Newly Diagnosed and have some questions - Osteoporosis Message Board

sanjdill · 10-28-2005, 01:33 PM

I have just been diagnosed with Osteoporosis and was told by the doctor that according to my bone density test, I have the bones of an 80 year old - I'm only 63. He put me on Actonel as well as vitamins and calcium supplements. Said if I broke a bone I WOULD end up in the nursing home - which I am not ready for and it really shook me up. They have tested me for all kinds of things to see why I'm aging so quickly and nothing shows up yet. Is there anyone else out there who has been told this? I have good days and some days I just ache all over as if I have the flu. Having been a fairly active person and able to do what I want, this is very hard to comprehend.

Thanks for any input you might have.

peregrine · 10-28-2005, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sanjdill

I have just been diagnosed with Osteoporosis and was told by the doctor that according to my bone density test, I have the bones of an 80 year old - I'm only 63. He put me on Actonel as well as vitamins and calcium supplements. Said if I broke a bone I WOULD end up in the nursing home - which I am not ready for and it really shook me up. They have tested me for all kinds of things to see why I'm aging so quickly and nothing shows up yet. Is there anyone else out there who has been told this? I have good days and some days I just ache all over as if I have the flu. Having been a fairly active person and able to do what I want, this is very hard to comprehend.

Thanks for any input you might have.

One thing you might do is read the book The Myth of Osteoporosis

sanjdill · 10-28-2005, 02:04 PM

Thanks for your suggestion. I went to Amazon and ordered the book. From reading reviews of it, sounds like something I need to read.

CrohnieToo · 10-28-2005, 04:37 PM

Well, now, I'm 63. I also have osteoporosis. My 2003 lumbar T-score was -3.2 and my 2003 hip T-score was -2.8. It "ain't" good, but it also "ain't" the end of the world. I haven't let those T-scores slow me down or interfere w/my lifestyle to any degree. I still ride horses (I don't do a lot of trotting or cantering) as a for instance. Look, with osteoporosis you have to use some common sense but quite frankly your doctor has given you a very unnecessary scare. It is important that you remain active. Weight bearing exercise is very important and good for osteoporosis. The worst thing you can do is shut down and be afraid to do anything for fear of falling, etc. Just use some common sense; wear comfortable safe shoes, get out there and live your life.

jom257 · 10-28-2005, 04:45 PM

Hi,
I was also recently diagnosed with osteoporosis in my hips. I was told they are that of a 60-70 yr old. I am only 48. My doctor says I should be on Actonel, however, I read some horrific side effects on a site the other day and am very concerned. I am looking into alternative methods. I will let you know how I make out. Did your side effects of flu etc. start when you began the medication?