I had my first appointment at the osteoporosis clinic since my diagnosis. I said I wasn't going to take aa. She was very understanding of my reasons and said they would read an in 18 months to see how I'm getting on with k2 magnesium vit d calcium and prunes. She mentioned that 1 patient had great density increases through using vibration plate machine 5 minutes a day 5 days a week. I have ordered one as I will try anything other than meds. I have read somewhere it does help. So fingers crossed
My consultant was also very good and listned to my concerns, answering my questions and talking me through everything. I am pleased you too have seen someone who has discussed your concerns and you have a plan for managing your condition. Some people on this forum have not been so lucky and have had to fight for what they want. Ultimately its our decision and its good to know your experience has been positive. Good luck
My t scores are quite bad. -4.5 lumbar and I had a fracture in November. But had to fight to get an x-ray, which took 9 weeks to diagnose the fracture and only got osteoporosis result in May. I have a lot of allergies, can't take most meds so refused the aa. I only saw a nurse in the clinic but she said just because I won't take it doesn't mean they won't treat me. My gp was useless and told me nothing I only learned about k2 etc on this forum.
Sometimes I wonder what they teach doctors in med school these days! It will be interesting to hear about your experience with the vibration plate. There are some contraindications for use, so make sure it is safe for you. A bit of basic info on a site called vibration plate reviews (one word) are vibration plates good for you. Gives a good overview, presents both the positive and negative sides.
Unfortunately most GPs dont seem to have the time nowadays unless you go privately, but at least you had a nurse who did discuss your concerns. My fractures were not diagnosed and I too had to fight for x rays and scans. However after I was diagnosed, everyone has been fantastic.I will be interested how you get on with the plate. Never tried one myself. I would probably fall of and break something!!!
I asked if it would be safe and the nurse said a low setting for 5 minutes. I am also attending the gym using treadmill and some weight machines. Thanks for the support Anhaga and Alison
I have had one for a couple of years - low settings for 5 minutes (with a break in the middle). My attitude is "it can't do any harm", so why not?
Have you had any improvement in your t scores?
Hi Michele, Your doctor does sound very understanding. Very interested on this vibration plate will look it up. I also have recently found out i have osteoporosis and as yet havnt told my doctor i do not want to take aa. I have started tai chi and extra walking and also i have ordered an indoor trampoline which I have been told is very good too.
I wish you luck in the natural approach let us know how you get on.
Were your results high or just into the osteoporosis.
Hi
My Dr was useless. Read my results and handed me a prescription for aa . I was in a state of shock, nothing was explained. T scores-4.6 lumbar so quite bad. I'd never heard of aa or anything relating to osteoporosis. It was a nurse at the osteoporosis clinic i spoke to yesterday, the only health professional who had spoken to me about anything with regards to the osteoporosis. This site helped me. Be careful with exercises as I know with my lumbar scores I can't use a trampoline.
Just realised my poor writing. Post should say they will redo my dexa scan in 18 months
Stephie, there is a technique whch I haven't done because I don't want to jar my arthritic spine, where you just do vigorous heel drops. Safer than a trampoline, free, and takes up no space! I think if you look up heel drops osteoporosis you'll find some info.
Poor you. The delivery of this news should never have been given like this. I lost my hearing and as I sat waiting to be told it was an infection, the consultant said its probably a brain tumour. I went alone and all I could think about was, its someone elses notes. No one said any more and I went out into the street and cried while I called my husband. He was convinced Id misunderstood. I have a brain tumour, on the balance nerve, lucky me!!! But the medical profesion need a good shake up as to how news is delivered to their patients. My osteoperosis, on the other hand has been a very different experience and softened the blow considerably. But so many people like you have not had this news delivered with any thought to how the patient may react or if they have any emotional support at home.
Sorry Michele, I was only diagnosed with OP about 8 months ago so I have no idea yet whether anything has changed. My scores were hips -3.5 but spine less than -2, so not dreadful (I suppose the hips aren't too good)!
Good luck with your research.
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Alison, that was truly shocking! Did you ever have a chance to tell the doctor how devastated and unsupported you felt? When I discovered an enlarged lymph node in my neck (in my mid-thirties) I asked what it could be, and the doctor said it could be one of a hundred things, ninety-eight of which would be innocuous, and we would wait for the biopsy. In the circumstances that was the best thing to tell me, because I thought any kind of lump like this would have to be dire. In the end it was relatively innocuous (sarcoidosis). My experience with the osteoporosis diagnosis was akin to Michele's.
I was alone at Drs too and went back to work and burst into tears. I live alone too so had no one to discuss it with. I know people say you could have a worse diagnosis but I was still shook up
Yes Anhaga. I made a formal complaint because I kept thinking if I had no one to be with when I got home, how much worse it would be. I was a nurse and in my day, patients were respected, not an inconvienience. As I was diagnosed with OP and the brain tumour within 2 months of each other, it was chalk and cheese, the way it was handled. Great for OP and terrible for the tumour. I appreciate I was lucky with my medical support for OP and many others are not.
I was a nurse and I couldn't even think of anything to ask. Its the shock. You feel your life changes instantly, but you cant absorb the news. I know I was much luckier than most with my OP diagnosis and the professionals have been with me every step of the way. I was even given a phone number to call anytime. Perhaps this is why I feel more positive about my OP but I understand how isolated others feel.
It's very difficult to cope when you are alone - but, from now on, you are NOT alone. There is always someone on the forum who will listen, commiserate, help. Post whenever you are down.
It's good you don't have to wait for several years.