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Recently diagnosed with osteoporosis and I am terrified

Posted by drterri @drterri, Nov 3 9:03am

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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drterri | @drterri | 1 day ago
In reply to @adam08 "You are young. Osteoporosis is a terrible label for us but there is so much we..." + (show)
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You are young. Osteoporosis is a terrible label for us but there is so much we can do to increase bone loss. Get an endocrinologist, and a dietician too for starters to discuss the best ways to increase bone health. After one year on Tymlos I have increased my bone strength in both my hip and low back. You can do that too. Also get into physical therapy or a gym to begin an exercise program to strengthen your bones. Lastly, I think you need to get a therapist to assist you with the depression you are feeling. An SSRI or other medication may be helpful to improve your optimism about life and moving forward. Osteoporosis is not a death sentence only a wake up call. Stay positive. I am 82 and happy managing my osteoporosis and ability to engage in life.

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@adam08 thank you so much! Since I posted this, I have improved my attitude so much, and encouraging words like yours have been so inspirational! I now have a PT and a therapist, as well as my GP and endocrinologist. I have decided to not be a victim of this disease and to live my best life 🙂

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drterri | @drterri | 1 day ago
In reply to @singingbones "The same thing happened to me--right before my family trip to Italy to meet extended family..." + (show)
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The same thing happened to me--right before my family trip to Italy to meet extended family for the first time. I felt paralyzed.

Pls watch this short video explaining the NOCEBO effect (feeds fear & hinders progress). Drs need to be more careful in how they word a prognosis:

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@singingbones thank you for the video! I find Dr. Lisa Moore's videos and Facebook page very helpful and encouraging.
My doctor didn't even give me my diagnosis. I got a phone call from a nurse or a technician or something; I don't even know. She announced, "You have SEVERE osteoporosis in your spine and you need to contact your doctor" and that was it. It was a Friday afternoon so I couldn't talk to my doctor until the following week. It was terrifying. Handled very poorly.

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adam08 | @adam08 | 1 day ago
In reply to @drterri "@adam08 thank you so much! Since I posted this, I have improved my attitude so much,..." + (show)
Profile picture for drterri @drterri

@adam08 thank you so much! Since I posted this, I have improved my attitude so much, and encouraging words like yours have been so inspirational! I now have a PT and a therapist, as well as my GP and endocrinologist. I have decided to not be a victim of this disease and to live my best life 🙂

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@drterri

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adam08 | @adam08 | 1 day ago

drterri
Wonderful news you have support for your diagnosis and that my words were helpful. It is a time to be grateful and I appreciate your letting me know I guided you in some way.

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singingbones | @singingbones | 1 day ago
In reply to @drterri "@singingbones thank you for the video! I find Dr. Lisa Moore's videos and Facebook page very..." + (show)
Profile picture for drterri @drterri

@singingbones thank you for the video! I find Dr. Lisa Moore's videos and Facebook page very helpful and encouraging.
My doctor didn't even give me my diagnosis. I got a phone call from a nurse or a technician or something; I don't even know. She announced, "You have SEVERE osteoporosis in your spine and you need to contact your doctor" and that was it. It was a Friday afternoon so I couldn't talk to my doctor until the following week. It was terrifying. Handled very poorly.

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@drterri - no wonder you went into a tailspin--that's totally unacceptable. My dr read off the statistics for premature death following a fracture. I understand that it's a statistical fact, but why is nothing offered except a bone drug? Why not a referral to a nutritionist, physical therapist and HRT dr?

I have made sure that my adult daughters are well informed on OP & how to be proactive in strengthening/challenging their bones. Hopefully the next generation won't have to fight this battle in the same way.

Thanks for the feedback

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gargoy | @gargoy | 1 day ago

I have found Margaret Martin's site Melioguide to be helpful: exercises for osteoporosis

Strength training helps to build bone.
I find it helpful to go to strength training classes at my gym.

Also check out low intensity vibration plates.
Marodyne may be a good brand, but do research.

Good luck!

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marcoye939 | @marcoye939 | 12 hours ago

You're not made of glass. Millions of people manage osteoporosis and live normally with proper treatment.
The dark thoughts you're having? That's a mental health crisis that needs immediate attention. Talk to your doctor both the bone density and the anxiety are treatable.

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