Hi everyone, I’m new here and have only recently been diagnosed with osteoporosis and osteopenia. It is not so severe, and it doesn’t stop me doing the things I want to do. I find myself feeling grateful after being referred to have a DEXA scan in October last year after breaking a bone in my foot. The scan was done in December. I am now on medication, which I had no input on and was terrified of, having read the possible side effects, but, so far so good, having been on them just under a month.
I thought it would be nice to link up with people and share ideas and experiences.
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Hi and welcome. I’ve just moved across from the ‘health unlocked’ forum as I am already a member of the ROS. It’s a fantastic society and a trustworthy source of information and support.
I discovered that I have osteopenia about 18 months ago after a very hard fall onto my sacrum. That resulted in a minor fracture and I was still mobile, although in pain. At the time I was devastated but now I’m glad of the fall as I’m able to take preventative measures. Although I’m almost 70, I’m still running several times a week and now strength training in the gym. I decided to take medication as a further preventative step and fortunately don’t suffer side effects. There are lots of negative scare stories on the Internet about medication but it’s worth trying as the worst side effects are very rare.
With the right help, support and knowledge we can still carry on doing the things we enjoy or make necessary adaptations.
Good luck moving forward.
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Thank you so much for responding, and reassuring.
It seems you are doing everything you possibly can to keep yourself fit, healthy and mobile, which is admirable. I’m not entirely sure what I should be doing at the moment other than walking lots. I have osteoporosis in my lumbar region 1 2 3 & 4, and osteopenia in my right hip. I didn’t get to ask my GP much when I had my telephone appointment with him, it was mostly about the medication. I’m just trying to navigate all the information, which is vast.
Thank you for being an inspiration.
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Problem here is that walking isn’t enough! I learnt age 70 last year, that women should be doing strength training from at least 10 years before the menopause. I had always keep aerobically very fit. I now go to the gym and am working on my strength improvement and loving it. Its recommended that strength training needs as much rest time as hard activity time - my physio has told me to do 3 days a week only with rest days between.
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It’s a shame women aren’t routinely told that they need to look after their bones much earlier.
I certainly need to do the work it seems. I’m 64 this year and it came as a bit of a shock when I was diagnosed after my DEXA scan in December.
Knowing what, and how is what i need. Maybe a physio appointment to get professional advice. Almost impossible to get a Dr’s appt.
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