Brittle bones - 'I didn't know I had osteoporosis until I fractured two vertebrae'
- Introduction
- Symptoms of osteoporosis
- Causes of osteoporosis
- Diagnosing osteoporosis
- Treating osteoporosis
- Preventing osteoporosis
- Living with osteoporosis
- 'I didn't know I had osteoporosis until I fractured two vertebrae'
- 'Talking to other people helps me deal with my pain'
- 'Even lying in bed was uncomfortable'
Dorothy Borbas was diagnosed with osteoporosis at the age of 75.
"I discovered that I had osteoporosis in 1999, three days after I turned 75. I was in bed and had a cramp in my leg. When I got out of bed to stop the cramping, I fell and fractured two vertebrae.
"Before my fractures, I didn't realise that I had osteoporosis. It was some time before I received a firm diagnosis from the hospital. I then sought the help of the National Osteoporosis Society (NOS).
"The NOS provided me with an absolute lifeline. I was able to speak at length with a nurse who put my mind at ease and gave me detailed information about diet, exercise and treatments.
"I joined my local NOS support group. I'm now an active member and enjoy helping to organise local fundraising activities."
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