I heard this awful grating sound, and had the most excruciating pain imaginable

Jo Lye

"He told me it was nothing to worry about and it was something women of my age got.

"I asked if it was osteoporosis and he said it wasn't something women got until they were at least 70."

But she discovered her condition in a shocking way.

"I was getting up from the dressing table after combing my hair.

Excrutiating

"I heard this awful grating sound, and had the most excruciating pain imaginable.

"I screamed out in agony. Somehow my husband David managed to catch me and got me to the bed.

"That was my first fracture."

Having had five fractures in less than five months, I lost five inches in height

Jo Lye

She says her condition affected her appearance.

"I noticed that I had become very short, and my figure had changed dramatically. I looked about seven months pregnant.

"Having had five fractures in less than five months, I lost five inches in height."

Mrs Lye says she did not expect to be able to keep on doing the things she had always done once she knew she had the condition.

But she has been able to go shopping, go on holiday and care for her three-year old grandson.