Osteoporosis - since my 20s

[Falkenbach]

I am 32 and was diagnosed with osteoporosis in my mid-late 20's - I wasn't aware at the time that osteo was related to kidney dysfunction. This has been quite a crushing diagnosis, knowing that I cannot reverse the condition, although I believe I can probably attain some improvement. There was a very marginal improvement in my second scan, done 2-3 years after the original (which was done after a broken arm), and now I'm due (over due!) for another scan.

I guess what I want to know is - is osteoporosis a possible reason for the terrible pain I get in my lower back? This is one of the main reasons I had to give up what I was doing - I was a self-employed mobile dog groomer. (I also gave it up due to high levels of exhaustion related to my chronic renal failure.)

I'm wanting to get back to work before the end of the year (am due for a transplant in a matter of weeks) but I'm unable to go back to dog grooming because of my back. This is really depressing for me, because it means going back to administration work. 

Having had so many doctor appointments for so many reasons in recent times, it is one of those simple questions I just never get around to asking. But there are days where I can't bend enough to do basic housework tasks, and I can NEVER do a load of groceries by myself - the lifting of shopping bags into the trolley and the car puts my back into nasty, nasty pain.

My mum seems to be of the opinion that it's probably osteo-arthritis in my spine.

[Sluff]

Osteoporosis is a pain in the neck, not trying to be funny here, my mom had it so  I know it's not easy living with it.

[Falkenbach]

My back is getting worse all the time. I still keep my house clean, but cannot vaccuum floors. So the floors are pretty grubby, and I find that embarrassing because I'm house proud.

I'm still not sure how much of my back pain, if any, is associated with the osteoporosis. Some gentle exercise keeps me moving, but it doesn't get rid of the pain.

[Zach]

My back is getting worse all the time. I still keep my house clean, but cannot vaccuum floors. So the floors are pretty grubby, and I find that embarrassing because I'm house proud.

I'm still not sure how much of my back pain, if any, is associated with the osteoporosis. Some gentle exercise keeps me moving, but it doesn't get rid of the pain.

Weight resistance exercising has been shown to actually improve osteoporosis.  In time, the pain might lessen as well.

[goofynina]

What is the difference between Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis,  which is what the doctor said i had in my back. 

[tubes]

 i completely know what you are going through cycobully.  i started showing signs of osteoporosis when i was about 21.  i was about 5'8 then.  now at 27 im about 5'3.  i didnt work for 5 yrs.  i got a job last july working in a deli at my local grocery store.  then last month i had to quit because i couldnt handle the pain anymore.  my back started going numb and tingly.  it doesnt do it as often now that i dont work.  i do miss everone i worked with.  it was a fun job, just too stressful some days.  its for the best.

i go to the gym once in awhile.  i do the tread mill, cross trainer and light weight training.  i think it helps alot.  i can do house chores.....except i cant get down on my knees to scrub floors and when i do clean i have to take breaks often.  vacuuming hasnt been a problem for me....YET!  one thing that helps out alot....last month i finally hired a maid to do the deep cleaning.  what a god send!  unfortunately since i quit my job last month, i cant afford her to come this month.  

do you take any pain pills when you have really bad days?  i take lortab....as  needed.  it has been several months since ive taken any.   i guess im just use to the pain.

[Falkenbach]

What is the difference between Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis,  which is what the doctor said i had in my back. 

I would like to know the answer to this also.

And I rarely take any painkillers. None have ever been prescribed, and I'm not a fan of them either. I think, however, it is getting to the point where I may have to. I am hoping to visit my doctor next week and have a real thorough look into the situation.

I had to stop working last April - I was a dog groomer (not sure if I've already said that in this thread) which was extremely hard on my back.

[Falkenbach]

Well I went and saw my GP today to start looking into my back problems. I asked him if it is likely to be related to my osteoporosis, which he couldn't really say.

He is sending me for an X-ray - it's booked for Monday. Basically to make sure my bones aren't just downright crumbling, because he said unless they are at that stage, I shouldn't be feeling it.

I'm also due for another DEXA scan (bone density test) in a couple of weeks, so between the two I guess I'll get a picture of what's going on with the osteo, if nothing else.

It's getting harder and harder to do things around the house, and there are some things I just can't do like cleaning floors and leaning over the oven to bake things. Obviously this will have a huge impact when I return to work, on what I can and cannot do.

[goofynina]

Cycobully, are you always in pain or just certain times doing certain things,  seems like if i am sitting down, i am fine, but once i get up and start moving around, it is my back that is giving me the worse pain of all, but after walking around a bit, the pain eases until i sit again and try and get up, I have not had the bone scan test done and i am afraid to do it cuz i am afraid of what the results will be    (yep, i am a big chicken) 

[Zach]

I have not had the bone scan test done and i am afraid to do it cuz i am afraid of what the results will be    (yep, i am a big chicken) 

Please have it done.  That way, you'll know what shape your bones are in, and then work on a strategy to correct (or at least slow down) the problem.
 

[Falkenbach]

Hi nina - it virtually always hurts, just sometimes more than others. I cannot do certain tasks - such as cleaning floors - at ALL. Ever.

I feel like a 32 year old in a 60 year old body.