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Can you rebuild bone loss without doing the drugs?
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rebuilding bones naturally
- By merryaj
- Posted April 20, 2009 at 12:29 pm · 9 replies
- In Premenopausal women (ages 25-50) with osteoporosis
- Shared with the public
Explore topics in this discussion:
Exercise Heart disease Cancer Taxol Arthritis Breast cancer Reclast Prednisone Osteoporosis Cortisol Stress
9 replies
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- Newest first
- By nathji
- Posted April 20, 2009 at 11:16 pm
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Hi, Merryaj,
Almost all the experts agree that you can re-build bone by exercise.
Even though the experts dont agree on how much Calcium and Vit D is needed, yet they are unanimous on exercise--even walking up stairs. One of our NOF members PibaB has said it can build up to 0.22% bone density.
Vit C was going to turn out to be encouraging at one point but even that has controversial findings and there are conflicting websites.
If you type "Osteoporosis Exercise Benefits" in Google Search -- you will find a host of sites that speak of the bone building benefits of exercises, weight -bearing exercises, like walking on stairs and slopes, and even weightlifting. I have seen videos of seniors in their 80's using weight lifting machines in gyms for their osteoporosis.
I wish there were an easier way, your question has great relevance.
Thank you,
Yours,
Priya
- By SequoiaHealth
- Posted April 21, 2009 at 8:17 am
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Hi merryaj:
Exercise alone is not going to provide the bone quality results you are looking for. It is bone quality that determines future fracture risk. I always say to clients, ‘if you want healthy bones you need a healthy body.”
I think you going to find that osteoporosis, just like heart disease and arthritis, are connected to total body inflammation levels.
From my experience, changes in lifestyle are very important and cannot be overlooked. Exercise is obviously one of those factors. But a healthy body requires what I call the “Big 5 for Bone Health” lifestyle changes. These are:
1. A diet that contains 50% fruits and vegetables. Fruits and veggies contain
greater amounts of water and minerals with generally lesser amounts of animal protein.
2. Adequate water intake for maximum hydration. Water is very important in helping the kidneys regulate pH and detoxify the body.
3. Daily stress reduction activities. This helps lower cortisol and homocysteine levels reducing calcium loss.
4. Year round vitamin D3 levels in the 50-80 ng/mL (or 125-200 nM/L).
This should be confirmed by 25-hydroxyvitamin D testing.
5. Sufficient weight bearing exercise to stimulate balance and muscle growth which is essential for bone strengthening determined by regular full body strength testing.
As always, no one change will give the results you seek. The body is too complicated and finely regulated for that to happen.
Woody McMahon
Reston/Herndon Osteoporosis Support Group Leader
- By merryaj
- Posted April 21, 2009 at 9:20 am
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Thank you for the info. In my case I was diagnosed with Her2nu breast cancer in 2007 and did 4 heavy duty chemos plus 12 sessions of taxol. Than I did 33 radiation treatments while I was also doing 1 year of Herceptin. After 44 Herceptin drips my heart said ENOUGH! After doing a Muga scan for my heart I broke out in hives
The doctor put me on Prednisone I gained 20 pounds and had vivid awake dreams of traveling the world doing intricate surgeries. I would rather
have my whole body covered in hives than to take Prednisone.
Last week my oncologist anounces that I have "full blown" osteoporosis and Recommened Reclast.
I am scared! I hate side affects I don't want anymore. Is there anyone out there that has done the Reclast drip and is happy they did it??
I am 67 and have seen more doctors in the last 3 years than I have my whole life.
- By Char42
- Posted April 21, 2009 at 1:04 pm
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Many cancer medications can cause osteoporosis, certainly Taxol. Long term Prednisone also is a factor for osterporosis. At this point you need something more than Calcium, Vitamin D, exercise, etc.
You have lived through the side effects of cancer medications, Reclast cannot be worse. But I am not recommending this treatment, should be discussed more with your Doctor. There are many very good NOF posts on getting ready for Reclast to lessen the side effects.
Do you know your Dexa scores?
Never Give Up
- By merryaj
- Posted April 21, 2009 at 2:17 pm
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Thanks! I don't intend on giving up. But what I don't understand is why Doctors don't inform the patients about side effects.
I am on my way right now to get my results from the hospital. They wouldn't give them to me over the phone. I was too shocked when my oncologist told me that I had "Full Blown" osteoporosis that I didn't know what to ask.
I have always worked physically and have been good about taking suppliments and it isn't part of our family history, so this was totally a surprise to me.
I am seeing my family doctor tomorrow to get his opinion.
I'm so glad I found this sight if only to get things off my mind. and to share my experiences.
- By merryaj
- Posted April 21, 2009 at 7:30 pm
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I have my results of my Dexa. Spine was -1.3 femur -2.5.
I don't think that can be classified as full blown. Any thoughts on that?
- By kitsie
- Posted April 22, 2009 at 3:39 am
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When you try a new medication for osteo, how long do you have to wait before you can have another definitive DEXA to determine whether the med helped or not ?
- By SequoiaHealth
- Posted April 22, 2009 at 6:52 am
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Hi merryaj and kitsie:
Those scores are not bad. You should score yourself on FRAX which looks at risk of fracture before you decide to give-up too many activities. You can find the FRAX tool at http://www.shef.ac.uk/FRAX/ and go to Calculation Tool at the top. If you want more info contact me directly at woody@sequoiahealth.com.
Hi kitsie:
Depending on your initial DEXA scores, most doctors will wait 6 month to a year. Remember, drugs can only work effectively with the lifestyle changes listed above.
As for drug side effects, ALWAYS ask you doctor before you take any medication. Then research it for yourself. It is called taking responsibility for your own health. It works great!
Hope this helps.
Woody McMahon
Reston/Herndon Osteoporosis Support Group Leader
- By ValerieEvelyn
- Posted May 29, 2009 at 12:15 pm
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Hi - I couldn't agree more, the only advice I could get out of my rheumatologist (paid for privately) and my G.P. was 'toddle off & take the medication, don't ask questions & don't worry about it'! Refused to give me any information re. side effects or what to expect - nothing. So I did my own research over 3 months and, as you say, took responsibility, followed my gut instinct, and will be following all the healthy lifestyle advice, which I mainly do anyway, carrying on gentle jogging, and following my gut instinct. No drugs for me! No way! Take care. Valerie.
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