#T12

Hi everyone, new to the forum. Mum has recently been diagnosed with fractured vertebrae T12 and it’s bone mets. Awaiting staging CT. She’s had one dose of radiotherapy and started denosumab. She’s in agony with fracture and walking so badly. Just wondering if this is likely to improve with further treatment. Anyone had a similiar fracture? Thanks

Hello Gft85, last July I had a compression fracture of T12, which was originally diagnosed as “muscle pain”! After an eventual X-ray, they found the compression fracture and I was told it was likely Osteoporotic in nature. After several weeks of pain (and severe constipation caused by the pain pills), I was taken into hospital where they then diagnosed a further 2 compression fractures on L3 and L5. The upshot of which had me in pain for several more weeks. I also suffered a fracture of the inferior ramus (part of the pelvis) and then 3 rib fractures, they found I had bone mets. I totally understand the pain that your mother is in!

 

The best advice I can give is:  1 to keep moving, even thought it hurts (but carefully); 2 to beware constipation from the painkillers - I’m sure that contributed to my L3& 5 fractures; 3 remember it does get better - it has taken me a while, but my back is much better, although standing for any length of time is still difficult (when I go anywhere, the first thing I do is to look for the seats - usually ok again after a sit down of just a couple of minutes); 4 take advantage of any mobility aids offered (or ask if they aren’t offered). When I left hospital, they installed a raised toilet seat (removable), a perch stool at the bathroom basin, a back rest for my bed (I could only sleep sitting up as I couldn’t get up from a laying position) and some bars either side of the bed (that went under the mattress for support) to help me get in and out. I was able to return everything but the bed bars after a few weeks. I still find the bed bars useful.

 

Sorry, I have rambled on dreadfully! I hope at least something I have said is of help to your mother. Please pass on my sympathy and best wishes.

 

Hugs. Barton.x

Hi Gft85,

 

just wanted to say hello,

 

sorry i havent much experience to offer in relation to your question, but it sounds as if the lovely Barton has given you lots of relevant advice. Do come back and let us know how things go.xx

hugs

 

Moijan???

Thanks to you both she has her staging CT scan tomorrow so will let you know what happens from there xx