Osteoporosis

[Sally PB]

https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/Bo...MIyKzcparzjQMVgCbUAR0BkCmFEAQYAyABEgIAevD_BwE

Used for $4.08.

 

[Cebarmlds]

https://greenmedinfo.com/blog/milk-linked-fractures-10-better-foods-strong-bones

#10 is chocolate

 

[saysfaa]

This explains why lists of alkaline/acidifying foods are different.
And has a good explanation of a common misconception - the goal isn't to change to pH of the body. It is to give the body the tools to manage the pH level with less stress to the body.

https://liveenergized.com/alkaline-foods-2/alkaline-food-lists-different/

Thankfully, as I've been finding those differences in lists very frustrating.

 

[saysfaa]

I went to the dr today for what I thought was a mandatory six month check up. TSH taken last May is really low; he said I need to lower the dose of levothyroxine because too much results in osteoporosis.

That may not be very helpful to anyone else but this might... he was puzzled by why it changed until I said the only real change I knew about was losing 25 pounds.

I didn't realize body size made so much difference. In hindsight, I should have realized that.

He asked how/why (walking a lot more and eating differently because overall healthier to be less overweight), but wasn't concerned except that I wait at least a half hour after taking it before I eat breakfast.

 

[Callender Girl]

Just came across this thread this morning. Once my houseguest leaves tomorrow, I want to read through all the posts.

Was told my DEXA score indicated osteoporosis and my health care provider recommended two highly advertised drugs (we've all been bombarded with their TV ads!) to treat the condition. I asked for my score, and it appeared to me that I'm at the osteopenia stage and I declined the meds, which clearly irritated the nurse who delivered the diagnosis. I told her I wanted to do some research before I agreed to take the drugs.

I expressed concerns about side effects and was told to ignore those. Uh, no.

So, I am most interested in reading through this thread. Thanks for posting!!

 

[Sally PB]

Here's what I learned about DEXA scores.
the numbers
Mine is -1.5, and I was told it "dropped a bit" from my last score, which I think was -1.2. I was already in osteopenia mode at that time, which was 3 years ago, I think.

I do not take estrogen. Even though there's an ad right now for a local clinic that does "natural" hormone replacement treatments, saying how safe/different/better they are than the ones used years ago.

I won't take any of the bone building drugs either. Yes, I know if a side effect shows up at all in clinical trials, it has to be on the list of known side effects, even if it's Shepherd Head. (Silly reference to an ad from long ago; it's a made up thing.)

Thank goodness, my doctor is NOT a pill pusher. If he were, we'd be arguing about why I'm not going to take statins, estrogen, or a bone building drug. No, if he were, I'd be finding another doctor.

I have been looking into how to strengthen my bones in other ways. Yes, I take calcium. I started skipping on my walks for awhile, but I had to stop when my knee had issues. They've resolved, so I should be skipping again. I won't be able to do it when the road we walk is icy, so I should be doing it now.

That may not be very helpful to anyone else but this might... he was puzzled by why it changed until I said the only real change I knew about was losing 25 pounds.

Congratulation! It is NOT easy to lose weight. I know because I've been there. I'm surprised your doctor didn't notice. 25 pounds is noticeable!

I am always interested in what has worked for people to improve their health, whether or not it's something I'd do myself.

 

[RoyalChick]

I think I'm due for a dexa bone scan this year. I know I didn't have one last year; not sure about the year before. I've made a few changes since the last scan.

I was trying to take a magnesium supplement, magnesium citrate. It gave me the runs, big time. Well, yeah, magnesium citrate is a laxative! I gave up on it. I read (maybe right here from you) that magnesium glycinate might work better, so I bought that, and it doesn't loosen me up as much.

I started taking a D3 supplement, and my D-level went from barely in the acceptable range to right in the middle.

And hubby and I have both been exercising more. I do more outdoor work in the summer with the garden. Digging, carrying, pulling a cart, lots of walking, and lots of up and down hills.

If I have a scan, I'm going to re-look up what the numbers mean. I've just gone by what the tech says, but I want to know more. Like with my blood work, I want to know the actual numbers. I have the book, "Your Blood Never Lies" about how to interpret all the tests, and it has been very informative.

You should always ask to be given the actual report. DEXA, blood, everything. It is your body and if they don’t give yij the results make a fuss!
The health system I am part of are mostly very good about that - when I had to go to the ER I was getting the results in real time to my phone and before the docs even got to me! But I am about to chase a surgeon for the pathology results of a polyp that was removed - he called me and said ‘nothing to worry about’ but I want to read the report itself!

 

[Kiki]

I recently started taking estrogen and progesterone to help prevent osteoporosis.

 

[saysfaa]

I haven't looked at estrogen or progesterone, I liked it because I happy you are thinking about it and are here sharing.

Edit to add: I'm happy all of you are thinking about it and sharing.

 

[Sally PB]

I recently started taking estrogen and progesterone to help prevent osteoporosis.

How long have you been taking it, and do you feel any changes? Not just bones, anything?