Eharri17
08-28-2003, 10:46 PM
I was just diagnosed with osteopenia and I cannot take any of the drugs that are used for the treatment. I don't have a clue what to do now? My dr is treating me horribly since I can't take any of them. He blew me off and wont even talk to me. Any suggestions on what I can do. I take 1200 mgs of calcium for at least 17 years and exercise everyday plus walk and still nothing helped me to get this state.
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marciakeeney
08-29-2003, 01:07 AM
Get to the public library and read every book you can find about osteoporosis. There is a lot you can do, especially if you are not in full-blown osteoporosis yet. Inform yourself and start doing everything you possibly can to improve your situation -- there are lots of things that will help besides just the calcium. By the way, something I didn't know for my first year of menopause is that the calcium needs to be divided over the day because the body can't absorb more than 500 mg at a time! I was taking it all at breakfast in food and supplement for a whole year before finding out that little factoid!! So read, read, read!
train23
08-29-2003, 05:31 AM
Why can you not take any of the drugs?Health, money
peregrine
08-29-2003, 06:12 AM
I would also consider finding another doctor. I don't think we have to settle for being treated like numbskulls. To be "blown off" because you wish to try something different than his/her suggestion is the height of arrogance. Find a doctor who will respect your input and work with you.
Peregrine
[This message has been edited by peregrine (edited 08-29-2003).]
Peregrine
[This message has been edited by peregrine (edited 08-29-2003).]
Eharri17
08-29-2003, 08:58 AM
Thanks for the advice. I can't take the meds since I have a really bad stomach. I have problems taking about any medicine. My allergy specialist says I am hyper sensitive. I have GYN problems and can't take estrogen either. I always break my calcium up in two doses and now will take a half one at a different time. Since I am on thyroid meds and can't take it within 4+ hours. Has anyone been sucessful with weight bearing exercises? That is what I am trying to figure out what to do now. I appreciate any help any of you can give me.
marciakeeney
08-29-2003, 12:13 PM
Regarding the weight bearing exercise, yes, it has helped me and it is one of the foundational things to improving your bone density. I found Miriam Nelson's book Strong Women, Strong Bones immensely helpful in developing a strength training program -- very detailed, with pictures and directions for all ages and stages of bone density. I do this as well as getting 1500 mg of calcium per day, vitamin D orally as well as getting some sun frequently (something I never did in the past), eating lots of vegetables for the minerals they contain, also regular walking (though more "bone jarring" exercise is better unless you have full-blown osteoporosis). I also use natural progesterone cream 3 weeks a month -- this is debated as to whether it helps the bones or not, but I am choosing to use it. I get magnesium and boron in two of calcium supplements, both of which are important for the bones. Some experts have recommended green tea, though decaffeinated would be better because excessive caffeine can be bad for bones. If you are adventurous, seaweed has lots of trace minerals, all of which are good for bone. I went from osteoporosis to osteopenia in 6 months with the lifestyle modifications. It may not work for everyone, but it worked for me. I am 53. I have not had to take medication yet. It's possible maybe sometime I will have to, but for now I am working very hard at doing everything I can to keep the disease from progressing. And I will do the same even in the eventuality that I DO have to take medication because it will help it to work better. Remember that YOU are in charge of your health and the doctor is only a consultant! I agree with the other post that you should find a doctor who will listen to you and respect you.
Eharri17
08-29-2003, 01:14 PM
Thank you for the info on Miriam Nelson. I will go tonight and get her books. It is nice to know at 52 I am not the only one that has this problem. The last year and half of menopause has been rough and I suffer from brain fog a lot so I wonder if I am doing the right thing most of the time. I am so careful for years of my diet what little I can eat that I am not allergic to or will eat. I don't smoke or drink or use any form of caffiene. I live on fruits and veggies. I wish I could dump my dr. He is new to me in the last year, but I am stuck since he is the only endocrinologist in our area. I had to drive 90 miles for ten years to my other one, but moved away so I am stuck. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your help and I will do my best to get as much exercise in as I can. I already walk about three miles a day. Thank you.
nvmom
08-30-2003, 01:09 PM
I have also found your information to be helpful, thanks. I have been diagnosed with osteopenia at 46 and just started taking fosamax last week. I will also get Miriam Nelson's book since I have been confused about what type of exercise is good or bad. I keep reading that weight bearing exercise is good, and then I read something else that says not to put too much strain on my lower back since I am at risk for fracture. That is very confusing! My question is about fosamax. I have also increased my calcium, magnesium, vit D, and have always exercised (weights, walking/jogging). I am wondering what does fosamax really do? I thought I needed to take it in order for the calcium to "work" otherwise I would not be getting the true benefit from the calcium. My spine measured -2.1 and I do have a family history of osteoporosis. Thanks for your input!
ladiedi
08-30-2003, 09:21 PM
Marcia, how much do you walk and how much did all this help you, did you gain bone density? Is that how you knew? I am also 53
NancyH
08-31-2003, 03:26 AM
I'm trying to do the same. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis at 49 and am now 55. I tried the meds and I tried going natural, neither worked perfectly. When I went on diet and excersise only for 2 yrs, my dexa showed a gain of 1% in my lumbar and 20% loss in the hip(the worst place)I walk 40 minutes 5 to 6 times a week and up hill half that time(which is good weight bearing)my readings are pretty even at about -3.7 bone loss in lumbar and hips, also have had fractures in the feet because afterall the foot bones are thin to begin with. It's a mess and I just keep trying to do it all right without the actenol but I also don't want to be in a wheelchair and that is where 2 of my Drs said I'll end up in if things don't change.
benniemydog
08-31-2003, 12:21 PM
I am 60 and just found out I have moderate osteoporosis
from a exray done by my Chiropractor. I am getting a Dexa this Tuesday.
