Hugs
11-17-2007, 10:56 PM
Hey all :)
Just looking for a some experienced advice on what my situation is...am I in danger of broken bones?
Male 31
Results-
Lumbar Spine Levels L1-L4
BMD: 1.01g/cm2
T-SCORE: -1.7
Right Femur
NECK BMD 0.79g/cm2
T-SCORE -2.1
Total BMD 0.77g/cm2
T-SCORE - 2.5
Since my back is a smaller bone? Does that mean it is pretty weak at this number?
I think my doctor is not too knowledgeable about youngish males with this problem and he can't give a straight answers on if I will be breaking or what psychical activities I should avoid as I am quite active.
Thanks my friends :angel:
Just looking for a some experienced advice on what my situation is...am I in danger of broken bones?
Male 31
Results-
Lumbar Spine Levels L1-L4
BMD: 1.01g/cm2
T-SCORE: -1.7
Right Femur
NECK BMD 0.79g/cm2
T-SCORE -2.1
Total BMD 0.77g/cm2
T-SCORE - 2.5
Since my back is a smaller bone? Does that mean it is pretty weak at this number?
I think my doctor is not too knowledgeable about youngish males with this problem and he can't give a straight answers on if I will be breaking or what psychical activities I should avoid as I am quite active.
Thanks my friends :angel:
Sponsor
starfish81
11-17-2007, 11:25 PM
Hey, Hugs, welcome to the boards. First of all, I don't think the doctors even know what to do with post-menopausal females, let alone young males :D. That said, what I can tell you is that you may well end up getting a lot of great info right here! You had asked if exercising might be dangerous for you. Some will disagree, but I say just go ahead and do whatever exercises you used to do! I have a lumbar BMD of -3.4 and I downhill ski, lift weights and hike.
I'm curious: is there anything that could have caused you to have decreased density (thyroid/parathyroid disorders, steroid use)? How did you end up having the DEXA scan to test for density.....did you fracture something? If you have a systemic condition that influences bone density, it's best to treat that ASAP. Otherwise, if you're a healthy guy who eats right, works out, and gets the proper vitamins etc. you probably shouldn't buy into the marketing of fear. There is an excellent book you should read called "The Myth of Osteoporosis" by Gillian Sanson. Her son and husband both have extremely low BMD and she will give you a totally different perspective from the mass hysteria that we've come to expect from the media and the health-care profession.
I've had plenty of specialists try to scare the living daylights out of me, but thankfully my family doctor's opinion of osteoporosis goes something like this: "sure, your numbers look pretty bad on paper, but there are many other factors besides bone density which influence fracture risk".
Hugs, take your time with this before you decide to do anything-or nothing at all. Do some research, read some posts, and don't let this consume you. You're not going to fall apart overnight. Thanks for posting; it's nice to hear from some younger people-males too-in the same boat.
I'm curious: is there anything that could have caused you to have decreased density (thyroid/parathyroid disorders, steroid use)? How did you end up having the DEXA scan to test for density.....did you fracture something? If you have a systemic condition that influences bone density, it's best to treat that ASAP. Otherwise, if you're a healthy guy who eats right, works out, and gets the proper vitamins etc. you probably shouldn't buy into the marketing of fear. There is an excellent book you should read called "The Myth of Osteoporosis" by Gillian Sanson. Her son and husband both have extremely low BMD and she will give you a totally different perspective from the mass hysteria that we've come to expect from the media and the health-care profession.
I've had plenty of specialists try to scare the living daylights out of me, but thankfully my family doctor's opinion of osteoporosis goes something like this: "sure, your numbers look pretty bad on paper, but there are many other factors besides bone density which influence fracture risk".
Hugs, take your time with this before you decide to do anything-or nothing at all. Do some research, read some posts, and don't let this consume you. You're not going to fall apart overnight. Thanks for posting; it's nice to hear from some younger people-males too-in the same boat.
Hugs
11-17-2007, 11:55 PM
Hey fellow Canadian :wave:
Well ok here is the Background
SERIOUS Asthma till 24
Lots of Steriods (Prednisone)
Underactive thyroid since 16
Allergies (Milk, Eggs, Fish, Nuts)
I think I remeber the fist test being done out of just curiosity.
I think probably the stupid part here is my first scan was done maybe 8 years ago , which showed osteiopenia....but no one really made a big deal about it so I never really thought about it and I guess it took a back seat to the other problems until they mentioned maybe it was time for a new scan 8 years later!:mad: i know I know I should really have taken it upon myself but early 20's all the other problems seemed more immediate and you kinda forget about this. This is why I'm asking for someone to tell me how bad it is now lol.
