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New to Osteporosis: Questions, support and tips
Good morning everyone! This is my first post. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis about a year ago and my bone density test changed from 2 to 3.2. I have no medication that I am taking, but my doctor is going to put me on some thing once a month. Also recommend 1000 MG of vitamin D and 1000 MG of calcium. I’m a cancer survivor x2, and have fought for my health and active lifestyle which revolves around horses. I’ve been warned to quit riding and I spiraled into depression. One fall and back will break. I plan to ride at least one more year, but am I being totally stupid? I’ve ridden my entire life, it’s as natural to me as anything. I quit galloping a few years ago but still ride and camp on the Pacific Crest Trail. I’ve finished CA, and started Oregon. Should I let go of it now or wait a year or? Thanks everyone, it sure helps to have support here. I wish all of you well!!
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Hello,
I was diagnosed with osteopenia about 5 years ago. I also have multiple sclerosis, and was just diagnosed with osteoporosis. I'm just discouraged, and I know that the biggest healer for things is to have a community of people that I can relate to. That's what I'm hoping to find. So I've started here. There's been a lot of trauma in my life over the past 8 years not going to go into details though. For the most part, I have a very positive attitude. And I used to work out on the regular, but really got off track during the pandemic stuff. I would just like any encouragement or advice regarding what people here do as far as exercise for their osteoporosis. I can't do what I used to do, and I get discouraged by that, because I often blame myself for not keeping up with things. And I know that won't help, like my daughter always tells me, "don't talk about it, be about it."
I'm still very young only 59. I did start walking again yesterday which is a good start. Pat myself on the back. LOL so I guess that's where I'll start with 10 minutes a day and work up to more. Thanks for listening. I hope you all have a great day. Jennifer
@drcvs Beautiful picture! I am acquainted with a few mustangs that my sister has and they are beautiful, but I don't want to trot when riding. My spine prefers a gaited horse. I bought a small (14.2) younger one 2 years ago who is now 8 and he came very well trained. He's a sweetheart. He does have some amazing abilities, and I've seen him jump into the air like a Lipizzaner. He's very playful and somewhat annoying to the other horses.
Jennifer
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3 ReactionsHi Jennifer, lovely horse! They just heal your heart!
I’m on Synthroid for hypothyroidism, since radiation destroyed my thyroid. My levels are tested every six month. (Every three right now since I started Boniva yesterday). The Boniva side effects, upset tummy, sudden diarrhea, continue today. Guess I won’t saddle up!
Your suggestion for a mini is great! I thought about that a few times, but I live in mountain lion country. I’ve already had neighbors lose ponies, and goats. I am considering moving and downsizing. The place I’m looking at would be perfect for a mini. ☺️
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2 Reactions@drcvs Thank you for your reply. The 4 parathyroid glands and 1 thyroid gland are separate glands located near each other in the neck. The thyroid controls metabolism, and the parathyroid controls deposition of minerals in bones. I take thyroid hormones too. The danger is when one or more parathyroid glands goes bad unnoticed and is pulling calcium out of your bones. My mom had a couple of parathyroid glands removed and during surgery, they were testing blood for changes to figure out if they had removed the malfunctioning ones. These are located in the front of the neck right under the voice box, so it is an easy to reach place for surgery and a quick recovery.
I understand the cougar issue. I used to live in southern CA and would hear them scream. There is a place that breeds minis near me and they have gorgeous little paints, appaloosas, paint appaloosa mixes in addition to regular colors. I have visited there and played with the foals some years ago. That was fun. I sent the link to the farm to you in a message. It's fun to look!
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1 ReactionMy endocrinologist said I should be taking 800 to 1000 units of Vitamin D3 daily and try to get 1200 mg of calcium either in your diet or as a supplement. My Vitamin D level was 46 before I began trying to add more Vitamin D through diet and supplements. I live in Northern Vermont where we don't get much sun but I am outside as much as I can be.
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4 ReactionsWell Jennifer, you reached out and I have one of one thousand answers: Water Exercise! Harvard Medical recently published a paper about the benefits of exercising in the water with two leading the list: first exercise in the water helps preserve your joints; and, water resistance doesn't hurt and does build muscle.
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3 ReactionsHello Jennifer! We all can relate to your frustration and discouragement over receiving this diagnosis especially when it's piled atop another diagnosis. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis at 57 and at the same time, a Hashimoto's diagnosis which was a second autoimmune disease for me. It was a gut punch to me. After I took a deep dive into shock, dismay and sadness, I scraped myself off the floor and decided I had to take control of what I could because obviously, even though I led a very healthy lifestyle, there was much that was out of my control. So, that would be my suggestion to you...shift your thinking to embrace what is in your control and start small. Walking is a great start so keep up the good work and try to create a daily habit if you can. Once that becomes a regular routine for you, you can try and add something else like lifting light weights and core exercises. Hopefully, you will become stronger and feel a little better which is a great encouragement to continue and progress. When I was first diagnosed, I was pretty fit but my core was weak and I was having back problems. I went to a physical therapist who taught me how to exercise safely with osteoporosis. He showed me a particular core exercise and I just couldn't do it. Not even a singe rep. But I kept trying and now I do 400 every morning! Now, I'm not saying you should strive for that number or anything near it but know that each step you take will move you forward and make you stronger. With practice, attention and building up slowly, you can get to a place where you have a regular exercise routine that becomes a normal part of your day.
Along with your walking, you might want to check out videos at Melio Guide to acquaint you with safe exercises for osteoporosis.
https://melioguide.com/?s=exerciseI also want to say that exercise and a healthy diet alone did not help me stave off the progression of osteoporosis and ultimately I had to also go on medication. Sometimes we have to look at all of tools available to us and decide for ourselves what makes sense individually to set us up for our best outcome.
Wishing you well on your journey to improving your strength and health!
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2 ReactionsThank you! I don’t know what my vitamin D levels are. I need to get that checked. Thanks for your help, I wish you well!!
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1 ReactionThanks for this link. Quite informative!
Thank you for that information. I too have vitamin D deficiency and I live in California. I grew up in Minnesota where everyone had vitamin D problems. I remember I had to take cod liver oil as a kid which is a natural source of vitamin D. I am going to start that again, and I found one online that should not taste as bad so am sending that info.
https://www.vitacost.com/nordic-naturals-arctic-d-cod-liver-oil-lemon-8-fl-oz
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3 Reactions