Does anyone here have osteoporosis?

[potone]

I was just informed that I have it after my doctor got back the results of a bone density scan. The lab report was scanned into my chart in a form that was illegible to me, so I do not know how severe my case is. Naturally, I got the results after the office closed for New Year's celebration and the office is closed until Monday. The doctor's note simply said that I needed to make an appointment to discuss treatment options. To be honest, I am scared. I injured my back 15 months ago and I am still in pain from it. I was diagnosed at the time with arthritis and some disc degeneration in my lower spine. A month after that I fell in the shower and hurt my back even worse, causing one or more hairline fractures in my spine. Perhaps this condition is why I have taken so long to heal.

If anyone knows anything that could be helpful to me in regard to treatments for this disease, I'd appreciate hearing from you. This is not how I was hoping to start off the new year.

But Happy New Year to all of you, and thank you to whoever chooses to respond to this message.

[Warpy]

1. Unfortunately, supplements don't help

but being low on vitamin D3 and calcium can accelerate the condition. You'll want to get your vitamin D level checked in any case, make sure it's within the normal range--the new one.

To reverse it at all takes drugs. You and your doctor will decide the best one for you.

[potone]

2. Thank you!

I know that I will have to be on some kind of medication. I hope I can get an appointment soon to find out how bad this is.

[womanofthehills]

3. If you are a women, estrogen can help with osteoporosis

Science Daily - How Estrogen Protects Bones

"Researchers at the University at Buffalo have described a novel pathway by which estradiol, the primary estrogen in humans, aids in maintaining bone density, a function critical to avoiding osteoporosis."

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070323171448.htm


I've been using bio identical estrogen for yrs. My doctor prescribes it and I get it at a compounding pharmacy.

[potone]

4. Thank you very much!

I am a woman and I will ask my doctor about this when we meet to discuss treatments.

[flamingdem]

5. Do you also take progesterone

I wonder for myself how long it is safe to continue.

[ballardgirl]

6. Yoga helps

I have osteo in my spine and elsewhere. I practice a back-specific (gentle) yoga routine to strengthen my back muscles and also a strength and balance routine to keep myself from falling. These routines have helped immensely with pain and make me feel so much stronger and less afraid of falling.

I guess by now you have started with some medicines, but please do your research on them. The ones that are specific to bone health do not help build new bone but rather make it less supple. Many instances of thigh fracture have been reported.

I take a supplement called Ostinol which is supposed to help build new bone. The jury is still out on it, but I will not take those other things.

[potone]

7. Thank you very much for your response.

I will ask a pharmacist about Ostinol and if it is dangerous to take with the medication that I am on for osteoporosis. I'd love to discuss it with my rheumatologist, but she is so busy that I never even have enough time at appointments with her to ask her any questions.

I hate our healthcare system!

[deerfern]

8. Recovered from osteoporosis

I recovered from osteoporosis without harmful drugs in 11 months. It can be done. One can research magnetic pulse devices that help restore bone -- this type of technology used in Europe and are used by astronauts to help restore bone. Check out one device called Earthpulse. There are others out there. Good supplements are a must and properly used. Do you have access to a nutritionist or naturopathic physician? Lab for D3 levels and should be over 50%. I use 5000 units to maintain this, but important to test. Products whether vegetarian or not will have some bearing. I have used nothing but nutriceuticals to restore bone along with technology mentioned as an additional modality. One can use bio available calcium from algae (Algae Cal), balanced with other minerals (short term use of Strontium citrate) and a balanced amount of a high quality absorbable magnesium. Another is called Bone Renewal -- a high quality supplement from the Synergy Company. There are products based from animal sources too such as organic bovine proteins (ostinol), another is cal apatite from Metagenics. One can utilize Qigong exercises too. Check for gluten intolerance and avoid all gluten products. Seeing an endocrinologist can help to check if thyroid is doing okay. Best if people can stay with organic sourced foods.