PATIENT STORIES
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Leonidas was born, raised, and still lives in a small town called Chañar Ladeado in the province of Santa Fe, Argentina. He is a very active and healthy man for his age. Although now retired, he had always, since early youth, worked in the company belonging to his family. He had been blessed with a very rich social and family life, enjoying daily 45 minute walks, his hobbies, driving, shopping and caring for the house where he has lived with his wife for 61 years.
In 2016 he began to feel severe pain in his back. His family doctor referred him to a neurologist since the culprit may have been a pinched nerve. Although he consulted with different spine specialists, his health, the level of pain and his general physical condition worsened dramatically.
Leonidas became bedridden and required nursing care in a local healthcare facility. The psychological impact was severe too. He was forced to give up his job, his social life, his family, his friends. Nothing mattered to him anymore - he felt like giving up on life.
Leonidas’ children (one shown with him in the photo) began looking for another specialist who could provide answers. They finally found a rheumatologist specializing in bone diseases who carried out a thorough assessment, and consequently diagnosed severe osteoporosis and multiple vertebral fractures. Leonidas was finally put on an effective treatment plan.
After two years on treatment with teriparatide and later zoledronate, Leonidas, at 85 years of age, returned to living his life to the fullest. He was able to enjoy many activities again, including his hobby, aviation. This wonderful progress was achieved thanks to the right treatment, family support, and his natural predisposition to take action for his own health by methodically following his doctor's instructions to the letter.
Today, looking back at his own difficult journey in search of the correct diagnosis and treatment, Leonidas urges all adults to ensure that they get early testing for osteoporosis and recommends that they consult with the right specialists. He particularly urges men to ask for testing if they have signs and symptoms that point to vertebral fractures and underlying osteoporosis.
While osteoporosis may be more common in women, even men can be severely affected.