I had a dexa-scan a few months ago that revealed that I have osteoporosis in left hip and lumbro as well. They put me on fosomax, once a week, 70 mg, which I take faithfully. I was still experiencing lower back pain and had also had x-rays done of lower back and hip several months ago (before the dexa-scan). The primary physician said looked normal. I decided to see a back specialist clinic and took my dexa-scan and x-rays with me for them to look at. Immediately they saw that I probably have degenrative disk and arthritis in that area. They will now be calling me regarding scheduling an MRI in next week or two. I am not happy
I think it's great that you're on the Fosamax. That should help you with the osteoporosis, especially if you're taking calcium, vitamin D and getting some exercise.
I also have severe degenerative osteoarthritis in my lower back. The physiotherapists have even gasped looking at my x-rays! I definitely wasn't happy getting that news either :-( But I started looking at my activities and found that some things bothered my back and other things helped it.
In my case, wearing hip hugger jeans really bothers my back. Same with playing pool. I love billiards but it's not worth the extra pain that I have to face to do it on a regular basis. Walking helps my back as does sitting with good posture. Swimming is also really good for me because it keeps me loose and flexible, and it's easy on the back.
Are you in physiotherapy? Laser, ultrasound or even registered massage therapy can be very helpful. What do you take for pain meds?
I try not to think about the x-ray but rather to focus in on how I'm feeling day by day. Most of the time I have my back pain under control unless I twist suddenly when making my bed or something.
Anyway, good luck with it and keep me posted :-) Hopefully, you'll discover your own back triggers so that you can avoid them.
sigrid
Thanks Sigrid,
Nice to hear from someone with a similar condition. I will know much more about my condition after my MRI next Monday evening. Right now they put me on 400mg Etodolac (substitute for Lodine) - an anti-inflammatory. It has helped so far, but I have to take it with food to avoid acid reflex.
It's good that you're able to tolerate that anti-inflammatory medication. I can't take anti-inflammatories because I developed first-degree ulcers years ago from Advil :-(
Physiotherapy is often very helpful. Keep me posted after your MRI!
Best, Sigrid
Dear Pam How are you today? Having joined the board this morning I too am awaiting the results of your MRI. Meanwhile thought I would tell you to take it easy, use ice on all your sore spots for ten minutes before you retire, do not bend twist or turn, eat no sugar or white flour, do not overeat, and drink 8 glasses filtered water. You want to remain normal weight. Do not take anti-depressents unless you are severely depressed because they can cause weight gain, get off Primarin slowly if you are on it. Swim in warm pool every other day for one hour, ask for help whenever and wherever you need it. By the way, don't babysit until the grandchildren are older and you don't have to lift them or run after them. Sound like a lot of Thou Shalt Nots? Well,I have learned all this the hard way over the past four years with spinal arthritis and stenosis, and these methods are better than pain drugs. I try to remember that no one gets out of this sinful world without trials and infirmities, and I am going to enjoy each day to the fullest . This includes sharing my experiences with this disease so that others might feel less isolated in their fight.
Sorry folks I have been busy. The results of my MRI revealed DDD of lower 5? disks. I told doc that I was taking fosomax for osteoporosis. All he said was pain was from DDD and was a different scenario. He said to get physical theraphy or swim, walk, etc. I was wondering if fosomax is a no no when you have DDD?