Discussion topics

Diagnosing osteoporosis

A medical evaluation for osteoporosis includes your medical history, measuring your height, examining your spine for curvature, x-rays, bone mineral density (BMD) test and lab tests.

bone quality vs bone quantity

linnyd531
  • By linnyd531 · New reply November 26, 2008
  • 6 replies
  • hi all, i'm currently reading the myth of osteoporosis and gaining a lot of insight into the medical establishment as a whole. apparently, bone quality is an important indicator for bone fracture...maybe ...

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Finding a healthcare provider

Finding a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about osteoporosis can be difficult. There is no physician specialty solely dedicated to osteoporosis, nor is there a certification program for health professionals who treat the disease. Over time, some doctors in various medical specialties have gained the knowledge and expertise to diagnose and treat people with osteoporosis. Note: There is a Bone Mineral Density Testing Certification Program for healthcare professionals.

Rheumatologist visit - good news - Vitamin D levels

ejoyce
  • By ejoyce · New reply November 25, 2008
  • 2 replies
  • I had my first visit with a Rheumatologist a week ago. I had been referred by my GYN after having a bad reaction to monthly Actonel after the first dose. I was pleased with the thoroughness of the exam ...

All 15 discussions...

How did I get osteoporosis?

Several risk factors can increase your chances of developing osteoporosis: gender, family history and lifestyle are just a few examples. Some medications and medical conditions may also cause bone loss.

Have you noticed, age doesn't seem to matter???

dawnbath
  • By dawnbath · New reply October 3, 2008
  • 21 replies
  • I am a 33 yr old female diagnosed with Osteoporosis in my hips and low back. I have searched high and low for other individuals my age with the same condition. I was diagnosed after I had a stress fracture ...

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Osteopenia (low bone density)

Osteopenia is the medical term for bone density that is lower than normal, but not low enough to be diagnosed as osteoporosis. Osteopenia, like osteoporosis, is diagnosed by a bone mineral density (BMD) test. Some people take an osteoporosis medication to prevent osteopenia from advancing to osteoporosis.

prescribed medicine

kas
  • By kas · New reply November 29, 2008
  • 4 replies
  • I was prescribed the medication "Actonel" but had a very bad reaction to it and really do not WANT to take any prescription medicine taking vitamins is hard enough I don't want side effects ...

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Osteoporosis/Osteopenia treatment

Recommendations for optimizing bone health include calcium, vitamin D, exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Remember that some prescription medications and chronic diseases can cause bone loss. Your healthcare provider might prescribe an osteoporosis medication to help preserve and build bone density and prevent fractures.

Vitamin D - prescription

ejoyce
  • By ejoyce · New reply yesterday at 12:48 pm
  • 2 replies
  • I was prescribed 50000 iu of vitamin D taken weekly for 16 weeks after my bloodwork revealed my levels were low (23). I have read that all prescribed vitamin D is D2. If D3 is better why is the prescrition ...

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Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis

Eighty percent of people who have osteoporosis are women. A woman's risk of osteoporosis is equal to her combined risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer. Half of all women over 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis.

Bad falls. No breaks. Why?

huessysignoret
  • By huessysignoret · New reply yesterday at 6:00 pm
  • 13 replies
  • I'm a postmenopausal woman with osteoporosis. Due directly to various medications I've been prescribed (Neurontin, Inderil, Imiprimine (sp?), I've suffered a number of bad falls -- out of bed, down stairs ...

All 20 discussions...

Premenopausal women (ages 25-50) with osteoporosis

There are several medical conditions that develop in childhood, adolescence and young adulthood that can interfere with a woman's ability to achieve her optimal bone mass and put her at risk for premenopausal osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis, Meds, Bones and Age

chezkir
  • By chezkir · New reply yesterday at 7:25 am
  • 21 replies
  • If you are young, why risk a therapy that may be dangerous for more than 10 years when new therapies are coming? Don't buy in to the hysteria. My own doctor told me at 30 that the next time I fell I could ...

