supplement problems

I gave up calcium supplements. It makes my stomach hurt - doesn’t matter how much water I drink after, eating a snack doesn’t help either. I do take 2000 iu of D. I’d take less but it’s hard to find a lower dose.

I have a rheumatologist at MD Anderson following me for bone issues and he said he’s fine with the calcium I get from food. Locally I have an endocrinologist- not sure she’s happy with my choice, but she doesn’t push calcium. I see her next week.

I eat non-fat Greek yogurt every day, at least once. I microwave some frozen blueberries (it makes them release sweet juice) and then mix in yogurt. I also put lemon juice, vanilla, and a little sugar - it tastes like cheesecake. Or I mix in stuff I’d put in an ice cream cup, a little choc, nuts, etc. they say the body absorbs vitamins from real food better.
My DEXA is pretty stable, although not making great gains- I guess it’s working.

I refuse osteoporosis meds. Calcium citrate doesn't seem to bother me but I take 500mg. and make up rest with diet. Vitamin D and collegan peptides daily. My dexa is also stable but my Dr. scares me. He said if I break a hip I'll be dead within a year. I'm very sensitive to med side effects and am refusing reclast infusions. I'm afraid of drug interactions since I already receive Entyvio infusions for ulcerative colitis. Do you know of any other natural steps to better bone health? I have bad feet but walk 30 minutes a day. Thanks.

I suggest exercising. I follow Dr.Lisa Moore at Brickhouse Bones on face book. She also has a you tube site with all exercises from beginners to experienced. I love it. I also work with a personal trainer.

I think your doctor should not have scared you about what happens after a broken hip. It depends on each individual; how old they are, how their body heals, any other underlying factors, etc. My mother is 90. She broke her hip in October; she is back doing her regular activities. She was walking (with a cane and slowly) after a week. Six months out, she is driving (to church, choir practice, supermarket), and is pretty much back to normal, although I now make sure she walks with a cane. The best thing we can do is to get our bodies stronger! My mother does exercises everyday, she is a positive person; I try to emulate her, especially after my osteoporosis diagnosis. Good luck to you!

@shelldct1 did you mom have surgery for her hip fracture? When my mother fractured her hip at 86 (broke her hip bone which stuck out, only covered by her skin) they would not do surgery on her because they thought she would not survive the surgery - but instead suggested to let her die with no food or water. I can’t get my head around that!

Yes, my mom had hip surgery. We brought her to the ER to the hospital closest to her house. They couldn’t operate on her there because she has underlying heart problems, and they didn’t have the expertise to deal with that. My mom was very fortunate to be transferred to Hartford Hospital in Hartford, CT. It is an hour away, but so so lucky to have been accepted there because it wasn’t until a few days later that I found out that they are one of the top cardiac hospitals in the US. She was operated on a few days later (she had a hip replacement) and she came out of surgery with no complications. She was able to walk (of course with a lot of encouragement and a little pain) the next day!!!
I can’t believe the suggestion they gave to your mother!! We knew there was a chance my mom might not survive the surgery; the doctor told us it was risky because of her heart, but better to try than be in pain forever. I hope your mom is doing well.

@shelldct1 did you mom have surgery for her hip fracture? When my mother fractured her hip at 86 (broke her hip bone which stuck out, only covered by her skin) they would not do surgery on her because they thought she would not survive the surgery - but instead suggested to let her die with no food or water. I can’t get my head around that!

I think your doctor should not have scared you about what happens after a broken hip. It depends on each individual; how old they are, how their body heals, any other underlying factors, etc. My mother is 90. She broke her hip in October; she is back doing her regular activities. She was walking (with a cane and slowly) after a week. Six months out, she is driving (to church, choir practice, supermarket), and is pretty much back to normal, although I now make sure she walks with a cane. The best thing we can do is to get our bodies stronger! My mother does exercises everyday, she is a positive person; I try to emulate her, especially after my osteoporosis diagnosis. Good luck to you!