People diagnosed with severe osteoporosis around tscore of -3.5 or worse
Posted , 15 users are following.
Should people with severe osteoporosis take a different view and path than those dealing with osteopenia or borderline diagnoses?
For a start, my results make me anxious about falling and shape the way I live my life.
People with multiple diseases are also affected by a severe diagnosis because it is just one more issue to deal with!
I would like to have comments from people who are dealing with severe osteoporosis and especially those with multiple health issues to see if our problems are different from those with borderline osteopenia/osteoporosis.
3 likes, 91 replies
Aristotle13 kathleen65757
Posted
I've read all the post on this particular discussion and now realise how lucky I am, so far. I am 71, have osteoporosis, mainly in my left hip/femur which came up with a -3.5 on a dexascan. My doctor immediately prescribed alendronic acid which I took for five months. I had no pain with the OP but now have regular problems with a burnt oesophagus. This finally decided me on the 'natural' way although I'm not sure that taking all these pills is very natural. I am following the path laid out in The Book, with variations of my own choosing but mainly aiming for an alkaline diet. I was fairly fit before the OP was diagnosed and attend a gym three times a week doing quite a lot of low impact exercises, as well as taking two fairly long walks on the other days. I take a number of nutrient supplements including calcium, vits-d3, k2-7, B complex, folic acid, copper, zinc and I'm very careful not to have interaction problems. I also use soaked chia seeds with my cereal and am working on sprouting these as it increases the effects tenfold. I just hope that the taste is acceptable. I try most of the things that I've come across people using, but only if they are appropriate for me. I do have a variety of other problems although none of them are serious. I did have a suspected cardiac problem with one of the heart surface arteries but I got rid of that using common sense and not taking the s_____s that the docs wanted me to take. The Vit k2 should be able to take care of any residual problems in that respect. I intend to use my fitness and determination to beat this affliction - I don't treat it as a disease because there are no bacteria or virus involved and it seems that most OP is due to our western diet which is really poor compared with 60 years ago. I stay off processed foods whenever I can but sometimes my food intolerances leave me with little choice. I have blogged at length on the strong bones threads and will continue to do so every time I feel the need to pass on information or need to chat.
I have included a link and there are further links on that discussion and the others linked to it. I have reached the stage now where I can answer some questions but still have many that 'I don't yet know' the answers but am learning 'on the fly'
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/strong-bones-support-group-2--513840?page=0#2176090
Take good care of your bones.
kathleen65757 Aristotle13
Posted
Someone else wrote up about that and wondered if it was curable. Are you doing anything to help with that?
You are a mine of information that everyone appreciates your sharing that with us all.
Aristotle13 kathleen65757
Posted
Thanks for that Kathleen.
I actually use a proprietary indigestion mix g------n which coats the oesophagus on top of food and seems to neutralise any reflux. One days doses (three) seems to last a while and overall it seems to be healing so I'm hopeful that in a while all will be back to normal
kathleen65757 Aristotle13
Posted
Anhaga Aristotle13
Posted
carrie94038 Aristotle13
Posted
Hi Colin,
?Just a quick thought, have you ever used Manuka honey to coat the oesophagus? A half or even a full teaspoon once a morning is supposed to coat and help any pain/indigestion/etc/etc/....I started using it around the time I was given AA, or just before can't remember, but.......touch wood!!!!!
Don't want to tempt Fate here by saying more!
lol
?Hope the rain is not too bad with you!
?kindest regards Carrie
Mary_D_23339 carrie94038
Posted
A short note to Carrie and Colin to confirm Manuka honey does help with damaged oesophagus (I damaged mine after AA medication too)
Last Autumn I made a "rob" with locally collected elderberries - this soothes the throat and is good for the immune system too. Honey can be used to sweeten so double the benefit!
Hope this helps.
carrie94038 Mary_D_23339
Posted
Hi Mary,
That's what I understood must admit
?Didn't know about elderberries tho..so thanks
?kind regards Carrie
Aristotle13 carrie94038
Posted
Hi Carrie & Mary D,
I have used that honey in the past when it was on two for one offer and even then it was very expensive. The proprietry medication was around a quarter the price and isn't almost pure sugar & does the job nicely. I haven't had any more problems for two days but am very aware of the possibilities. I shall mention this to the doc and see if I can get the remedy on prescription!
No rain here, warm and beautiful sunshine with an occasional cloud.
What's Cornwall like?
Thanks for your concern
Kindest Regards
Colin.
carrie94038 Aristotle13
Posted
Hi Colin, Mary, et al,
?Due to leave shortly! Hoping the sun will shine
Not looking forward to traffic down tho 
At least I'm not driving, my friend is, and she knows the way 
lol
?You can get manuka honey for 9.99 in asda at mo Colin if of interest. It is a bit pricey else. Glad your other remedy is helping
?Glad warm and beautiful sunshine with you - enjoy your weekend
?kindest regards Carrie
Mary_D_23339 Aristotle13
Posted
If this is a second reply I apologise, first one has disappeared before I pressed the reply button!!
I don't think I have been paying attention to this thread, didn't realise there as a proprietry medicine I could buy for damaged throats. Would be interested in hearing more.
