Help, My Bones Hate Me!!!
Filed under: First-Person Stories
I went off Fosamax because I was eligible for M'Care part D. Well, that meant no more free drugs from the pharmaceutical companies. I went into my "donut hole" in October. So, I have had to cut back on a lot of my meds. I will probably go into my "donut hole" very early this year. I now have other added meds to buy.
Here is what has happened to me over the last few years.
I have had at least 4 -6 rib fractures; T6, T7, and T-2 fractures in my back; my left foot has been fractured 3 times and it is now fractured. I think I fractured it around Dec. 9 and T-12 at the same time. I was dancing with a two year old at a Christmas party for some Veterans in a VA nursing home. It is hard not to be able to lift a child.
My orthopedic doctor told me Friday I had to get my bones strengthened and quick. He is afraid I will break a femur or hip. Then I will be in big trouble. I am only 53, so it looks like I will have the rest of my lifetime in caution and pain.
I even fractured a rib lying on my stomach during an epidural on my back. I felt it when it happened. I waited about 3-4 weeks before I went to the orthopedic doctor because it takes about two or more weeks for the fracture to show up. When it starts to heal, he can find it. That is what my orthopedic doctor told me.
I have been on long term steroids for lung problems brought on by acid reflux. Long story. Now, I have Addison's Disease. My teeth are crumbling from my mouth. But I can't get my blood pressure down and my other health up enough to go have them fixed. Not to mention how much it is going to cost.
I am going to try to see if there is some sort of waiver they can do with the pharmaceutical companies to help me. My doctor gave me a script for Zetia (to lower my cholesterol). I told his nurse I couldn't afford it. She said she would tell him. Well, he sent me a script for Lopid, it costs more than the Zetia. Can't win!!!
I take over 21 different pills every morning. I usually miss the lunchtime dose and the bedtime dose. At least I try to do this. Hubby gets his meds from the VA, but we don't take the same meds. We tried, but I couldn't take his. My cholesterol is 328 (OUCH), triglycerides are 346. I tried taking cinnamon pills for over 3 months. That didn't help.
Thanks for letting me vent and maybe someone will have an idea that I can use for the bone building/strengthening that I so desperately need to do.
J :)
Posted by anonymous on January 29, 2007 2:30 AM
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The steroids are making your bones spongy, try getting rid of them if you can. I am sorry you are having such a rough time!!!
So sorry you're having such a bad time! What's a donut hole?