I am fine today.
One of the very obvious side effects that I experience as a result of GVHD treatment (I guess) is the stiffening of bone.
This reduces elasticity of my chest, making me unable to breath as smoothly as before. And this could be the reason that I was unable to swim or dive too much due to breathlessness. At one occasion, a hematologist in UH mentioned that my lung was very tight. What he said was exactly what I experienced.
I wished to inform doctor about this so that they can investigate further about my bone condition. However, it is sometimes quite hard to prove that I have this bone stiffening problem. If I just tell doctor that my chest is very tight, not every doctor will suspect that I have a bone problem.
Last Saturday, after the prayer meeting, I discovered a simple method that could prove that my bone is indeed getting very stiff. I just have to show doctor the degree which my wrist could bend. A normal person could bend his/her wrist 90 degree easily, but I could bend only 45 degree, even after great effort.
The bone stiffening might be due to prolonged intake of Prednisolon (steroid) over the past one year and nine months. I read in a book that Gulococorticoid (steroid) could induce osteoporosis in 50% of the patients who take steroid in a long run. What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disorder characterized by low bone mass, disruption of the microarchitecture of bone tissue, and compromised bone strength which leads to an increased risk for fracture.The most I could bend - not even 45 degree
My wife could bend 90 degree easily
See you next post :-)
2 comments:
Hi David,
I find your posting on the bone stiffening very intriguing. I (Dobrin) also have noticeable loss of flexibility throughout my adult life in both muscles and joints. I like to play badminton and this stiffness results in frequent injuries.
I believe that stiffness (generally) is related to loss of elasticity of the ligaments in the joints and tendons. Perhaps osteoporosis can also cause joint deformation that may result in stiffness. I suspect that any bone changes can be easily diagnosed by x-rays and you should discuss that option with your doctor.
Happy new year to you and family.
Regards,
Dobrin & Ee Ding
Hi Dobrin,
Yes, I believe it is due to loss of elasticity of ligaments in the joints and tendons as what you have pointed out. So far I haven't come across any information that relate osteoporosis to bone stiffening. I only came to know Prednisolon could cause osteoporosis a few days ago but whether it could cause stiffness in joints, I have to ask doctor.
I will mention my case to hematologist on my next follow-up which is on coming Monday.
Happy near year to you and Ed Ding too.
Regards,
David
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