Recently diagnosed with osteoporosis and I am terrified

Posted by drterri @drterri, Nov 3 9:03am

Hi, I was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis in my spine and hips about a month ago and I am now living in fear. I feel like I'm made of glass and I'm afraid to move. I walk around stiffly, afraid to bend, afraid to twist, stepping carefully to avoid falling, scared to drive or ride in a car in case I get in an accident. Note that I am actually doing everything I need to do (taking care of myself and my house, working full time, going out with friends) but I am doing it all in a constant state of anxiety. Every so often I go down a very dark path, mentally, and decide it would be better to just end it before it gets worse. I have been able to talk myself out of it every time, thankfully, by thinking about how sad my family would be without me. Will I be able to get past this and live my life without fear again? I'm 62 and figure I have another 20+ years on this earth. I have been looking forward to spending my final years peacefully, enjoying life but at this rate, that isn't going to happen. Any positive stories or encouragement would be much appreciated!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

ladybugnc | @ladybugnc | 5 days ago

At my doctor’s visit when I was diagnosed, I just fell apart and started crying. And my doctor said in a stern voice, I have not told you that you have cancer so you need to realize this is something you can handle. And I stopped crying and decided I will control it, it will not control me. That was 20 years ago. Diagnosed at 50. I exercise, I walk, I’m careful of my steps, I take Fosamax weekly and I am thankful for each day.
So my advice to you, get yourself together and take control. Don’t let it control you.

daisy17 | @daisy17 | 4 days ago

In reply to @tonilynn "@drterri -You mention "fantastic Dr. Lisa group." How can I check out/join Dr. Lisa group?" + (show)

@tonilynn
Dr Lisa Moore has a lot of videos and informative posts on Facebook.

beccac | @beccac | 4 days ago

In reply to @normahorn "@drterri My new endocrinologist Is probably upset with me but I don't care. When she saw..." + (show)

@normahorn Not getting the docs mad at you is such a weary trick isn't it? You need them and don't want to get pegged as noncompliant because then they'll just get dismissive, but you don't want to be bulldozed either. I'm new to osteoporosis but my primary (I'm switching) really really wanted me in panic mode. I don't make big medical decisions without research and much thought - experience working as a hospice taught me to value quality of life, so many pts regretted miserable treatments. I'm panicking a little anyway, but trying to stay steady and gather my own research and hold steady until I've seen everyone I need to see. It helps that it takes forever to get appts in the system I'm in, actually. Panic = readier compliance and not a lot of time talking things over, I think that's why they push so hard for on the spot decisions. I think you have the right idea.

drterri | @drterri | 3 days ago

In reply to @ladybugnc "At my doctor’s visit when I was diagnosed, I just fell apart and started crying. And..." + (show)

@ladybugnc that's exactly what I decided to do!!! Every morning when I wake up, I say to myself, "I am not a victim." I'm living my life just like before, only with a bit more awareness. Your advice is great, maybe the best anyone could ever receive!

kris1130 | @kris1130 | 3 days ago

In reply to @momamia "The best thing you can do is move and excersize. Walking, bike, light weights. The more..." + (show)

@momamia LOVE LOVE LOVE your positive attitude. With so much going on in your health and you push yourself, stay positive and are making the best of your life. YOU GO LADY!!!

adam08 | @adam08 | 3 days ago

You are young. Osteoporosis is a terrible label for us but there is so much we can do to increase bone loss. Get an endocrinologist, and a dietician too for starters to discuss the best ways to increase bone health. After one year on Tymlos I have increased my bone strength in both my hip and low back. You can do that too. Also get into physical therapy or a gym to begin an exercise program to strengthen your bones. Lastly, I think you need to get a therapist to assist you with the depression you are feeling. An SSRI or other medication may be helpful to improve your optimism about life and moving forward. Osteoporosis is not a death sentence only a wake up call. Stay positive. I am 82 and happy managing my osteoporosis and ability to engage in life.

dbivins | @dbivins | 2 days ago

At 62 I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. I had osteoperosis and was already taking Prolia. The chemo and radiation and Letrozol are all hard on your bones. I began taking Bone-Up, a Bovine Calcium instead of the Caltrate I had been taking. My Dexascan after all the treatments was -4 in most areas. Two years later, after taking the recommended does of Bone-Up and Collagen Peptides I am back to osteopoenia in most areas. I discovered that the Caltrate comes from stone and builds up in your arteries, but the Bone-Up Calcium does not. I eat dark chocolate, lots of different nuts and avocado and use olive oil instead of butter when possible. I paid to have a heart calcification Cat Scan in 2019. My % was 46% which was average for my age. I recently had another heart calcification test ($110 out of pocket and so worth it!) and my % was 1%. I think the Bone-Up helped with that as well.

nycmusic | @nycmusic | 2 days ago

In reply to @dbivins "At 62 I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. I had osteoperosis and was already taking..." + (show)

@dbivins very interesting..thanks ! I had CRC last year and a year later, OP diagnosis …doc advised me to start with carefully researched supplements, OP guided PT, walking, exercise in general as long as I can tolerate it, and a few dietary adjustments…doc felt that after all that goes with CRC, strong OP meds are not best for me, especially now. Will check out Bone-Up….presently trying New Chapter.