Does the anxiety or fear of this prognosis ever get better?

Posted by rudysmom @rudysmom, 2 days ago

Maybe it’s just me, but since my diagnosis a few weeks ago my anxiety is through the roof. I made appointments with 2 different Endocrinologist and I have my first appointment tomorrow, hoping it will help put me at ease. As soon as I wake up in the morning it’s the first thing I think of or even in the night if I wake up to roll over. The information is so overwhelming do this not that, then you’ll read something saying the total opposite. The statistic of 1 out of 2 women will get a fracture is mind numbing. I feel like I’m doomed no matter what I do. Every time I get a twinge in my back I now think, here we go. I’m 60 and have no other health problems and take no medications, yet. I exercise every day now and listen to books on tape to get mind focused on something else. I’m not afraid to do the work, just afraid of the future outcomes, which I know I can’t control, but anxiety and fear have their own ideas.

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

gravity3 | @gravity3 | 1 day ago

In reply to @maryandnans "I felt the same way I found BRICK HOUSE BONES on Facebook. Dr. Lisa Moore is..." + (show)

@maryandnans

She will be on the OsteoBoston presentation tonight April 7 at 7 pm est. If you miss it, they will post it on the OsteoBoston YouTube channel sometime later.

gracierose | @gracierose | 1 day ago

Going through same as you described!!! It is overwhelming sometimes and difficult to process…keep pushing thru and know you’re not alone!

daisy17 | @daisy17 | 1 day ago

Yes, it does get better. It helps to remind yourself that bones change very slowly. So you have time to do research on medications, supplements, exercise and other things that can help.

For example, in Japan they prescribe high doses of Vitamin K in the forms of MK-4 and MK-7, which show promise in improving bone density with little to no side effects. I just posted a discussion on this today in this support group. I am taking two forms of Vitamin K in high doses: 180mcg Menaquinone-7 (MK7) - TrueVantage brand and 45,000 mcg (45 mg) of vitamin K2 (menaquinone-4) - Life Extension K2 High Potency brand

bswpb | @bswpb | 1 day ago

It’s disconcerting for sure and I opted to take meds this time because I have had multiple fractures all due to accidents of one sort or another and am hoping the meds will prevent more fractures. It will make you crazy if you dwell on it too much. The decision to take the meds was agonizing for me because of the side effects. I finally just put my faith in the fact that God is in control and for the most part go about my life without stressing over it. Sometimes it’s not easy but I think it gets better. All you can do is do your best. Try to eat right, exercise, take meds if you choose or go a natural route. I know people that have had good results with natural protocols but it requires lots of supplements that are costly, eating well and being diligent about exercise. I take meds and supplements and try to eat healthy and exercise best I can. It’s a struggle! You can do it!

deborahla | @deborahla | 15 hours ago

This is a very perceptive question. I think everyone has fear when they first find out they have this. I found out a long time ago but just kind of forgot about it as it was mild; then it got worse over time and I was afraid of themes due to side effects others experienced. But at some point I decided to try to meds so I could have a better rest of my life without fracture and hopefully, disability. I did think about it a lot still but gradually I forgot about it again most of the time. I took Evenity last year and had 1 IV of reclast in March. I don't have to do any more treatments for a year so I am not really thinking about it or fearful anymore. Evenity did help quite a bit and I am glad I did it. You will find it will get easier as you go along. Also realize that many, many women go through this and have (my grandmother and mother both had it). You are not alone and it is a part of aging many have to deal with. But I consider that it is not the worst disease anyone could have by a long shot.

deborahla | @deborahla | 15 hours ago

Correction to post" I was afraid of the MEDS (not themes).

njx58 | @njx58 | 15 hours ago

Many people have osteoporosis (or heart disease, or any number of issues) and don't even know it because they've never had a test. At least we have the opportunity to deal with it head-on.

lpalbert27 | @lpalbert27 | 14 hours ago

In reply to @deborahla "This is a very perceptive question. I think everyone has fear when they first find out..." + (show)

@deborahla
This is an interesting post. It’s overwhelming to feel like your body is crumbling in real time.

I’d love to know your age, if you’ve had side effects with Evenity and how much progress you achieved.

I’m also at a point, 1 year in to diagnosis, where I am considering the drugs. Can you explain the Reclast protocol following Evenity and whether you expect to be on some sort of drug indefinitely.

So much information to consider, and seemingly no clear cut answers.

deborahla | @deborahla | 14 hours ago

I am 72. I had no side effects with Evenity. No side effects (so far) with Reclast. I asked for Reclast to be given over 1 hour with a saline flush along side it. I took Tylenol 650mg 30 minutes before and 1 antihistamine. I continued the Tylenol 4 times a day every 4. hours with meals and at bedtime for 3 days afterwards. After 2 more doses of IV Reclast once a year, depending on results I will have a drug holiday for several years (I don't know how many but I guess depending on DEXA results). Yes I expect some kind of treatment the rest of my life but don't know (I may not need anything at all). No way to know that now but I am okay with it now.