Because of this, he had to retire from work. He also lost height due to vertebrae collapsing, which also causes him to stoop. In March 2001 he was diagnosed with osteoporosis. It is an insidious condition that drains away bone – the hardest, most durable substance in the body. It happens slowly, over years, so that often neither doctor nor patient is aware of weakening bones until one snaps unexpectedly. Unfortunately, this is not science fiction. It is why osteoporosis is called “The silent thief”. In osteoporosis, the density and strength of the bones is reduced, and thus, are less able to withstand knocks and shocks without damage.
The severe pain that Michael experiences during difficult times is totally debilitating in that he has to lie flat on a bed or be supported in a chair. General daily functions all require assistance and, therefore, he is totally dependent on others. However, good periods allow him to function within the limits of his condition as he tries to lead as normal a life as possible.
Osteoporosis generally affects women more commonly than men, but can be a serious condition in both sexes. There are many factors that relate to the cause of osteoporosis, and one of the big factors is genetic. Males are genetically programmed to build stronger bones.
Osteoporosis commonly occurs in women right after menopause because oestrogen levels drop. The natural drop in oestrogen levels affects the body's ability to incorporate calcium from the blood to the bone. Both oestrogen and progesterone decrease during menopause.
These two hormones are key to bone health because oestrogen suppresses osteoclasts which slow down the rate at which bone is resorbed while progesterone stimulates osteoblasts, promoting the formation of new bone. When oestrogen is lost it increases the rate at which calcium is lost from the body. Osteoporosis is the result of progressive loss of bone mineral density and such condition can go undetected until it is severe and fractures occur, like in Michael’s case.
DXA bone density studies of the spine and hip are considered the best way for diagnosing osteoporosis and following changes in bone density over time. DXA stands for dual x-ray absorptiometry. It was previously known as DEXA, dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Low dose x-ray of two different energies are used to distinguish between bone and soft tissue, giving a very accurate measurement of bone density at these sites. This is a painless, non-invasive test that requires no special preparation. One is asked to lie still and quiet on a padded table, but will be able to breathe normally. The study lasts only a few minutes and the x-ray dose to which one is exposed to is extremely low, similar to what one would receive on a long distance flight.
The best long-term approach to osteoporosis is prevention. If children and young adults (particularly women) enjoy a good diet and take in enough calcium, magnesium and Vitamin D and other minerals while also getting plenty of exercise, they will be much more likely to build and maintain bone mass later in life. Maintaining an adequate intake of these nutrients in later life also helps to maintain bone density and minimise bone loss.
Calcium is the key component of bone, and essential for bone health throughout our lives. Consumed calcium is ionised in our stomachs by the action of stomach acid, so that it is converted into a form that can be readily absorbed in the small intestine for use by our bodies. The amount of calcium needed in our diets may vary according to our age, sex and lifestyle. Currently, the recommended daily intake – the amount required to avoid deficiency – in the UK and Europe is 800 mg/day, although some expert groups suggest higher levels may be appropriate for optimum bone health, depending on age, lifestyle or other health factors. Particular emphasis is made on the need of plenty of exercise since bones can adjust their mass or density in response to stress - what this means is that when bones are subjected to exercise, they will bend slightly to absorb the impact. Normally, bones have movement of about 0.1 per cent - 0.15 per cent; if bones are subjected to a force that tries to bend the bones more than this, our body responds by adding extra new bone to that area. When less stress is sensed by our bodies, bone mass is removed.
In simple terms, the more we gently stress our bones, the more bone is deposited to keep the degree of bend within the 0.1 per cent - 0.15 per cent parameters. Consequently, the more physically active we are, the more bone we will build.
Where a significant number of risk factors for osteoporosis are present a physician may prescribe a medication such as HRT. If you are concerned about being at risk, please discuss your situation with your GP because what is contained in this page is for information only and should not be used for self-diagnosis. Anyone suffering from illness or who has concerns about any health issue should always consult their medical practitioner for proper diagnosis, advice and guidance. Michael’s “thinning of the bones” has meant that any weight bearing became difficult, i.e, walking, carrying and lifting weights, standing/sitting or holding anything in one position for any length of time. By time, he learnt that some days he cannot do things and so, he opts to leave them for another day, when he is feeling better.
Once he came to terms with these limitations, then he went on to live what is as normal a life as possible. Positively, he states that, ‘Quality of life is far more important than any material wealth, until you win the lottery that is!’