National Osteoporosis Society - Osteoporosis Forum / Special Forums / Osteoporosis associated with Pregnancy

Having another child after fracturing

Katedward — Fri, 31 May 2013 22:24:22 GMT

We are starting to think about whether or not we want to try for a second child at some point. This follows five spinal fractures around Christmas time when my son was about eight weeks old. I would love to hear the experiences of anyone who has had fractures and went on to have another baby. What did you do to make yourself safe? Did you fracture again?
Many thanks in advance.
Kate x

Question for those who fractured 12+ months ago...

MegH — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:31:04 GMT

Hello.
I'm just wondering if anyone who experienced spinal fractures more than 12 months ago has any advice/thoughts on what worked (or didn't!) in the next stage of recovery. I had 6 spinal fractures just over 12 months ago, and although the acute pain has now gone, I am left with daily aching pain. I'm really keen to try and do anything to help with this - has anyone got any advice?? Physio, swimming, exercise, stretches, acupuncture?? All thoughts gratefully received.
Meg x

Birmingham Conference tomorrow

suzy Q — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 20:17:22 GMT

Hi everyone,

Just a last minute posting to say looking forward to meeting everyone who's going to the conference tomorrow, especially the PRO workshop. See you there.

NEWLY Diagnosed - Confused 38yr Female

what next.. — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:33:52 GMT

Hi everyone, I didn't realize this section was here, I had posted on the main pages also. I am very confused at the moment and its good to know there are others in similar circumstances. I apologies in advance for long mail..

I am a 38 yr old female from Ireland with 3 children, 7.5yrs, 4yrs and baby 4mts.
My normal weight circa 9st., always considered to be healthy and active. Except for having a weak back.

Over Christmas, I had to carry the baby a lot and sit up in bed with him as he had a bad cold and very congested when lying flat. Due to this and a few other minor reasons ie carrying him in the carseat, I started to get a lot of back pain, thinking it was muscular. By the start of Jan I had severe back pain, that I couldn’t lift the baby and I had to drag him out of the mosses basket. As the pain was so bad I unfortunately had to stop feeding him myself due to pain killers, I think this upset me the most. Over the next month I visited my GP twice whom put me on a huge amount of painkillers. I unfortunately visited a chiropractor twice and on my second visit, we heard something snap in my ribs, the pain was excruciating, I left crying especially when he said there was nothing else he could do for me.. After that I was advised to see an osteopath, whom I visited twice but I was getting no relief, only worse. During those 3 weeks I became very ill, vomiting and diarrhoea (mainly at night) it was put down to reaction to tablets. I had a MRI - the results showed that I had 3 fractures of the vertebrae (T7 & 11, & L2) and I had 2 old fractures (T6 & 9). I had a Dexa scan which showed I had severe Osteoporosis T mark score of -4.3 and -3.4.
(When I was 6.5mts pregnant on my second child, I fell and broke my wrist, cracked my pelvis and more than likely that was when I fractured the 2 other vertebrae, but couldn’t be x-rayed, it was just put down to being unfortunate).
An appointment was made to see an endocrinologist, he admitted me to hospital immediately as I had lost over a stone in weight and fitted with a brace. I continued to be ill so they arranged for an endoscopy and results showed I was Coeliac.... strange as I had never had any symptoms of being gluten intolerant until the previous 3 weeks and for tiredness, pale and hadn’t put on weight (symptoms of being a mother too).

So now at least I have a reason, but my problem is where do I go from here... I have been told I am extremely vulnerable and could break anything very easily or even risk being in a wheelchair in 2 years time, which I find hard to take in as I lead a normal and busy but stressful life before all this without any breaks before or in between pregnancies.
The endocrinologist wants me to “wait and see” what happens ie if my bone density with increase itself over the next year - (he is not a specialist in this field) am I risking a lot or is this the best way to go.
I had suggestions about going to talk to an osteoporosis specialist which I did, she wants to start me on daily injections immediately (even though my Vit D levels are only at 38 (not really sure what that means)) anyway I have heard from some people that these injections can totally reverse the osteoporosis and/or make much better over a certain period. (max 2 yrs)

I am now on a really healthy strict gluten free diet (I think so anyway) along with Calcichew D3 Forte x2 and Vit D3 2200iu daily. Also in a brace for another 4 to 5 weeks.

I really do not know what to do for the best, obviously I want to get better asap as watching my baby being raised by others is heartbreaking and I am not able to do the everyday things with my other two kids.

