osteoporosis

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.

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!!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.