Well well well, I saw professor fogleman today. He is the leading specialist in Europe for Osteoporosis based at Guys Hospital in London Bridge. I have waited 3 months to see him in his clinic after my mother tracked down his details through references and a bit of research.
Fogleman has conducted many clinics and trials and has seen a broad number of people with this disease, of all ages. His appraoch and understanding seem pretty comprehensive and I have to say that having seen him now, I feel that it was definitely the right thing to push and find the time.
He reviewed my full history, breaks illnesses throughout my life, eating, drinking, smoking, you name it. THen he reviewed my scans and blood tests from September when I was in hospital.
The outcome - its Genetic, and more surprisingly he thinks Ive had this ALL MY LIFE! Now theres a revelation! so after all the ummming and ahhing its a diagnosis. It is genetic - thanks mum and dad - its all your fault ;-) dud genes!
so what does this all mean. Its easier I think to list the points:
Ive always had low bone density issues.
I have broken lots of bones (yes we know!)
I have a good diet, never been anorexic or had other diseases that would bring this on.(chrones, hyperparathyroidism etc)
I am generally fit and slim and healthy - thanks but I reckon Im carrying a few extra pounds that need to GO, (but thats due to 21 breaks in 2 years and a complete lack of mobilitiy for the best part of 12 months!)
He cant understand why Ive ahd so many breaks in my ribs - Im a total anomally and utterly unique - in all the years hes been practising hes never seen anything like it
I can have children but just would need to be very closely monitored, have a good gyne, and possibly c section to avoid issues with pelvis.
(breastfeeding will increase my bone density issues and worsen them but they will recover in time once I stop)
I can lead a pretty normal life as I was before, but just a bit more caution in certain circimstances - and yes that means I can still SKI!!! yipppeee. as long as I dont crash or get wiped out by some nutter snowboarder out of control! (so a relaxed and calm skiing trip then ! sounds like half days and plenty of apre to me!)
horse riding is not so recommended but a stroll about should be fine - no cross country madness!
I can continue sport, healthy exercise and healthy eating with plenty of good stuff in my diet
continue taking vitamin d and the magnesium, k, c and calcium
so what is the but!!!!!?????
well yes there are drugs that would help but he conceeded that given my age and situation they are still too agressive would make me ill and affect other parts of my life - so thats consistent with previous discussions, but he did say that the biphosphenates drug would help in the instance that I keep on breaking. that is a later discussion!
so a happy outcome after a traumatic year of inactivity, weight gain, massive pain and huge numbers of drugs, incapacitation, multiple breaks, a sore back, dislocated ribs and of course being off work for 5 months.
roll on 2012 - its going to only get better from here.
xx
