Just diagnosed...

• By pgreene
• Posted May 15, 2008 at 11:16 am
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I can understand your shock. I was diagnosed when I was 33 and am now 45. I was going to an orthopedist for low back pain. I told him that my OB-GYN had recommended 1200 mg calcium a day to prevent osteoporosis. He said, "Prevent it? You already have it!" He had made no mention of it in my notes so if I had not asked about calcium that day, I would not have known and who knows how soon I would have found out. I had a DEXA scan and was told I had the bones of an 80-year-old woman. I was started on Fosamax and I have gone from -2.5 to -1.2.

Even though you have spent the last 8 years without treatment, it is still not too late to reverse the process. You will probably want to find an endocrinologist or rheumatologist to work with on this and determine the best course of treatment for you. We all respond differently to meds, and some prefer to stay with natural supplements. Find someone that deals with osteoporosis and evaluate what is best for your case.

Peggy

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• By PeteinSLC
• Posted May 15, 2008 at 11:56 am
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I am in the same boat as you. I am a 45 year old male with same diagnosis. However, my doctors are staying on top of this. Have you seen an Endochronogist ? In many cases a parathytroid problem can be the cause of the low bone density... as can many others, but you need to make sure your doctors follow up on this. I discovered that I had advanced osteopenia a week after running a 5k and it appears I may have shattered both knees. Be careful about the things you do now and keep after your doctors....good luck and keep us updated with your progress.....

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• By JillMc
• Posted May 16, 2008 at 10:43 am
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I was diagnosed at 40 with osteoporosis and immediately began taking Fosamax and calcium supplements. Unfortunately, my general practitioner doctor didn't order another bone density test until this year when I was 49. I had gone from -2.5 to -2.9 and was shocked and devastated. I got a referral to a rheumatologist who immediately started me on Forteo. Hopefully, with better results than Fosamax. He says about 5% of the population is not affected by Fosamax. My advice to you is to insist on having another bone density scan after 18 months to see if your current medications are effective for you. I wish you all the best and am sending good thoughts your way!!

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• By tammizzd
• Posted May 17, 2008 at 12:39 am
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Thanks to all for your helpful advice. I did find out that I have a stress fracture in my left tibia. This makes working difficult because I am a nurse. I'm taking a week off to get a good start on recovery. I'm a little nervous about meeting with an endocrinologist because I'm afraid to hear the particulars on my bone density. However, I've got to get this battle underway. Thanks for taking time to reply and encourage.

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• By dawner82002
• Posted June 13, 2008 at 11:07 am
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Ugh... all this makes me think my back hurts worse..... psychosomatic? I got diagnosed the other day with full-blown osteoporosis. My lumbar spine measures-3.6 and I just turned 48! I don't smoke, I exercise.... can you imagine if I was sedentary and smoked like a chimney? My doctor prescribed Boniva and threatened me with the daily injection path depending on how the blood work turns out. I broke (more like shattered) my wrist two years ago which makes me think I've had this for a while. I had to beg for the DEXA. I've lost a half inch of height as well. It pays to be proactive, ladies (and gentlemen!) HOw does anyone feel about nutrition and naturopathic remedies? Yoga? Should we not run? Power walking and bicycling should be okay unless you fall, I guess. Thanks for this great site!

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