ALL IN THE FAMILY…. My Husband and I Are on the Osteoporosis Journey Together
By Rika van Dam
Rika van Dam
When I was younger, I couldn’t have predicted I would develop osteoporosis, and I certainly couldn’t have predicted that my husband and I would both be diagnosed within two years of each other.
At the age of 64, I was at an art fair in a park when I tripped on a cord lying across the grass. It was a short, soft fall to the grass, but when I got back up, my wrist hurt in a way I hadn’t experienced before. Because it was a simple fall, I wanted to shake it off and ignore it. But after about twenty minutes, I told my husband I thought I should have it checked out. In the emergency room, they set my fractured wrist in a cast and the ER doctor sent me on my way. A hand/wrist specialist I consulted with the next week performed surgery and put in a titanium plate to stabilize the wrist. And, later that month, my primary care doctor ordered a DXA scan which indicated I had osteopenia.
Unfortunately, none of the three doctors involved in my care for the wrist fracture discussed osteoporosis with me. I was only vaguely familiar with the idea of osteopenia. Today, I know that someone with osteopenia and a fragility fracture requires follow-up for osteoporosis.
My primary care doctor waited more than six years to order another DXA, and I’m embarrassed to say I didn’t know enough to question that. The new DXA scan documented osteoporosis, and I was finally referred to an endocrinologist for further care.
The endocrinologist looked at my history, DXA results and bone turnover markers, and suggested one of the anabolic medications. The idea of doing daily injections was a bit scary for me, but I decided I could tackle it and started on my medication journey with minimal side effects.
Once I was diagnosed, I plunged into learning much, much more about osteoporosis and now feel I’m equipped with the knowledge I need to stay on top of this. I feel optimistic and empowered by knowing so much more. My diet was always good, but it has improved and focuses on bone-healthy eating with adequate calcium and vitamin D. I started a twice-weekly online “Better Bones and Balance” class in addition to other exercise I’d been doing, and I’ve integrated osteoporosis into my thinking about how I live my life. I’ve found the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) to be a great source of information and I participate in one of the BHOF online support groups that has enriched my knowledge of osteoporosis and brought me into contact with some amazing women and men who also have osteoporosis.
After I had been using the anabolic medication for 18 months, I had a DXA which showed no improvement in my bone mineral density. Obviously, that was very disappointing, but I also felt positive because I hadn’t lost bone density. At the end of two years on the anabolic, I moved to an annual bisphosphonate infusion. A year after that previous DXA, I had another scan; my bone mineral density has improved, and I feel I’m on the right track!
Now, about my husband…
About 18 months ago, he needed a chest x-ray when he had a common respiratory infection. An incidental finding of the x-ray was the surprise of two previously healed spinal compression fractures. His primary care doctor didn’t think much about the old fractures and didn’t suggest any follow-up – sound familiar? Armed with my experience and everything I had been learning about osteoporosis, I insisted he have a DXA scan. Lo and behold, his results showed he has osteoporosis! The PCP started him on one of the oral bisphosphonates.
Things got more complicated. About a month after he was diagnosed, he was lifting something overhead and the heavy object shifted, causing my husband to have to twist; he felt a sharp twinge in his spine. Another x-ray revealed two new compression fractures! Fortunately, he hasn’t experienced pain with his compression fractures, other than with that initial twisting motion. He consulted with my endocrinologist who recommended he switch to the same anabolic medication I was using.
How many couples can say they get to share in the experience of daily anabolic medication injections? We’ve tried to see the positive side of doing this as a couple, and we’re hopeful about building better and stronger bones together.
I’m continuing to learn along the way with my husband, and we’re both armed with knowledge and optimism that we can manage our bone health into the future!
This story is part of a support initiative called Voices of Osteoporosis: Stories of Hope and Inspiration. If you have experienced osteoporosis as a patient or caregiver, we invite you to share your story. Your story could inspire others to learn how to protect their ability to live their best life and stay bone strong. Click here to learn more.