Any other men in their 50's out there with osteoporosis?

[Edbardo123]

Hi, I'm a 54 year old man, and relatively fit. I've always had quite an active life with outdoor rowing and cycling a mainstay.

A couple of months ago I was diagnosed with osteoporosis after suffering acute back pain while jogging. An MRI showed several vertebral fractures and a DEXA confirmed my diagnosis. Blood tests showed no underlying metabolic causes, so I'm just unlucky I guess.

I'm waiting for my first Zolendronic Acid infusion in a few weeks time and, in the meantime, trying to find out as much as I can about what I can expect for my years ahead. Mostly I've found out that I'm in a small minority of relatively young, relatively fit men who've somehow got osteoporosis.

I know this condition affects many people and is debilitating, painful and restrictive for all ages and genders, so I'm by no means invalidating anyone who suffers. But I am interested in anyone who has a similar experience to me and maybe has lived with the condition - and treatment - for a while and can give me any tips, support or just some encouragement.

I want to keep active and ideally quite fit. It's just at the moment I'm frightened of doing anything!

[dcdream]

I was diagnosed at age 58. Like you, had a very healthy lifestyle and no underlying conditions that brought this on. I am now 70. Never took any meds but eat a healthy balanced diet, walk or hike daily for 2+ miles, do a variety of yoga, pilates and strength training routines every other day. I found meeting with a physical therapist helpful, as she taught me proper body mechanics and posture along with developing a strength training and work out routines for osteoporosis. I have never fractured a bone that I know of and remain pain free most of the time. Yes, my scores decline with age, as they do for all aging people. I have lost an inch of height but my loss is equivalent to anyone my age even if they don't have osteoporosis. I do take vitamin d and attempt to reach my calcium intake with food. Like many, I was very worried and anxious about the diagnosis but have researched the disease and med options. Do your homework and learn as much as possible so you can alleviate your worries and make decisions on treatment based on facts instead of fear. Best wishes to you on dealing with this