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osteoporosis

(9 Posts)
Cath9 Mon 03-Oct-16 12:23:16

I hppe I've spelt it correctly!
Anyone with the condition? I have been told that I have it and I will admit I am getting very thin, but no pain yet.
Although my late father got very thin before he departed.

tanith Mon 03-Oct-16 13:17:25

You really need to discuss this with your GP in more depth Cath9 I'm sorry to hear your diagnosis. I don't think Osteoporosis causes pain unless you break a bone. It may cause weight loss but that's due to the bone density lessening, smoking is really bad for it but regular weight bearing exercise is good as far as I understand it.

Do speak again to your doctor for more information.

Charleygirl Mon 03-Oct-16 13:22:18

I agree with every word that Tanith has said. You need medical help and probably started on drugs because you do not want to be breaking bones.

mcem Mon 03-Oct-16 14:04:39

See your gp and ask if you can have a dexa
scan. You'll then see a specialist who will explain how far it's gone and may also prescribe the appropriate medication.

trisher Mon 03-Oct-16 17:38:28

Have you had a bone density test Cath9? If so your doctor should have talked the possible treatments with you. The good news is that this is a condition that improves if you follow the advice carefully, Besides the drugs you should be given calcium/vit D. It is also good to take gentle weight bearing exercise. I walk and do tai chi.
My osteoporosis has responded to treatment and is now osteopenia-a lesser form. I don't have pain. It is over 10 years since I was diagnosed.

Cath9 Mon 03-Oct-16 17:48:46

Rhanks all, but mine is due to having taken the same medication off and on since 1956.
I have been having blood tests since then but nothing showed up.
It was at the turn of the century, when we were renting a house. My late husband noticed that a private health company were coming to the local leisure centre and offering a bone density scan for a certain charge. They found out then that my bones were much thinner than they should be for that age.
Just shows you that one has to look after oneself.
I was then offered a scan in the local hospital which confirmed this, so since then I have been taking medication.
I had another scan last month, but haven't been given the result, so hopefully all is well.

trisher Mon 03-Oct-16 18:08:41

There is a time limit for some of the medication- think the research on that is quite recent. I have been on a "drug holiday" for the past 2 years because of that. I just take calcium and vitD at the moment, I'm due for a reassessment next year. I was told that some unusual fractures had been seen in patients who took the drugs long term, not sure what that means

Nonny Mon 03-Oct-16 18:32:35

I was diagnosed with this last year after a fall which caused me to break my arm ( I also broke the other arm badly 12 years previously).I now take alendronic acid once a week. I had a slightly over active parathyroid. I started taking calcium tablets but they took me off these as my blood calcium levels became too high. I was advised not to climb ladders, hang curtains or go in the loft!! Alendronic acid can cause thigh fractures and jaws I believe. I try to go out walking several times a week but am afraid of slipping over as this is how I broke my arms! My sister went to get herself checked out and she has it too. I am 65 and had thought I was healthy so this was a shock!!

Crafting Mon 03-Oct-16 19:07:49

Cath9 I am a bit confused. Who told you that you had osteoporosis? If it was a GP or a consultant then surely they explained to you about the treatment and medication. I too had a bone scan privately over 20 years ago and my results were not good. I then began a low fat diet with my DH and over a period of time my bone density improved although is still below what it should be. I also take alendronic acid and vitamin D. I am not in pain and certainly am not getting thin! You don't sound as though you are sure what may be happening to you. Like others I think you should go and discuss your concerns with your GP. I wish you well.