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just diagnosed

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Larry Green

Larry Green

Tue, January 08, 2008

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I'm what I thought I was a very healthy 56 year old guy. Very active, bike riding, weight lifting etc. I broke a rib jumping on a horse bareback, and then my chiropractor said that I didn't show up very well on his ex-ray machine. So I talked to my doctor and he sent me in for a scan.

 

I got the numbers from the DEXA scan and I have between -2.5 and -3.18 in my spine. My doctor had me get more bloodwork to see if it's testosterone or something else. Results next week. I'm not freaked out yet, but I'm working on it.

 

Another symptom is that when I play the violin for an hour or so, my back hurts a lot. I always figured it was a touch of arthritis, which I do have. But, now I wonder if osteoporosis might either cause such pain, and more importantly, would twisting the back aggravate the osteo? Any ideas about activities that hurt? Other than falling, of course.

 

Soon, I'll probably be asking about Fosanex vs. Forteo.

1/ 8/08 6:34pm

Hello Larry,

 

Welcome to our community. I'm glad you've found us.

 

Here's some information for you:

 

Osteoporosis: Just Diagnosed?

http://www.healthcentral.com/osteoporosis/just-diagnosed.html

 

Male Osteoporosis: That News Story About Men and Osteoporosis

http://www.healthcentral.com/osteoporosis/c/3493/12130/news-men/

 

Male Osteoporosis

http://www.healthcentral.com/osteoporosis/c/73/16118/men/

 

If you need more specific information, just let me know.

 

Keep us posted on how you're doing.

 

Best,

Maria

1/ 9/08 4:13pm

Hi Maria,

 

Thanks for the links. I'm glad I found this site.  There is a lot of very helpful information on the internet regarding osteoporosis, but the feedback from individuals here really helps put it all in perspective.

 

Thanks again,

 

Larry 

1/ 9/08 2:36pm
Larry, it is good to hear that you are taking such positive measures to safeguard your bone health, such as getting a DXA scan and consulting with your physician about possible options. Regarding your pains, osteoporosis is usually symptom-free until one suffers a fracture -- so your discomfort would only be caused by osteoporosis if you have already suffered, for example, a vertebral fracture. It may be worth talking to your doctor about appropriate x-rays and other diagnostic tools to see if that may be the case.
1/ 9/08 3:26pm

Lila,

 

My Chiropractor said the causes of back pain are often hard to pin down.  He showed me how to stretch out the back using an exercise ball.  This really helped with the pain after playing, so, I figure it is probably a muscle issue rather then directly related to the osteoporosis.  He also gave me some exercises to strengthen the back muscles.

 

Thanks for your advice.

 

Larry 

Anonymous
Monica F Brown
1/17/08 10:07am

Hi Larry, Sorry to hear about your recent diagnoses. Thankfully - recent.

I have osteoperosis on my mothers side, and have lived with chronic back pain for almost 18 years until I turned my life literally around this last 6 months. There are things you could begin to do immedieately that may be beneficial to you, especially if you have an open mind.  It doesn't all have to be downhill. Feel free to call or email Me if you want more info which I have obtained from a Real live Doctor that has seen a positive difference when I had enough and started looking for healthy solutions for myself and my family.

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