Recently diagnosed with osteoporosis and I am terrified

I hope you’ve done some research on osteoporosis to know what it is. It’s not as bad as you think it is. After all there are approximately 10 million people in the U.S. with an additional 44 million having low bone density. The vast majority of us are living life.

I, too, was in depression after my diagnosis exactly a year ago. I saw a personal trainer who scared the living cr*p out of me. She told me to not bend over, how to change the way I vacuumed…..! I talked to my MD, and my endo and they were, like, she’s nuts!

I have been drinking a lot of milk, avoiding spinach and almonds and foods with calcium blocking oxalates. I take algae cal vitamins, and I MOVE my body. I run, I walk, I am lifting more weights (I stayed with a DIFFERENT PT and learned correct techniques) I don’t do crunches and yoga forward falls and chest flies.

I stated taking fosamax 3 months ago. My Dr knew my upset so agreed to have a follow up DEXA after only a year. I improved! My arm is still bad (-3) but, frankly, I’m super skinny and small boned. Most importantly, my spine improved 5%! My hip is -2.4.

I will warn you that people mean well on this forum but they can be super gloom and doom (otherwise they wouldn’t be on a forum if their meds are great, etc). Don’t be discouraged by reading all that. I have had zero problems with fosamax except impatiently waiting thirty minutes for my coffee.

One year later and I don’t dwell on it it I was super sad a year ago. You’ll be fine! XO

@nannygoat5 this is probably the most encouraging thing I've seen since I was diagnosed. Thank you!

I can relate to this post. I am also 62 and just last week received my bone density test results saying I have osteoporosis. I have yet to meet with my GP to go over my test results. Does your GP typically refer you to a specialist? What questions should I be asking my doctor?

I was totally shocked with this diagnosis and also am getting in my head fearing the worst for my future years. I’d love hearing from others on what happens during your initial diagnosis and how you moved forward including any issues you had with meds and life style changes, which types of doctors you trust in your treatment. Thanks in advance

@lanig yes, my GP referred me to an endocrinologist, who got me scheduled for Evenity injections. I just went along with what she said because I didn't know what else to do. I have since learned that many people say you can build your bones back up with good diet and exercise, but I really don't think that's true in my case. I have had a good diet and been a regular exerciser for many, many years. If it didn't work for me up to this point, I don't think it's going to work for me now. Think if I am going to improve my bone density, it's going to have to be through medication.

@lanig yes, my GP referred me to an endocrinologist, who got me scheduled for Evenity injections. I just went along with what she said because I didn't know what else to do. I have since learned that many people say you can build your bones back up with good diet and exercise, but I really don't think that's true in my case. I have had a good diet and been a regular exerciser for many, many years. If it didn't work for me up to this point, I don't think it's going to work for me now. Think if I am going to improve my bone density, it's going to have to be through medication.

I can relate to this post. I am also 62 and just last week received my bone density test results saying I have osteoporosis. I have yet to meet with my GP to go over my test results. Does your GP typically refer you to a specialist? What questions should I be asking my doctor?

I was totally shocked with this diagnosis and also am getting in my head fearing the worst for my future years. I’d love hearing from others on what happens during your initial diagnosis and how you moved forward including any issues you had with meds and life style changes, which types of doctors you trust in your treatment. Thanks in advance

@sueinmn thank you so much for your helpful reply!
I am under the care of an endocrinologist and I will be starting Evenity in December.
I am also starting mental health counseling in a couple weeks, with a practitioner who specializes in the challenges of aging. I'm looking forward to that!

@drterri Hi. I'm on here trying to learn from others since my diagnosis of osteoporosis last April. I've never heard of a mental health counselor who specializes in the challenges of aging. That's so wonderful to know people exist like that out there to help us navigate life as a senior. I'm not sure what year your post was, as they don't seem to be putting the year on it, but if it's in 2025, I wish you well! I hope she or he is very helpful to you. I'm on the young side of being a senior. This has been my first year of being 65, (new to Medicare), and will turn 66 in December. But since then, I've had one too many health surprises that relate to getting older in some way -- and it's been rough. I can totally see how a specialist in helping others cope with the challenges of aging would be extremely helpful! How is the Evenity working out? Any side effects? The counseling?