I have now completed many hours of research from Journals, websites and blog's and found the following information.
T Scores are compared to a 30 year old healthy person so not realistic as I'm in my 50's and we loss BMD as we get older naturally as its part of the ageing process. Spine is 2.9 (L1-L5) and hip 2.5 (on the line)
Z Scores compares me to same sex/age scores come down to Spine 1.9 and hip 1.6 however I have also gone through the change and maybe my comparison had not! (10% difference also allowed). So in Osteopenia markings.
Risk factors to take into account I have gone through the menopause and have RA which I am told is added to the T score so because of this I went into Red instead of Amber.
I have never had a Vit D blood test - I have just requested one.
Another factor is losing Calcium again can be detected with a 24 hour urine collection but doctor says NO.
Parathyroid ok but again you should get it tested as it contributes.
The AA meds might increase bone density but they interfere with the osteoclast/osteblast which look after healthy bone...research now suggests that this can cause fractures!
Only my view point and not intended to sway anyone in any direction as we are all different but thinking now of increasing WB activities, Calcium and Vit D through diet or seeing a nutritionist for help.
Any comments greatly received I am just not happy to take a pill that can have negative outcomes! Are you - or have you followed a different route ??
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netball7
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I’m pretty much in line with all that. I’m 66 and I have been on prednisone for a couple years but it is down to a low level now. Prednisone is the only thing I take besides supplements. I have decided against any of the bisphosphonates, too many side effects for me. I have added a weighted walking vest and trying to increase protein a bit.
Totally agree with you forwardmotion! Maybe if enough people (including men!) will stop listening to the doctors that are prescribing these perverted, awful bone meds., they'll finally take them all off the market.
You are certainly correct to get your vit D level checked and continue to have it checked at least twice a year.
I try to keep my D at an optimal level around 150 nmol/L. You are unlikely to improve an ‘adequate’ D blood level of say 50 nmol/L by diet alone. I take either 2000 or 5000 IU of D3 for general all around health, depending on blood level and season.
I usually manage to get my Ca RDA of 1000 to1200 mg from diet, by including dairy, especially yogurt.
Research has also shown that Curcumin, the active component of turmeric can increase bone density by 7%.
If you’re interested, I can send you tips on getting started with CBD and the type of curcumin to buy. Choosing the right product can be tricky, as there is some confusion over turmeric strengths.
Thanks for the research article. I have been taking CBD for a month and I use Curcumin 95 in my smoothie. I am happy to hear about the possible added benefit of CBD and bone health. That is not why I started taking it but I am thrilled with this additional benefit 😎
I’m so pleased, I was thrilled too, when I came across it. 😊 Would you like the sheet of hints and tips for getting the best out of your CBD, that I’ve collected over the last few years? I send via HealthUnlocked, so no email needed. Rosey
That’s strange! I’ve definitely sent it, I can only image it has been held by the admin team for some reason, though I’ve not had a problem before. I’ll try again, please let me know if you still don’t receive it.
I’ve done that! Try looking under Chat, the 3rd icon from the left at the top of the page, or Messages, if you’re using the app. If that doesn’t work, I can try sending you a download link.
Just found out there is a lot of trouble with the HU site right now. Maybe, wait a day or two and repost. I had your PM this morning and now it is gone again 😞
Thanks Rosey, I've got it now. I had to "Follow" you and send you a message, then suddenly all your messages appeared! Wow, amazing amount of info, thank you so much, so generous of you to share all you've learnt!
Thank you for your lovely comments. It seemed a bit unfair, not to share. 😊 I have also learnt things from the questions people ask, or the comments they make, so it’s a win, win situation. Having a memory like a sieve at times (it’s a fibro fog thing), I’ve even been known to refer to it myself at times! 😂
I am not good with understanding how these forums work and how to find the info you shared. I take pure foods to get my vitamin C, calcium from plant sources, vit. K, lots of D, magnesium, etc. Also calcium from cheese. i do weight lifting and take turmeric, fish oils, and other good supplements. Anything I am missing?
Good point! I’ll put a post on the forum tomorrow. I used to post it in the thread, but it’s a bit big now and I don’t want to annoy people who aren’t interested. I’ll send your copy now. 🙂
I’ll send it to you now. 🙂 Due to the problems HealthUnlocked are having today, if it doesn’t arrive try following me, as that’s worked for other people today. I won’t be offended if you unfollow me afterwards!
Hi I would love your hints and tips, I am thinking about cbd, I did buy a bottle from Holland and Barratt some time ago but the taste was so awful I did not continue with it, also I'm not sure where to buy as there is so much out there about how pure it is. I believe you can get it on prescription im the USA!!
Hi, I’ll send it now. Unfortunately, it’s going to take time here, as the government and NICE want more evidence before prescribing it for chronic pain and other conditions. The good news is that they government paper included medical cannabis and any products derived from it, so in theory that includes CBD. I guess we just have to be patient and remain hopeful! 🙂🤞
Hi Yes please that would be great. I have just read the research paper on cannabinoids - quite a heavy read! CBD info would be great along with curcumin.
