Newly Diagnosed

[FiddleFern]

Hi, I'm new on here . I received a diagnosis of Osteoporosis from results of Dexa scan last week and was surprised Lumbar T Score -2.2 .Femoral Neck T Score -2.8 moderate to left hip moderate to sever osteoarthritis . I have been on steroids since March 2024 for (PMR) and tapering, currently at 10mg also Adcal D3 . Why I am surprised, is that I am a yoga teacher and practice / teach yoga eight to 10 times a week for years. Also a sea kayaker , gardener with large garden, walker and look after grandchild 2 years of age 1 day a week.I am diet aware and largely pescatarian I am 65 and correct weight for my height . Am currently mulling over my next steps , desperately trying to avoid bone density drugs know I have to add in more weight/load bearing - wondering are there other yoga teachers/practitioners on here and how you are dealing with osteoporosis. Or indeed any insights anyone has Thanks

[Met00]

I'm a couple of years older than you with similar t-scores and I don't take osteo meds. Any recommendation for medication should be based on your FRAX fracture risk score (eg 10% risk of fracture in the next 10 years), not on t-scores alone. Being on steroids will raise your fracture risk, but your active lifestyle should mean that you have strong bones - t-scores are a measure of bone density, not bone strength! I don't know how much impact steroids are likely to have on your bones, but you haven't been on them for long, and in view of the amount of exercise you do, there may well be good justification for focussing on diet, exercise and supplements and ask to be scanned again in, say 2-3 years' time to see whether you're maintaining your bone density. You might also be interested in paying for a private REMS bone scan, which is able to measure bone strength as well as bone density.

[FiddleFern in reply to Met00]

Hi Met00 thanks for getting back to me and sorry about delayed response I was away and offline . Thanks re the focus on diet , exercise and supplements have become proactive around all of those and think I ought to have good bone strength due to all the exercise I have taken over the years . Will go back for a rescan in the future and until then it's Granny bootcamp lol!

[Fefcoo]

You're amazing! Keep enjoying your beautiful, active lifestyle. The diagnosis is not the end of it all. There are resources for yoga & exercises specifically for osteoporosis, and weight-bearing exercises is emphasized in them. I appreciate the comment that "bone strength is different from bone density".I'm 67, have had similar test results , am active in gardening, yoga, & utilizing gym equipment for weight-bearing exercises. I was alarmed at my scores & diagnosis at first, but decided against drugs, especially because that was the only option my doctors gave me. Also, the side effects & the feeling of being experimented on were not convincing they would be beneficial. I upped my calcium intake & watch my diet, and enjoy the wonderful life I have.

[bonewarrior in reply to Fefcoo]

Your post is so inspiring and I am on the same path. I am only 58 and was diagnosed two years ago with t-scores of -3 something in spine, hip not so bad. No pain, no fractures, I did not notice anything at all and did the scan because I am post menopause. Was treated the exact same way by three different doctors: Take bisphosphonates and come back in a year. No further explanation, or option. But that's not me. I immediately started working out twice a week with weights and a PT and taking all necessary supplements, including a high dose of boron. Will have my next dexa in September and if results are not satisfactory I will search for REMS bone scan (not easy to find - I live in Germany and Greece part time). Otherwise, I also enjoy my beautiful life and great job and friends and family and stopped worrying when I started taking it into my own hands. Great to hear others are doing the same!

[FiddleFern in reply to Fefcoo]

Hi Fefco, Thanks for the encouragement - just back from a few days hill walking and was offline so apologies for delay.Think I have decided to follow my gut instinct (literally ) stay away from bone density drugs and up my game around diet etc .Lol thinking I will offer online yoga for osteoporosis and osteopenia when I go back teaching in Sep seems to be a gap where folk my age and with my diagnosis can offer real experience of same in yoga world ... great to hear that you decided to take the drug free route . Keep on keeping on

[HealthELiving]

I agree with Met00. Steroids can lead to bone loss over time.

REMS or the TBS of a DXA scan can offer some insight on your bone strength (the T-score is not a good indicator of your overall bone health.

I have been an avid sea kayaker for almost 4 decades and despite that and even skiing, it is clear that those sports do not contribute to building bone health - do them for the enjoyment but engage in other sports such as tennis or pickleball in addition to weighted resistance training, nutritional guidance, and even getting enough sleep!

There are many on this forum who contribute wonderful information to help lift each other up. So glad you have joined !

[FiddleFern in reply to HealthELiving]

Hi HealthELiving , Thanks for taking the trouble to respond . Yes I agree with you kayaking does not build bone density and am working on the other activities - am walking with a weighted vest - both doing things in the house and on my daily walk with the dogs and have added weighted resistance training as well. I am going to trust that my bone strength is good after decades of physical activity and just enjoy life . Happy paddling .

[Watercolorlover]

I feel your pain. I did yoga faithfully for 2 yrs every morning & could not change my numbers. I too have osteoporosis. My guess is the steroids, they also did a number on me for too many injections. I took a year on evenity & did lower my score to osteopenia but now have to continue with yet another drug & really do not want to. I believe bones are a genetic issue just like high cholesterol which I am also dealing with. It’s a very confusing issue when you believe you have been doing everything right. Eating healthy, exercising, etc. wishing you the best to deal with your frustration. I am 74 & and weight is good. I will still continue to plank as long as I can. Wish I had better genetics 🙏🏼🌹

[FiddleFern in reply to Watercolorlover]

Hi Watercolourlover, Thanks for your insights and yes surprise and frustration is putting it mildly initially but am now moving on and dealing with whatever . I too think it's the steroids which I am tapering slowly off fingers crossed. I agree with the bones as a genetic thing but have no real proof, my mum did not have it or anyone in my family . None of us have ever had any fractures ....so who knows it's a mystery .

[Watercolorlover]

best of luck to you💐unfortunately, now I am having knee surgery in August & because of pain & swelling am having difficulty exercising for my bone health. Hopefully PT will help afterwards.🙏🏼hang in there…

[Pvane]

Hello, sounds like you are extremely active and very aware of diet and how it influences everything. I too was in very good shape, very good dietary habits then a wacky DEXA. I refuse to take the meds. I knew I had to add weight bearing exercises and exercises specific to osteoporosis. I am a member of A.I.M. Fitness and after 1 and1/2 years of HIIT classes plus strength and balance classes my DEXA has improved. You can pick and choose from a variety of online classes. Here is the link:

activitiesinmotion.ca/

Designed specifically for ages 55 and up. Meg Stickl, is the owner and an expert in fitness for seniors. Very skilled with various conditions especially osteoporosis.