Osteoporosis

[Frostytiger87]

Hi, I’m hoping that someone can advice me please .
My dear mum passed away during 1st lockdown , my elderly dad is 84 on his own he has COPD but is in a lot of pain with osteoporosis in his hips & legs . The Dr has prescribed pain killers but they don’t really help .
I got him a walking stick which helps a bit , the Dr has referred him to the musculoskeletal team in a weeks time , I’m not sure what they can do for him but I’m hoping they can suggest some quality of life pain relief .
He also has problems bathing as he can’t get into the bath I have been in touch with social services 4 months ago but haven’t heard anything
I’ve been in touch with Age Concern who passed me onto social services .
I just don’t know what else I can do we’re in the Uk

My mum was referred to the pain management team for this. She was put on morphine patches and amitriptyline (not sure how to spell this). The combination really helped. She was also given a yearly infusion in hospital to help her spine in some way. Can't remember what that was called now. However there is help for this. Assume he's on calcium tablets?

Can the doctor refer him to an occupational therapist? Or advise who can refer him – they would be able to help with some adaptations to the home such as advice on him getting in and out of the bath, handrails etc

I agree that OT is the way to go. They will assess the home and arrange safety equipment. The biggest risk for osteoporosis is falling.
I suspect your dad probably has arthritis as well which causes pain in joints.
I am 64 and have osteoporosis, it is not of itself a problem, it's the risk of broken bones and consequent pain from that. The drug @nokitchen refers to is called a bisonophosphate. It doesn't improve the condition but helps prevent it getting worse.
Have a look at the royal osteoporosis society website.

Some great advice so far.

Can I just ask what is it specifically that you want SS for? Is it a Care Needs Assessment?

If you know the number for his SW I'd call them if not call your local SW team and insist he gets one.

And do you have POA for health and finance? If not, this is something that you might want to discuss with him now.

We are in the process of the POA.
My sister will be attending the musculoskeletal I really don’t think that Physio is going to help I’m just wondering if there’s a steroid or fusion that would help ?? My sister would like to make the most of the appointment what sort of questions should she ask ? I just don’t want my dad fobbed off , failing this if musculoskeletal can’t help would it be worth asking the GP for a pain management clinic referral ?

I have been in touch with the OT team and am currently on a waiting list 🙈

My sister would like to make the most of the appointment what sort of questions should she ask ? I just don’t want my dad fobbed off

I absolutely agree. Just giving painkillers rather than treating the cause isn't good enough just because he is 84.

but is in a lot of pain with osteoporosis in his hips & legs

I think the first thing to ask is what exactly is the diagnosis?

I have Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis and these both cause pain in hips and legs, I also have osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones are weak, it doesn't make them painful, just more prone to breaking. The problems arise when multiple or major bones are broken.
So find out what's causing the pain and what treatment is avaiable.
The drugs for osteoporosis don't cure it or help with pain caused by damage, they simply stop it getting worse.
Steroid injcetions can help with imflammatory arthritis so may be of help if that is his problem.
As I posted above, have a look at the royal osteoporosis society website

Well my dad went to his Musculoskeletal appointment with a relative & yes it was a complete waste of time , she looked at the X-ray and said yep it’s osteo try swimming what a joke my dad hasn’t got the ability to get into a pool
My dad asked about pain injections she said there’s a long waiting list so goodness knows when he’ll hear from them and he might have to travel miles away to a hospital . When asked about other pain relief she said speak to the Gp and gave him a piece of paper with exercises to do . I’m at loss so now he has to book an appointment with his GP again

So its osteoarthritis that's causing the pain. Injections don't help with that. (Steroid injections can help a bit with rheumatoid arthritis).
So now you know the diagnosis it wasn't a waste of time. The best thing for osteoarthritis is to keep moving, however painful it is. The main thing is he needs proper pain relief. Doesn’t necessarily need an appointment, could you ring the GP and explain he needs pain relief? Or help him do an online request?

@Frostytiger87 Is it osteoarthritis as @YourLittleSecret suggests or osteoporosis?Both bones, but very different

It’s osteoarthritis , I’ve booked a telephone appointment next week , everything is a battle

Might be worth asking MN to change your title and OP, then

Osteoarthritis is a very different condition from osteoporosis.

I assume you've read up on all the NHS treatment options? There's not a lot really: www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoarthritis/treatment/

Does he own his own home? If not, who does? Is he renting privately or from the council?

Does he need a walk in bath? Can he or you pay for this?