Keeping active: learning to live well with osteoporosis

Ahead of the London Marathon on Sunday 2 October, Sheila and her daughter Jenny, from Cheshire, share how keeping active helps them to live well with osteoporosis.

Jenny

Jenny, 37, was diagnosed with idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis (IJO) as a child.

Idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis is a form of osteoporosis that occurs in children from the ages of seven to the early teens. It’s an extremely rare form of osteoporosis that affects less than 100 children in the UK.

“Having been diagnosed with osteoporosis at such an early age, we learnt to adapt as a family and coped with the fractures Mum and I both experienced. We still managed to go on amazing holidays when we were growing up. School was hard and I did miss an awful lot due to treatment, but I finished my A-Levels and I’ve got a diploma in dental nursing.”

Learning to live well

Jenny continues: “I’ve learnt to deal with osteoporosis in my daily life. Fortunately, the last time I fractured a bone was about 15 years ago. I still get aches and pains on a daily basis from old fractures, but I’ve learnt to manage the pain.

“My job as a dental nurse keeps me very active every day, and I enjoy going for walks and playing with my three nephews who keep us all on our toes. I live with my partner of five years, and we make the most of every day and enjoy holidays and spending time as a family.

“My brother saw first-hand how osteoporosis affected me. This year, he's running the London Marathon for the third time in honour of the ROS – to help raise money for this amazing cause. When I was diagnosed, the ROS helped us all as a family to understand the condition. The support was invaluable.”

Sheila

Sheila, 62, also experienced fractures as a child. Following Jenny’s diagnosis, DXA scans showed she had lower than average bone density (osteopenia), which in her case, then moved into the osteoporosis range after a few years.

Sheila has broken several bones over the years, but fortunately not since 2015.

After retiring in 2021 following a long career in the NHS working in a busy Accident and Emergency department, Sheila continues to keep active to support her bones.

“I belong to a gym and enjoy swimming, and I get my weight-bearing exercise running around after my three grandchildren!”

Words of encouragement

“If you’re struggling with something today, it helps me to think ‘I might be able to do it tomorrow’ and try to have a positive mental attitude. We have to make the most of the times we’re well as we don’t know what’s round the corner.

“Keeping a sense of humour with life’s challenges is so important as you just don’t know what is ahead. My main aim now is to keep active, keep my weight down, and try to keep as mobile as possible – and try to keep all my teeth!”

Read more about living with osteoporosis

A mammoth Marathon thank you!

A huge thank you to each of our runners who are taking part in the London Marathon this Sunday 2 October. If you’ve taken part in the past, you’ll know what a special day it is, as well as being a great bone-friendly exercise!

We’ll be there cheering on Team ROS as they complete the 26.2-mile course. Not only is it an incredible personal achievement, but the money raised by our runners will change lives for people affected by osteoporosis.

You too can get involved in this race of a lifetime and help us beat osteoporosis. We’re putting together our team for next year’s London Marathon, taking place in April, and we’d love to count you in. Get in touch at supporters@theros.org.uk or call 01761 473 287 to book your place.