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Men with osteoporosis or osteopenia

Men can experience a marked bone loss as they age due to a decrease in sex steroid levels, exercise and dietary calcium intake and absorption. Men over 50 are more likely to break a bone due to osteoporosis than they are to get prostate cancer.

Questions for Specialist

Caff55
  • By Caff55 · New reply October 27, 2008
  • 5 replies
  • UK based male recently diagnosed with osteoporosis. Only had DEXA scan and basic blood tests so far. My GP said the blood tests gave a good set of results whatever that meant. However, he booked me in ...

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Children with low bone density or bone loss

There is generally no accepted definition of osteoporosis in children. Low bone density in children is most commonly due to other medical conditions or medications used to treat certain diseases. Sometimes there is no known cause for low bone density in children.

17 year old with endometriosis and now osteoporosis

angelsmom
  • By angelsmom · New reply September 26, 2008
  • 8 replies
  • They are going to start her on Actonel once a month. She took Lupron for 7 months for the endo and now has osteo. Is there anyone out there that has it or knows someone at such a young age ...

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Diseases and health conditions that can cause bone loss

Certain diseases and health conditions can cause bone loss and increase the risk of osteoporosis. In some cases, when the disease is found and treated, bone health improves. With proper treatment, most people can live well with these diseases and health conditions. Living well also involves taking good care of your bones.

Osteo and Gut Serotonin

Eamenard
  • By Eamenard · New reply yesterday at 2:03 pm
  • 7 replies
  • As published in the online Cell Journal www.cell.com/abstract/50092-8674(08)0125 5-5, It is interesting but will have to see what others make of it. And if true, then what comes next. However we still ...

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Caregivers - Caring for family and friends

An important part of the lives of many people is taking caring of others. Sometimes, this means providing care for a child, parent, grandparent or even a friend. Caring also means taking care of yourself.

Help I am trying to get used to it............

suzsezok
  • By suzsezok · New reply June 27, 2008
  • 6 replies
  • My mother makes alot of uh uh uh sounds when she first gets up in the morning and as she moves behind her walker going into the living room. I know she is in pain almost every minute from her recent falls ...

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Osteoporosis medications

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved medications to prevent and treat osteoporosis. While the FDA has approved these medications for postmenopausal women, none have been approved yet for premenopausal women. Only some are approved for men. No natural or alternatives treatments have been studied enough for us to know if they will help with osteoporosis.

Miacalcin Nasal Spray for Osteoporosis

marcy
  • By marcy · New reply November 25, 2008
  • 14 replies
  • Does anyone have personal experience with Miacalcin Nasal Spray ...

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Vitamins and supplements

People should get as much of their nutrition as possible from the foods they eat. Ask your healthcare provider whether you need to take a vitamin or supplement. Remember that your pharmacist may also be able to answer questions you have. Note: The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) does not recommend any specific brand or product for vitamins and supplements.

Vitamin D?

Norm
  • By Norm · New reply November 29, 2008
  • 13 replies
  • Every Calcium pill I see today has Vitamin D already in it. Do I still need to take the extra Vit D pill that i buy separately ...

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Exercise

We know most about two types of exercise that build and maintain bone density. These are weight-bearing and resistance/strengthening exercises. Examples of weight-bearing exercises are walking, jogging, stair climbing and team sports. Examples of resistance or strengthening exercises are those that use free weights, resistance machines and exercise bands. Note: If you have bone loss or osteoporosis or if you are frail, always check with your healthcare provider first before starting a new exercise program.

Posture Alignment Exercises?

JilleWhite
  • By JilleWhite · New reply yesterday at 11:20 pm
  • 20 replies
  • For the PT's out there.. the book Posture Alignment by Paul D'Arezzo.... are the exercises in this book safe for us? If so, they seem to be great for restoring correct posture, but I wanted to ask some ...

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Pain relief

For some people, recovery from a broken bone can be a long and painful process. Sometimes pain continues even after the broken bone heals. In addition to medications, there may be other ways to help relieve the pain. Some examples are acupuncture, biofeedback and relaxation techniques. Always check with your healthcare provider about the best way to manage your pain. Note: The information shared by members of the community does not constitute an endorsement by the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF).

