Newly diagnosed

Written by

Mon, January 21, 2008

I've recently been diagnosed with Osteopenia and I was in shock. I have small bones and or was 5' 1 1/2" so I therefore take a large amount of calcium/magnesium 2000mg. to be as preventive as possible. I am on the treadmill everyother day and eat well. No caffeine, very little sugar, and I can do better with the veggies yet this diagnosis threw me. I'm only 51 and otherwise quite healthy, I recently stopped my birth control pills to see how menopausal I am. I have regular periods although short and light, I can become warm at night but no sweats. I tell you this so you know where I am on the menopausal scale.

I cannot believe in this day and age that nothing can be done. My hips are the factor right now and I asked whether medications like Boniva can help and I was told no not yet. Well then when? I'm big into preventive so I am getting a second opinion for my own sanity.

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Maria Gifford

1/22/08 10:49am

Hello Branwen,

Welcome to our community. Thanks for writing.

Here's some information for you on osteopenia as well as women, osteoporosis and aging in general:

Diagnosed 9 years ago with osteopenia, now borderline normal

http://www.healthcentral.com/osteoporosis/c/8128/12142/9yrs-ago/

Osteoporosis: Aging changes in the female reproductive system

http://www.healthcentral.com/osteoporosis/aging-8787-108.html

Osteoporosis and menopause

http://www.healthcentral.com/osteoporosis/aging-000894-108.html

Let us know how your additional testing turns out.

Best,

Maria

Branwen

1/22/08 11:17am

Maria, thank you for the information. I am seeing another doc just to clarify the (nothing can be done) comment today. I am now armed with more information to discuss.

This is quite helpful.

Branwen

Maria Gifford

1/22/08 11:39am

My pleasure to help anytime. Keep us posted.

Maria

Branwen

1/22/08 5:03pm

So the new doc states that until I'm fully past menopause I don't need a bone density test. Yes I have small bones but otherwise the hormones in the pill I was taking should give me enough estrogen to supply my bones with the necessary strength. I have stopped taken the pill so I can see where I am menopausally so I guess its a wait and see. She says 6 months of not bleeding, also yes continue with the calcium and start the vitamin D. I feel helpless because I am in the clutches of someone else and have no options. Ah well I guess its time to trust what is said.

Branwen

Lila de Tantillo

1/23/08 6:57pm

Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us. It can be frustrating to struggle with a diagnosis of osteoporosis or osteopenia, especially when one has taken so many preventative measures. Unfortunately genetics or other factors we can't control can sometimes trump our best efforts to take care of our bones! In any case I commend you for taking such proactive measures and please do keep us posted on your progress.

skp

1/30/08 5:14pm

Branwen

My Doctor told me to wait for a Bone Density test also - However -because I was

Small Boned - and had other "Higher Risk" factors .. I had a 'Screening' done when my

local Drug Store offered them for around $25.00 ....In my case - it was a smart move -because the screening showed I already had Osteoprosis - and armed with the results from that Screening -

I returned to my family doctor - and my insurance approved a Bone Density Test - as a result of that screening ... It is a possible alternative - to "Just Waiting"

skp

Cotton

2/ 9/08 3:02pm

Hi Branwen,

I am 49. I am on Forteo for two months now. My hips are strong due to the fact that I am used to heavy lifting, but my spine is another story. I am experiencing some bone pain where I injured my thumb knuckle and my tail bone, got bucked off a horse. That was 4 weeks ago and I just started by running again and feel I can ride now. We are too young. Hang in there, Cotton

Newly diagnosed

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