Listen to osteoporosis associated with pregnancy session

Dylan Hughes — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 13:58:53 GMT

If you didn't make it to the osteoporosis associate with pregnancy session at the [i]medicine and me[/i] event in Birmingham earlier this month, we have uploaded audio recordings of each talk and the Q&A session that followed. If you'd like to listen please visit our site here [url=http://www.nos.org.uk/page.aspx?pid=1287][size="3"][color="#e75133"]http://www.nos.org.uk/page.aspx?pid=1287[/color][/size][/url]

Medicine and Me: Osteoporosis Associated with Pregnancy follow-up

Dylan Hughes — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 16:01:37 GMT

The National Osteoporosis Society with The Royal Society of Medicine held a successful session on Osteoporosis Associated with Pregnancy as part of the Medicines and Me: Osteoporosis event for patients and health professionals in Birmingham on the 11th of March.

The charity has resources to help if you missed the session. [url=http://www.nos.org.uk/page.aspx?pid=325&article=d8ee49b3-573f-4fbb-b8b1-139ead98c13e]Click here to find out more[/url].

If you are a health professional or academic with a specific interest, or a woman affected by osteoporosis associated with pregnancy and you would like to be kept in touch about any further events or projects please email [email]j.bowman@nos.org.uk[/email] to provide your contact details.

Hi mum with 21mth old and PRO HELP

Ellis35 — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 22:51:58 GMT

Hi

I'm hoping there is someone out there who can help. I have a 21mth beautiful little girl, but got 4 vetebral fractures after about 6wks of her been born. I have managed to go back to work part time and look after her myself, but I'm still so scared of getting more arghhhh its driving me potty. I still have a lot of pain everyday and I know 50% is in my head and i tense and make it worse. But is their anyone who knows how it feels to be scared ALL the time. I pull muscles in my back just holding my hand bag (what a wuss). I'm scared to do any excercise in case of more damage. Can anyone recommend any kind of gentle excercise to start with? I even sit in a deck chair as it all started having sat for ages breast feeding on the sofa. I know I sound like a crazy lady, honestly I'm not. Any help would be very greatly received .:D[

Vitamin K

suzy Q — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 18:39:12 GMT

Happy New year everyone,

Is anyone taking Vitamin K? I've seen it mentioned a few times recently in magazines. Apparently it's good for building bones, so I just wondered if I should be taking it?

Recovery

Katedward — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 17:04:21 GMT

Dear All
As you know from a few of my posts over the last couple of weeks, I was recently diagnosed as having osteoporosis. I am currently on maternity leave with a four-and-a-half-month-old son. He is most definitely the best thing that's ever happened to me, and I am trying to look at my five spinal fractures and osteoporosis as an unfortunate 'side-effect' of my pregnancy that will get better. The pain from the fractures is certainly improving, so now my focus is on preventing any more and getting as well as I can as quickly as I can. I am hoping the osteoporosis is reversible, and I will be discussing this at my first hospital appointment next week. I want nothing more than to be able to pick up my son, pain-free and worry-free. I reckon there might be some way to go before that happens, though!
With that in mind, I wanted to ask those of you who have been through this about your recoveries. What did you put in place to prevent further fractures? How did your day to day life change as you recovered? Were you breast feeding, and did you stop when you had your diagnosis? Have you made a full recovery, and are you still fracture-free? Did your bone density return to normal, and how long did this take? Did you have to take sick leave from work? Do you think your condition affected your relationship with your baby? Do you still worry when out and about / when you pick things up that you might hurt yourself?
So many questions! I am sure there is so much to learn from your recoveries that will help people like me who are at the start of this journey.
Thanks in advance
Kate x

I'm a new member introducing myself.

suzy Q — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:51:18 GMT

Hi everyone,

I've just rejoined as a member and I'm excited to see there is now a forum for pregnancy related op. I think it's great that you have the opportunity to share information and concerns. I was diagnosed (eventually) when I had my son 20 years ago and ended up with 4 spinal fractures. I'm due to have a scan soon and wondering about what drug I should go on. It seems like a minefield! At the moment I only take calcium with vit D which I don't think is really necessary, as I was never lacking in calcium. I would love to hear from anyone in a similar position?

I'm also trying to get in contact with some girls I met at the prenancy related op conference back in 1992. One girl was called Karen and the other was Kate. I often wonder how they are; so I thought I'd just mention it in case they use this forum. I sympathise with everyone in this forum and if anyone wants to talk to me, please do.:unsure::unsure: I do understand what you are going through but you will get through it.

