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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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@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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6 Reactions@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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1 Reaction@drterri
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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3 Reactions@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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5 ReactionsI 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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4 ReactionsHi, thanks for your comment. I found out a relative of mine uses Lifepro Vibration plate. Very cheap! I know Marodynes are expensive, but if you read the page on Martin's site, it mentions the gravity of the plate and other parameters. I'm not sure I can get the same parameters with the cheaper ones, but I should research. I am concerned about my retinas. They are fine, but not like a young persons. So I wonder if vibration plates would be safe for me. Martin covers that concern for the Marodyne plate on her site. She doesn't ever talk about any other brands. That doesn't mean Marodyne is the only good brand...but I need to feel that my eyes will be safe. I've searched the internet and have not found any reports of eye damage with low intensity vibration plates.
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5 ReactionsI've been taking AlgaeCal for many months now on the recommendation of my nutritionist. I've no idea if it's actually helpful in increasing calcium, but I'm quite certain that it doesn't "reverse osteoporosis."
Hello "Otherside"--- Regarding your using AlgaeCal for many months have you had a DEXA follow-up scan? I ask since you state that you're "...quite certain that it doesn't 'reverse osteoporosis". UCLA Health, May 10, 2021 issue ---"Calcium supplement AlgaeCal can increase Bone Density"-- notes:
"A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition in 2016 found that some people using the product did see an increase in bone density and that the product wasn’t associated with adverse health effects."
-- I'm new to taking AlgaeCal.
@gargoy --I have A "Lifepro Vibration" plate which just arrived. On Amazon's site (which I'm weaning myself from) in the questions 'answered' by AI, it's concluded that the Lifepro can be considered both low and high intensity. All depends on the setting we choose. Reportedly, there's little risk to our eyes at the low-intensity levels 1-10.
(At any rate, I will also ask my ophthalmologist.)
"Variable Intensity Levels:
Low Intensity: Speed settings 1-20 (many users mention using levels 1-10 for gentle therapy)
High Intensity: Speed settings up to 99 RPM for more intense workouts
What Makes It Adjustable:
99 different speed settings allow you to start very gentle
9 preset programs (P0-P9) with varying intensities
Remote control for easy adjustment during use
Customer reviews frequently mention starting at very low settings (speeds 1-5) for therapeutic use, lymphatic drainage, and recovery, then gradually increasing intensity for fitness goals. One reviewer specifically mentions using "level 1 at mid speed" for gentle lymphatic drainage."
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