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Recently diagnosed with osteoporosis and I am terrified
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!
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Getting old is tough. I had an infusion of Reclast. Worked well. Only once a year. My dexa is good again.
Do not be afraid. Osteoporosis is a disease that can be managed well.
The spine numbers can change quickly for the better, so concentrate on the femoral numbers and how best to change them. Because of the nature of the femoral bone, it just takes longer to grow and change for the better.
There are lots of ways to attack this problem, and your doctor will discuss them with you. You need to stay active and positive.
I was diagnosed with osteoporosis years ago; I am now in normal bone territory with good bone quality, as per my dexa with TBS performed just a few days ago.
I use strontium citrate, BHRT and all the usual suspects of exercise and good bone health. I have had no fractures and no side effects from my chosen treatment. My endocrinologist told me to change nothing before he released me years ago telling me that I did not need him anymore.
Osteoporosis should not significantly change your life.
Happy New Year my friend!
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6 Reactions@kathleen1314 thank you so much for your encouraging words! This really helps me feel more confident and hopeful! Happy New Year to you too!
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3 Reactions@kathleen1314 How much strontium citrate do you take a take? Did your endocrinologist have any comments or opinions on using this? Also, since you say your osteoporosis is now normal, why do you still take it along with the BHRT? Thanks.
I take the dose of strontium citrate that research has shown to work as a therapeutic dose level for osteoporosis treatment. 680mg daily.
My endocrinologist told me to change nothing when he released me telling me that I did not need him any more. Endocrinologists will rarely prescribe strontium, but I have never known one to tell a patient who is having good dexa/TBS reports or has stopped fracturing after starting strontium to stop taking strontium citrate.ESpecially now with the TBS reports and REMS reports showing good bone quality to go with the good dexa reports of strontium users.
That is an interesting question: "since you say your osteoporosis is now normal, why do you still take it along with the BHRT".
My answer is that... I take strontium citrate and BHRT for bone and body health not to cure a disease, maybe for bone/body health to help prevent a disease/s and keep me healthy. I take strontium citrate and BHRT for the same reason that I continue to make sure that I get enough calcium, have enough weight bearing exercise, eat healthy and do all the things that I do for my health.
I think that my track record and my bone tests say that it seems to be working and as my endocrinologist said, I should change nothing.
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