PLEASE HELP MY TWIN SISTER-RECLAST ONCE A YR INFUSION

morning132
  • By morning132 · New reply November 10, 2008
  • 28 replies
  • My twin sister had the Reclast infusion over 3 months ago. Afterwards, she experienced EXTREME pain in her joints and muscles. She has had blood tests, etc. done before and after this infusion. This pain ...

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Assistive devices

Today there are many devices and different types of equipment to assist people to help keep them safe and prevent falls. Check with your healthcare provider before using an assistive device or equipment to make sure that it is safe and appropriate for you. Note: The information shared by members of the community does not constitute an endorsement by the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF).

Does anyone use walking poles?

CelticRose
  • By CelticRose · New reply July 22, 2008
  • 9 replies
  • I've been considering using walking poles to help build bone density. (I have Osteopenia.) If anyone has used them to build bone density or just for additional exercise I'd greatly appreciate hearing ...

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Guidelines to safe movement and fall prevention

When a person with osteoporosis falls they are more likely to break a bone in the hip, spine or wrist. More than 90 percent of hip fractures are associated with osteoporosis. Fractures can be serious and limit your ability to lead an active, independent life. For people with bone loss in the spine (backbone), activities that place stress on the spine can increase the likelihood of a broken bone in the spine (vertebral fracture). Avoid activities that twist or bend the spine. Keep good posture and use proper body mechanics. For some people, picking up a grandchild or even coughing or sneezing can cause a bone to break in the spine.

Safe Movement Guidelines

sdivas
  • By sdivas · New reply October 19, 2008
  • 2 replies
  • NOF's handout on "Guidelines for Safe Movement" is available to download and print from NOF's website at www.nof.org. On the sidebar of the home page, either click on Prevention and select Exercise, or ...

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Prescription assistance and insurance issues

Find resources to help you get the help you need.

Low Cost Bone Care

sdivas
  • By sdivas · Posted October 27, 2008
  • 0 replies
  • www.needymeds.com - Offered by state, localities, and pharmaceutical manufacturers AARP - http://www.aarp.org/bulletin/prescriptio n/Articles/statebystate.html Senior, Inc. http://www.seniorsinc.org/medication.htm ...

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Clinical trials

Some people choose to participate in a clinical trial. This is also called a research study or clinical research. Clinical trials play an important role in learning more about different diseases and treatments as well as health and nutrition. It is important to know your rights as a volunteer before participating in a clinical trial. Helpful Web sites about clinical trials include: www.centerwatch.com, www.ciscrp.org, www.clinicaltrials.com, and www.clinicaltrials.gov.

NY Times: Drug Test a Success for Amgen

Norm
  • By Norm · New reply July 27, 2008
  • 1 reply
  • "Amgen’s experimental bone drug, widely considered to be crucial to the company’s future, has succeeded in its most important clinical trial, sending the company’s shares up sharply.Amgen said the drug ...

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Organizations for information, activities and resources

Throughout the country, there are many community, state and national organizations that provide health information, activities and resources to help people.

San Luis Obispo County, CA

sdivas
  • By sdivas · Posted November 24, 2008
  • 0 replies
  • Osteoporosis: Building Better Bones 6PM Wednesday, December 17th Fairgrove Elementary School 2101 The Pike in Grover Beach For more information, phone 805-473-7662 ...

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Books, videos and other resources

Many people have favorite books, videos and other resources that provide health information. Keep in mind that some information in books and videos and on the Internet may not be accurate or based on sound science. Note: The recommendations by members of the community do not constitute an endorsement by the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF).

Osteoporosia

Quarryman
  • By Quarryman · Posted November 30, 2008
  • 0 replies
  • I'm newly diagnosed with Osteoporosis, can anyone recommend a good book that I should buy covering: treatment of the condition including at least; drugs, nutrition and exercise particularly, from a fairly ...

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osteoporosis support group leaders

sarah812
  • By sarah812 · New reply October 11, 2008
  • 9 replies
  • I would like to connect with any support leaders to share ideas about meetings and community outreach support and awareness ...

All 23 discussions...

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