New to Osteporosis: Questions, support and tips

Posted by drcvs @drcvs, Apr 21, 2023

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!!

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

Sarah:
Water therapy for me is just walking around the therapy pool. It is heated and there is a jet. But I have a burst compression lumbar I fracture along with damage to L1 thru L5 and S12. I can only stand for 5 minutes and I have to sit down. Getting in the water allows me to stand up to 45 mins on some days. The other things I do are leg lifts, squats, pretend that I am riding a bike and just moving my legs in the deep water. Both my regular doctor and surgeon to be like the idea that I am going there. I am very limited as to what I can do but I am sure that you could help others. --Diane Stanley

REPLY

Have you considered wearing body padding while you ride. I know they have hip protectors. There may be other padding options as well.

REPLY

Yes, I’m looking into protective vests.

REPLY
@mspatart

I just started Forteo which is giving me side effects but I have no choice for now. However, I have a friend who has used a supplement he puts in a smoothy daily which he credits for keeping his bone density in good shape in spite of taking massive doses of steroids for years. I am using it myself now so hope it will help preserve any improvements after I stop Forteo. This is the link:
https://smile.amazon.com/MRM-Nutrition-Maximizer-antibiotic-Gluten-Free/dp/B07DRTRVCZ?content-id=amzn1.sym.deffa092-2e99-4e9f-b814-0d71c40b24af&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_d_grid_rp_0_1_t

Jump to this post

I took forteo for one year. The treatment was for two years . After one year too much pain in my back so I quit forteo. Now I am not taking anything because I am afraid of side effect . The doctor is pushing me to take Prolia . But I prefer to eat good exercising and vitamin d3

REPLY
@betty2020

I took forteo for one year. The treatment was for two years . After one year too much pain in my back so I quit forteo. Now I am not taking anything because I am afraid of side effect . The doctor is pushing me to take Prolia . But I prefer to eat good exercising and vitamin d3

Jump to this post

@betty2020 I was told the most gains happen in the first year.

My doc says you have to take something else after Forteo or Tymlos or you lose your gains. It can be a bisphosphonate. If you do Reclast I was told after one infusion I could take a break if monitoring shows I am doing okay. You don't have to do Prolia.

REPLY
@dianestanley

Sarah:
Water therapy for me is just walking around the therapy pool. It is heated and there is a jet. But I have a burst compression lumbar I fracture along with damage to L1 thru L5 and S12. I can only stand for 5 minutes and I have to sit down. Getting in the water allows me to stand up to 45 mins on some days. The other things I do are leg lifts, squats, pretend that I am riding a bike and just moving my legs in the deep water. Both my regular doctor and surgeon to be like the idea that I am going there. I am very limited as to what I can do but I am sure that you could help others. --Diane Stanley

Jump to this post

Good start Diane! Do keep your fingers together, palms slightly cupped, and move your arms back and forth (at your comfort level).

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.