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Younger than usual with severe osteoporosis
Osteoporosis & Bone Health | Last Active: Aug 21 6:28pm | Replies (55)Comment receiving replies
It is so nice to connect with you! I actually had been asking my doctor about scheduling my first DEXA for a few years now. I was concerned because of my mom's history. At the time, he had explained that it would be more informative if I waited until a year after menopause. In hindsight I should have just paid for it out of pocket. But he felt that having one at 50 was still considered earlier than usual. And with my low numbers, I clearly had low BMD even in my 40's when I still had estrogen. I do not believe I have ever had a fragility fracture (knock on wood!). But I recently had an x-ray of my spine, which I am waiting on results, because my primary doc detected scoliosis during my last check-up. So maybe that would show if I have had a fracture. I do often get muscle spasms and mid back pain...but have had that on and off since my mid 20's.
I'm sorry to hear that you have had a fracture. How are you feeling now? Are you still on Prolia? What has your experience been like on it? I have a Rheumatologist appointment for the end of June. I am going to to take this time to learn more so that I am prepared for that appointment. . I don't like to take meds for anything unless I really have to. But at our age and in our situation, there doesn't seem to be much choice. I completely agree with trying to do as much as you can naturally in hopes to strengthen and maintain bone. It is empowering to know that there are steps we can take to help our body along in this process. Do you follow any type of exercise plan? I watch Dr. Doug as well! There are so many great videos on YouTube! But it is so hard to know what can be helpful and what can possibly be harmful. Have you heard about vibration therapy? That looks promising....
Looking forward to chatting more...Wishing you well!
Replies to "Hi @hopefullibrarian, It is so nice to connect with you! I actually had been asking my..."
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@mdg224, You were far ahead of the curve and being proactive about your bone health when you started asking about getting a DEXA. Because your doctor actively delayed ordering your first DEXA, I'm curious to know what he had to say when you got the results.
My compression fracture left me with a permanent deformity. I still suffer with pain, though it's bearable. I'm currently doing my third round of physical therapy. Maybe the third time will be the charm.
I'm not on Prolia anymore. I'd only had one injection, and was just about to get a second when this support group popped up in a web search. All that I’ve learned since then led me to switch to Evenity. I've had four sets of injections. So far, it's going well--only some minor short-lived side effects. Last month, I had bone turnover markers tested, and my P1NP went from an 11 to 102.
For exercise, I do Dr. Lauren Fishman's 12 poses for osteoporosis, lots of walking, wall push-ups, yoga, stomping, heal drops, and squats. If the Onero program were available where I live, I'd sign up.
As you said, it's "so hard to know what can be helpful and what can possibly be harmful." From everything I’ve read, vibration therapy is safe if used correctly. Even if it doesn’t help your bones, I haven’t found anything that says it harms them. The best plates are expensive. If I could afford it, I would add it to my regimen. Have you had the opportunity to read what other forum members are saying about it? There's a conversation on the subject, that you may find informative: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/whole-body-vibration-for-osteoporosis/
Good luck with your appointment with the Rheumatologist. Definitely learn all that you can beforehand. I felt like I was cramming for a test before I saw my Endocrinologist, but it was worth it. I got so much more out of the conversation for it.