osteoporosis and MS

[cindylou58]

When I turned 50, I was thrown from a horse and suffered a compression fracture at T12.  My doctor had a bone density scan done and it showed early signs of osteopenia, not unusual for my age and for being postmenepausal.  One year later, I was diagnosed with MS.  Started on Copaxon, and seem to be keeping it at bay.  Now, at 52, I suffered a pathological fracture of my sacrum, lifting a patient during my occupation as a paramedic.  I should also mention that I have grade B spondilitis in my back at L5 and S1.  After the sacrum fracture, my doctor did another bone density scan, and in the 2 year span, the bone density in my spine is twice as bad, upgraded to osteoperosis, but remained close to normal for my age at the hip and femur.  My question is, is it possible for the bone density to only worsen in one area?  My doctor is questioning the scan, and has me set up to see a rhuematologist.  I am hoping to find more information before seeing her. I have read that spinal osteoporosis is common with MS patients.  Anyone have any experience with this? Anything you can tell me would be helpful.    Thanks!  Cindy

[cindylou58]

Thanks Shell, sometimes I wonder if I am the only one with all this "stuff" I have going on with my MS.  Seems like I have some off the wall symptoms compared to others.  I have been dealing with neck pain again for the past week, which has gotton unbearable and radiating the past two days.  No new neuro symptoms with it, but this is exactly what my first MS episode presented itself as, except it was on my right side, and this time it is on my left. I have a call into my doc, waiting to hear back to see if she wants me to start on steriods or not. It's been 1 year since I started Copaxon, and things were going pretty good, up to a month ago.   Now I am seeing more doctors than I ever cared too.  SOOOO frustrating!!!!  I just want everyone to get on the same page so I can forge forward.  My PT has been put on hold now until some figures out if I really do have osteoporosis in my spine.  Thanks for letting me vent, it always helps!!!  Cindy      

[sllowe]

Hi Cindy,

Giving this a bump for ya...

-shell