Hello Roseyinthegarden, Very interesting that the link to research also mentioned Amgen as contributors to information. Amgen is the American manufacturer of Prolia. So here we have pharmaceutical companies collaborating in government funding. Please message me anymore info with the CBD bone health ! Thank you
Hello from Australia, Rosey. My husband is keen as to get off the dreaded Prolia - due for his 5th dose this week! We feel his doc is just another smiling assassin in Amgen's generous circle of friends. Could you kindly forward to me your interesting info please. We may just PULL OUT, although he's had no side effects (yet.) Thanks, in anticipation, Sal
I wish to goodness I had carefully done your research before agreeing to Prolia. I trusted my doctor and will suffer the rest of my life because of this. Take-home message: Do your research carefully before taking any drug for osteoporosis.
I'm with you, netball77! I try taking Fosamax with disasterous results...never will I take/use any of these awful bone meds. They all should be taken off the market...the side effects are insane!
Lifestyle is up to you to research, however there is a place for the medication. A good Dr is not out there to harm you, again do your research and be informed.
Easier said than done. Some docs don’t like to be questioned or haven’t the time to do their own research and rely on what drug company retailers tell them, and drug company warnings may not be adequate. Many drugs are helpful but people need clearer information about risks involved and safer options, and this information is often not easy for patients to find.
You’re right Viazoy. When I suffered a rare adverse reaction, the information available was very vague and understated, compared with the information available in other countries.
In addition, risk factors that would have alerted the doctor, weren’t available to them. Having said that, I’m not bitter about the impact it has had on my life, but given an informed choice, I’d have certainly asked for a different drug.
Would you mind sending me the hints and tips? I have recently been diagnosed with Osteoporosis and have refused the bisophonates and calcium my GP prescribed.
When I asked for my report of the scan it showed that I may have primary hyperparathyroidism and having researched this condition it says that bone meds won't work. I have managed to get an endo appointment but this is more because the GP was alarmed that my TSH is only 0.05. I have an underactive thyroid so have been self medicating.
Hi rosw, I’m so sorry to hear about your TSH levels and your osteoporosis diagnosis. 🙁 The combination sounds difficult to manage.
I don’t know if you’ve come across it, there is some, admittedly conflicting evidence, that oscillating power plates may prevent further bone loss. The original vibrating platforms were developed by the Russians I think, to prevent bone loss in astronauts.
Oscillating is supposed to be kinder on your joints, than just vibrating. I have a Vibrapower Slim and can’t wait to be well enough to use it again. A good tip is to use a garden kneeling pad if you do the kneeling exercises. I couldn’t initially, but managed a couple of minutes each time, after a few months of using it 5 x a week.
It increased my mobility, flexibility and muscle mass - though that wasn’t hard!!
The CBD hints and tips now include info and links on turmeric/curcumin research.
I agree with your thinking. I took AA for a year while on an 18 month course of steroid treatment for PMR. Bone density scan at the end showed osteopenia in the lumber spine and osteoporosis in one hip. I was advised to go back on AA for 5 years but declined.
I am trying to manage it with more exercise and diet and have been given Adcal. I had a Vitamin D test and it was slightly low so have bought additional Vit D supplements. At the moment I am worrying about the need for Vitamin K2 but decided to buy some yesterday (50ug). Does anyone know what is the right daily dose? I am seriously thinking of seeing a nutritionist who knows about Osteoporosis. I take turmeric supplements and wonder how it would interact with Vitamin k2.
Hi Angel2811, I’ve been taking CBD for three years now and have been able to come off my fibro meds completely.
In the last 18 months, I’ve had a couple of freak accidents, which include fracturing a lumbar vertebrae and worsening a degenerating disc and crushing my leg which has lead to pretty awful complications. It’s fair to say that CBD has played a part in my mental well-being during all this. I wouldn’t want to be without it now. All I take med wise, apart from for asthma, is low dose codeine at night for my back.
I’ve put together some hints and tips to help people get the best from CBD. Let me know if you would like them and HealthUnlocked will send them to you.
It includes info on low dose CBD for chronic pain and a link to an article about taking turmeric for pain.
I buy mine from Simply CBD and speed around £20 a month, plus postage. Rosey 🙂
Thanks again Rosey, have just followed you, are you posting the CBD/ curcumin info or messaging it? Spend loads of time doing research myself but so much seems conflicting, always good to see someone else’s take on it. Thanks again.
I’ve added it to the bottom of the CBD information. I’ll send out a post to let people know, when I’m sure HealthUnlocked has fixed the messaging problems.
