Lisa, 52, from Bristol, works as an optician in a busy clinical environment. She was diagnosed with osteoporosis via letter.

When I had my first break, I didn't actually realise that I'd broken a bone.

I’d slipped in the swimming pool while living abroad in 2014, but didn’t think anything of it at the time, and went off on an active expedition. But after a few weeks, I was in a lot of pain and soon discovered I’d broken a rib. I had no idea of the consequences of what could happen afterwards – I struggled even to sleep because it hurt just to breathe. I was admitted to hospital for pain medication due to the risk of pneumonia as a result of the break.  

Two years later, when I came back to the UK in 2016, I broke my elbow and a rib after I slipped on a wet pier. Again, I didn’t realise that I’d broken bones initially and carried on with the day. Eventually, the pain became unbearable and I went to the hospital.

In 2021, I was playing frisbee in the park when I fell and broke my wrist – and it was a really bad break. I was unable to work for eight weeks and had to take statutory sick leave. I needed to have surgery which didn’t go as planned, and I’ve been left with a nasty scar. I was working for a high street optician at the time and asked for support to return to work – mainly having a few more minutes to see patients so that I could take things carefully. After my requests for reasonable adjustments, I was eventually given extended test times for the first two weeks of work.

It was a real wake-up call and made me realise how difficult it can be to work after a serious break.

I was 49 by then, and as a result of my breaks I was referred for a bone density scan to test for osteoporosis. Not long before then it had been confirmed that I’d gone through an early menopause without any symptoms, and I was still coming to terms with the psychological impact of that when I had the scan.

I received the results by post, in a letter which confirmed that I had osteoporosis. I couldn’t bring myself to read the rest of the letter for a long time.

The diagnosis wasn’t what I was expecting at all. It felt like putting a label on myself, and most of all, it made me feel old. I’d done so many different, adventurous things up until then, and I was left wondering what my life would now look like. What would happen if I broke another bone? What would happen to my work prospects?

I needed to talk to someone about it, and what the diagnosis meant for me and my life. But I was embarrassed, and kept it secret for quite a while. In my job, I’m great at telling others to talk to the GP, but I hate to bother the doctor.

One of my favourite hobbies is bouldering – a style of climbing done close to the ground without the use of ropes and harnesses. While initially I felt a little hesitant, I’ve still continued with my passion for climbing, learning to do what I can within a comfortable boundary. I’ve had some really helpful advice from other climbers who reassured me that it’s not a competition - just enjoy what you can do. I also walk a lot more now and have a varied, healthy diet.

It's still a journey that I’m on, but things are very different now, thanks to the support of ROS and others around me. Being a member of the ROS makes me feel like I’m part of a community – because of the charity, I don’t feel alone anymore. I now feel more encouraged to try and pick up where I left off, and not put my life on hold.

Osteoporosis is a condition I have to live with, but it’s not something that defines me.

Your bones. Your future. Your call.

Check your risk and take charge of your bone health today.