1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Osteoporosis and Osteopenia

Why do I have ostepoerosis/ low bone mass ?

Posted , 7 users are following.

alison28608
alison28608

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

24 Replies

Prev
  • TinyGal
    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
      alison28608 TinyGal

      Posted

      I believe you could be right re weight/ hight. But I am 1.70m and 61 kg and have been for 40 years. When I was diagnosed my vit D was low, but it is not normally. It was winter, in Scotland and I usually winter in the Algarve but due to another medical problem I could not fly.  I too have none of the risk factors. No parents with bone problems, non smoker so I guess I was just unlucky. I always wanted to be petite but might be worse if I was.
  • elizabeth85938
    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
      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
    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
      alison28608 vimarie

      Posted

      I spent years in the sun using factor 50 a hat, sun glasses even full make up always. Like you, I thought I was doing the correct thing preventing malignant melanoma. So, you could be right. On the plus side, I do have fewer wrinkles. If your skin is darker you will have less absorption of vit D but you will have more natural protection. Your lactose intolerance probably didnt help but that can be balanced with the leafy greens and fish if you eat those.
  • Juno-Irl-Dub
    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
      alison28608 Juno-Irl-Dub

      Posted

      Is it not interesting to discover how we have arrived at this place, for so many different reasons? You have said before, your bone mass has improved and as you have never broken anything, so, try not to be scared. Just be more careful. My diet has always been good, but I have seen on these posts previously, that low testosterone can be a contributory factor.  Never had that one checked, but may well be my reason. I too did not want to fracture sneezing, turning in bed or hanging out the washing. A friend fractured 2 vertebrae paddling in the sea. Its just too easy. Do all you can, but do it safely.
Back to top
Prev

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.