothes to fit my change in size and shape. My leisure activities have also been affected – I used to enjoy brisk walks and dancing but I am now afraid of suffering another spinal fracture. However, I recognise that this risk is reduced if I keep taking my medicine – this way, I know I am doing something to help myself.

Freda Ross, UK

HELLO, MY NAME IS: KAREN. I AM 46, I LIVE IN MASSACHUSETTS, I WAS DIAGNOST BY MY PHYSICAL MEDICINE DOCTOR 1 YEAR AGO, WITH THE OSTEOPOROSIS ILLNESS. HE PUT ME ON FOSAMAX 75 MG. BUT I STILL HAVING MY BAD DAYS, BUT BECAUSE I KNOW THAT EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE WHEN YOU BELEIVE IN YOUR SELF YOU CAN BE STRONG EVERY DAY OF YOUR LIFE. SOON THE DOCTOR WILL SEND ME FOR A BONE DENSITRY TEST TO FIND OUT HOW AM I"M DOING. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE. IF ANYONE WANTS TO WRITE BACK TO ME, THIS IS MY E-MAIL carmeig@msn.com

Karen Vega, Massachusetts