I did not know I had osteoporosis.I have read that you can get a fracture in your spine by just bending.
I have not looked up fractures I guess I am just so scared.
You said you had fracture in your foot. Did that mean you had a broken foot and was in a cast?
from a exray done by my Chiropractor. I am getting a Dexa this Tuesday.
I did not know I had osteoporosis.I have read that you can get a fracture in your spine by just bending.
I have not looked up fractures I guess I am just so scared.
You said you had fracture in your foot. Did that mean you had a broken foot and was in a cast?
USAFMOM
08-31-2003, 03:18 PM
nvmom - my endocrinologist said that Fosamax is used to correct the off-balanced cycle the bones go through of sloughing off bone and building replacement bone. The osteoblast versus osteoclast procedure. The osteoclasts slough off bone, and the osteoblasts build new replacement bone. When these are out of balance, more osteoclasts than osteoblasts, then it creates an imbalance which leads to bone loss. She said the Fosamax corrects this mechanism. But she also told me that in a healthy, premenopausal women with plenty of estrogen yet in her body, and healthy otherwise, there should be no role for Fosamax to correct this cycle, as this cycle should be already balanced just fine. She said my osteopenia (age 41 and premenopausal) is probably just an indication that my bone density simply never reached the average normal bone density of a 30 year old before it leveled off, not necessarily true bone loss. Hope this helps your understanding of the role of Fosamax :)
marciakeeney
08-31-2003, 09:29 PM
Hi Ladiedi
I walk 2 miles 3 times a week, more if I can, and take an hour and a quarter aerobics/weights/abs class twice a week. On the off days from that class, I try to do weight-lifting/strength training at least twice a week per Miriam Nelson's plan from her book. The change from osteoporosis to osteopenia (red zone to the yellow zone on the little graphic they give you)was from BMD tests I took 6 months apart. They were on 2 different machines though, so next time I will use the same machine as my last scan to more accurately see how my bones have changed. For the better I hope. But that won't be till next May.
I walk 2 miles 3 times a week, more if I can, and take an hour and a quarter aerobics/weights/abs class twice a week. On the off days from that class, I try to do weight-lifting/strength training at least twice a week per Miriam Nelson's plan from her book. The change from osteoporosis to osteopenia (red zone to the yellow zone on the little graphic they give you)was from BMD tests I took 6 months apart. They were on 2 different machines though, so next time I will use the same machine as my last scan to more accurately see how my bones have changed. For the better I hope. But that won't be till next May.
ladiedi
09-01-2003, 02:43 AM
Thanks Marcia, you give me hope! I have been walking now for about three months 1 1/2 mile to 2 , 6 days a week. I take one day off. I also have frozen shoulder, so I have been doing theraband therapy on my arms. Which does build muscle and strength. When I get full rotation back, I will do weights, right now the arm doesnt work right. I also went out and got liquid calcium, reading this from the boards makes me think that would work better than pills. I have tried to take the medicines, this fosamax is just making me so sick. I have been on stomach meds too, but I just can't do it. I feel like I am in a trap, damned if I do and damned if I don't. Maybe I can turn things around without the meds? They are just killing me. I have acquired gerd and I never really had that trouble prior to taking this medication. I appreciate all the help.
pippismom
09-11-2003, 12:01 PM
You really need a new doc....I have been to three(new docs) this past year...but luckily I got the right one...just yesterday....and by sheer coincidence too.
He is not and endocr. but an internist and I believe that maybe you chould try another type of doc.... :)
Good Luck....hang in there....Help is out there!!!!
He is not and endocr. but an internist and I believe that maybe you chould try another type of doc.... :)
Good Luck....hang in there....Help is out there!!!!
Jayashri Fairclough
09-23-2003, 12:52 AM
Thanks to you all for all this encouraging news. At 57 I have recently had a bone density scan which shows that I have osteopenia in my hips and osteoporosis in my lumbar spine. For years I have taken calcium supplements, excercised mostly in the form of walking and hiking nearly every day, doing t'ai chi and Chi Qong, eaten well and don't drink. I drink one cup of black tea a day and no sodas at all. Lots of Tofu though, and recently I read that tofu is bad for osteoporosis. My mother and her mom had osteoporosis as well. I have already lost nearly an inch but fortunately don't yet have my Mom's dowager's hump. . I read constantly on the subject as well. I have been getting very discouraged but this forum could help a lot. I do not want to take HRT or Fossamax because I can't help feeling that my body should be able to handle this. Any advice? I haven't tried weights yet. My doctor says Fossamax does not build bone but just makes it harder and possibly more brittle and doesn't necessarily prevent fractures. Any feed back would be appreciated!
peregrine
09-23-2003, 08:31 AM
Originally posted by Jayashri Fairclough:
My doctor says Fossamax does not build bone but just makes it harder and possibly more brittle and doesn't necessarily prevent fractures.
I think you've found yourself a great doctor!!
There are many of us on this board who share your concern about HRT and Fosamax. If you peruse the posts you will learn a great deal about vitamin supplements that some of us here have chosen to use instead of the prescribed drugs. Although there are people on this board who report little problem with the Rx drugs, probably most of us here have experienced toxic side effects from them and so have chosen an alternative path.
All the best!
Peregrine
My doctor says Fossamax does not build bone but just makes it harder and possibly more brittle and doesn't necessarily prevent fractures.
I think you've found yourself a great doctor!!
There are many of us on this board who share your concern about HRT and Fosamax. If you peruse the posts you will learn a great deal about vitamin supplements that some of us here have chosen to use instead of the prescribed drugs. Although there are people on this board who report little problem with the Rx drugs, probably most of us here have experienced toxic side effects from them and so have chosen an alternative path.
All the best!
Peregrine