Insufficiency fractures

Last year I forgot to add x

Hi Sandra

I am so glad that you managed to contact your CNS and got this investigated. We are not medically trained on here but it did not feel right when your GP was being dismissive. I remember my radiotherapists talking about how painful insufficiency fractures could be which is why I suggested pushing further with CNS. Am glad that the MRI was done and bought some answers. I hope the referral to the spinal surgeon happens quickly and that you are getting some support to manage the extreme pain. 

Thank you for sharing- it may help others who have these symptoms understand what they could possibly mean. I remember being told of all the potential side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy- and there's so many potential effects- that it is hard to take it all in at the time. 

Jane 

Hi Sandra, it’s unfortunate that your oncologist didn’t refer you for a DEXA scan post treatment. Because of my age and my risk factor of having hypothyroidism and having been on thyroxine for 30+ years, my oncologist routinely referred me for a DEXA scan 3 months post treatment in autumn 2022. My DEXA scan showed some osteopenia in hips and spine (low bone density which can be a precursor to osteoporosis) and I was prescribed daily calcium tablets which I’ve been on since that time. Within two years the osteopenia in both hips was cured and the spinal osteopenia has improved. If I hadn’t had the DEXA scan, I wouldn’t have known and could have ended up with osteoporosis. As a separate issue, totally unconnected with my radiotherapy, I have severe spinal stenosis (diagnosed shortly after treatment finished but they reckon I’d had it a long time) so I can relate to you over the pain issue. May I ask how old you are? If under pension age you may qualify for PIP, and also a blue badge. 

Oh thank you I will

ask about this also can it be reversed? I am 60 and not really thought about blue badge etc but have to use crutches at the moment when walking g a lot to try take weight off pelvis! Going back to work on Monday but I work for Sainsburys on shop floor and easily 18000 steps per day but they have been great so doing tills for a while! Thank you for letting me know about that and wishing you all the best with your  spine also xx

Oh Jane thank you for replying I couldn’t remember your name but was thanks to you I did reach out to my cancer nurse and that’s the reason I’ve updated because there must be more like me that just didn’t know this was a thing and I really don’t wish this pain on anyone. Also makes more people aware of what to look for! Thank you again xx

Hi Sandra

Ive got 5 wedge fractures in my spine from osteoporosis. I was referred to a rheumatologist and take alendronic acid and also calcium and vitamin d tablets to help strengthen my bones. My back is extremely painful at times so I take painkillers. I’m trying to swim and do weight bearing exercises to strengthen my muscles but it is horrible and I do empathise with you. It’s good to know Sainsbury’s are being supportive it’s nice to hear. 

Linda xxx

Oh Linda that’s horrendous you must be in so much pain. I don’t know the extent yet and kind of scared to but I like you am trying to do some weights but only upper body. I so want to get out on my bike etc but the knees is also stopping that but I know how lucky I am.  Wishing you  pain free recovery and thank you xx

Linda

I knnow exactly how you feel. I had a wedge. shape fracture during raiothherapy. It was tthought it wwas. due to the treatment.

I swim with no problems or pain but as soon as Iam out of.  the water the pain is back and i cant stand ffor more than a few minutes.

I am about to see a physio soon so hepefully that will help me do the right exccersise.

My muscles are so tense and weak. 

Let me know how you progress.

This has been worse than any of my treatment

Hi MissyB

My first fracture was before my diagnosis 3 years ago so it’s a chronic ongoing problem for me. Like you the pain is worst when I’m standing still. I saw a physio a couple of years ago and did the recommended exercises and it did help the pain a little. I’m fortunate that I am retired so can rest my back when I need to. I try to keep mobile as much as possible but I take care not to overdo it in case I get another fracture. I think slow and steady is the best way to go! The fractures have caused me to lose 3 inches in height I don’t know if you’ve had that problem too.

Linda xxx

Afternoon Sandra123.

I think I responded to your original post about this last week about this. So pleased you were able to get the scans and answers. When the results of my MRI came back, my GP had suggested Physio. During the wait for the appointment there was an improvement with the pain becoming a dull but persistent ache but with improved mobility. By the time I actually saw someone at Physio, I had had the DEXA scan confirming osteoporosis and had another fracture from loading the washing machine. Physio did advise that there was little they could do for me. The main takeaway from both my GP and Physio was to stay as active as possible and suggested walking as a good form of exercise. I was prescribed Alendronic Acid and Vitamin D3 which i believe do help as I feel that recovery time for a fracture has improved.

I do quite a bit of walking now but pick the places very carefully and find  softer surfaces have less impact than walking on pavements and other hard surfaces (which in modern life are unavoidable) which can cause a return of the aches and pains very quickly. I am fortunate to live in an area where our local authority converted the abandoned railway lines (from the 50s closures and decline of the mining industry) into countryside walking paths, many linked  other public footpaths as well as being a drive away from a couple of arboretums and National Trust properties where I can enjoy not only a good walk on a generally softer surface but also experience the peace that nature can bring - rustling of trees , the sound of birds or the unexpected wildlife (deer, rabbits squirrels etc ) that may cross my path and just make me smile.

One final thing, I never cease to be amazed by the extremes of care we have received. Throughout this journey, I have always had a supportive GP. I have had quarterly review appointments (moving to 6 monthly as it is now 2 years since the end of my treatment)  with my cancer nurse as well as being able to contact her if I have a concern. I am grateful for the care I have received.From reading some of the posts, not everyone has the same experience.