I guess you could say that osteoporosis saved my life.

• By Alli
• Posted July 18, 2008 at 10:02 pm

please keep us posted with your next dexa scan results... hopefully your density will improve. I too am on strontium and K2 and magnesium and calcium.

• Reply
• Flag for review

• By JoanL
• Posted July 20, 2008 at 9:55 am

ANyone have any experience with bio identical
hormones for menopausal people w osteoporsis

Joan C

• Reply
• Flag for review

• By Jacqueline
• Posted July 21, 2008 at 5:07 am

I'm concerned because you did not mention Vit. D3
among the things you take. It is extremely important that
you take it.

• Reply
• Flag for review

• By SaraMeeks
• Posted July 21, 2008 at 5:38 am

Bone density is one part of bone health and focusing strictly on that can be discouraging to say the least. There are two other elements to bone strength (which is what we REALLY want) are bone quality and bone architecture -- these cannot be measured non-invasively and so are pretty much an unknown. There is some new technology for this type measurement but not available clinically yet.
In the meantime, what are we to do. Exercise still is the best thing to promote good bone health. Site-specific exercise and weight-bearing are the two types most recommended. Along with body mechanics, they will go a long way to prevent the devastating fractures that can occur.
Your doctor limited your weight lifting to 10 lbs. That is not actually based on any science because what you can lift safely is pretty much unknown also. So, when you do lift, as we all must do in life, practicing good body mechanics will help keep you safe.
For healthy bones, we need a "good" diet--what is that? you might ask. I personally recommend the freshest, most whole foods I can possibly find--lots of vegetables, fruits etc, whole grains. "Food First" and then supplements. Exercise. Fresh Air. Stay well-hydrated. These are the basics for a healthy body anyway.
Forteo is the only med that has been shown to build bone. The others slow down bone loss. Physiologically speaking, that is a big difference.
I think it is important for anyone with osteoporosis to seek out a physical therapist who has been trained in osteoporosis management. I have a list and, if you contact me privately, I can send a list in your area.

• Reply
• Flag for review

• By beckyg
• Posted July 21, 2008 at 10:06 am

Hi,

I don't know if you could tell from what I wrote, but I am very active. I quit listening to the Dr. about the "not over 10 lbs by the end of that first summer. My feeling was that if my muscles atrophied, then I would really be in trouble. I do heavy work around my house and yard and I joined the Y, where I walk on the treadmill and swim. Before my surgery I also was doing a series of exercises that I picked up off an osteoporosis site. But until I no longer hurt across my middle, I'm suspending those. I also try to eat healthful foods--lots of vegetables and nuts. I don't drink milk, although I cook with it and I eat cheese.

I don't think that I mentioned that I have no symtoms of the osteo--only the picture from the doctors. I don't take vitamin d because I get probably too much sun--I live in west Texas and even driving my arms get tanned.

• Reply
• Flag for review

• By SaraMeeks
• Posted July 21, 2008 at 10:21 am

Dear BeckyG:
I'll reply to your reply and then, if you had any other comments or questions, please contact me privately at sara@sarameekspt.com.
I can understand why you might ignore your doctor's advice as it wasn't very specific and would probably limit you in ways you wouldn't want to be limited. However, unless you have learned how to lift properly, you are putting your spine at considerable risk for fracture. Once you have one fracture, it can be a quick downward spiral from there, so prevention of fracture is very important. Up to 80% of compression fractures are silent--that is, you could feel fine, be having fractures on a daily basis and then, one day, you go to get out of bed and you have several fractures at a time--it's called the vertebral fracture cascade and can come on with no warning. Doing what "feels good" when you have osteoporosis is not always the best thing. It is important that you learn how to lift properly to avoid back injury -- and there are other injuries that can occur.
When you walk on the treadmill, you lose half the gait cycle--that is the push-off phase where you strengthen the muscles of the hip that really matter the most--the extensors and abductors. You'd be wise to walk out-of-doors also. Swimming, although wonderful for joint flexibility and cardio, is non-weight-bearing and therefore, you are not stressing the bones with weight-bearing exercise.
Most exercise programs completely miss the back extensors which are the ones you need to protect your back from injury.
Please contact me privately if you'd like to discuss anything further. And don't give up on the medical profession yet! :+)!

• Reply
• Flag for review

• By CelticRose
• Posted July 22, 2008 at 8:34 am

Becky,

Like Jacqueline, I'm concerned that it doesn't sound like any doc has tested your Vit D level. I've read of studies where people living in the south can have low Vit D levels as well as ones living in the north. Certain people can have trouble absorbing Vit D so you might want to get your level check just to be sure. Good luck with everything!

Mary

• Reply
• Flag for review

Add to the discussion