inacarr57
02-03-2009, 12:46 PM
Hi everyone. My gynecologist called yesterday to inform me that me bone density scan showed that I have osteopenia. She said that my t score on my spine was -1.9. She asked if I was taking calcium and I told her yes. I have been taking 1000 mg of calcium for 2 1/2 years. My mother also has osteopenia. She said that since my mother has it and I'm already taking calcium, that I should be on medicine. She prescribed Boniva to be taken once a month. I am 51 and 3 1/2 years post menopausal. I see my regular internal medicine doctor in three weeks, so I plan on holding off on filling the prescription at least until I speak with her about it. But I just wanted some opinions as to whether the Boniva is warranted. I have increased my calcium to 1500 mg.
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blondegal
02-03-2009, 01:03 PM
I think it would be good to evaluate all your options at this point. I did notice that there was no mention of Vitamin D along with your Calcium. I would definitely make sure you are adding it because your Calcium will not help you without the D. Also exercise? Are you getting a regular amount of weight bearing exercise?
inacarr57
02-03-2009, 01:17 PM
Oh yes, I should have mentioned that my calcium pills are combined with vitamin D. Exercise was recommended. I had not been exercising consistently, but started in January as part of my weight loss goals.
inacarr57
02-03-2009, 02:31 PM
Looking through this board, I've noticed that some people with osteopenia are treated with just calcium and others take medicine. What factors influenced you and your doctors to decide that you should be on medicine? I take Prilosec daily for reflux, so I am very hesitant to take Boniva.
starfish81
02-03-2009, 02:44 PM
Hi everyone. She said that my t score on my spine was -1.9. She asked if I was taking calcium and I told her yes. My mother also has osteopenia. She said that since my mother has it and I'm already taking calcium, that I should be on medicine.
That's criminal:mad:! I'd be searching for a new doctor. If I had a T-score like yours I'd be thrilled....and I'm not taking anything prescription (just strontium and K). Why, oh why, does the medical profession feel they have to prescribe for a "condition" which isn't even a disease:mad:?
That's criminal:mad:! I'd be searching for a new doctor. If I had a T-score like yours I'd be thrilled....and I'm not taking anything prescription (just strontium and K). Why, oh why, does the medical profession feel they have to prescribe for a "condition" which isn't even a disease:mad:?
tomatojuice
02-03-2009, 04:07 PM
I'm 59. 7 years post meno. Diagnosed dexa 2006 with severe osteo(-3 lumbar spine). Refused to take all biophosphates. Bought a pedometer, starting walking and charting on a calender how much exercise I got. Started taking vit- calcium , D etc.Also started taking strontium citrate. Diagnosed 2008 with breast cancer. Had surgery and chemo and radiation. For 8 months during cancer treatment had to go off all vitamins, but continued with the exercising throughout the treatment. I average about 4 hours a week of aerobic walking, not counting outside walking. Also some weight lifting, with light weights(3 lbs.).Had a dexa dec. 2008, had a 10.6 % increase in the spine, and a 8.9% increase in the hip. I now have osteopenia, and I am thrilled. Still exercising, and taking strontium again-hoping to completely reverse this. If someone with sever osteo can turn it around to osteopenia, then for sure you can improve your bones with osteopenia without any medications. But I have to say it takes work. Exercise is exercise-you have to be diligent.
blondegal
02-03-2009, 04:10 PM
What a wonderful and encouraging story. It looks like your discipline has paid great dividends. Keep up with the great progrm.
inacarr57
02-03-2009, 04:45 PM
Wow, I am impressed and encouraged! And I really need the exercise. I'm not like a lot of you, don't fit the normal small frame risk factor. I need to lose 60 lbs, so all that walking will do me good. I actually started at the start of the year.
Titchou
02-03-2009, 05:23 PM
I had a DEXA scoreof -1.6 and refused to take anything. 6 years later it's still -1.6. I'm on HRT, take my vitamins - when I remember, jog and work out. None of the meds for me.....too many side effects.