Doctors advice was to take Fosamax 1 once a week treatment. Now I did see all the horror stories...i went to him and said well...."there are a lot of lawsuits...". His response was ..."well everything has some kind of lawsuit against it...even Tylenol".
So for the past 4 months I have been on Fosamax 1 time a week treatment.:eek: and Calcium citrate 300mg and vitamine D 1000UI once a day
Ok for everyone ...have they seen this once a year treatment thorugh IV
What do you think?
OK thanks for the advice and help! :angel::D
Well ok here is the Background
SERIOUS Asthma till 24
Lots of Steriods (Prednisone)
Underactive thyroid since 16
Allergies (Milk, Eggs, Fish, Nuts)
I think I remeber the fist test being done out of just curiosity.
I think probably the stupid part here is my first scan was done maybe 8 years ago , which showed osteiopenia....but no one really made a big deal about it so I never really thought about it and I guess it took a back seat to the other problems until they mentioned maybe it was time for a new scan 8 years later!:mad: i know I know I should really have taken it upon myself but early 20's all the other problems seemed more immediate and you kinda forget about this. This is why I'm asking for someone to tell me how bad it is now lol.
Doctors advice was to take Fosamax 1 once a week treatment. Now I did see all the horror stories...i went to him and said well...."there are a lot of lawsuits...". His response was ..."well everything has some kind of lawsuit against it...even Tylenol".
So for the past 4 months I have been on Fosamax 1 time a week treatment.:eek: and Calcium citrate 300mg and vitamine D 1000UI once a day
Ok for everyone ...have they seen this once a year treatment thorugh IV
What do you think?
OK thanks for the advice and help! :angel::D
Hugs
11-18-2007, 01:17 AM
Oh yes I have been having some bone pain? but I'm not sure if it's in my mind or not :confused:
Kinda confused on the whole what should I do thing to be honest :confused:
Kinda confused on the whole what should I do thing to be honest :confused:
phylwill1152
11-18-2007, 09:10 AM
Hi Hugs..welcome to the board. First of all, don't beat yourself up over the scores. They show you have lost some bone denstiy, but you can still do things to improve your bones. The health conditions you have and the meds you've had to take for them contribute to bone density loss. You're young, so you have lots of time to restore the lost denstiy. Are you still taking prednisone? Is your thyroid meds the right dose for you? A good diet goes a long way...calcium from both dairy and non dairy sources (you can find list of those online), weight bearing exercises like walking or jogging and weight training. Supplements are helpful.
Are you having any side effects from the fosamax? Drs. prescirbe the drugs because its what they are told is the thing to do and they all feel they have to do something.
The best thing you can do for your body is to stay active and keep doing the things you enjoy doing. Also, like Starfish suggested read The Myth of Ospteoprosis. Its a real eye opener. Do your own research and make decisons that are right for you..not from what your dr. says. You are in charge of your own health. take care...phyllis
Are you having any side effects from the fosamax? Drs. prescirbe the drugs because its what they are told is the thing to do and they all feel they have to do something.
The best thing you can do for your body is to stay active and keep doing the things you enjoy doing. Also, like Starfish suggested read The Myth of Ospteoprosis. Its a real eye opener. Do your own research and make decisons that are right for you..not from what your dr. says. You are in charge of your own health. take care...phyllis
starfish81
11-18-2007, 09:38 AM
Hugs-Phylwill's right; although your past medical history definitely contributed, you still have a lot of positive factors going for you that you can make up some of the losses. Being young helps, and it sounds as if you're strong and enjoy being active. And don't be too hard on yourself for not "dealing" with things in the osteopenia stage-you had enough to worry about at that time!
First of all, is it possible to bring the asthma under control w/o using Prednisone? Secondly, I'd consider upping the Vitamin D to 2000-3000/day. I noticed that the 4 foods you're allergic to are good protein sources, but there are plenty of other means to get protein, which is necessary for building bone and muscle groups. For years I fell into the trap of eating inadequate protein because I read somewhere that excess protein has a negative impact on bones. My naturopath assured me that, if you eat plenty of vegetables, there's no negative impact. Calcium citrate supplements are good; get some magnesium as well.
Re: the bone pain: it's possible that what you're feeling may be from the Fosamax. People report side effects from drugs, and bone/joint pain is one of the more common ones from this class of drugs. My mother-in-law takes Fosamax and says sometimes she can hardly walk downstairs. It may also mean that you need more calcium. As far as I know, osteoporosis itself is painless unless you've actually fractured something.
One more thing: it sounds as if you're concerned-rightfully so-about going the Fosamax route. You might want to check out some of the threads about strontuim citrate supplements. Your doctor probably won't know much/anything about this, but it's worth investigating. By all means let us know how you're doing. That's how we learn from each other ;).
