Anorexia and Op: Is there anyone else... - Bone Health and O...

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Anorexia and Op

Toralily profile image
14 Replies

Is there anyone else out there with osteoporosis and anorexia in their 40s?

I’d be really interested to know how you are managing- What meds if any that you take and do you do any weight bearing excercise?

I am working hard to get to a healthy weight so really struggling to know how much is too much excercise.

Also thinking about asking my doctor for hrt.

Feeling very depressed by it all. Any advice from anyone in my situation I would really appreciate.

Thank you

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Toralily profile image
Toralily
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14 Replies
dog45678 profile image
dog45678

So sorry to hear of the challenge you face. Your determination to regain your health and stay healthy is wonderful. Sending love

Toralily profile image
Toralily in reply todog45678

Thank you ❤️

dcdream profile image
dcdream

Personally, I would research a good osteoporosis doctor in your area and meet with them to discuss your needs and particular health issues. Every body is unique and a good doctor could be an ally in your treatment plan. They can refer you to physical therapist for sound advice and work with you on your eating disorder and how it impacts your bones.

Toralily profile image
Toralily in reply todcdream

Yes I’m wondering if I might get to this point…Where to start researching a good OP doc though..And cost is a concern..But then health is always worth it …Sigh

dcdream profile image
dcdream in reply toToralily

talk to your regular doctor and ask for their suggestions. There are also national organizations you can look into and call for suggestions on doctors.

NanaCrumb profile image
NanaCrumb

Hi, as someone who's also struggled with maintaining a healthy weight I just wanted to reassure you to stay hopeful. I received my diagnosis almost 2 years ago in my 50s, and although it's devastating and a bit bewildering, I'm slowly beginning to be more appreciative too. I don't take good days for granted any more and I try to be kinder to myself. Yoga with Adrienne has a wonderful teacher who has some online sessions specifically for OP, so while I miss some of my old workouts I haven't had to give up something I love just adapted it. Your safety is really important so please keep asking the questions and if there's something specific you want to know always reach out. This is a wonderful caring community!

Toralily profile image
Toralily in reply toNanaCrumb

Thank you. Would you say your weight is now stable? And you are doing yoga and just yoga now you are at a healthy weight? I do love yoga with Adrienne, but the OP sessions must have passed me by. Thank you for your kind encouraging words. All the best to you too ❤️

NanaCrumb profile image
NanaCrumb in reply toToralily

Hi again! I'm 5ft 4+ around 90lb so not ideal but stable, and although l still have a habit of 'grazing' throughout the day rather than sitting down to big meals I do eat well. My dexa results are -5.2 spine, -3.1 hip which are a bit of a disaster but since I've only ever had one scan done I've no idea when I lost it all. I'm hesitant to offer advice because our bodies and the challenges we face are all different, but please try not to blame yourself, and focus on what you can change going forward. For me that's mainly centered around walking+yoga to build core strength, maintain good balance and posture so I can hopefully remain fracture free and continue enjoying my grandkids!

Yep. Me. Forty something with AN and OP.I think depends on my your personal situation how much exercise you can do. It's not only about BMI but other indicators of health status as well. Are you getting support for the AN? Try to talk to a healthcare professional who knows about EDs and OP regarding a safe level of exercise for you.

Personally I have been off my feet for over three months thanks to an ankle injury which refuses to heal. I'm incredibly depressed and feel there's no hope. I have gone from walking several miles every day to being totally immobile and seeing no improvement.

So yeah.... Good that you recognise the need to take care of yourself!!! This forum is full of lovely and supportive people:-)

CinnamonRose profile image
CinnamonRose in reply towecanhelpeachother

Aww wecanhelp eachother, it's horrid isn't it, I know that depressed hopeless feeling it just takes hold of you as reality hits home, this is life now. I have 3 vertebrae that won't heal, just surrounded by fluid that is protecting them but doing naff all otherwise!!Can you spend some time enjoying the sun outside, I've found it's helped my mood. Also great for upping the vitD

I've gone from being an active granny of 11 grandkids with an open house, always entertaining and going out and about to this knackered old lady who's now basically a sofa slug, the pain does seem to zap energy, so when in your head you think you can do things, in reality you can't, it's awfully frustrating. Can you ask to be referred to the Osteoporosis Psychologist?

I was offered it when I told the physio how much I was struggling with the change in lifes circumstances.

All the things you've planned and hoped to do when retired are chucked out the window, some are very fortunate and have few symptoms and no breaks, others have complications, breaks and pain and a wild change in lifestyle.

The consultant psychologist was very helpful and gave me some tools, it does take time but I am learning slowly to do a little then lie down and repeat so that the pain remains at a manageable level, rather than go for it, stubbornly not giving in and taking a lot longer to recover, the pain being worse and getting inflammation. I think I'm learning🙃

Sending hugs, I'm happy to chat xxx

wecanhelpeachother profile image
wecanhelpeachother in reply toCinnamonRose

Thank you CR :-) so as not to hijack Toralily's thread, I've sent you a chat.

Toralily profile image
Toralily in reply towecanhelpeachother

Being forced to stop and heal is so hard. It’s the waiting game. Horrid! I hope you have some good professionals/doctors/support and to give you that reassurance that you will get there and be able to get out and about again. Please don’t give up 💕

Thank you for your advice. I do have a (telephone.. Sigh) appointment with my gp coming up, so I’m hoping I’ll be given the time and space to ask the questions re medication (She prescribed me Alendronic Acid and calcium vit d tablets) The former I’m definitely reluctant to take so I’m going to ask about hrt..I’m wondering also if this will be a bigger cost..Also will try and ask about excercise but as you say what I really need is someone specialised in the area..And she definitely left me with the impression that she knew very little..So we will see how that goes..My head is full of worries and questions. I’ve written some of them down but also have the habit of not asking all the questions..even when I’ve written them down, or not articulating things properly and thinking about extra questions afterwards! 🤦🏻‍♀️ I am on a waiting list for AN treatment..7 months in

ROSModerator profile image
ROSModeratorPartner

Hi Toralily ,

Just stopping by to wish you the warmest welcome to our community :) Getting a diagnosis can bring up lots of questions and concerns for us that can feel overwhelming, so it's really understandable to be unsure of things - especially when we're managing multiple health conditions at once. Our members have a wealth of kindness and experience to share which we really hope will help support you on your health journey.

We have lots of support on our website, including information on Anorexia and osteoporosis in younger people that might feel useful:

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theros.org.uk/information-a...

youtu.be/k-e6IrBrZdc

Hope this may feel helpful at this time :)

Wishing you the very best,

Lulu

ROS Moderator

Toralily profile image
Toralily

Thank you Lulu. I will take a look at the resources 🙂

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