Osteoporosis often goes unnoticed until a fall causes serious damage, but early action can help. Kim Betts shares her experiences and explains how a local support group in Woodford is making a difference
“The leg bone is connected to the knee bone.” This old skeleton song that you may have sung in your childhood reminds us that everything within our bodies is connected. When we want to improve our bone health, we need to look at all the factors in our life that are connected and have an effect on our bones.
Osteoporosis means porous bones and describes a condition where the strength of bones to withstand impact has become poor, putting sufferers at higher risk of fractures. Half of all women and a fifth of all men over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. As populations age all over the world, osteoporosis is second only to cardiovascular disease as a global problem burdening health services.
When I was diagnosed with osteoporosis earlier this year, it came as a shock to me because this brought about the very first long-term medicine I had ever been prescribed. However, I did not feel unwell or weak; there is no pain, in fact, I am very fit. There are no symptoms until you have a fall. A silent disease. Many people have the condition but are unaware they have it until it is too late and they fall and break a bone. This happened to my dad at the age of 80. Shortly after recovering from a hip operation after a fall, the bones in his spine started to collapse. He needed serious painkillers. He lost about five inches in height. His organs all had to fit into a smaller space. He then told me my grandmother also had osteoporosis and had broken both her hips; however, she lived past the age of 100!
After my dad was diagnosed, I asked to be tested at my doctors and was given a DEXA scan to test bone density. The most recent scan showed I was on the edge of having osteoporosis and medication was recommended. The first action I took was to read as much as I could about the condition. The Royal Osteoporosis Society is a font of knowledge. They have information videos, articles and advice and guidance. They also have a specialist nurse helpline. There is also the opportunity to connect with others through supporter and volunteer groups and events. The cost is a very reasonable £36 per year. By joining the Royal Osteoporosis Society, I was introduced to the North East London support group based in Woodford.
It’s good to talk to other local people with the same problem; we can compare notes and discuss what is concerning us. We endeavour to make others aware of the condition so help can be given at an early stage instead of having a fall first. We bring in specialists to talk to us about medication, diet, exercise, keeping your home fall-safe and mindfulness.
The next meeting of the Royal Osteoporosis Society’s North East London support group will take place at Woodford Memorial Hall on 23 October from 1pm to 3pm. For more information, email nelondonvolunteers@theros.org.uk
