10 Month Update

It’s been 10 months since I broke my knee. And as mentioned in my last post, I also fractured my tibia in October and my femur in December.

After the new year, my knee doctor ordered a bone density scan. He also ordered blood work. Additionally, I needed to see someone at the bone clinic. And finally, he said I should go back to physical therapy again.

I had a bone scan in 2024. The comparison from then to now is pretty dramatic. I saw someone at the bone clinic, who talked to me about my scan and blood work.

They informed me that I have severe osteoporosis. I have lost up to 50% of my bone density, in some parts of my body. They added that I would break a hip if I fell again. So they started suggesting a coarse of action with monthly injections, for a year, to build up my bones. I was taking that all in, and then he read my blood work, and the direction changed. I have hypoparathyroidism. I need to see an endocrinologist to address the thyroid issue before I can treat my bones.

I also was dealing with a lot of foot pain, on the same leg as everything else. I saw a podiatrist, who said I have plantar fasciitis. This condition makes standing exercises for my leg, at physical therapy, more difficult. It also doesn’t make walking any easier. I got some good shoe inserts and a message/heat wrap for my foot and the splint to sleep in. Hopefully this will all help.

I was also looking for more independence in the bathroom. Getting in and out of the shower has been very difficult for me. I only did it when Dave was standing there, just in case. I talked to my physical therapist about my concerns. She told me about a company that comes to your house to assess your needs for free. So I had grab bars installed in my shower. I also received a great tip to wear water shoes in the shower. Now I can get in and out of the shower with out Dave standing there. And after another great tip from a friend, I will only take my shower when he is home.

I have an appointment with an endocrinologist in May. In the meantime, I have added a lot more dairy into my diet. I added vitamin K to the list of vitamins and meds that I already take daily. I will continue with PT, twice a week. This will also help my bones, as well as strengthen my knee and other fractured areas.

This has been a crazy journey, with lots of twists and turns along the way. I had to put aside all of my interests, which hasn’t been easy. I so miss walking/hiking with nature photography, antiquing, creating art and watching my dog clients.

Since I can’t stand for very long yet, I have made a slight creative pivot. I started doing some still photography. I feels good to be creative again. I will go into more detail in my next post, so stay tuned and thank you for reading my story.