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I reversed osteoporosis without drugs
I had my bone quality test yesterday along with another bone density test. This was my third bone density test in 14 months.
My first bone density test was Nov 2021.
I started consulting with different doctors. If I must take meds I would. But I had to get to the truth.
The physician who appeared to know the most is Keith McCormick DC the chiropractor who got osteoporosis at a very young age and really understands it.
That first DEXA scan showed I had mild osteoperosis of the spine, within the margin of error.
So no McCormick said to take the CTX (blood) test and a few others.
CTX was good.
My CTX shows that the osteoclasts are not breaking down too much bone. therefore, my next bone density test shouldn’t show that that I am much worse.
I decided not to wait until 2 years for another scan and took
I took another bone density (aka DEXA) scan 10/2022 to see if that was true about the CTX.
My spine was actually better in that scan and it was now osteopenia.
My hip was a little worse bringing it outside the margin of error. McCormick said this was a tough call so I said to him why don’t I get a bone quality test (that he told me about) and I figured that will buy me a little time anyway lol.
Unfortunately, the bone quality test only measures the spine.
Since it’s unusual for your spine to get better and your hip to get worse, it made me think - what have I done differently since the last test? Why would my spine improve but not my hip? What is my spine doing that my hip is not?
I decided it had to be the Supernatural virtual reality exercise app that I exercise to (on the oculus quest VR helmet). Even though I am striking the air, there actually is resistance, and I push hard to hit it as powerfully as I can.
I decided to put weights on my ankles. Everything I read says weight training should be once or twice a week, and I certainly only did it once.
Back to yesterday and the bone quality (TBS) test and yet another bone density (DEXA) test.
My hip was back to where it was on the first test. This put me back inside the margin of error where I would not have to take medication
This demonstrated to me that the CTX score did in fact mean I'm not losing density quickly.
Yesterday's test shows that my spine continued to improve and my bone density score was no longerosteopenia. It was normal. My bone quality test was great. The tech really loved it and called me over to show me how I was completely in the green meaning It was normal which is a little unusual at my age, 74, altogether.
I may be wrong about supernatural helping.
I’ll probably take the DEXA again in six months because I am anxious to see how the hip does, and if it improves even more.
And if so, I’ll turn myself into a study. 😂
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My numbers on heart rate & blood sugar are from Apple Health App & my CGM is temporary & from Zoe so no alarm. Assuming they are accurate, I will tell my doctor, either next visit or first visit if I can find someone else. Do doctors take readings from these devices seriously? I have found a TBS an hour away but unless I can get my doctor to say it’s medically necessary I have to pay over $700 for it. I have no cardiologist & really have not taken these data too seriously but maybe I should. Thank you for your feedback!
Your low heart rate is definitely a concern. My cousin has rates like that overnight and sees docs who mention pacemaker! He also has sleep apnea.
If you don't have diabetes and are not on insulin, your body may raise your blood sugar from the 50's (does it?) but being low can affect your brain and health.
I hope you have a doctor you trust. Yes they take these devices seriously especially the CGM. You can wear a patch monitor to show them the low heart rate.
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3 ReactionsThat's not too bad. Thanks.
Ouch @debkincaid that's very high, I'm so sorry!!! Costs will vary state to state and, yes, if the Dr can justify why it's needed it should be covered. I always check with my insurance.
https://livewell.com/finance/how-much-does-a-dexa-scan-cost-without-insurance/
That’s very enlightening to read. Thank you for this link. I think I will wait until I can go to CO if my doctor won’t justify it. And will check with Medicare.
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1 ReactionPredisone weakens bones, for sure. Good luck!
My cardiologist takes Apple Watch seriously, so does pcp.
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1 ReactionInteresting….. My cardiologist doesnt like the apple watch. He prefers the basic Kardia. Says Apple has too many false readings. Im not sure about this. I have the kardia and it has served me well.
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2 ReactionsMy understanding is Insurance will only pay for a DEXA scan every two years. But you can have them yearly or more if necessary. The radiation is very mild and not worse that traveling cross country in a plane. You could have the DEXA yearly and pay for one, and then have the next covered by insurance. IMHO, two years is way too long not to know what's going on with your bones.
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4 ReactionsI too have improved my BMD without drugs. I'll add a chart to show you my progress. I retired at the end of 2018, and committed to daily exercise, alternating walking and weight training. I have improved my diet, but it's not perfect. I am taking no supplements. Last January my baby (62 yrs) sister died after getting Covid and it was a stressful year, and I think my most recent scores reflect that, although I still show improvement from my 2019 starting point in all but Total Hip, and they seem to have changed the way that is calculated?? Anyway. It is totally possible, but I think everyone is different. I wish docs were more willing to run tests to check for causes, rather than prescribing drugs without understanding body function, especially Osteoclast and Osteoblast function. Attaching my scores.
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