New to Osteporosis: Questions, support and tips

Wow!! You’re inspiring me! I’ll have to check into the international agility. My 16 year old mare I will never give up, but the two year old “wild” mustang I’m not sure. She’s absolutely wonderful and calm as a cucumber. She’s bonded beautifully with my menagerie of animals. But I need a two year old like a hole in the head. Thanks for everything you shared, you’ve given me much more to consider. I’m sorry your husband is going through cancer too! I wish you both the best!

@maggieb892 This is great information to share for @drcvs . I was going to suggest getting the parathyroids checked. My mother had a parathyroid problem that was pulling calcium out of her bones for years while she was on Fosamax. She developed severe osteoporosis and has had spontaneous fractures occur. I was at her house helping put groceries away when her foot broke which I think was spontaneous because she did not trip; she just fell over on her side, hit the floor and her pelvis broke in 3 places. This lead to 3 months in a rehab nursing home. A few years later, there was a spontaneous spinal compression fracture that happened without falling. She was referred to an endocrinologist who specializes in osteoporosis, and she said that with a parathyroid problem like hers, the 10 years of Fosamax wasn't helping and was not the best way to treat her condition. This might be something to consider in getting an opinion with an endocrinologist instead of a primary care physician because they look at this in more detail. My mom is 93 now and the foot/pelvis fractures happened 8 years ago. The endocrinologist did monthly injections of Evenity for a year that she has just completed. The best choice would have been daily injections of something else, but because she doesn't drive, the monthly program was begun instead because no one lives close enough to drive her to an appointment every day.

FYI, I love horses too and own a small Tennessee Walker. I am a spine surgery patient, and trail riding helped me recover in healing from a cervical fusion. I share your love and inspiration for horses, and I loved the picture you posted. That says it all. I do always wear work boots with toe protection in case of getting stepped on. One time my older horse (on my avatar picture) didn't want to cross a tiny creek and I was leading him from the ground. Then he jumped it and his hoof landed right next to my foot, and I realized what a risk I had taken. Have you thought about being closer to the ground with a mini horse with a cart and driving? You can do that on some trails, but not the hilly ones. I haven't done that, but they are so gosh darn cute!

@drcvs Wouldn't the chores in taking care of horses help your bones because it is weight bearing exercise? (In addition to medications of course) I do them too as payment for board for my horse.

Hi 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. ☺️

Your doctor ONLY recommended 1,000 vitamin D3? First of all, your doctor needs to do 25- hydroxy D test to measure your levels. You could be very deficient. My doctors recommend 4,000 MG a day, taken with a meal containing healthy fats.

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

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

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

My 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.