Lisa, 53, 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.

Take charge of your bone health today and take the Great British Bone Check for personalised results in less than three minutes.