Life keeps happening doesn't it?

United States
August 23, 2007 1:36am CST
I got the results from my x-rays. I've spent the whole summer in pain and fatigue. The pain is in the left hip area and has been very painful, especially when I stand or walk. The good news is that my hip joint and pelvis bone look good. However there is some scoliosis, a stress fracture on one of my Lumbar vertabrae and arthritis in both L4 and L5. Doctor wants me to get a bone scan to rule out osteoporosis. I'm at risk for that because my mother had very severe osteoporosis. Since we know the pain is arthritis it can be treated with anti-inflamatories and some gentle exercise to strengthen the muscles in that area. After my bone density test I will go to my primary care doctor to discuss the results and any treatment or therapy that may be needed. I'm glad to know that there is a reason for the pain that is documentable. It isn't just me. But I don't want osteoporosis. My mom had it so badly that she was literally crumbling. She could fracture her bones simply by turning her body or stubbing her toe. Her last few years were spent in almost constant pain. I'd like very much to avoid that if I can. How many of you have had a bone density test? I had one before but don't remember how long ago it was. But having another should be able to show any changes. At least I'm feeling better For the past three days I've had very little pain. And I'd like to keep it that way. It has been a miserable summer. Maybe I'll be able to tolerate more time at the computer and get my brain in gear again.
1 person likes this
2 responses
@creematee (2810)
• United States
24 Aug 07
I'm happy you know what is causing the pain. It always makes the treatment work that much better. I have been worried about you and praying that things will be getting better. I'll keep up with those prayers. Osteo. doesn't sound like a very friendly disease. Best wishes to you!!
1 person likes this
• United States
24 Aug 07
No, Osteoporosis isn't friendly. But these days if you catch it early there is treatment. My mom had terrible problems because of osteo [read previous response] and if I'm starting to develop it I want to catch it early.
• Canada
24 Aug 07
I am so sorry to hear that you have been in so much pain and pray for your sake that they find out what it is and not what they think it might be . I don't know much about this disease but it does sound like it would be an awful way to live one's life . I understand how you would feel relieved to know this was something that is now documented and know that it wasn't just you as I went through this for years with complaining about how I felt to be told there was nothing wrong . When I switched to someone else she reailzed I had suffered from high blood pressure for years and because it was left untreated it only got worse , it was the cause of severe migraines I was getting and for feelings of fatigue all the time , she was always able to find out that I did have a tyhroid problem which I had suspected and seen many doctors over but instead of checking me out , I was told not to worry about this as I was too young to have this problem . I am not happy that I am on a lot of medication but it makes me feel better to know it wasn't just me as for years I hated myself and tried to convince myself that I felt better then I did for fear of being what they call a hypocondriac . I send you best wishes and hope they find out what they problem is and hope it is something they can cure so you don't have to live in pain all your life . I can't imagine the fear this must be causing you . Take Care
1 person likes this
• United States
24 Aug 07
Thank you for your prayers. I find it incredible that any doctor didn't know you had high blood pressure! Any doctor I go to always takes my BP first thing. Going untreated your HBP can be fatal! Sure glad you found someone to address it for you. Too young for thyroid problems? Good heavens, they started me on thyroid medication when I was nine years old. I think I'd be reporting that doctor to the licensing board. I know what you mean about being told for years that it is "all in your head." I went to a variety of doctors for about seven years before any of them identified fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. There are still doctors who don't believe those are valid diagnosis. They do so much harm to our psyche with that response. I went for a bone density test today. I hope I'll know by next week what the results are. If I have started to develop osteoporosis I want to nip it in the bud! My mom had such a severe osteoporosis that here bones were like paper mache and crumbled easily. She spent her last few years in constant pain from broken bones and spinal fractures.