Shrinkage

I knew the fractures in my spine caused me to lose some height, but I thought only a couple of inches from my already petite frame.  I started out at only 4'11...now, after SEVEN vertebrea fractures, I am 4'6.  I shrunk five inches. I never thought it was that much! 

It is no wonder the prednisone weight seems so drastic even though I only weigh 105.5 now.  I am losing about a pound per week, yet still look like I swallowed a beach ball, and now I know why. My torso is SO short now, which, truthfully makes my legs look MUCH longer. I do not really see that as a bad thing...although it does make finding clothes that fit properly a challenge, especially tops and dresses.

I do have to continually work on my posture, making sure I stand up straight, not hunching over...keeping my shoulders back and head up (my physical therapist calls it "walking like a supermodel").  That has helped dramatically, but I still have a long way to go...and I know I will never regain that height.  I just have to deal with the fact that I shrunk.  I shrunk five inches...sigh. 

For all of you on prednisone, PLEASE, take some form of calcium and  vitamin D to hopefully prevent spinal fractures and SHRINKAGE!