Should people with severe osteoporosis take a different view and path than those dealing with osteopenia or borderline diagnoses?
For a start, my results make me anxious about falling and shape the way I live my life.
People with multiple diseases are also affected by a severe diagnosis because it is just one more issue to deal with!
I would like to have comments from people who are dealing with severe osteoporosis and especially those with multiple health issues to see if our problems are different from those with borderline osteopenia/osteoporosis.
Hi Kathleen.
As you know I'm -2.7 with my T score and my life has changed through my fall and smashing my ankle. I have a plate and screws up fibula, a T plate with screw up my Tibia and 2 long screws in my inner ankle bone. I was walking 5 MONTHS post op without any aid. I can no longer do what I'm trained to do and lost my job. I still get pain, can't walk or stand for too long without getting pain. I had no idea I had the disease before my fall. I only rolled over on my ankle when descending a hill in the English countryside. I am left now TERRIFIED of another fall, so I understand you. I sometimes don't even want to leave my home. I am depressed at times with worrying about breaking another bone. I don't think many understand just how debilitating this disease can be. You don't need a high T score to do debilitating damage. Wishing you well Kathleen 🙂
I don't know if you can go back to see previous posts, so this is a good time to mention that I reversed osteoporosis to osteopenia in a previous post. I went to the endocrynologist thinking the osteoporosis was causing my pain so I went through the bone density test and she said I reversed it and all I had done was put myself on supplements for bone health which included calcium, magnesium, D3 and zinc in one tablet. I also take joint complex with hyalauric acid and MSM. I take it consistently every day and my doctor's don't mind at all.
I know my situation is not as serious, and that's because I decided to fight it when I got the initial diagnosis of osteoporosis. I saw what it did to my mother and I needed to learn from it.
Trying this even while under doctor's care, is worth the effort.
I also deal with other chronic diseases so I do understand how you feel. Anxiety mode is not the state we need to be in. I cannot put a time on how long it will take because we are all different.
My T-score is also -3.5, but as I have not broken anything yet I tend to ignore it. OP doesn't hurt until there is a break, so why worry?
Of course I take care. I never go out of the house without my rollator (walker), I excercise when I can - very carefully - I walk up and down stairs when I am able, I swim.
I also have PMR, severe OA, Tendonitis and occasional Gout attacks, so I certainly know what pain is, also the fatigue, but I am nearly 77 so I don't expect any of these illnesses to disappear. However, I have a marvellous husband and he certainly stops me from being depressed (it's amazing what a really big hug will do when you are feeling low).
Keep your pecker up. I am here if you need advice or to talk/moan.
Regards from Constance. 💐
Hi Pam,
really interesting to find you managed to improve your t scores with supplements. I am also taking calcium vit d etc in one supplement but interested in finding out more about your reasons for taking hyaluronic acid and what is msm ?
You and I are very similar. I have a great husband too. I also use a wheeled walker. My worst t score is -4.3 lumbar section.
I have arthritis, Crohns, diabetes, diverticula, gallstones, LS, and am prone to depression.
I am 71 so similar age to you as well.
I have refused medication but cannot remember if you are taking any of the drugs.
I have herniated discs which cause back trouble by a nerve going down into the sacroiliac so that is the most debilitating for me.
My exercises are in the pool because of this but the step ups are at least weight bearing.
Thanks for your feedback.
Thanks for the feedback. I am doing the natural way until it becomes unwise.
You did not mention vitamin K2 ; are you taking that as well?
I am
I am prone to anxiety and depression so I just monitor myself for that. I am not on any medication but have been in the past.
My initial diagnosis was severe at age 70. In Australis, people are not checked before 70 unless they have broken bones which is a shame.
Thanks for your response.
It is odd that people with really bad osteoporosis diagnosed but have broken no bones.
I have been told I could easily break my back. I therefore take no risks.
It has affected the way I live my life but my herniated discs stop me from taking any risks anyway as I have pain in my sacroiliac if I try to do much.
When I sneeze now I open my mouth and throat because I had pain when I sneezed once and my husband said to do this. I think that is when I caused the herniated discs.
Bone strength also factors into how good our bones are!
Yes, I take drugs. I can't see the point of suffering if you can ease your pain by taking a tablet or two.
I take a tablet for BP, Lodotra for PMR, Cocodamol for pain, Vit D and magnesium. I may rattle but who cares?
BTW I use Aqua-weights in the pool - good for weight bearing.
Hi all
I fractured the T8 vertibrae last year in a pilates class. Following this doctor sent me for a Dexa scan where I was diagnosed with Osteoperosis and quite high Tscores showing up.
I started a regime of calcium, vitD, vitK2, magnesium, healthy eating including prunes & fish oils. Next Dexa 2 years time.
4 weeks ago i fractured another vertebrae but doc says mot to bother with X-ray as too many not good. Strangely the pain of this fracture (seems to be lower down) is not as painful as the first fracture???
I've been reading up about the benefits of Flaxseed oil and Turmeric - both of which appear to reduce pain and inflammation throughout the body. They have very good reviews - my question is do any of the regular contributors to this area of the forum take these supplements and what is your opinion?
Regards to all Evelyn
Hi Handbrake, I too am now taking MSM. Just 1/2 tsp at this time. I probably heard about it from Pam or someone else here. I'm using it to heal my stomach from the Prednisone, I think it's working. I believe it has other benefits as well. I Ordered high quality (so it says) flakes. It disolves very well and I put in 8 oz water. No taste.
Yes, lots of us are doing exactly what you are. So you have refrained from taking the drugs? Is your doctor okay with your decision?
Sorry you have had fractures. I have not and hoping that will continue.
I don't know about the flaxseed oil and turmeric though!
