Osteopenia

[Yvonnejulie]

Does anyone else suffer from Osteopenia with their pbc, is it connected or just plan bad luck? Think if I was a dog I would of been put down by now!

[jemlola]

Hi YvonneJulie

I had a dexa bone scan in August and Consultant wrote to say that I have osteopenia with pbc. As I understand it the signs of osteopenia can sometimes be reversed before osteoporosis develops. I spoke to dietician who gave me advice about eating calcium rich foods - diary being the most effective. My Gp has recently sent me for a blood test to ensure that I am getting enough calcium in my diet, if not he will prescribe calcium supplements. They also advised about doing weight bearing exercise such as walking, yoga a few times a week to help strenghthen and assist with balance.

I think in females with pbc there is an increased chance of developing osteoporosis. However I am not medically qualified so you might want to check this out with your Gp. Also I am sure that other people on here will be able to advise you on this.

I sometimes think that if I was a dog I would get more interest in my condition and would feel more supported, when I look at the care the local vets offer to their patients.

Take care ☺

[Yvonnejulie in reply to jemlola]

Thank you for your reply, i think I will look into the diet and exercise side of things to try and help, we don't seem to get much help, it's like we are told what we have then basically get on with it, I'm just thankful for this site and it's more useful than anything I've been offered

[jemlola in reply to Yvonnejulie]

I know, I am so glad I found this site and made contact with the pbc foundation. When the Consultant gave me a diagnosis it was basically that you will be on Urso probably for the rest of your life and that I would be under the hospital for future appointments. I have been so grateful for the advice and support I have received in response to my sometimes desperate posts.

Take care x

[Shazzamattaz in reply to jemlola]

Hello jemlola,

I know what you mean, I have to have hospital appointments too, and I'm glad to have found this site too, I only joined last night, by the way I have been looking up milk thistle this helps the liver too, I'm going to start taking these small tablets, it's a herbal remedy, I do struggle with taking the uro acid medicine, I cannot stand the taste, makes me feel sick 😦 Sooo nice to talk to people on here with the same condition, now don't feel so alone. 😁

[Shazzamattaz]

Hello Yvonne Julie

I too have had a dexa bone scan and was diagnosed with borderline osterporosis I have to take calcium tablets daily, I also have PBC too with this ☹️ I too feel it's bad luck to have both of these, am gutted but what can you do.

I only joined this site tonight and it's comforting to see others on here for help and support as it does get you down and I worry so much about it all.

I'm not sure if it's connected though if I'm honest. 😧

[kandiepat in reply to Shazzamattaz]

Hello Yvonne Julie,

I am same as you, after the scan the doctor said I have it in patches and ordered calcium tablets with vit. D. I dont have dairy, only a little butter normally. I wonder if I started to have dairy for the calcium it would affect my pbc - there is a lot of fat in dairy. I will take the tablets and see what happens on the next scan. Welcome aboard Yvonne Julie - Kandipat

[teddybear7]

I'm borderline too. But I am 55 & it's because of the calcium.

[Gioielli]

I have osteoporosis in my spine and borderline elsewhere. Take Calceous daily which helps.

[jennyhall06]

I was diagnosed with PBC 2012, diagnosed With osteopenia last year, after fracturing my arm twice. My consultant told me these conditions can go hand in hand, I now take Calsium tablets.

Take care

[cazer]

Hi yes and it can be a side affect of pbc and the lack of proper absorption of fat sol vitamins.

My bones are now back within normal range so dont panic too much about it.i now take icald3 which is calcium with vitd.hope that helps.cazer

[Belgravia]

Hi Yvonnejulie

I have osteopaenia & pbc. There's a likely chance that us with pbc will develop osteopaenia or osteoporosis as we are pre-disposed. Malabsorption of Vit D & longterm treatment with Urso in pbcers I understand may attribute to it. So since a fracture a couple of years ago I take Calcium & Vitamin D tablets. VitD is required in sufficient amounts in our systems to ensure absorption of calcium. The only plus is that it is Osteopaenia & can be reversed or maintained. A dexa scan tells all. BTW my dog is healthier!! 😉

[liver-bird]

Yes I had osteoporosis and have broken 5 bones as a result, but due to taking a biphosphonates for 8 years, I now only have osteopenia which is a milder condition. I take calcium and vitamin D each day. I was told my osteoporosis may have been caused by PBC or by coeliac disease my most recent diagnosis. I now know that you need to have your vitamin levels checked regularly to prevent further problems. All the best.

[58goose]

I believe PBC stops us absorbing the calcium we need so, with my family history, I asked for a bone scan and as it showed signs of change my consultant put me on a calcium & vit D supplement. It's the same one that my sister takes for her osteopenia.

[Lisacj]

Osteopenia is pre osteoporosis, I believe it doesn't necessary mean you will develope osteoporosis. My consultant at the time was totally disregarding of it , but since have heard it should be kept a close eye on.

[Lisacj]

Oh and yes, I been told it has a direct link to PBC.