Bonnie's Story
Bonnie Daue has osteoporosis. She is 80 years old, widowed and lives in Wellington.
At the age of 49 I had a full hysterectomy, including removal of my ovaries, as a result of cancer. I believe my oestrogen level, which helps calcium enter the bones, was reduced considerably. Slowly, my bones began to weaken but I didn't know it.
The first inkling of something being wrong came six years later when I fell over in a supermarket and hurt my neck. I wore a neck brace for several weeks, taking it off only for my daughter's wedding. Looking back at the wedding photos I can see that my neck and shoulders are humped.
In my late 50's I broke several ribs falling over a box and in my early 60's I broke several ribs again when I turned swiftly to brush my cat off the kitchen bench. You would have thought that the penny might have dropped by then, but I never thought anything was seriously wrong.
Then in 1995, at the age of 63, I fell off a ladder. I was just three or four rungs high off the ground. I broke my leg, fractured my sternum, cracked my collar-bone, chipped an elbow and again broke four ribs. It was only then that I was diagnosed as having osteoporosis. I was advised to have a bone density scan which showed that I was in extreme risk of a serious fracture of my hip or spine.
My doctor put me on a programme of daily medication to build up my bone mass, and I do a special set of exercises for people with osteoporosis.
My bones are still extremely brittle - in 2001 when bringing in the groceries from the car I used my little finger to lift a plastic bag containing two litres of milk and my little finger snapped. I live in fear of having a major fall - not just for myself but for my family having to care for me - that's a real worry.
For me, living with osteoporosis means:
- I must be careful all the time.
- I must not hurry, especially on uneven surfaces and on rainy days. I go barefoot to my letterbox to get a better grip on the paving stones.
- I must keep my dog on a short leash when I walk her each day so I don't get tangled up and trip over.
- I must not wear high heels.
- I must limit alcohol.
- I must carry in the grocery shopping in small amounts, making several trips up 17 stairs.
- I must no longer dig the vege garden or climb or stretch up to trim trees.
- I must only spring clean things I can reach from floor level - maybe that's a benefit!
Most of all, it means not being able to run around with my grandchildren - I'm the person sitting on the beach minding the shoes and socks instead of exploring the rockpools. That hurts.
There's also another downside. I've shrunk from 5'8" to 5'6" due to my spine breaking down. I used to pride myself on being a tall slim woman. I don't like how I look now.
The good news is that with ongoing treatment my bone density has improved and I still live a full active life - just a bit more carefully than I used to."
What can you do about preventing injury if you have osteoporosis or a high risk of developing it?
You need to learn how to live safely to prevent falls and back strain.
- Stay as active as possible to increase strength, flexibility, balance and weight bearing.
- Plan ahead. Modify your actions or surroundings to avoid straining your back or falling.
- Use caution when lifting, bending or reaching.
- Think about your personal safety - wear slip-proof shoes and use handrails.
- When using a cane or walker, use the item correctly and consistently.
- If you fall make sure that you are not injured before you try to get up.
- If you fall, ask your doctor to check your health, sight and medication. You may also need to see a physiotherapist or exercise professional.
