Broken bones due to Prednisone?

I've been battling a flare now for about two months.  Started on the Prednisone five weeks ago.  Went up to 40 mg a week ago because 30 mg wasn't doing the trick.  about two weeks ago, my PCP tells me to think about a bone density test because of the Prednisone and three nights ago, I went to my Dad's to bring him something after work and I twisted my foot on a sidewalk and broke my foot!  I've never broken a bone in my life and have always had very strong bones.  I'm assuming it's due to the steroids.  My bm's have now increased and what a struggle it is to try to get to the bathroom all the time before having an accident while trying to maneuver a broken foot.  I can't even believe this.  Now, I'm told that a possible side effect of Prednisone is a blood clot and having a broken foot, it puts me at double risk.  I'm very scared and can't even believe this is happening.  Through two months of this flare, I've only missed work twice and now I have no choice but to be out of work.  My boss asked me if maybe a cab could bring me in but the doctor told me he doesn't want me at work period.  He said I can do some work from home if I feel like it but my boss did not like that idea that much.  I was out on disability two years ago for 10 weeks when I was first diagnosed with the UC so I'm afraid he's going to fire me over this one.  The doc also told me this break would probably have healed in three weeks but because of the Prednisone it may take up to six weeks! 

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38 years old - female

diagnosed 9/05

Asacol

Prednisone

Canasa

6-MP

I agree. I don't think you've been on pred long enough or at a high enough dose to affect bone density, UNLESS you've been on it before for an extended time and/or high dose. However, if you're a small-boned, white female at perimenopausal age, you're already at risk for osteoporosis, pred or no pred.

If you have a doctor's note and are willing to work from home, I don't see how your boss could object.

I was on pred for about eight months (40mg) tapering on and off during the whole time.   I was sent for a bone density test and found out to my dismay that I'd gone from strong healthy bones to skinny fragile ones, all thanks to the wonderdrug prednisone.

Now I'm on daily calcium and 'D' plus a fortnightly dose of fosavance (70mg) just to ensure they don't get any worse.

My knees and hips are starting to give me some gyp too but I suspect that is a joint/cartilage problem (probably arthritis) and might have nothing to do with prednisone, although it makes you wonder.

I can only hope I never have to take it again.

Considering your age you should be able to get your bones back to normal with calcium.

Eight months is a long time to be on pred, although 20 mg is a relatatively low dose. Bone thinning could have taken place during that time, although you won't know for sure what's going on until you have a scan. That's definitely a good idea... and it's quick, non-invasive and painless.

If you do find you have osteopenia - the precusor to osteoporosis - calcium supplementation will help, but more importantly... weight bearing exercise and weight training made a huge difference for me.

I'm so sorry that you feel so alone. I've felt that way and it's a horrible feeling. In my case, it was my brain imagining I was alone. Not saying that's what's happening to you because I don't know, but I will concede that it is an awful feeling.

Please know that others here would be there for you physically were you close by, but in the meantime, we would like to be there for you via cyberspace. We all know what you are going through with this illness, and some of us understand the aloneness that you are feeling as well.

It always helps me to imagine that others are thinking about me, as I think about them, and recognize that we are never so alone as we think we are. Some people just do not understand that you really, really need help unless you hit them over the head with it. Perhaps it's time to be more assertive and/or explain to them that their lack of response makes you feel alone, and that on top of your illness really hurts you. Ask them if you can count on them for X, Y or Z (be very particular) and see if they don't respond.

If they don't, I'm sure that will hurt. But remember that we are here for you, albeit not in the face-to-face way.

Mitz

Thanks for the support and suggestions everyone.  Once I'm able to get around again, I will make sure I go for a bone denisty test.  Also, my sister has come through and has really helped me out the last few days so I am getting a lof of family support now.  I've also learned to speak up and ask for help for things that I specifically need.   Unfortunately, I was having a lot of pain in the calf of the foot that I broke and my sister took me to the hospital yesterday.  Turns out, I now have a blood clot in my right leg behind my knee! It's been going from bad to worse!  To top it off, I had tapered the Prednisone a few days ago to 35 mg and seemed to be doing well but after I came home from the hospital last night, had a lot of blood and spent the night going back and forth to the bathroom.  I just can't seem to catch a break. 

Thanks again everyone.  I'm sorry that there are so many of you who are experiencing this lousy disease but it's good to know I'm not alone anymore!  And I have to agree with some of your comments about being sick of people who tell us to "stop stressing" and make sure you "eat right".  The nurse at the orthopedic doctor's office told me she "used to have colitis".  I asked her what she meant by "used to".  She said she had it 25 years ago and once she stopped "stressing out", that she was fine.