Unfortunately, one of the link is to a medical journal with adverts, so to comply with HU rules, I can’t openly post it, which is fair enough. 🙂
I insisted on a referral to a endocrinologist who carried out all the blood tests and 24 hour calcium tests. Doctors cannot refuse you a referral when requested. It put my mind at rest that my own treatment was correct. The only item he was unhappy with was calcium as I had enough and so not to supplement it. He also booked my next dexa scan for a year's time. I feel much happier knowing that he is monitoring my self medication. Doctors are general practitioners not experts. Mine was pretty clueless and would have me on adcal even though taking calcium could have caused me other health problems. I had to be pretty firm with him about the referral.
Has everyone who wanted the CBD and turmeric information, now received it? Please let me know if you haven’t and I’ll send you a link to an automatic download. Rosey 🙂
Would it be possible for you to send me the CBD and turmeric information too? I already take turmeric in my anti cancer recurrence strategy, but not sure if enough.
It will automatically open as a pdf file, no email address or name needed. I’ve made the link open to everyone now, as I couldn’t cope with the number of requests. I’ll post a link to any future updated versions here on the forum. You’re welcome to message me if you have any questions after reading it. Rosey
Rosie, I feel that I'm troubling you, adding to all the requests for info on CBD oil but I would love it too. If it's being posted somewhere on the site I'd try to access it. You are an angel.
Sorry to add to the list but Please may I have a copy too . I have been advised to take AA and I really don’t want to , would like to try other routes first , thank you
Hi Have they given you your scores? I am still looking at research papers with regards to AA like you I do not want to take it! I actually took 1 and was very ill.
Hi Jessie, No trouble at all, apologies for the delay, I missed seeing your post. 🙂 If feel so bad for Netball7, the original poster, it’s got a bit out of hand. 🤭
Hi Jessie, Someone told yesterday that in order to receive it, you will need to first. Try that and see if it makes a difference. I won’t be offended if you unfollow me afterwards! 🙂 Sending again now. Rosey x
Sorry Jessie, you need to follow me, before you can see the message apparently. You will then see two messages, as I managed to delete the first file. Rosey
Rosey, maybe it's me being a bit useless with technology!! I followed your post on CBD oil and Tumeric but nothing. Maybe I just need to follow you! Sorry for being a nuisance 😣
I deleted one file by mistake, sorry Jessie. The other message has the new link and should work, I’ll send it again. You’re not a nuisance, we will get there eventually!
If it’s any consolation Rosieinthegarden it’s 10 years since I was given a dexa scan result of -2.5 in my spine and I refused medication. No breakages in the meantime, well bar a slight fracture in the palm of my hand where I stepped out of a car not knowing there was a 6 inch drop to the footpath and went down with a clatter! The hand saved me. I also slipped on a wet manhole going down a hill, fell on my hip and was fine. My dancing, walking and Pilates keeps me right plus some weights which I need to get back to and of course supplements which I’ve only taken seriously in the last year or so. Mind you now nearing mid 60’s I’m a bit more anxious.
And hopefully some consolation to Netball too! It’s not a disease......it’s the natural process of aging. Low dexa scores does not equate to the testile strength of bones.
I have been taking viridian bone complex as well as vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 on a regular basis over the last 3 years but my osteoporosis has got worse. I've privately had my thyroid tested but this is normal. I did have very low vitamin d levels about 8 years ago and got these up to an optimal level but have not had it tested for a couple of years now.
There is information that suggests a link between celiac disease and osteoporosis and I am awaiting the results. You would think as a matter of course that they would test you for all these things but instead they want you to take some very nasty drugs, again there is info that AA can cause fractures of the femur bone. I think Harvard University did some research concluding that AA's whilst increasing bone density because they interfere with the bone modelling process, leave old bone that is brittle.
My conundrum is that I developed this disease before the menopause and whilst I was still a very active person who eats a very good diet. I believe in cause and effect - there is a cause but the doctors don't seem interested.
I feel your pain. I have done a lot of research and have decided that I am not going to go on the medication as the studies completed are not in favour of any bone medication and question there long term effects.
We lose bone density as we get older as it is a normal ageing cycle and I have lots of friends that are probably the same (low bone density) but have never needed any test as they are healthy!
I have spoken to a few specialists and they are of the opinion that meds are given out too quickly with no real discussions. I have a good diet, but due to arthritis not as active as I would like to be. My calcium levels and Vit D are good so I am going to try and increase activities. This is not a disease but a natural process and strength of bone needs to be taken into account which it is not.
Not for everyone and perhaps if I start to suffer fractures I will think again - good luck on your journey and wish you all the best
Great information.I keep thinking back to grandparents and great grandparents who never had bone scans and osteoporosis meds. Yes they may have been stooped over in old age but aged happily with their aches and pains. Why aren’t we being allowed to age naturally also!?
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Medication or not?
>1.0 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN T-SCORES HIP & SPINE ON DEXA?
Advice please, been prescribed Alendronic acid..