Midwifery care

Liz Robson — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 23:58:57 GMT

I am Liz Robson, a principal lecturer in midwifery at De Montfort University. I do not have osteoporosis YET, but my aunt does.

I have an academic interest in this subject related to pregnancy and have written a chapter on osteoporosis in a textbook that I am co-editing with a consultant obstetrician. The book is "Medical Disorders of pregnancy: a manual for midwives" The second edition is underway and I wonder if any members of this forum have any points they wish to raise about midwfery care? Was any care received good, or were there omissions? Could midwifery care have been better?

I would value your opinions and experiences.

Liz Robson

Swwimming - with baby and toddler

Mixed up Mama — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 11:01:38 GMT

I'm just trying to think ahead now as I know I've got to strengthen my bones - Is swimming a good exercise to do when you have osteoporosis? My little boy would like to start swimming and in an ideal world my baby would have a great time at baby splash classes- do you think this would help (obviously when I'm in less pain!) Does anyone else take their little ones swimming? Do swimming themselves?

Hope you are all well

snow

suzy Q — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 21:37:17 GMT

Hi Everyone,

just wondered how you've been coping with the snow. It's been very icy here, so a couple of days I didn't risk going out, as it was so slippery. I used to be ok but I've suddenly got more frightened of falling over. i don't know if it's an age thing, but I now wear sensible walking boots as well. It's the first year I haven't gone sledging either, but it was really wet snow and not very nice. Another day I drove rather than walked because I thought it was safer.

Hope you've all survived the snow intact!

Probable osteoporosis in pregnancy diagnosis

Nursesally11 — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 23:25:27 GMT

I'm 38 and had my second baby 7 months ago. Had long term back problems but now looks like on top of that am about to be diagnosed with osteoporosis due to my recent pregnancy. No problems in first. but 3 weeks or so after the birth of my second had sudden severe pain in lower thoracic spine which didn't get better. Due to my Previous back problem both myself and drs put this new pain down to exacerbation of that, and just added more and more pain relief. 5 months went by saw gp and he sent me
For an x ray which discovered I have multiple spinal lumber and thoracic fractures!!!! Shock horror!! So have been having lots of tests including dexa scan last week, get results of everything on 7th nov. Having done some research I'm convinced I have the osteoporosis due
To pregnancy. Just too much coincidence. The last six months have been hell trying to cope with 4 year old and new baby, no family around us, just my partner and I. Great strain on both of us. Still getting quite a bit of pain particularly at night. Very tiring. Thinking how I'm going to tackle work in a couple
Months time (reg nurse). It's a task just coping with daily life and getting through each day coping
With my kids, house etc. I feel up one min and down the next. Emotional rollercoaster. Had to stop breast feeding my son which was upsetting at time but did improve
My pain. Anyone in similar situation? Any advice? Scared of drug therapy- taking alendronic acid at moment. Heard so much and concerned re tooth extractions etc as teeth not as good as could be. I feel alone with my pain, and just wanna feel better and more like
My old self. Am walking a bit again with kids which is great but being
Careful to not to overdo it all the time. Starting Hydro soon and physio after diagnosis and
Plan obtained. Be grateful for any support and words of wisdom. Sal.

Christmas

suzy Q — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 21:30:39 GMT

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to wish you all a Happy and hopefully, pain free, Christmas and a Healthy New Year:)

Have you been affected by Osteoporosis associated with pregnancy?

KBNOS — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 11:30:02 GMT

Hi.

I developed osteoporosis associated with pregnancy, in 1988, when I was 26 years old.

I fractured my left hip during the delivery of my daughter who is now 23. It was a traumatic experience, both leading up to diagnosis and afterwards. It took a while to find other people to talk to, via the National Osteoporosis Society, who had experienced the same condition. It was such a relief to know that I wasn’t alone.

I was part of the movement that brought together mothers who had experienced this problem with doctors and specialists in the field for a special conference, and was involved with publicising the issue more widely in the 90s until I had to stop due to personal commitments.
It affected us all differently – physically and emotionally. For some mothers, their spine was affected; for others it was their hip(s); and for some the condition affected both. Not everyone has experienced a fracture. I found it useful to speak to other women with this condition who had experienced caring for a new-born child, and who could relate to the effects it has on relationships and career, the social and financial implications, and caring for other children.

