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Do I have osteoporosis? HELP

Posted , 5 users are following.

aburdette211
aburdette211

Ok here's the scoop. My bones hurt, which I was just diagnosed with osteoarthritis. .. anyways I have shrink from 5 ft 2.5 to 5 ft 1, just recently lost another half inch, was 5 ft 1.5 3 months ago. So my doctor had me take a bone density test on Oct 26. He made me a follow up in Dec but that was for just my regular check ups. I called Oct 31 or right around that 4 results and the nurse said she couldn't tell me cause the dr hasn't signed off on it. 2 days ago they called and ordered me to go to hospital for blood work to check my vitamin D and then come in on nov. 11th to see the doctor. Does that mean I do have osteoporosis?

THANKS

0 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • kathleen65757
    kathleen65757 aburdette211

    Posted

    You won't know for sure until you see your doctor.  I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis and a range of other back issues.

    I have lost some height similar to you.

    I have chosen not to take any of the medications though because of the side effects.

    Maybe do some research before you go to the doctor so you are armed with information and questions.

    Vitamin D is important as is calcium, K2 and magnesium.

    The more you know and understand the better in order to make an informed choice.

    Read everything on here then google for more information.

    Good luck.

    • aburdette211
      aburdette211 kathleen65757

      Posted

      It's just he said if nothing shows up I won't hear from them. Even if you touch my bones it hurts. I'm only 37 so I am freaking out a little. Lol

      Been researching vit D. I don't do alot calcium because dairy make me sick

  • kathleen65757
    kathleen65757 aburdette211

    Posted

    Also, there are other problems with the back that do not show up on the density scan.

    I had a ct scan and X-rays as well to highlight a number of other problems which do cause pain.

    The osteoarthritis does but problems with the discs and scoliosis do as well.

    Ask for extra tests to tell the whole story as osteoporosis is usually silent as far as pain is concerned.

     

  • Anhaga
    Anhaga aburdette211

    Posted

    It is horrible not knowing the results of tests.  If you have OP you have a choice to take the dangerous drugs (I agree with you, one does not want to be a bad statistic) or go with the natural way which includes calcium, vitamin D3 and other micronutrients (get advice from someone knowledgeable about the best bone health supplements) as well as exercise like tai chi, weight bearing (walking the most gentle) etc.  If it is not OP there will no doubt be other strategies for dealing with the condition.  Physiotherapy can be very helpful.  At your age you should not be taking the OP drugs as they can only be taken for a few years and the condition involves a lifelong investment in treatment.  Natural is better, although, as I am finding, time consuming.  Hopefully you will find a more empathetic medical caregiver soon and get your questions answered.
  • Juno-Irl-Dub
    Juno-Irl-Dub aburdette211

    Posted

    Aburdette, Don't get too worried. At least your doc. started in the right place - first of all do a bone scan. Up to now you haven't been told the results  but the next step (check Vit. D levels) is also right on the mark. This is - because at your young age - osteoporosis (OP) can be caused by very low vitD levels. There are other causes here also eg. past history of anorexia, coeliac disease, quirky diets, inflammatory bowel disease, RA, and others). Have you had any episodes of bad back pain over recent years? This again could be likned to OP but of course also to your arthritis.

    You mentioned your height reduction which COULD indicate OP also but, as Kathleen said, can be caused by other conditions . . (eg. scoliosis). 

    It is good that your doc. is so thorough (even though you think he's slow moving!). Believe me, that's a lot better than even without a scan patients are put on OP meds. and some of them finding out later that they didn't need them.

    By the way, because of your age, it is likely that IF you have OP and your doc. is to treat it with meds. it is most likely that you'd be prescribed hormone treatments to help prevent any fractures.

    Please don't worry too much 

     

    • Juno-Irl-Dub
      Juno-Irl-Dub

      Posted

      Sorry, I moved the laptop and managed to prematurely send off the above post!  

      Before your apt. Aburdette, read up eg, on the Mayo Clinic site about Osteoporosis so you'll be able to have some level of undetstanding of what the doc is saying and be able to ask questions. If you find the whole idea of the visit to be intimidating, then being along a sister or a friend who can also ask questions and who will also remember afterwards the bits of the discussion that you may have missed. It really helps . . 

      Good luck - and keep intouch.  J

    • aburdette211
      aburdette211 Juno-Irl-Dub

      Posted

      Thanks for your input, I have 8 doctors helping me on several health issue. The rheumatologist and primary doctors are working together on this current issue. Primary did the bone density test and sent it to my RA dr and they both ordered me several test on the same day, Primary sent ordered to check Vit D while my RA sent orders to check every autoimmune system out there. He diagnosed me last week with osteoarthritis and I been on steriods. Thinks I have RA also. Just fig since both sent me to hospital for more test same day they got the results in from the bone density test that something must of shown up
    • Juno-Irl-Dub
      Juno-Irl-Dub aburdette211

      Posted

      Aburdette, you have a few health concerns on your plate which must be difficult for you. But you have a competent team dealing with your problems. Just wait and see what turns up at your next apt. and then you can deal with it also.  OP certainly isn't the end of the world and there are various effective treatments as indeed there are for any other condition you may be diagnosed with.  . .  . . 

      Kind thoughts,  J

    • aburdette211
      aburdette211 Juno-Irl-Dub

      Posted

      Thanks, I definitely have some great doctors, I moved an hour away from home to be here by my doctors
  • eileen64__UK
    eileen64__UK aburdette211

    Posted

    Hi  I have OP but also osteo arthritis and scoliosis among other things.  My OP doesnt give me pain.....not unless it causes a fracture....its the OA that causes the pain.

    I wouldnt but so sure about steroids for OA especially at such a young age....they tend to thin your bones.

    But you seem to have a lot of doctors around you so heres hoping that they sort something out

    Love

    Eileen  UK

    • aburdette211
      aburdette211 eileen64__UK

      Posted

      Thanks Eileen64.. he put on steriods for just 2 weeks, but they made me sick and I thought my heart was gonna jump out my chest so I called him and he to stop them. So still waiting on him to call me in if he finds anything. In the mean time I will be going to my primary dr. Who did the bone scan and a week later has freaked me out sending me off for blood work 2 check my vitamin d. The only thing I like about shrinking Is getting on my rip toes to kiss me handsome husband who is only 5 ft 8 LOL. He use to be 5 ft 10, he has disc degeneration as I do, not sure I mentioned that, but his is from injury in iraq...hit but 2 road side bombs. He's a fighter, in so much pain he take morphine 2 times a day. We both have went down hill in the last 2 years with our health it's been very tough. I noticed while cuddling to a movie his heart was pounding and going fast.. well he went to dentist and his heart rate was 180 then went primary 2 days later and it was 112 then 130.. they did an ekg and it was abnormal so Monday and Tuesday we get to spend the day at Birmingham VA. Did I mention neither of us work.. we spend 3 to 5 days a week at doctors and he is only 36 and me 37. I want to grow old with this man. We have 6 kids between the both of us. 17,17,16,15,14 and 12. Pray 4 us 2 have strength. Thanks
    • kathleen65757
      kathleen65757 eileen64__UK

      Posted

      I also have mild scoliosis and arthritis as well as issues with two discs.

      I have come to realise that osteoporosis is not my main back problem.

      I do not take the drugs as they concern me too much and I could not bring myself to start.

      When they did X-rays and ct scans of my back nothing was mentioned about fragile bones which astounded my GP and myself.

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