new to group, advice please

[TwentiesGirl]

Hi everyone, I’m new to this online group. I have been diagnosed with Osteoporosis with the following scores: Lumber Spine -4.3 and Total Hip -3.2

I was recommended to take Bisphosphonates in tablet form but when I declined this due to having had past IBS, I was offered a yearly infusion. At the current time I have delayed taking up this offer as I want to find out if others manage their Osteoporosis without medication. I’m 66, walk daily (have a dog), and as I live on the edge of downland many walks are up and down significant hills. I feel there is no issues with my leg muscles. However, over the years I have experienced muscle pain in upper body, including intercostal muscles. The results of recent blood test show my calcium level is okay but low vitamin D, so now taking a high does of this. I gather low vitamin D can affect muscles. So, I have started swimming to strengthen muscles and have bands and dumbbells to try too.

I would appreciate any advice/suggestions. I also tried to find out how my scores compare to others with Osteoporosis, but all I seem to find is the level Osteoporosis is diagnosed.

[Supertech]

I have the yearly infusions with no problem. My T score was -2.9 for my spine a number of years ago when I had 3 annual infusions then took a three year break from it. During that time my T scores improved to -2.5 while I had the infusions but declined when I was off it.

I had another infusion in January this year again with no problems due to the fact I am now on daily steroids because of a different medical problem. The steroids increase your risk of osteoporosis which I already have.

People often take K3 to help the absorption of Vitamin D.

The ROS helpline maybe a way forward to discuss your T scores and the different types of medication.

Think it maybe difficult to improve those scores just with diet and exercise.

[TwentiesGirl in reply to Supertech]

thank you, its good to know it has helped you. I am not so worried about improving my scores but dont want them to deteriorate further .

[Cappuccinobaby]

Please have your GP rule out hyperparathyroidism ad a cause of your osteoporosis. What level is your calcium?

[TwentiesGirl in reply to Cappuccinobaby]

thank you. My calcium is 2.36

[Met00]

I was going to say the same as Cappuccinobaby. So often GPs don't check for this fairly common underlying cause of osteoporosis. You should have had tests for vitamin D, calcium and parathyroid in the same blood draw (not just vitamin D and calcium), together with thyroid, coeliac and full blood count. Your scores are quite poor, although on their own they don't tell you much about your bone strength. You should also have a FRAX fracture risk score (eg 10% risk of fracture in the next 10 years), with any recommendation for medication based on this. Walking is good exercise and will help slow deterioration (we all lose bone density as we age), but high impact exercise (hopping, jumping, skipping, running, dancing) is more effective, along with resistance exercises (using weights and/or resistance bands). Swimming is good for general health, but there's no impact involved, so is not thought to help maintain bone density.

I'm 68 and have maintained my bone density for the past 5 years without taking medication, although my t-scores aren't far into the osteoporosis range (neck of femur -2.8, total hip - 2.6, spine - 2.0). However, I don't know how much of this is due to exercising and how much as a result of taking a low dose strontium citrate supplement, along with a diet high in calcium, magnesium and protein and supplementing to keep my blood D level above 100nmol/litre, together with K2-MK7, boron, zinc and bovine collagen supplements.

[TwentiesGirl in reply to Met00]

thank you, all helpful information to know. I am due a yearly blood test in January as my white blood cells monitored. I also have had raised ESR for over 18 months now. I will ask about checking all your suggestions. I feel absolutely fine, so reluctant to take anything. I was told my risk of fracture over the next 10 years is just under 9% for hip and 19% for spine. Trying to be positive Iam focused on 91% chance of not fracturing my hip and 81% chance I wont fracture my spine. I do lots of balance exercises and take a stick when walking on the downland due to potential of slippery ground when wet.