If you would like to speak to me please contact the National Osteoporosis Helpline, where you can speak to one of the specialist nurses who can provide you with information, and let you know what is being planned for women diagnosed with this condition. They can provide you with my contact details, and details of others who have had a similar problem and are ready to speak with you, should you wish to make contact. [b]0845 450 0230 (Helpline)[/b]

At present there are no figures to indicate how widespread the condition is, and how many women like you and I have been affected. I am keen to gather as much information, and as many of us together as possible, to encourage research into our condition, and perhaps to look to the future to see what implications, if any, it may have for our children.

If we join together, we can raise the profile of the condition amongst health care professionals to hopefully reduce the distress many of us have undergone obtaining a diagnosis. Despite the efforts, over the years, by many of us involved with the NOS, I can see from reading this blog that correct diagnosis is still an issue both before and after delivery. Also, it will enable us to look at the advice and treatments given, and care pathways undertaken, by different clinicians in the UK and elsewhere for this unusual condition. In the future it might be possible to quantify the numbers of women who may have this diagnosis.

Having been to a meeting recently to discuss these issues, I can testify that the NOS are keen to support us.

Some of you, I am sure, will view your experience of osteoporosis associated with pregnancy as best left in the past, and as a time from which you wish to move on. You may not wish to revisit your own experience at this time, but perhaps would be interested in being part of possible research initiatives in the future. I also understand that when you are coping with the physical restrictions, pain, and emotional upheaval after giving birth, it may not be the right time to phone. But if, or when, it is the right time for you, please consider making contact with the NOS Helpline. [b]0845 450 0230 (Helpline)[/b]

I really look forward to speaking to some of you in the near future, to hear about your experiences, and to see what can be achieved.

2nd generation pregnancy related osteoporosis

suzy Q — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 21:59:45 GMT

Hi Everyone,

I had pregnancy related osteoporosis with my 2nd child over 20 years ago. My first child is looking to start a family in the next few years and wonders what are the chances of her having the same problem when she has children? Has there been any research done on this to see if it is hereditary? Has anyone had pregnancy related osteoporosis and their children gone on to have the same condition?

If you have a daughter now who is thinking of having children, how are they thinking of managing their preganancy? I can't find any advice on the subject and doctors have always refused to scan her to check her bone density.

Just to fill you in, I had several fractures of the vertebrae; there was no known cause for my condition and I was not low in calcium.

Hope there is someone out there who can help!

Osteoporosis associated with pregnancy

bendandbreak — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 11:42:11 GMT

I've just joined the forum and have already seen a couple of posts from women who've had fractures due to pregnancy, so I'm surprised not to see them in this section. I'm bucking the statistics here by saying I had two sets of fractures following childbirth. I took a risk with a second pregnancy due to the unlikelihood of a recurrence. Oops. Cue home helps, meal on wheels, bath lifts, a whole new glamorous world, with a new baby to look after too. He's seven now, and I still remember what a horribly frightening and depressing time it was. So if anyone out there is going through it right now and wants to offload, I'll share my gory details so you know you're not alone and you will get through it.

Newly Wed TTC

NewlyWed — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 15:22:30 GMT

Hello all,

It has been really helpful to read your posts on here. I am a newly wed TTC. I have previously had an eating disorder from which I am completely recovered thankfully but I have unfortunately been left with osteoporosis as a result. I have a T score of -2.5 in L3 of vertebrae.

I was wondering if anyone has been in the same position, that is, having osteoporosis before pregnancy and if this is likely to get get worse or how it relates to osteoporosis which develops during pregnancy?

Also just wondering what your experiences of breastfeeding has been and whether any of you have been given advice on whether to breast feed or not? I would really like to but don't want to end up with fractures.

Pregnancy related or OI (Osteogenesis imperfecta)

mummyof2 — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 14:31:17 GMT

Hi All

I hope you are well and pain free at the moment. I was diagnosed with pregnancy related osteo after experiencing months of pain following the birth of my second son. I was told by the NHS physio that i just needed to do gentle breathing exercises to improve my core muscles - yeah right!! After paying a considerable amount of money seeing a private physio who took me under his wing and personally called my GP it was discovered i had four spinal fractures and T scores of -3.

Anyway i have just had a check up and i was told that they would not consider taking me off the Actonel as the risk of fracture is just too high. I was also told that they wanted to check for OI as quite a few women who were thought to have pregnancy related turned out to have OI

Have any of you been told this?? I had blood test 4 weeks ago for DNA testing - Does anyone know how long it takes to get results.

