Lucy’s story: A surprise diagnosis

Despite over three and a half million people in the UK currently living with osteoporosis, many people still think of the condition as something that only affects much older people – meaning that warning signs, such as fragility fractures, can be missed.

To coincide with World Osteoporosis Day (20 October), we caught up with Lucy, 63, who was surprised to be diagnosed with osteoporosis in her late 50s, after a couple of minor falls led to unexpected fractures.

Unaware of risk

Lucy, who lives in Cornwall, had no real understanding of osteoporosis prior to her diagnosis.

“I’ve always known that post-menopause you’re generally at risk of your bones becoming weaker, but I thought it wouldn’t impact me until I was much older. I don’t think I realised how common it was – if I’d known osteoporosis affected half of women over 50 I might have done more about it.

“In October 2020 I tripped over my shoes while I was out walking and broke my wrist in two places. I had it plated and was feeling good until I fell over again and broke my other hand in two places.”

Diagnosis concerns

Hearing the news that you have osteoporosis can be difficult to accept, particularly for people like Lucy who felt that she was too young and fit to be diagnosed.

“The second fracture prompted me to chase up the hospital letter from my original break, which had said that because of my age I should have a DXA scan. After a slightly irate phone call with my GP, where I directed them where to look on the letter, they confirmed that I’d been recommended for a DXA scan.

“Within 10 days I’d had the scan and received a phone call from my GP, telling me that I had osteoporosis in my lower spine, severe osteopenia in my femur and moderate osteopenia in my hip. I was shocked - it seemed to be such an old person's condition.

“While I was not the fittest person in my age group, I was active and certainly wasn’t sedentary. I just had this vision of changing overnight from a reasonably fit 59 year old with a young attitude to life, into a hunched up, old, fragile and vulnerable person who had become ancient and was crumbling away.”

I don’t think I realised how common it was – if I’d known osteoporosis affected half of women over 50 I might have done more about it.

Lost confidence

“I lost a lot of confidence in the immediate aftermath of both of my fractures. I had to really force myself to walk down steps without holding on to something or someone. I still get really tense on uneven or wet surfaces, particularly if they are downhill.

“My second grandson was born when I was in plaster with my first fractures, so I couldn't help my daughter like I did with my first grandson. If I held him to carry him downstairs it was quite awkward - because I was afraid of falling on the stairs, I had to hold him in a way that used to hurt my wrist but it kept us both safe.”

ROS assistance

Understandably, Lucy had lots of questions when she was diagnosed, but the ROS was there to help. With our support, she’s been able to continue living a normal life.

“I felt really on my own after the initial break and during conversations with my GP about osteoporosis medication. It’s a lifelong condition and you’re just left high and dry which isn’t good enough.

“I became a member of the ROS immediately after my diagnosis and have accessed the website and Helpline on various occasions. The information I have gained from the charity has been invaluable – they’ve been absolutely fabulous.

“Some three and a half years on, I live my life pretty much the same way I always did, but I’m very careful when lifting and am very aware of stopping myself from carrying heavy items. I also try not to take unnecessary risks, such as climbing onto furniture.”

A new outlook

“I used to ride pillion with my husband on a big touring motorbike, but decided that the risk if we had an accident was much higher for me now, so we both agreed that I should stop riding. We’ve now bought a caravan to carry on holidaying in a different way and I’ve just bought an electric tricycle - because I’m hopeless on two wheels! With my husband buying a new bike, we can still have adventures and recently did a 24-mile ride along the river estuary in Barmouth, Wales.

“Since my diagnosis I’ve definitely had more conversations with my children about it which, in turn, has made them much more conscious of their own bone health. My first bit of advice to anyone with osteoporosis would be to join the ROS. To my younger self, I would definitely have more awareness of my calcium intake – I was always cutting back on dairy to try and stay slim – now I’d eat the cake!”

By increasing awareness and osteoporosis diagnosis rates, we’re working towards the day when a broken bone no longer means a broken life. To find out whether you’re at risk of osteoporosis, and to receive a personalised bone health report in just three minutes, use our online risk checker tool today.