My Osteoporosis Story.

 Kate Morrissey

Just to set the groundwork for those who don’t know me. I have been attending Jacki’s Aerobic dancing for the 26 years. As well as that, I walk at least 3 kilometres every day. I am a fit 65 year old woman.

3 months ago, much to the shock and horror of my dance mates, I fell and broke my leg. It was awful, as much for everyone who was there, as for me.

For the next 6 days I was a captive of the hospital system. It was a very steep learning curve, not just for me, but for all those people who knew me. I now have a 30cm rod and 8cm pin in my leg. These will remain in my leg for the rest of my life.

All of this I got through with, I hope, a reasonable sense of self and some humour. The next 6 weeks was a painful period. I know that I was doing well, exceeding benchmarks for healing and flexibility.

Aerobic dancing was the key. Without all those years of exercise I would not have made the progress that I did.

The next hurdle for me was to discover that I had osteoporosis. I could say it, but it didn’t process. Me, fit healthy, weight bearing exercise all those years. What a shock. Another steep learning curve, one that challenged all my assumptions about myself.

Once I had processed all of this I had to deal with it. I went into solution mode, which I think women excel at.

I have now had a calcium infusion, which like a heat seeking missile goes straight to those areas in need of repair.

Nothing else has changed. I am still the strong person I was, I am still able to do the things I want to, I will still go to aerobic dancing.

I am really lucky. My broken leg has mended, my osteoporosis has been diagnosed and attended to, and I am going back to class after a 3 month break. That is my story.

[July 2017]