Noel, Age 76
I’m a mental health counselor and I still ride my horse and feel 56 even though my physical self has a lot of metal in it. I’ve been through two bouts of breast cancer, all early thank God and several fractures. Recently, I tripped over a rug that I had rolled up in my living room and landed on the floor, I hyper-flexed( kind of like a whiplash) thought nothing of it got a x-ray at a chiropractor and all was well. I went to see my primary several weeks later and she suggested an MRI. Turned out I have a type two dens fracture at the base 3mm that is stable and non-displaced. It’s been 12 weeks now with a soft cervical brace and no healing. At 76 bones take longer to heal, and this particular bone doesn’t have a lot of blood supply, although my doctor thinks I’ll heal. He has prescribed a bone stimulator growth machine which I use every morning for half an hour. I’ve read journal articles on this type of fracture and the surgery required. I am concerned about the rest of my life whether it be 5, 10 years or two! Any one out there have experience with a type 2 dens fracture? I love to hear some good experiences:)
Interestingly, the article mentioned how even a simple fall can lead to a broken bone in older adults. It’s alarming to think that something as routine as losing balance or tripping can have serious consequences. Maybe the article could have included some tips or exercises to improve balance and prevent falls in the first place.
I have had some experience with broken boney stuff. The only advice I can give is the difference in healing after starting a supplement of whey protein is amazing. Give it a try (I get mine at Costco).
So sorry to hear of your injury. That break is something I have never even heard of before. In my life I’ve broken a wrist and a finger but those were when I was a bit younger and healed satisfactorily.
I wanted to reply because I am 75 and still ride my horse. Good for you to keep riding as long as possible. So many of my age group I know say they have a backache when they ride so they just quit. I, too, have a backache when I ride–mostly when trotting. But I have a back brace I wear and Tylenol to take if the pain gets too much. But, I haven’t given up on riding yet!! My horse is also an “oldie” at 28 so we don’t do anything “crazy”.
I hope you get some responses on the nature of your break and will be back to riding soon.
Yikes!! I have no experience but wish you the best. Your history shows you have grit and resilience- good luck!!
I, too, was a former psychotherapist, and I also have metal implanted (to keep my hand from falling off my wrist), so although I don’t know about your particular type fracture, I can relate to your situation. They say “age just a number,” but with that number comes unwelcome challenges. I join you in pushing through the unexpected with determination, optimism and grace.
Patience is a virtue! You are strong and active and I think and hope you will heal. Keep moving.
Best of luck, enjoy each day and leave the worrying to the birds.
I did not know about this type of fracture. Thank you for sharing. I learned something. I pray you heal well. Keep moving and have faith.
I don’t know. I have osteoporosis and am 76. I worry and sometimes I don’t.
I don’t know which is better positive attitude or being afraid which I am a lot. I hope you get better. I will say a prayer for you.