I could call my consultant and ask her but i think she thinks i am panicking about it all as i was quite taken aback when she mentioned the OI as it is genetic. I dont care abut me its my gorgeous babies im worried about but she doesn't get that at all! ( My son broke his thigh bone at 2) i chased up the blood tests and i think she thinks im fussing!

Ic annto beleive such similar experiences some of us have.

Any info/advice re OI would be appreciated.

Many thanks x

Childbirth with Osteoporosis

AC1 — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 11:50:53 GMT

Hi All,

I was diagbosed with osteogenesis imperfecta type 1 in Aug 2009 after a pelvic fracture in feb 09 (I have previously had fractured wrist, arm and toes). I tried oral alendronic acid in Aug 2009 but it made me so ill with digestive side effects that I am unable to take it again. I have been on calcichew D3 forte ever since as have been trying for a family. I am told that I will need to have the annual iv infusions of zoledronate (sp?) in the future, which terrifies me as the side effects sound horrific with that too.

Anyway, I am now 5 mths pregnant and my obstetric consultant is suggesting I try for normal delivery but with no instrumental intevrnetions eg. no forceps etc, bu that I will need a c-section if I or baby are in distress. I think it would be better to just have a c-section straight off, so there's no risk (my baby has a 50% chance of having osteogenesis imperfecta too). He is liaising with my orthopaedic consultant at Oswestry and also paediatric consultants etc and i'm hoping he'll have made a decision when I see him at my 28 week appt in Sep.

I am just wondering if anyone on here has osteoporosis (I am deemed significantly ostroporotic - I am 31) and given birth naturally following a previous pelvic fracture? I am really worried about it.

Thanks,

Amy

Help and Advice Required

Mixed up Mama — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 20:59:46 GMT

I am so grateful that I have found this forum - I have felt totally isolated this past 12 weeks.

I will try to be brief with my case study - Three years ago I gave birth
to a baby boy after a horrific pregnancy - I was sick throughout to the
point that once I'd given birth, I weighed 2.5 stone less than I did prior
to falling pregnant. My son was healthy 7lbs10oz. I breast fed him for 2
years until I fell pregnant again.

In June this year following a text book pregnancy, I gave birth to a baby
girl (9lb 2oz) I was extremely active during and after pregnancy as we
live on a farm and work kept me busy and active. (I also rode horses
throughout both pregnancies).

About 8 wks after giving birth, whilst riding my horse, (nothing strenuous
as we were just getting back into the swing of things), I felt a sharp
pain in my back between my shoulderblades. It felt as though I had been
shot in the back and sounded like something had snapped. I thought I'd
over done things and pulled a muscle and took it easy for a few days
(although I was in agony) A few days later, whilst changing the bed, I
was bent over tucking the sheets in when my back literally gave way...
The sound was incredible like cracking knuckles, I heard and felt 4
distinct cracks going down from my shoulderblades to my mid back - I
literally was in agony and couldn't move - I thought that I'd perhaps
popped ribs so went to the doctors for pain relief (I was given mild
cocodamols and ibufren gel due to breast feeding)

I was in so much pain that I made an appointment to see my chiropractor
who worked on me 2/3 times a week for about 5/6 wks - After straightening
me out he saw no improvement in my pain and sent me back to my doctors to
be referred for a spine xray.

Three weeks later, the results came back, I have wedge fractures of L1,
T10 & T12,with minor fractures to T7 & T8.

I was told this over the phone by my doctor, who has put me onto Vit D &
Calcium tablets and Alendronic Acid - I've had blood/urine tests for
cancers/cealiac but all came back clear - my doctor is baffled and put it
down to oesteoporosis due to having had endometrioris and subsequently
taking Synarel for a period. I have also been for a DEXA scan and am
awaiting the results of this.

I seem to have baffled all the doctors involved so far due to me being 37
years old, I'm "too young" for osteoporosis, but no one so far has
mentioned the possibility of Pregnancy Related Osteoporosis. Having not
actually sat infront of a doctor yet, I'm awaiting an appointment through
to see a Specialist Rheumatologist, I feel like I've been abandoned and
can't quite believe that I've got a broken back. It's got to the point
that I can no longer pick up my baby, although I'm still breast feeding
her as it's easier for me than making up bottles when I'm not mobile.

Please could you advise me of what to do? Do I sound like I have
Pregnancy Associated Osteoporosis and if so... what do I do? Who should I
see for help? What is the prognosis? As I mentioned, we live on a farm
and I have horses, so it's a rather crucial time for us at the moment.

Many thanks for reading this - I look forward to hearing from you