Feeling lost!!! - Osteoporosis Message Board

aknox · 10-16-2005, 10:49 AM

I am only 36 and have been diagnosed with osteopinia (sp?). My gynocologist reccomended a bone density screening after my 35th birthday because I have been on depo provera since 1991. I was under the impression that it was for a base line score to monitor bone density as I aged so I didn't follow up on the results. The lab didn't send the results to my gynocologist so it wasn't until this last week (a year later) that my results were looked at. My bone density results were a 2.4 in my spine. I have been taking depo for the past year and have not been treating this condintion. I am frightened now that my condition might have become worse but my doctor doesn't seem bothered. Should I pursue another bone density screener? Would teatments be different? I am switching my birth control to a pill; taking 1200 ml of clacium with vitamins d and k, taking magnesium and excercising regularly. I understand why I have this condition and have no one to blame but myself for not preventing it but I want to do the right thing now so it doesn't become worse. Any advice?

CrohnieToo · 10-17-2005, 07:42 AM

This is not as life-shattering as you may feel it is right now. I certainly can understand your concern and you are starting on the right course. Does your exercise involve weight bearing exercises? You might want to consider asking your doctor about any Physical Therapy sessions available specifically for osteoporosis and if he would script them for you and if your specific health insurance will cover them. In our area, once you've been thru the scripted sessions you can continue on with them using their equipment for $25 a month. Once you've completed them you've learned the best exercising for osteoporosis and can continue them at home plus at the local Y or wherever for the exercise equipment you dont' have if you so desire. You should also discuss with your doctor whether the Miacalcin nasal spray would be any benefit or if you should be considering Fosamax or Actonel. If you aren't comfortable with his/her recommendations you could ask for a referral to an Endocrinologist (if a referral is needed) as many times Endos are the best specialty for treating osteoporosis. Or, if there is an osteoporosis clinic in your area you might feel more comfortable going to or being referred there. IF you opt for another DEXA scan be sure to have it done at the same facility. It makes for better comparisons. This isn't the end of the world. Good luck and God bless.

aknox · 10-17-2005, 07:17 PM

Thank you for the information! I really appreciate it.

spinewhine · 10-18-2005, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aknox

I am only 36 and have been diagnosed with osteopinia (sp?). My gynocologist reccomended a bone density screening after my 35th birthday because I have been on depo provera since 1991. I was under the impression that it was for a base line score to monitor bone density as I aged so I didn't follow up on the results. The lab didn't send the results to my gynocologist so it wasn't until this last week (a year later) that my results were looked at. My bone density results were a 2.4 in my spine. I have been taking depo for the past year and have not been treating this condintion. I am frightened now that my condition might have become worse but my doctor doesn't seem bothered. Should I pursue another bone density screener? Would teatments be different? I am switching my birth control to a pill; taking 1200 ml of clacium with vitamins d and k, taking magnesium and excercising regularly. I understand why I have this condition and have no one to blame but myself for not preventing it but I want to do the right thing now so it doesn't become worse. Any advice?

I'd say don't panic. While a lot of us here are older, some of us have considerably worse scores and have no discomfort and haven't had any fractures. Wouldn't hurt to see an endocrinologist to see whether you should be considering prescription medication in addition to the calcium and vitamins. Weight bearing exercise is also important.

I learned about the book "The Myth Of Osteoporosis" on these boards (written by Gillian Sanson). It's her theory that osteoporosis is overdiagnosed and that low bone density should not in itself constitute the disease (or necessarily be medicated). She thinks some people just have low bone density and that it's not a problem. Definitely worth reading. I am on Forteo because I freaked when I heard that my bone denisty was -3.5 in the spine and I was afraid of compression fractures. I hadn't read the book at that time and I don't know that I would have done anything differently, but it's good to explore different viewpoints and options.

Best of luck whatever you do.

spinewhine · 10-18-2005, 05:07 PM

There are a number of younger people on these boards with low bone density too. You can read through the threads to see what they have done. Everybody on these boards is very supportive and it's a calming thing to just see how everybody handles these matters and holds up.