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Seek Help and Make a Plan

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Hi All:

After reading many different discussions I would like to make two suggestions. First, please don’t try and do this alone. I see too many people trying to add this or avoid that because of a study or recommendation.

Find a competent professional who can guide you and get their help. Osteoporosis has many different facets and they all need to be addressed. Unless you are ready to expend a lot of time researching and studying this condition, find some help.

Second, make a plan and stick to it. Basic healthy lifestyle activities are a must and should be the core of any plan. It is not easy to change your lifestyle but it is essential if you want to succeed. The other option is to experience a deterioration of the quality of life which I would wish on no one.

So medications or not, find a competent professional and make a plan and follow it.

Hope this helps.

Woody McMahon
Reston/Herndon Osteoporosis Support Group Leader

13 replies

I have been diagnosed with 2.8 T count in the hip and lumbar area. I have a hiatal hernia and have had a severe ulcer. What type of medication would you recommend? My doctor recommended Fosamax but I looked it up and said no no.

Thanks, that would be great if I could afford it. I pretty much live on balony sandwiches and bean soup. I am on SSA and once the bills are paid, there's not much left. I'll try to shop at the farmers market some. I also started taking Vit D, Calcium and Magneseum.

Woody, your suggestions are very good; however many people don't have access to physical therapists and fitness professionals with knowledge of bone loss. As it stands now, support groups are far and few between; and usually not in the rural areas. It would be great if doctors provided referrals to work with a PT that has knowledge of bone loss; a health professional on staff that would sit down and talk about the emotional and physical aspects of having the diagnosis; follow up with the patient regarding calcium, vitamin D, safe exercise and safe daily moves, and medication. It would be great if doctors passed out the brochures from NOF so people would be able to gain information and know there is an online support group. Also, as we read in this thread, there is the financial aspect. While I agree with everything you suggest, it isn't easy for many people to follow your guidelines because the options are not easily available.

To sdivas & Woody - this is so true, I don't have such a problem with the nutrition side, but have no access to physical therapists who specialise in osteo problems and exercise; asking for help in this area from the doctor is a complete waste of time, they are only interested in writing a prescription for drugs, if you won't take them, you are on your own - my doctors have made that VERY clear. So we have to look for help online, and as you say, everyone is different and needs individual advice. So we just have to muddle along and do our best. Good luck everyone.

What if you are older and have NO detectable progesterone? Do you recommend getting a prescription for it?

What if you are older and have NO detectable progesterone? Do you recommend getting a prescription for it?

Are there any resources for finding physical therapists and/or endocrinologists who deal with osteoporosis in specific cities?

Also, I am considering the purchase of a weighted vest and a machine for indoor exercising when the weather's bad. I would like to use the vest while on a treadmill or stepper - but I'm not sure which would be the best machine? I have osteoporosis of the hips and osteopenia of the spine.
Thank you!

I ordered it, hasn't arrived yet. I am 58, considering the menostar patch, and progesterone cream. I don't think I have any detectable progesterone. Severe osteoporosis, bad reaction to the drugs that are out
there now. Do you think this makes any sense?

Hi osteochick:
Yes it makes sense. Take your time, read the book, make a plan. Just like this post talks about. That is the only sensible way to fix your problem.

Woody

Hi AnnieO:
I do not know of any. You might want to check the NOF site. I am not a big advocate of machines. I would prefer to see you exercise with a fitness ball and dumbbells or bands.

Woody

Hello AnnieO, have you asked your doctor for a referral to work with a physical therapist that has knowledge of bone loss? You may also want to contact RebekahRotstein (place in Search top brown banner). Rebekah is a community member and works with people with osteoporosis. You can send her a message through the community or contact her: www. incorporatingmovement.com Another suggestion is to start phoning the hospitals in your area and ask if there is any support group or exercise group for osteoporosis. I think in the area that you live, you may have more resources available. Also, please keep checking the community discussion on the sidebar: Organizations for Information, Actitivies & Resources. I post as soon as I find information on exercise and support groups. If you need any help on the community, please let us know. Thanks. Sandi

My physical therapists have me on an intensive program for my osteoporosis - this includes no forward flex. bending - lots of light weight lifting, balancing, exercises that focus on core strength, and a low intense. vibrating machine (that astronauts use to reverse bone loss from being in space-- fact not fiction). A personalized program is best (I have invested a chunk of my savings in this valuable info). I will soon be doing my exercises at home w/o spending on PT - so this is how I will add to my recovery. There are special osteo. exercise books and videos out there too.
I am sending a wish and a prayer to all of you - we'll get better.

Are you using the Juvent 1000? Please give me your impressions of it. Thanks.

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OsteoporosisNOF: Download NOF's new brochure Hormones and Healthy Bones @ http://bit.ly/3Yg7tq

OsteoporosisNOF: NOF's CFC information: CFC #:11043; Osteoporosis Foundation, National

OsteoporosisNOF: NOF announces the launch of their Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). Visit www.nof.org.

OsteoporosisNOF: Need information on osteoporosis? Visit NOF's Web site at www.nof.org or email request@nof.org. NOF can send you free educational materials.

OsteoporosisNOF: Volunteer to start an NOF support group to help yourself and others with osteoporosis in your community. Call (800) 231-4222 to learn more.

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