In the meantime, there is a trade warehouse (where membership is also available to current or retired employees of selected employment groups or professions - this includes teachers) that sells manuka honey at very competitive prices. Worth a look if you know someone who has membership.
P.S. Cornwall is beautiful and a lot warmer than Up North!!
Mary_D_23339 Aristotle13
Posted
carrie94038 kathleen65757
Posted
I'm reading the posts below with interest
Being a -4 it is quite scary to think one can do damage so easily 
Yes, I get anxious too....being an 'invisible illness' so to speak unless one breaks a bone, I am getting the view that some ppl, not on here I hasten to add, consider me a moaning minnie! lol But I would rather be cautious then do damage.
Multiple diseases do not help
I am seeing a rheumatologist next month so will update on what he says, especially since I am on HRT and am told by my GP that that will help protect me.....for now!
Do take care.
kind regards Carrie
kathleen65757 carrie94038
Posted
I try not to be paranoid but I think I may be lol.
Having other serious conditions does not help for sure. It makes you more vulnerable. I try to distract myself and not wallow. The best distractions for me are two small grandsons who are very funny.
It will be interesting to hear what your rheumatologist says. I have put off doing that for now as suspect they would want me on one of the drugs.
All the best and thank you for your response.
carrie94038 kathleen65757
Posted
Hi Kathleen,
?It does seem that some ppl with a higher t score are more serious, but don't think all. Seems to me if, as on here, we are all concerned with our health and putting matters right and helping ourselves as much as we can, then we are all equally intent
?I know I may be slightly paranoid!! But even when out with my nephews, who tried to coerce me onto dodgem cars whcih I hasten to add I refused for obvious reasons!!! lol, it is better to be safe than sorry. Hopefully as long as we are sensible Fate will help us along on our quest
?You are so right, having other conditions does not help
I agree that being around others and having our minds distracted also helps 
My nephews are a joy - as long as they're not persuading me to do stuff I daren't do!! 
lol
?I will certainly report back after my appointment next month, 13th I think it is. Am just hoping things will be clearer in my mind by then
I have started a long list to pass over for them to read as to what I am willing to do and what not, and want to stand firm in my decision! lol
?You take care. Kind regards Carrie
Aristotle13 carrie94038
Posted
Hi Carrie, Me again.
Just offering support for your position, lists are excellent, particularly if give yourself memory joggers along the way. I've avoided going back to my Dr until I can be sure that I will get one who is in listen mode. Having been through the mill once before I tend to be a little cautious about Drs who support the party line and don't use their common sense. I must do lists for myself and then maybe I won't be so cagey abouth this.
Best of luck Carrie, enjoy your weekend.
Kindest Regards
Colin.
carrie94038 Aristotle13
Posted
Hi Colin,
I would be lost without lists! lol
?That is why I want to arm myself with as much information as possible before I go. I want to be sure in my own mind what I want to do about the OP which is continue with the HRT and the natural method, improving myself through diet and exercise, following the book, taking the right nutrients etc, and not taking the AA or some other harmful drug! If there is something they can do to help, that does not involve taking something harmful, I am willing to listen
lol But I would research anything they suggest, if they do indeed suggest anything!
?Thank you re my weekend - hoping the sun shines for us all!! lol
?kindest regards Carrie
kathleen65757 carrie94038
Posted
I think one's bones can be strong although not dense. Well, I am hoping so anyway!
My eldest grandson is turning 15 so he had a younger grandma which was good because I had him a lot even on holidays.
With the younger pair I do puzzles, iPad games, hide and seek, etc. just less lively and risky lol!
My husband and I are constructing a 100 page photo book for our eldest's 50th this year which the story of his life.
Kind regards to you too, Carrie!
carrie94038 kathleen65757
Posted
Hi Kathleen,
?Is it possible for ones bones to be strong but not dense?! Be nice if they were
?Ahh...the joys of teenagers eh! lol Getting to the tail end of the 'teenageritis' !!!
lol Though the younger one does seem to be cruising through slightly more gracefully than his older brother! 
lol
?Hide and Seek! Remember doing that well
lol And occasionally we still do board games 
Yes, the Ipad games are good too...tho tbh the computer games drive me crazy - the driving ones they go on are always completely different to what happens in real life in my mind!!! 
lol
?What a fantastic thing re the 100 page photo book
I did a photo book for my elder nephew when he turned 18 which was a lot of fun 
A fabulous keepsake for them isn't it 
Enjoy your weekend Kathleen
?kind regards Carrie
kathleen65757 carrie94038
Posted
When I had a X-ray my GP said that if it showed my bones fragile I would have to rethink the drugs. She was amazed that no mention was made of them.
But herniated discs were mentioned and arthritis and mild scoliosis
From the discs I have a nerve feeding into the sacroiliac which causes me issues. I cannot sit on a chair or walk more than about six minutes.
Kind wishes to you Carrie.
carrie94038 kathleen65757
Posted
Hi Kathleen,
?I'm impressed
He will be over the moon with all your hard work 
?Interesting re the x-ray....something I have not had, only had the dexa scan.
?Ouch re being unable to sit or walk for long
Nerve pain?
Have you ever tried turmeric as an anti-inflammatory or painkiller? It seems to help me a bit
?kind regards Carrie