Osteoporosis vs arthritis
I am 54 and small frame, caucasian female and unfortunately a smoker. In 2004 I had a bone density which showed I had advanced osteoporosis. I started on fosamax and then the controversy came out about the jaw problem when taking that so I switched to alternative natural medicine. Multi-vitamin, Vitamin D and a Calcium supplement. I then continued with a more strongly work out daily to strengthen my muscles to help protect my bones also. I was in great shape and good form. No one could believe I was 52. Then in 2006 I took a terrible fall at work. I fell and hit my butt hard and twisted my back and hurt my right knee. Eventually I went out on workmen's comp. I wake at night with shooting pain in my back L4 & L5 specifically (per MRI). My right leg goes numb frequently and buckles at times to where I have no feeling and I eventually go down. I've been to several workmen comp doctors and they tell me it is "arthritis". I cannot believe what I am hearing because I have never, ever had an ache or pain and always took good care of myself. Could this fall have done further damage to my Osteo to where I am having this continuous pain? I have never ever been told I have arthritis nor have I ever had such pain. My personal doctor I am sure can contest to this. What should I do? My attorney says that the insurance company is saying it is old age and arthritis and wants to limit me to a small settlement. The settlement is not my concern at this time but to get to the root of why all of a sudden I have this constant pain for the last 3 years. Can the doctors reviewing my x-rays and mri and not knowing of my osteo be mis-diagonsising my condition? What is the different between osteoporosis and arthritis and what is the correct doctor I should go to? Thanking you in advance for your courtesy in a reply.