First of all, is it possible to bring the asthma under control w/o using Prednisone? Secondly, I'd consider upping the Vitamin D to 2000-3000/day. I noticed that the 4 foods you're allergic to are good protein sources, but there are plenty of other means to get protein, which is necessary for building bone and muscle groups. For years I fell into the trap of eating inadequate protein because I read somewhere that excess protein has a negative impact on bones. My naturopath assured me that, if you eat plenty of vegetables, there's no negative impact. Calcium citrate supplements are good; get some magnesium as well.
Re: the bone pain: it's possible that what you're feeling may be from the Fosamax. People report side effects from drugs, and bone/joint pain is one of the more common ones from this class of drugs. My mother-in-law takes Fosamax and says sometimes she can hardly walk downstairs. It may also mean that you need more calcium. As far as I know, osteoporosis itself is painless unless you've actually fractured something.
One more thing: it sounds as if you're concerned-rightfully so-about going the Fosamax route. You might want to check out some of the threads about strontuim citrate supplements. Your doctor probably won't know much/anything about this, but it's worth investigating. By all means let us know how you're doing. That's how we learn from each other ;).
Hugs
11-18-2007, 11:48 AM
hey good morning phylwill1152 and starfish81 :) Thanks very much for the replies!
Ok the asthma is under control and I haven't been had a major attack where I needed prednisone in maybe 5 years so that is good.
The meds I take now are
Ventolin when needed
Levothyroxin .05 everyday
Every 3 weeks one Vitamine B12 shot 1CC
1 time a week fosamax
So I am pretty much steroid free ...as can be for now.
I definitely notice a non normal(muscle spasm ,tightness etc) bone pain in my back....I feel stiffer as well....not very hmm agile or fast lol. I mean it is manageable but definitely there. I do go jogging and I have started to lift weights...in general I'm quite active. I also have always had lower back pain since maybe 15 or 16 from sports related issues but this pain definitely feels different more sharp and stiff. Sometimes it's hard to wake up even because you just feel not really a lot of pain but much stiffness.
For my protein I eat a lot of white meat chicken....is that OK? I'm going to look into more vegetables too now.
I am going to up the Vitamin D to 2000-3000 do you think I should up the Calcium too? I will pick up some magnesium too.
You two are right I am concerned ....about the fosamax , i understand the doctor has to prescribe something and I have always been one to trust the doctors.....so saying no I won't take this is just blowing my mind lol ...total confusion.
Please give your thoughts on the once a year IV treatment that they have approved if possible? I mean is this like super fosamax or something? I guess no one knows huh.
Anyhoo I was very stressed out before posting but I feel much better! Thanks for the replies and help people :angel:
Ok the asthma is under control and I haven't been had a major attack where I needed prednisone in maybe 5 years so that is good.
The meds I take now are
Ventolin when needed
Levothyroxin .05 everyday
Every 3 weeks one Vitamine B12 shot 1CC
1 time a week fosamax
So I am pretty much steroid free ...as can be for now.
I definitely notice a non normal(muscle spasm ,tightness etc) bone pain in my back....I feel stiffer as well....not very hmm agile or fast lol. I mean it is manageable but definitely there. I do go jogging and I have started to lift weights...in general I'm quite active. I also have always had lower back pain since maybe 15 or 16 from sports related issues but this pain definitely feels different more sharp and stiff. Sometimes it's hard to wake up even because you just feel not really a lot of pain but much stiffness.
For my protein I eat a lot of white meat chicken....is that OK? I'm going to look into more vegetables too now.
I am going to up the Vitamin D to 2000-3000 do you think I should up the Calcium too? I will pick up some magnesium too.
You two are right I am concerned ....about the fosamax , i understand the doctor has to prescribe something and I have always been one to trust the doctors.....so saying no I won't take this is just blowing my mind lol ...total confusion.
Please give your thoughts on the once a year IV treatment that they have approved if possible? I mean is this like super fosamax or something? I guess no one knows huh.
Anyhoo I was very stressed out before posting but I feel much better! Thanks for the replies and help people :angel:
Canna
11-18-2007, 03:07 PM
Hey Hugs welcome to this board. I too came here in desperation not so long ago and found tremendous help and both Starfish and Philwill are quiet knowlegleable. I too did not know much at all about OP until the doctor told me I had it... but am researching and found out that knowledge is power. Doctors certainly do not stress enough about the importance of supplements. Anyway good luck .. you will get answers here.. I did
phylwill1152
11-18-2007, 03:33 PM
Hi Hugs...the once a year treatment( to my understanding) is a mega dose of the month or weekly treatments already available. Its not something i would put in my body, but everyone has a different way of treating this. You have found 3 people here who have decided against the meds now offered. There are others on the board who have/are taking the osoteo meds and feel good about taking them. Its all in what YOU want to do.
