Recently diagnosed with osteoporosis and I am terrified

@lilac2025 I just posted this a couple weeks ago! That's too bad they aren't putting the dates on these. I had my first appointment with the therapist and it went well! This particular therapist does Zoom appointments, so theoretically you could see her if you wanted to! And yes, it just seems like it's one thing after another. Besides the osteoporosis, I also have neuropathy issues in my left leg and foot and I also had a tooth removed and a bone graft put in place! This happened before I was diagnosed with osteoporosis. I have heard that osteoporosis meds can badly interfere with bone grafts, so now I'm going to have to figure out what to do about that! I have not started the medication yet.

The best thing you can do is move and excersize. Walking, bike, light weights. The more you move the better. The more stress you give yourself the worst. I have been living with rheumatoid arthritis, osteo, osteoporosis, lung disease for 38 years and im 70. I e had multiple surgeries and take drugs for the rheumatoid. You need to stay positive. I go to the gym at least 3 days a week, I recently retired at 68 and I have a positive attitude. Don't be afraid, be pro active and do anything for your body that will help you feel better. I try everything.
Hope this helps.

I totally empathize, but I’m here to tell you, it gets better! I was scared, too, when I found out. I was more careful about everything. How I bent, how I moved — it’s all part of the shock before you ultimately adjust and adapt. Knowledge is empowering! I bought books on the subject, (at least 2-3) listened to experts I located on YouTube, such as Margie Bissinger, Sarah Mapes, Brick House Bones (Lisa Moore, physical therapist) - and there are so many others, such as Dr. Lucas. I went to a physical therapist to make sure my form at the gym was right. I was nervous about my workout at the gym!!! I’m over that now. Physical therapy gave me the confidence I needed. I recommend it! It truly does get better in how you feel and move in the world. And, my osteoporosis is NOT mild - but I’m not letting it take over my life & my mind. Strengthen those muscles which support the bones and help strengthen them. It’s all about not falling, so adding balance exercises will help. How are you doing now??? I was very upset when I found out. I felt very alone, too, because finding an expert in the healthcare system at least where I am, is like finding that “needle in a haystack”. My primary doctor (who is great), didn’t even know how to interpret the bone marker blood test, which I had to research and ask for on my own. That’s why I turned to Mayo Clinic for support because it’s easy to feel alone as you go through the maze of trying to get support and figure out how to help yourself. I’m glad you found this website, too! I hope you are feeling much better and not as scared now? Personally, I’m going a more natural route for the time being through diet & exercise with the support of my primary doctor for the next two years before I get another DEXA, but it’s a very individual decision on how to move ahead. I wish you well. Deep breaths. You’ll be okay! Hugs!

I totally empathize, but I’m here to tell you, it gets better! I was scared, too, when I found out. I was more careful about everything. How I bent, how I moved — it’s all part of the shock before you ultimately adjust and adapt. Knowledge is empowering! I bought books on the subject, (at least 2-3) listened to experts I located on YouTube, such as Margie Bissinger, Sarah Mapes, Brick House Bones (Lisa Moore, physical therapist) - and there are so many others, such as Dr. Lucas. I went to a physical therapist to make sure my form at the gym was right. I was nervous about my workout at the gym!!! I’m over that now. Physical therapy gave me the confidence I needed. I recommend it! It truly does get better in how you feel and move in the world. And, my osteoporosis is NOT mild - but I’m not letting it take over my life & my mind. Strengthen those muscles which support the bones and help strengthen them. It’s all about not falling, so adding balance exercises will help. How are you doing now??? I was very upset when I found out. I felt very alone, too, because finding an expert in the healthcare system at least where I am, is like finding that “needle in a haystack”. My primary doctor (who is great), didn’t even know how to interpret the bone marker blood test, which I had to research and ask for on my own. That’s why I turned to Mayo Clinic for support because it’s easy to feel alone as you go through the maze of trying to get support and figure out how to help yourself. I’m glad you found this website, too! I hope you are feeling much better and not as scared now? Personally, I’m going a more natural route for the time being through diet & exercise with the support of my primary doctor for the next two years before I get another DEXA, but it’s a very individual decision on how to move ahead. I wish you well. Deep breaths. You’ll be okay! Hugs!

@lilac2025 Oh my goodness; your comments are so helpful and encouraging! I am feeling a lot better since I wrote the original post, thanks to reading comments about what other people have done and how they're living a good life despite their diagnosis. I joined the group with Dr. Lisa and it's been fantastic. I started seeing a great physical therapist and she's convinced me that I can move without being afraid. I started seeing a mental health counselor who specializes in the challenges of aging. One thing I'm really lacking though, is knowledge about the various medicines, treatments, etc. I am scared to look into the details because I know I'll freak out over the side effects (I have generalized anxiety disorder and tend to be kind of a hypochondriac - if I hear about a side effect, I will experience it just because my brain tells me to - that's something else I'm working on). I don't even know my DEXA score because I'm afraid to know. Confronting those issues will come with time, I think!

@drterri -You mention "fantastic Dr. Lisa group." How can I check out/join Dr. Lisa group?