osteopenia: Hi recently diagnosed with... - British Liver Trust

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osteopenia

Aztec632 profile image
13 Replies

Hi recently diagnosed with osteopenia Has anyone else got this condition under control and managed to keep it from progressing to osteoporosis through exercise and diet?

I have been prescribed vit d3 800iu and my GP is asking her team for any advice on the calcium supplement as I have an intolerance to the additives in the chewable vit d with calcium originally prescribed.



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Aztec632
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13 Replies
B33chB00k57 profile image
B33chB00k57

Hello , I have AIH , diagnosed in April 21 , soon after I was also diagnosed with Osteopenia, I take I cal-d3. 1000mg a day and also Alendronic acid once a week 70mg I hope it’s helping ,I haven’t had another dexa scan yet , I’m also doing some Pilates as a weight bearing exercise and try to eat healthy.

Aztec632 profile image
Aztec632 in reply toB33chB00k57

Thank you for your reply. I have been advised to do the weight bearing exercises and suggested yoga which I am happy to do and will do but not able to at the moment as I pulled a muscle in my lower back to the side and it is painful and uncomfortable 🙈It has been like it for about 3 weeks now but yesterday it improved and then this morning I bent down and it pulled again!

I was fine until this AIH hit me. It certainly takes longer for the body to heal now.

I thought I was a warrior 😕

I hope the meds work for you. We could do without any added extras to worry about couldn't we!!

B33chB00k57 profile image
B33chB00k57 in reply toAztec632

I know just what you mean , it’s one step forward and two back sometimes ! I was always so fit and thought I was a warrior too :D But now I just do what I can and don’t beat myself up about it .

Aztec632 profile image
Aztec632 in reply toB33chB00k57

I am with you but frustrating at times. Every night I go to bed thinking tomorrow I am going to do this and that but this and that doesn't always get done 🤣

Aztec632 profile image
Aztec632 in reply toB33chB00k57

Hi I hope you dont mind me asking but would it be possible for you to let me know how you get on at your next dexa scan please? It would be interesting to know if the meds make a big difference x

B33chB00k57 profile image
B33chB00k57 in reply toAztec632

Hello I’m not sure when my next dexa scan will be but I will certainly let you know . 🤞🏻

Aztec632 profile image
Aztec632 in reply toB33chB00k57

Thank you and good luck

AyrshireK profile image
AyrshireK

My hubby has osteopenia with his cirrhosis being due to AIH too. He's been on Adcal D3 since 2014/15 and increased his intake of milk and porridge. Last dexa scan (2021) showed no further deterioration.

I believe the Osteoporosis Society csn provide great information. theros.org.uk/information-a...

Katie

Aztec632 profile image
Aztec632 in reply toAyrshireK

Thank you Katie. I have started the vit d on it's own at the moment And my GP has an admin lady looking into a calcium alternative without additives which cause me gastro problems. Does your hubby get any side effects from the Adcal? Good to hear there is no further deterioration so it must be working. He has been on them for a long time. I guess he has regular calcium checks as I have heard too much can cause build up in the arteries.

I have had a daily bowl of porridge with milk for a few years now and I eat yoghurt and cheese., vegetables and good stuff. I was surprised when my scan found bone thinning but hey ho better it has been found so I can do something to help.

I need to gain some more weight which will probably help too. I am currently nursing a bad back so feel like I am falling apart at the seams x

AyrshireK profile image
AyrshireK in reply toAztec632

I don't think he gets any particular side effects from Adcal. Only bloods he gets are whatever they run at his 6 monthly consultations. Hubby and I have recently taken up mountain biking so he gets a pretty good workout through that.

Aztec632 profile image
Aztec632 in reply toAyrshireK

Lovey fresh air in the mountains to blow away the cobwebs! I would have to travel a fair distance to find mountains. I am still trying to get back up from the fatigue. Try to push myself a little but it's not easy. I am hoping at some point there will be improvement. Happy cycling 🙂

MicheleG33 profile image
MicheleG33

Hi, I've been reading the comments on your post and was interested in what you said about the intolerance to Adcal.My sons Adcal was put up to 2 per day as per the box but had previously been on 1 a day.

By coincidence, (or possibly not) 5 days later hes started to get diarrhoea. Its continued for 7 days but consultant has said it wont be the Adcal.

Awaiting Stool samples results.

His bloods after 5 days or continuous symptoms were good.

Its a mystery but my son is desperate for it to stop.

Only other change was Pred being reduced but again weve been told it's not that.

GP recommended immodium but that's now had the opposite effect, equally uncomfortable 🤦‍♀️

I hope you get answers.

My son has a Dexa scan booked beg Sept. His first one.

Aztec632 profile image
Aztec632 in reply toMicheleG33

Hi I am sorry to hear that your son has been diagnosed with liver disease at this young age. Although my consultant requested for me to be prescribed Adcal I was actually given Accrete d3 chewable and it is this that has the artificial added ingredients that upset my gut. Sorbitol and artificial sweetners can in some people cause diarrhea. It also has a small amount of alcohol.I am still researching the idea of taking Adcal which has I believe has artificial sugars and flavourings but there are 3 differentways you can take it.

At the moment I am just taking vit d on its own. I don't want to be taking in all the additives and calcium every day for the rest of my life if I dont need to.

Interestingly I have just finished a phone call with one of the specialist bone nurses from the osteoporosis society which Katie kindly posted the link to. I was told that if you have enough calcium going into your body each day via diet and you have the adequate level of vitamin D then you dont need calcium supplementation at the osteopenia stage. I am now on the case and will do some more research into this but it sounds promising. There is a calculator on the website whereby you can calculate your daily intake of calcium foods to see if you meet the recommended amount.

Why has your son been put on Adcal without having had a Dexa scan first? Are they thinking he has Osteopenia?

Diarrhea is awful but then to jump to the opposite effect, I really feel for him. I hope he feels better soon.

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