It sounds like you are following the same protocol as others who read a certain book and follow a particular writer doctor.
Do you know your exact tscores or just that they were quite bad results?
You can check out other forums on this topic which deal with all this too.
Hi Kathleen
Do try and remain positive - I realise that's easier said than done, particularly if one has more than (dare I say just) osteoporosis.
I've recently started a yoga class again after many, many years of Pilates (Pilates teacher changed and although "qualified" was not aware of positions//moves to avoid for those of us with osteoporosis).
My current yoga teacher also has osteoporosis is highly qualified and experienced - Kathleen, if you can find a good teacher I am sure you will benefit from such a class - good for body, mind and soul!
Since beginning yoga again my balance has definitely improved and at the end of a class I feel refreshed and positive yet very relaxed.
i wish you well.
Hi All,
I've read all the post on this particular discussion and now realise how lucky I am, so far. I am 71, have osteoporosis, mainly in my left hip/femur which came up with a -3.5 on a dexascan. My doctor immediately prescribed alendronic acid which I took for five months. I had no pain with the OP but now have regular problems with a burnt oesophagus. This finally decided me on the 'natural' way although I'm not sure that taking all these pills is very natural. I am following the path laid out in The Book, with variations of my own choosing but mainly aiming for an alkaline diet. I was fairly fit before the OP was diagnosed and attend a gym three times a week doing quite a lot of low impact exercises, as well as taking two fairly long walks on the other days. I take a number of nutrient supplements including calcium, vits-d3, k2-7, B complex, folic acid, copper, zinc and I'm very careful not to have interaction problems. I also use soaked chia seeds with my cereal and am working on sprouting these as it increases the effects tenfold. I just hope that the taste is acceptable. I try most of the things that I've come across people using, but only if they are appropriate for me. I do have a variety of other problems although none of them are serious. I did have a suspected cardiac problem with one of the heart surface arteries but I got rid of that using common sense and not taking the s_____s that the docs wanted me to take. The Vit k2 should be able to take care of any residual problems in that respect. I intend to use my fitness and determination to beat this affliction - I don't treat it as a disease because there are no bacteria or virus involved and it seems that most OP is due to our western diet which is really poor compared with 60 years ago. I stay off processed foods whenever I can but sometimes my food intolerances leave me with little choice. I have blogged at length on the strong bones threads and will continue to do so every time I feel the need to pass on information or need to chat.
I have included a link and there are further links on that discussion and the others linked to it. I have reached the stage now where I can answer some questions but still have many that 'I don't yet know' the answers but am learning 'on the fly'
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/strong-bones-support-group-2--513840?page=0#2176090
Take good care of your bones.
Hi Pam
I cannot see where you posted before although I was curious to read your posts. .Do you mind if I am asking some questions ?
1. Did you take medication for OP or you reversed it with supplements?
2. Do you have your dexa numbers before and after treatment ?
3. Did you have your dexa in the same place ?
I organized my questions to be easier for you . I will appreciate a lot if you could answer. I asked this way because I did have 4 dexa -scans in 10 years in 3 different places. I had some unpleasent experience -I mean I am sure at leats in one placeI had not accurate results . Thank you very much for taking time to answer .
Mariana
Hi Pam
I cannot see where you posted before although I was curious to read your posts. .Do you mind if I am asking some questions ?
1. Did you take medication for OP or you reversed it with supplements?
2. Do you have your dexa numbers before and after treatment ?
3. Did you have your dexa in the same place ?
I organized my questions to be easier for you . I will appreciate a lot if you could answer. I asked this way because I did have 4 dexa -scans in 10 years in 3 different places. I had some unpleasent experience -I mean I am sure at leats in one placeI had not accurate results . Thank you very much for taking time to answer .
Mariana
Hi Layne, hope you are well🤗 Haven't heard of MSM what is it?
methylsulfonylmethane
MSM is used for chronic pain, osteoarthritis, joint inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, bursitis, tendonitis, tenosynovitis, musculoskeletal pain, muscle cramps, scleroderma, scar tissue, stretch marks, hair loss, wrinkles, protection against sun/wind burn, eye inflammation, oral hygiene, periodontal disease, wounds, cuts, and abrasions/accelerated wound Healing, ....
Think it can be used externally and internally.
Received links you sent me ...🤔 thanks Layne
When I was first diagnosed I was taking myacalcin nasal spray. I helped with the pain I had a the base of my spine. In 2009 I went to an endocrynologist who also worked with esteoporosis patients because of pain in my hip. I thought the osteoporosis was getting worse but after the bone density test, I was told it reversed to osteopenia. I had been taking calcium/magnesium/D3/zinc all along, 2 in the morning. Well, she told me to space it out doing 1 every 12 hours, and to remain consistent with the same brand. She also took me off the Myacalcin. But I was still hurting in the hip and it was horrible.
I'm sorry to say, I don't have my numbers. This has been over a long period of close to 20 years. I'm 68 now. My insurance has changed several times because of Palm Beach County changing who they insured with and then retirement I got another insurance. I have been to several stand along imaging facilities and the only bad experience I had was that the table was so hard and unpadded. It really hurt my back and I was always in a hurry to get out of there.
As far as the hip pain went, I was referred to an orthopedic physician and had xrays, Well, I have seriously compressed discs with arthritis. Pain in the lower back can radiate into the hips. I am still taking the supplements plus a joint complex. Calcium can help with pain tolerance. The only time I take anything for actual pain is at bed time.
My neurologist recommended the Mediterranean diet which which stresses more fish, chicken, and the use of lots of fruits in which some have antiinflamatory properties my favorite being pineapple. Olive oil the oil mostly used in this diet.
If you feel like any of the facilities you have gone to wasn't accurate, I would consult with your primary physician. I do not mind answering your questions at all.