Understanding Osteoporosis: A Personal Journey of Awareness and Resilience

Bone damage or sudden pain in the legs are experiences that many may face in life, yet the underlying cause often remains unclear. Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to weaken or damage greatly. Osteoporosis hinders the new bone creation due to the fast pace of the old bone removal process. This condition can significantly impact the creation of new bones and daily life. Today we have the opportunity to interview a parent of the Winsor School who has first-hand experience regarding this area and would like to share more with the public about ways that it affected daily lifestyles or mobility. 

Esther: Can you describe the development of your symptoms?

Interviewee: Osteoporosis is a tricky disease with sometimes subtle symptoms because you can’t feel the pain, which is why many people tend to remain unaware of its presence. Though the condition is serious, especially to the physical conditions of people, the lack of noticeable pain makes it easy to overlook. For example, I was diagnosed with Division 3, but if I hadn’t gone in for routine checkups with a doctor, I wouldn’t have known I had any symptoms at all.

Esther: How do you think your diet and lifestyle play a role in your bone health?

Interviewee: Diet and lifestyle aspects are very important, especially for middle-aged women (aged about 45+). It’s important to be mindful of vitamin D intake and to exercise regularly. Sufficient sunlight exposure is also key, such as simple habits like taking a morning walk in the sun. It is important to engage in activities that can facilitate the intake of sunlight rays and for people to also gain physical activity daily.

Esther: Have you experienced any difficulties with medical treatment for your osteomalacia?

Interviewee: My experience personally with osteoporosis was that initially, I felt some pain in my hips and thought it was related to standing for long periods, but it turned out to be one of the symptoms. There’s also a significant risk of breaking a bone due to the condition, which makes treatment and prevention even more critical, and it is also something that people should not fail to realize during the process of treatment.

Esther: How has osteomalacia affected your daily life, mobility, and overall health?

Interviewee: While the disease has caused minor changes to my emotional health—largely due to a decline in physical activity and activeness—it hasn’t had too many downsides on my daily life or mobility overall. Fortunately, I’ve been able to manage it without major disruptions and with the support from others and my family members.