Density score - Osteoporosis Message Board

NancyH · 09-10-2005, 10:21 PM

Well I went off Actenol months ago and then I had my dexa scan which I get every 2 yrs. My T scores are -3.5 in the spine and 3.7 hips with evidence of 2 stress fractures in the thorasic T4 T5 area so does that say get back on the actenol again to any of you? I go to the gymn every other day and do what I can run etc, I can't lift weights as my hands are very arthritic from erosive arthritis, carpal surgeries of many, I'm 57 and was diagonsed in 1999 with osteoporosis. I hate taking this stuff as we don't know the long term effects, yet according to my rheumy he says to weigh the benefits and risks on a personal level and I have. Peregrine, just what is this book all about "myth of osteoporosis" anyway? I interpret the title as saying osteoporosis is a myth.

peregrine · 09-11-2005, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NancyH

Peregrine, just what is this book all about "myth of osteoporosis" anyway? I interpret the title as saying osteoporosis is a myth.

This is a research work and is well documented. She talks about how many physicians use scare tactics (based on their own misunderstandings about Osteo) as well as unnecessary testing and drug therapy, the latter of which can have dire results. She also allays the anxiety many women (and men) have when they receive this diagnosis and urges us to listen to, and take back control of, our own bodies. She definitely challenges the usual way that osteoporosis is handled, particularly in the US. Additionally, she talks about vitamins, nutrition and such and provides a great deal of information on anti-drug modalities. Christine Northrup, M.D. who has herself written many books, give kudos to this author for her work in trying to dispel the prevalent "myth".

NancyH · 09-11-2005, 01:42 PM

I'll have to go to Barnes and Noble and look for the book. I have a RN friend who did say my scores warrant careful consideration in possibly getting back on actenol. I do have a malabsorption problem as well, I have pernicious anemia and have been giving myself injections for years. Vitamins get my GERD in full swing but actenol doesn't seem to bother me. I'm not good about taking pills as it is, I eat healthy calcium rich foods, exercise regular but the scores keep getting worse. I took them to my obgyn and she said with those scores I should really take a look at actenol again but she understands my hesitancy.

taape · 09-11-2005, 06:22 PM

NancyH,
Did you get the stress fractures after going off Actonel? Do you know that it helped increase your bone density? I started with a T score of -3.1 but can't tolerate the pills so I qualified for the Forteo. So far I don't have any fractures and don't want to get any. The medication is a risk but not taking it is a risk too. It's a hard choice. If there was a non medicine treatment to improve bone density when it's in the severe range I would consider it but don't know of any that would do it quickly enough. You are fortunate that your stomach can handle the Actonel.

NancyH · 09-11-2005, 08:49 PM

The stress fractues did happen begore I started takin any meds. I'm considering getting back on it tho. Hate to but then I hate breaking bones even more LOL!