I wanted to share my story of osteoporosis. I am a certified nurse-midwife, so had practiced taking calcium and vitamin D for many years. I also am a runner-walker.
I realized that I was at increased risk, due to an aunt who had severe osteoporosis and the fact that I am fairly petite. So, at age 50, I asked for a bone scan. I had to be assertive about it because they said not until 65.
The results came back and I had a very serious case - no breaks yet but at-risk for one any moment. It took 4 or 5 years of working with physicians who supported my wellness plan. I finally saw significant improvement my second year on Forteo.
What I learned from this is not to blame myself for the osteoporosis. I had genetic risks that were not buffered (as much as I had hoped) by my wellness practices. My endocrinologist found low vitamin D levels, though I was well over the RDA daily. He also found a condition where I loose too much calcium in my urine.
By combining my wellness practices with prescribed meds, I have been able to improve to the point where I mostly have osteopenia now and my risk of fractures is much less for life.
If you are at risk for osteoporosis, please follow the advise in this article - plus get a bone scan at ~50 years and work with your doctors if you do discover that you have this condition. It is important! Fractures in the elderly are serious. Acting now makes a difference later.
Comment Reply
I wanted to share my story of osteoporosis. I am a certified nurse-midwife, so had practiced taking calcium and vitamin D for many years. I also am a runner-walker.
I realized that I was at increased risk, due to an aunt who had severe osteoporosis and the fact that I am fairly petite. So, at age 50, I asked for a bone scan. I had to be assertive about it because they said not until 65.
The results came back and I had a very serious case - no breaks yet but at-risk for one any moment. It took 4 or 5 years of working with physicians who supported my wellness plan. I finally saw significant improvement my second year on Forteo.
What I learned from this is not to blame myself for the osteoporosis. I had genetic risks that were not buffered (as much as I had hoped) by my wellness practices. My endocrinologist found low vitamin D levels, though I was well over the RDA daily. He also found a condition where I loose too much calcium in my urine.
By combining my wellness practices with prescribed meds, I have been able to improve to the point where I mostly have osteopenia now and my risk of fractures is much less for life.
If you are at risk for osteoporosis, please follow the advise in this article - plus get a bone scan at ~50 years and work with your doctors if you do discover that you have this condition. It is important! Fractures in the elderly are serious. Acting now makes a difference later.
November 19, 2011 - 7:21pmThis Comment
Reply