Why do I have ostepoerosis/ low bone mass ?
Posted , 7 users are following.
When I was diagnosed, I was devistated. Even after fracturing my first vertebrae, at 47, I stupidly told my GP i did not need a dexa scan as I had none of the risk factors. Many people here, have been on meds for other conditions and these meds have, in turn, made their bones thinner. Very interested in hearing why anyone has OP and at what age they discovered their condition
1 like, 24 replies
TinyGal alison28608
Posted
Hi Alison,
I was diagnosed in May of last year, at age 50. I understand that being under 125 pounds and white are risk factors, I'm white and 98 lbs., and had a lack of both Vitamin D and calcium in my diet. My mom is tiny as well and has osteopenia, so there is the hereditary factor, too. Other than that, I have none of the other risk factors, smoking, use of corticosteroids, etc. I am also newly diagnosed as hypothyroid and started Synthroid about a month ago.
Just got lucky with the genes, I guess 😕
Lily
alison28608 TinyGal
Posted
elizabeth85938 alison28608
Posted
I would add to Constance's reply to also take Magnesium Glycinate alongside Vit. K2 with the Calcium and Vit.D3 - this combination helps direct the Calcium to the Bones which is where it is needed rather than the heart or other organs. A strong Fish oil diet with leafy greens, cucumber with the skin left on etc. also helps tremendously. Mackeral fillets, salmon, tuna, pilchards and sardines are very good. I tend to do the fish part at lunchtimes, as sandwiches or with salad, that leaves the evening meals to your favourites whether chicken, beef etc so you don't get too bored with the fish side. I admit it has to become a 'way of life' after diagnosis but it will help to bring your T-scores down naturally with or without Alendric Acid (which I took for 8 mnths but it caused gastro-intentstina problems and I had to stop). I wish you well and try to be in charge of this condition yourself rather than be frightened by it.
alison28608 elizabeth85938
Posted
you might have a point Elizabeth. I have not eaten fish for 36 years although I eat tons of leafy greens, avocados, kale, cabbage broccoli and sprouts. I had my diet analysed and I was told I was consuming lots of calcium and Vit D levels were normal too ( only 2 years ago when I was having radiotherapy, it was low. But I now take the suppliments so each test has been normal. I don't know if I was within normal limits before as I had no reason to check. I am not scared, because it has not changed my life. I am doing everything I did before but possibly, just a little more carefully.
vimarie alison28608
Posted
I was diagnosed with osteoporosis about 10 months ago. I am 52 yrs old. I am currently taking alendronate once a week and take a multivitamin, and Vitamin D and calcium daily. I am Asian and weigh under 100 pounds. I became lactose intolerant in my early 30's so I didn't consume much dairy since then. Also, I didn't go out much in the sun because I was afraid of getting skin cancer. The only side effect I have with the alendronate is that I have muscle aches which I can tolerate.
alison28608 vimarie
Posted
Juno-Irl-Dub alison28608
Posted
Well, I was diagnosed with OP age 61 and it was a complete surprise. I had just been diagnosed with Polymylgia and was prescribed high dose steroids (Prednisone) to control the inflammation. The GP also suggested a DXA scan 'just in case' and it was done 3 months later. The result was another diagnoses - this time 'severe osterporosis' in my spine (hips were ok). I also was shocked and devestated and was fearful of everyting like bending, lifting things, turning over in the bed, sneezing - in case I would fracture. I saw a specialist, and was prescribed treatment with Forteo for 2 years, followed by Actonel for another 5 years. I have had no fractures.
Looking back at why I developed OP the only conclusion I've reached is dietary issues. I am vegetarian and my protein intake over many years was pretty woeful.
I have no family history or any other preexisting illnesses.
J
alison28608 Juno-Irl-Dub
Posted