I am on total thyroid replacement so i now how important it is to be on the right dose. The .05 you're on probably isn't going to impact your bones...what do your latest TSH and FT4 labs say? In the normal range for both?
Now...about the dr...this is something i've learned recently...Drs. work for you, you pay their salaries, you keep them in business. if your dr. isn't doing for you what you think he should be...fire him and look for another one that suits you better. I know the medical system in Canada is different from here, but there are still choices you can make...right?
Its great that you've started a fitness program...as a former athlete it won't be hard for you to get back into the swing of things. take care...phyllis
I am on total thyroid replacement so i now how important it is to be on the right dose. The .05 you're on probably isn't going to impact your bones...what do your latest TSH and FT4 labs say? In the normal range for both?
Now...about the dr...this is something i've learned recently...Drs. work for you, you pay their salaries, you keep them in business. if your dr. isn't doing for you what you think he should be...fire him and look for another one that suits you better. I know the medical system in Canada is different from here, but there are still choices you can make...right?
Its great that you've started a fitness program...as a former athlete it won't be hard for you to get back into the swing of things. take care...phyllis
taape
11-18-2007, 06:06 PM
Hi Hugs,
Welcome. My doctors are recommending the once yearly or quarterly IV infusion of bisphosphonates which is the same class of medications as Fosamax. I can not take oral bisphosphonates due to stomach problems and I believe that the IV route carries even more risks like complications with dental procedures and the large amount of medication patients receive all at once. Even though I'm getting a little worried since I've been off Forteo for a year now with decreased T scores, I'm not considering bisphosphonates again. I hope you are able to find the right treatment for your situation.
Welcome. My doctors are recommending the once yearly or quarterly IV infusion of bisphosphonates which is the same class of medications as Fosamax. I can not take oral bisphosphonates due to stomach problems and I believe that the IV route carries even more risks like complications with dental procedures and the large amount of medication patients receive all at once. Even though I'm getting a little worried since I've been off Forteo for a year now with decreased T scores, I'm not considering bisphosphonates again. I hope you are able to find the right treatment for your situation.
Hugs
11-19-2007, 12:51 AM
Hey everyone :D
Well I haven't really looked at what my Thyroid test results lately so I would have to get you the numbers. To be honest i don't think I have looked into it in detail since I was maybe 16 years as it has been stable with the same dose.
I'm a little dissapointed to hear that IV treatment is just a megadose of the same drug
You know what as helpful as all these posts are I am now even more confused lol...just being honest...but it's in a good way I guess.
I just don't want any problems from the osteo...and I don't want any problems from the medications.
I do have a GREAT doctor but he is kinda quiet or very non informative when it comes to this topic and so this ads to the confusion. But I guess thats because I am younger then avergae
Ok everyone I'm going to run around tommorow and pick up some magnesium and see what vegies I can eat....can't say i have any vegetables in my diet just white meat chicken basically.
I think I'm going to maybe ask the doc to do another scan in another 6 months? What do you think is a good time between scans at this stage?
Ok good night people
Hugs :D:angel:
Well I haven't really looked at what my Thyroid test results lately so I would have to get you the numbers. To be honest i don't think I have looked into it in detail since I was maybe 16 years as it has been stable with the same dose.
I'm a little dissapointed to hear that IV treatment is just a megadose of the same drug
You know what as helpful as all these posts are I am now even more confused lol...just being honest...but it's in a good way I guess.
I just don't want any problems from the osteo...and I don't want any problems from the medications.
I do have a GREAT doctor but he is kinda quiet or very non informative when it comes to this topic and so this ads to the confusion. But I guess thats because I am younger then avergae
Ok everyone I'm going to run around tommorow and pick up some magnesium and see what vegies I can eat....can't say i have any vegetables in my diet just white meat chicken basically.
I think I'm going to maybe ask the doc to do another scan in another 6 months? What do you think is a good time between scans at this stage?
Ok good night people
Hugs :D:angel:
phylwill1152
11-19-2007, 07:31 AM
HI Hugs...confusion is good. It makes you sit up and think about what to do next. You might want to look into changing your diet a bit. Too much protein isn't good either. The trick is to get a good balance of fruits, veggies, protein, good carbs and the occassional splurge on junk food. Why not try the diet, exercise and supplement route for a year and then have a scan. Bone doesn't grow overnight so give yourself time to make the changes and stick to them before having another scan. Some insurance only covers them every year or two years. The scores you posted aren't that bad, so don't make yourself crazy over them. Here's an idea..next time you see your dr. have a list of questions for him. He can't give you the info you want if you don't flat out ask. take care...phyllis