Osteoporosis--The Silent Chronic Disease--Take Care of Your Bones

Alexander, LaRosa, Bader, Garfield & Alexander, (2010), express "osteoporosis is an age-related, debilitating disorder characterized by general decrease in bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue. Unfortunately, Mrs. O., age 59, has first hand experience with this debilitating disease. After asking permission to interview her, she happily agreed to do so. With an improved attitude, she began to explain the trials of osteoporosis.

After listening to her account of having donor bone replacement, which is removing her brittle bones and replacing them with healthy bones from a donor, she expressed she felt terrible and happy because a donor was available (Mrs. O., 2010). However, after less than a year, the healthy bones from the donor did not hold well and had to be removed. She expressed the disappointment and difficulties in having to be told she need more surgery. Mrs. O., expressed that having two total hip replacements after having donor bones to replace the brittle bones had been more effective in dealing with osteoporosis (Mrs., O., 2010).

Upon her doctor's diagnosis, which he explained to her that her only option would be to have two total hip replacements with titanium metal with both hips, Mrs. O became depressed and withdrawn towards her family and friends (Mrs. O, 2010). Her daughter stepped in the decided she needed a vacation and took her to Disney World for fourteen days for rest, fun and relaxation in order to prepare for the surgeries which she will always be grateful for (Mrs. O, 2010). Mrs. O underwent physical therapy for nearly three years and is now walking and is happy to not use a wheel chair as much as she once depended constantly. She remarked that after more than five years, she still finds walking most interesting (Mrs. O., 2010).

Part of Mrs. O's regiment includes milk, calcium, and Vitamin D along with other vegetables that are high in calcium. She attempts to exercise as much as she can and rests as often as possible. Mrs. O reminds me to make sure I take care of my bones. She also expresses that more women should not take their bones for granted. She encourages people in general to stop sitting around and to exercise and eat properly. Though she detests whole milk, she has found lactose free milk suites her just fine (Mrs. O, 2010).

References
Alexander, L.L., LaRosa, J.H., Bader, H., Garfield, S., & Alexander, W. J. (2010). Other chronic
diseases and conditions. In S. Goldberg & A. L. Bloom (Eds.), New dimensions in
women's health. (pp. 309-331). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett

Mrs. O (personal communication, November, 6, 2010)