I might have bursitis of the hip....

[booker81]

Hugs!!!

I'm also a fellow chronic joint issue person (Ehlers Danlos syndrome), and have had the ultrasound work done. Unfortunately for me, PT, TENS, and ultrasound didn't do much. It does work for some folks, so it's worth a try. I've ended up with more than a few reconstructive surgeries so far. I just wanted to give hugs for support!

I also was diagnosed with osteopenia/borderline osteoporosis at 19, and we talked about Fosamax. I chose not go that route due to the side effects. I do break bones easier, usually minor bones a couple times a year, and larger bones (leg/arm/ribs) ever two years or so. I prefer to take that route, and understand my restrictions (no tackle football for me!)

It's good to weigh the pros and cons of health, but as you know, sometimes we're dealt with some cruddy cards. Good luck!

 

[annaraven]

Had that[ultrasound and PT) done. It seemed to help. I'm doing okay now (back to running and weighttlifting!) so something must have worked.

 

[cupman]

Well I'm no doctor but I will tell you what little I know about the drug. My aunt is in her early 50s and she takes Fosamax. One of the concerns she voiced was the fact she is a life time smoker. She had to quit upon taking the medication. There were two reasons I remember for quitting. One was the fact that smoking just overall is unhealthy, and the other had to do with a side-effect that could cause esophageal problems... the fact she already smoked for 30 years made her weary.

I'm sorry about all your health problems. I feel guilty. I'm the same age and I take my health for granted. Drink too much, smoke too much and have a history of eating pizza and Chinese food. Maybe it's time to switch some habits.

 

[kcfuerst]

I, too, at age 63 have been diagnosed with debilitating osteo issues. The physical therapy didn't work, exercise helps some, medications rot your guts. I finally found something that helps....tremendously. I think it's keeping me alive and feeling nearly normal.

I have been adding extra oxygen to my system. Bad germs and bacteria cannot live in an oxygenated environment.

Do some research for yourself: 35% food grade Hydrogen Peroxide. FABULOUS STUFF! Truly a miracle for more than just my aches and pains. Your doctor probably won't know a thing about it.

Here are some good places to start, if you're interested:

http://educate-yourself.org/hp/index.shtml

http://educate-yourself.org/cancer/benefitsofhydrogenperozide17jul03.shtml

Best to you in your journey.

 

[Frosty]

I read once that for a calcium supplement, egg shells are supposed to be really good. I found one of the articles: http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/supp2.php

If you want to try it, I would discuss it with the doctor first. It's probably one of those things 'won't hurt, might help'.

One paragraph from the article:

Dutch researchers have reported recently a highly positive effect of eggshell calcium (with added magnesium and vitamin D) on bone mineral density in a scientific study (double blind, placebo-controlled). Laboratory test and measures of bone density were carefully made in these studies. The eggshell supplemented group had measurable increases in bone density in their hip bones, after one year.

 

[TinyChickenLady]

Thank you all so much for your help and advice
I am on calcium supplements and vitamin D as a combo to fight a vitamin D deficiency, so I have that covered.
I am sensative to lactose as well as many other foods. Some I can take in moderation and others (eggs

) I can't touch at all. On the plus side, I'm allergic to chicken so I won't be eating any of my pets LoL
I had never heard of the oxygen or hydrogen peroxide treatments so I will be looking into it.
I'm calling my doctor this morning to further discuss my bone density results. The nurse didn't tell me anything except that it had gotten worse but I want to know how different my results are compared to 3 years ago.
As of right now, I still am not taking Fosamax. I just quit smoking 9 months ago (I did read that smoking causes side effects with this drug) and I already have esophagial, bone and jaw problems so I'm still too scared to take it. According to the nurse, I only have osteopenia and not osteoporosis but according to the tests done 3 years ago, my numbers indicated that I already have full blown osteoporosis but they don't like to make it seem that serious for someone my age. But yet they want me to take the highest dose..... Sounds kinda fishy to me.
While I'm on the phone with my doctor, I will be requesting a referral to a spine and musculoskeletal specialist to find out once and for all exactly what is wrong with me and what should really be done about it.
My family is ready for me to apply for disability again (2nd attempt) and I won't do it until I can write down on paper exactly what's wrong with me. Of course, I also don't want to stop working but I guess I have to do what's right for my body.
@cupman - Please don't ever feel bad for being young and healthy. Everyone deserves that but some just take a little longer getting there. I'm addicted to pizza and Chinese food and I won't give em up for anything LoL At our age, wrecking our bodies and taking them for granted is what's expected and earned. As long as you are healthy and happy, keep doing exactly what you want to do and don't ever worry about the person next to you (or me). We each are given a body, soul and heart when we are born. Some of us baby it all and others like yourself don't have to do that and shouldn't feel guilty just because all of your stuff works properly. Just enjoy it while you're young.
I'll be back with an update later after I finally get what I want

Wish me luck!!

 

[booker81]

I know it usually comes as an EWWWWW!!!!!! but I've found that I can keep my calcium and vit D blood levels at very good levels, probably because I eat....don't get grossed out....sardines. I probably eat at least two tins a week. When compared to say, glass of milk, they blow it out of the water (heh) for calcium and vit D.

One tin of sardines - 405 IU Vit D, 569mg Calcium (plus a boatload of omega-3s)
One glass of milk - 97 IU Viit D, 276mg Calcium

I like them on crackers or toast, especially the ones packed in mustard. Yes, you have to eat the teeny bones to get all the calcium. If the look of them turns you off, make a "tuna salad" to put on crackers - mash up the tin's worth of sardines with some mayo and mustard, or some relish, and top crackers with them.

Good luck!!

 

[TinyChickenLady]

I know it usually comes as an EWWWWW!!!!!! but I've found that I can keep my calcium and vit D blood levels at very good levels, probably because I eat....don't get grossed out....sardines. I probably eat at least two tins a week. When compared to say, glass of milk, they blow it out of the water (heh) for calcium and vit D.

One tin of sardines - 405 IU Vit D, 569mg Calcium (plus a boatload of omega-3s)
One glass of milk - 97 IU Viit D, 276mg Calcium

I like them on crackers or toast, especially the ones packed in mustard. Yes, you have to eat the teeny bones to get all the calcium. If the look of them turns you off, make a "tuna salad" to put on crackers - mash up the tin's worth of sardines with some mayo and mustard, or some relish, and top crackers with them.

Good luck!!

Hahaha I'll try anything once so I'll give that a try Thanks for the tip. I have to have at least 1200 IU a day but those will definately put a dent in that number LoL

 

[stilldeb]

If you are going to apply for Disability after having been denied, i highly recommend a Disability lawyer. It's a difficult system to navigate and they can really help you.

 

[TinyChickenLady]

If you are going to apply for Disability after having been denied, i highly recommend a Disability lawyer. It's a difficult system to navigate and they can really help you.

That's actually what we plan to do when the time comes. I'm not actually supposed to get one until my 3rd attempt but I don't see the point in applying JUST to get denied. I qualify for it but it's what they do. They will deny you until you get a lawyer which shouldn't be until I apply the 3rd time but it's too time-consuming to do it for nothing.