Susan - Interview 11
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Susan suspected she had osteoporosis a few years before diagnosis. She used to get back pain when bending down or carrying heavy bags. Her mother had severe osteoporosis. Four years ago her back pain got worse and she could hardly move. Initially doctors suspected she had a pinch nerve in her buttocks and sent her to physiotherapy sessions but to no avail. She eventually had a DXA scan (bone density scan) that revealed she has osteoporosis. To alleviate her back pain and improve mobility she was given an injection into her spine which had steroid (she can’t remember the name of it) and that greatly improved her quality of life.
Susan felt that she hadn't received enough information from her doctors about the side effects or...

Susan felt that she hadn't received enough information from her doctors about the side effects or...
Susan finds brisk walking easier to do than slow walking. She does exercises at home when she has...

Susan finds brisk walking easier to do than slow walking. She does exercises at home when she has...
Well I, if I do my exercises I do my sister’s video, not video, the tape, her tape and you know she tells me exactly what to do. And actually that exercise is. The one which the physio showed me in the hospital that gave me the sheet for I don’t think honestly they make a great deal of difference. I mean they are mostly stretching or moving your legs sideways or you’re holding onto a chair and do gentle little things which helped at the time a little bit with the pain, you know, but I don’t think it’s, maybe it could be used also as a maintenance if I had the time for it but/or. It’s not a question of will power it is just simple I have so little time for myself that sometimes [laugh] I just like to sit and read the paper and I yeah at night I go and play bridge quite a lot. So you know I’m not around at night to do exercises then [laugh].
Susan wishes there was more co-ordination between different services and more continuity of care.

Susan wishes there was more co-ordination between different services and more continuity of care.
Susan would like more time with her GP to discuss her concerns.

Susan would like more time with her GP to discuss her concerns.
Instead of playing badminton, Susan remains active by bicycling, walking, playing bridge,...

Instead of playing badminton, Susan remains active by bicycling, walking, playing bridge,...
Susan takes magnesium and calcium instead of prescribed medication for her osteoporosis.

Susan takes magnesium and calcium instead of prescribed medication for her osteoporosis.
Get plenty of information and support, live healthily and if you have back problems push your...
