Abstract
Background Osteoporosis is a global health concern that is likely to increase with a rapidly ageing world population. It affects one in three women and one in five men over the age of 50. Although there is a large body of qualitative research exploring the experience of living with osteoporosis, far fewer studies have focused on men. We aim to explore the meaning making processes of men with osteoporosis. Methods We interviewed 13 White British men aged 63 to 94 with an osteoporotic vertebral fracture We used the six stages of reflexive thematic analysis: familiarisation with the data; coding ; generating initial themes; developing and reviewing themes through discussion; refining and naming themes; writing up. Results We developed six themes giving insight into the existential losses of men with osteoporosis: there has been a step changed coming; I am no longer what I once was; the change in me is de-meaning; I want to know where I am heading; I want to know why this happened to me; I want to know what’s wrong and how to fix it? We describe moral narratives used in defence of self. Conclusions Our findings highlight the challenge of deciphering the symptoms of osteoporosis and age-related changes. We also see the impact on self and a struggle to repair self. Healthcare providers are in a unique and privileged position to accompany their patients at points of Existential Crisis. As such, they attend to the repair of both identity and body. This comes with an ethical responsibility and has implications for clinical education. Health professionals should feel equipped to be alongside people facing existential losses. Qualitative Research and can give valuable insight into the phenomenology of illness and contribute to improvements in care pathways.