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Post by blondie on Oct 1, 2011 8:34:08 GMT -5
How many of us that have had to take Prednisone and have Osteoporosis as a result? I am really afraid of falling and breaking a hip. I did fall earliar this week and was amazed I didn't break anything. Do you have your house arranged so you're not likely to trip over things? I moved my computer chair further away from my bed and it's easier to get to now. I'm going to try and avoid taking prednisone unless I absolutely have to. That's the culprit I think. Thanks for any observations....
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Post by sue on Oct 1, 2011 9:37:03 GMT -5
My mom had to remove throw rugs. Her dog is a big culprit too, bless his heart. If you think there is something that you could trip over, move it or get rid of it if you can, that's mho.
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Post by maryaz on Oct 1, 2011 15:40:23 GMT -5
When I fell recently it was really because of 'my' cat. I know the cats are around and I can walk around them. I made a move that I usually don't and he was right there and I stepped on him and went down. It was an unusual situation that night.
I almost fell again the other day. Joe saw it too. I was walking up the hall with my Keds on. I usually don't have them on unless I am out. Somehow I stepped wrong and almost stumbled. Joe understood because he said he has a particular pair of shoes that he does that with. I have to watch it now. It was like my toe part buckled under. Cannot describe.
Reading online all these years, I would like to never have a broken bone but we never know. Speaking of all this, I sure wish Gretchen had not given up on us. I do miss her and was so concerned about her.
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Post by blondie on Oct 2, 2011 18:57:20 GMT -5
I'm still interested in observations or feed back.
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Post by merryfl on Oct 3, 2011 18:30:37 GMT -5
Long term Prednisone use can make osteoporosis worse, but there are a lot of other factors that can affect it also. I've had osteoporosis since I was in my 40's. Hyperthyroidism (which I have), smoking (most of us here were guilty of that), having a small frame (guilty), even COPD itself contributes. I already had osteo when I went through menopause at an early age (47) which made it even worse. I never took pred before my transplant except for short taper doses when I'd get sick.
My broken shoulder (almost 2 years ago) was caused by a trip and fall. It was a BAD fall, and doctor said it probably would have broken even if my bones were good. Since then, I am extra careful about where and how I walk. I make sure I am holding a rail any time I go up a step or a curb. Did you see the Emmy's? They had a stairway up to the stage with no railing. One lady had to put her hands on the steps and crawl up --- I would do that rather than take the chance of another fall!!
I am very careful about my footwear. I don't wear any shoes without a back (flip flops or mules), I only wear flat shoes with good support, and whenever I stand up, I always wait a couple seconds before I start to walk -- that way I am sure I have my balance and that I have checked the floor for obstacles. (This is especially important when I get up during the night to use the bathroom--I sit on the side of the bed for a couple seconds, then stand and wait again, then head to the bathroom. And make sure you have a good nightlight!! )
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Post by blondie on Oct 3, 2011 19:50:58 GMT -5
Thanks Merry. I mimick your movements. I have a very dim night lite in my bathroom. I really need to get a better one. I pulled my computer chair further away from desk and bed. Gives me easier access and not so likely to get my legs all twisted...lol I have a social worker call me occasionally. I made the mistake of telling her about my fall at my computer last week and first thing she wanted to know is if I had reconsidered ass't living. I get so angry about that. I know it makes my bp go up and that's not good for my kidney's. She wanted to take some time to assess my apt tomorrow. I never got back o her. I don't like people coming through my apt. I try to go down dipped walkways, not curbs. Sometimes I can't avoid it, but watch it very closely. Thanks Merry..I don't even know where she came from.
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Post by Toby on Oct 3, 2011 19:51:22 GMT -5
Pat, I had osteoporosis before I started taking Prednisone for COPD. My grandmother had it really bad. I have been told it is hereditary and different nationalities have it more then others. I am like you, afraid I'm going to break a bone. My Rheumatoid Doctor told me I could break a bone just opening a window. My grandmother lived until she was a month of turning 90. She broke her hip and it healed, only to break it again later on. She also broke her back turning over in bed. She was healing from that and was ready to come home only to slip in the hospital on something wet. My grandmother took every thing you could imagine to strengthen her bones. She was always taking brewers yeast and several other things. She would eat a raw onion if she felt like a cold was coming on. I'm sure you can imagine what her room smelled like. I was always laughing at the different things she came up with but she did live a long life and an active one. She ran circles around me!! She had a catalog that had all the stuff she use to take. I just found out they still publish it. I have forgotten the name of it but I have a friend that gets it. I'll find out what it is if your interested.
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Post by blondie on Oct 4, 2011 10:09:56 GMT -5
Thanks Linda. That catalog sounds like fun. I keep forgetting to take my Fosamax on Sunday's. Here it is Tuesday and am just taking it. I do remember at least once a week to take it, just not ever the same day of week:( It helped me in past. My spin cleared up and my hips were nearly clear of it. I am hoping for same results this time.
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Post by kenaz on Oct 4, 2011 21:46:31 GMT -5
Pat I think if you need prednisone for your COPD then it is best to take it. It doesn't do any good if you can skip, jump and dance if you can't breath.
My avitar says, "IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW WELL YOU CAN DANCE, IF YOU CAN'T BREATHE".
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Post by blondie on Oct 5, 2011 9:42:08 GMT -5
Ken, if I get a respiratory infection with a cough, I will take it. It really is helpful when needed. I got mis-diagnosed the summer of '08. My pulmo doc thought I was having effects from my COPD and scripted me lots and lots of prednisone for 2-3 months. The fact was, I was having a reaction to Foradil. I Read that it could cause you to gasp for air and I sure fit that. I quit it and I cleared up right away. I finally asked doc for Asmanex and have been on it ever since with good results.
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Post by kenaz on Oct 5, 2011 18:30:39 GMT -5
Glad things worked out for you Pat. I was on 20mg daily for 2 1/2 yrs. I didn't like it but it kept me breathing. I use Advair 550/50 with good results.
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