Weak bones

Welcome @lenore.
Let me introduce you to a few members. First meet @sma1952 @hosta @popolopo who have had a hip replacement and may be able to tell you what it is like and help with your concerns and questions. Also I recommend reading this discussion on Connect called "Treating osteoperosis" http://mayocl.in/29cSR8d where you'll meet @heritage1955 @mohavegal @susandockter @lesleighjarrett @dolan and others.

Lenore, have you been diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis? How did the doctor explain "weak bones" to you?

I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis. It wasn't explained. The doctor told me I had a strong spine but have weak bones.

Hi, @lenore. My wife went through a situation similar to yours a few years ago. She was initially diagnosed with osteoporosis, but that was scaled back to osteopenia. She took Fosamax for many months, before learning that this drug (a bisphosphonate) doesn't rebuild bones, but slows down their deterioration, and has troubling side effects. So her primary care physician took her off the drug. Another bone density test suggested that the medication hadn't been much help anyway.

Was your doctor's diagnosis of "weak bones" based on a recent bone density test?

It was from a MRI and hip and pelvic x-rays.  Thanks for your information <br><br>

Hi Lenore, I'm not a good one to ask about a hip replacement! But..I also have many things wrong with my back, so that might be a reason that I'm having trouble with the hip. I also have osteoporosis. Yesterday I had a hip aspiration and today I had a bone scan. I hope to have some answers next thursday. Good luck to you!

Hi @lenore, @colleenyoung and @predictable have already shared some great information. I wanted to build upon it to share that it might be worth giving your doctor a call to ask for more information about the diagnosis, perhaps to review your test results, as well as learn more about what you can do next and what they recommend. For example, it might be helpful to ask things like:

What foods can I eat to help prevent fractures?
What kinds of physical activity can I do to help strengthen?
What steps can I take to help prevent falls and injuries?
Am I currently taking any medicines that cause bone loss?
How much calcium and vitamin D do I need each day?
How can I get enough calcium?
Do you suggest I see other specialists?
If I have osteoporosis, what are my treatment options?

These are from HealthFinder.gov: https://healthfinder.gov/healthtopics/category/doctor-visits/talking-with-the-doctor/preventing-osteoporosis-questions-for-the-doctor

Mayo Clinic also has a great list for speaking with your doc about osteoporosis that includes things like asking about physical therapy: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/diagnosis-treatment/preparing-for-appointment/ptc-20207870

The NIH also has info about osteoporosis that might be starting point for your own reading and preparing for that conversation with your doc: http://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/bone/osteoporosis/osteoporosis_hoh.asp#8