Profiles

Here, you can find any of the interviews on this site.



Jane - Interview 19

Jane's excruciating back pain that started during labour wasn't investigated until after six weeks later. Eventually she was diagnosed with osteoporosis through pregnancy but also with Coeliac disease. Jane says that she had coeliac symptoms for many years but again, these were not investigated. She is on Calcichew D3 Forte but not on medication for osteoporosis.

  • Background

    Jane is a university lecturer and lives with her partner and their son. Both her maternal grand-mother and her mother have osteoporosis. Jane feels let down by the healthcare system.

  • Age at interview 42
  • Sex/Gender Female

    • Christine - Interview 18

    Diagnosed in 2004 with what she described as a 'mild form' of osteoporosis. Medication since diagnosis alendronic acid and calcium tablets. A second bone density scan revealed that her condition has improved after two years of treatment. Her mother has osteoporosis.

  • Background

    Christine is a retired financial journalist. She loves music and attends concerts regularly. Christine has hemiplegia, a chronic condition that has much reduced her mobility and dexterity

  • Age at interview 68
  • Sex/Gender Female

    • Jenny - Interview 17

    Diagnosed in 2003. She has been on several medications Fosamax, Actonel and Bonviva. She has experienced side effects with all of them. Now off medication and waiting for her next DXA scan. Considering taking the newly licensed once a year drug Aclasta (zoledronic acid).

  • Background

    Jenny is married and has one adult son. She was aware of osteoporosis before diagnosis because for many years, she has had a dairy-free diet due to ME and other...

  • Age at interview 62
  • Sex/Gender Female

    • Sydney - Interview 16

    Sidney thinks that he has been on alendronic acid (70 mg tablets once a week) for about ten years. Three years ago he fractured his femur but hasn't had any other fractures. Feels lucky because he manages well on his own and experiences little pain or discomfort.

  • Background

    Sidney is a retired factory worker and feels lucky that he is able to live an independent life. He loves gardening and says that it keep him fit and busy.

  • Age at interview 86
  • Sex/Gender Male

    • Carol - Interview 15

    Following a wrist fracture Carol's GP sent her for a DXA scan and put her on medication for osteoporosis as a precautionary measure. She is on Bonviva (ibandronic acid) 150 mgs, once a month plus Adcal D3 twice a day. She fasts for six hours before taking Bonviva.

  • Background

    Carol is married, works part-time and has two sons. Initially she felt devastated by her diagnosis but now she feels lucky because she can take control of her osteoporosis.

  • Age at interview 71
  • Sex/Gender Female

    • Emma - Interview 14

    In 1984 Emma had a hysterectomy. In 1992 she complained of severe headaches and was started on hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Diagnosed with osteoporosis around 1994-6 following ribs fracture. Current medication' Strontium ranelate (Protelos) 2 grams every night. Emma also takes omega 3 and cod liver oil.

  • Background

    Widow, works full-time as an office administrator. Lives with her two adult children and has an active social life. She has noticed some improvement since started on Strontium ranelate.

  • Age at interview 61
  • Sex/Gender Female

    • Dennis - Interview 13

    Dennis was diagnosed with osteoporosis in 2004. In 2007 his spine 'collapsed' and he had two operations. He has to wear a supportive back brace for the next nine months. Until recently he was on Pamidronate but his treatment for osteoporosis is under review. He takes Calcichew D3 Forte and cod liver oil and Co-codamol for pain relief.

  • Background

    Dennis is married and has two adult children. He has had depression for over twenty year. He said he is very lucky because he has the support of his family,...

  • Age at interview 59
  • Sex/Gender Male

    • Marylin - Interview 12

    Diagnosed in 2005 and currently on alendronic acid 70 mgs once weekly, Calcichew D3 Forte and for her back pain she takes Co-Dytramol one a day. Marilyn's mother has rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. After her diagnosis she took the decision to retire at sixty and 'enjoy life'.

  • Background

    Divorced; works as a legal secretary. She has always been very sporty but now her exercise routine is aimed at enabling her to maintain mobility and flexibility in old age.

  • Age at interview 59
  • Sex/Gender Female

    • Susan - Interview 11

    Susan was diagnosed in 2005. She was put on alendronic acid but started having a severe burning sensation on her throat. She stopped taking the medication. She is very concerned about the possible side effects of pharmacological treatments.

  • Background

    Susan lives on her own but her daughter lives in the next village. Susan’s mother had osteoporosis. She would like more information on non-drug based treatments for osteoporosis

  • Sex/Gender Female

    • Joan - Interview 10

    Since her forties Joan has had several wrist fractures that were not investigated for osteoporosis. It was only when she fell and fractured both her arms that the diagnosis came about. She was put on medication; alendronic acid but due to side effects it was changed to Strontium ranelate.

  • Background

    Joan is a widow with three adult children. She lived abroad and worked as a radio presenter and as a teacher. She does voluntary work and drives to the continent.

  • Age at interview 73
  • Sex/Gender Female