Dear Q-List Members, I'm wondering if anybody on the list has had experience with osteoporosis and/or compression fractures, especially in the lower spine (lumbar) after their injuries. I'm also wondering if anyone has had or known someone who had a process called "vertebroplasty" or "kyphoplasty" to repair compression fractures.
I'm asking because of all new problems I'm starting to have. Several years ago I began taking Fosamax for osteoporosis but because I've been unable to sit for several months after my surgery in Aug/Sept I haven't been able to take the Fosamax. I already know being immobile in bed can weaken bones... particularly in the spine... since those bones are no longer being stressed from the normal pressures of sitting. I was just beginning sitting again when suddenly two weeks ago I began having AD and sweating terribly as soon as I sit. Eventually sweating continued even when I was spending a day in bed... it's not continuous and not even necessarily related to position (except always when upright). I just got the results of both an IVP and CT scan of my back and it showed a compression fracture in L5 and "insufficiency fractures" in the sacral area. If the compression fracture is the reason for my AD and is caused by osteoporosis (not something more serious) a doctor and I are hoping vertebroplasty, an outpatient injection of cement into the vertebra with "immediate" results, could solve the problems I'm now experiencing. Thanks a bunch... I'd appreciate any input. Best regards, --Tod
