Osteoporosis Support Group

Why not check with the National Osteoporosis Society in the UK?

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Hope they can provide some insight/direction.

Where I am (SW US), osteopenia is regularly treated with (generally) Fosamax (alendronate) or similar med to prevent further bone loss. If your GP doesn't know what to do, can you see a rheumatologist or gynecologist? Has your Coeliac caused any of this osteoporosis? I know some of mine was caused by being on PPIs for 10 yrs. I was on Fosamax for 4 yrs and did improve, but now I have problems with acid reflux and all of these drugs bother me. Evista comes with its own problems. Even more important than Calcium is Vit. D. Do you know your levels? Should be around 50. The calcium can't be absorbed if Vit. D is low. It's an easy blood test and should be done routinely. There are some folks in US who feel that boron/calcium/magnesium supplements can prevent bone loss. Go over to vitality101.com and check out the bone health stuff. It's a site for fibromyalgia, but it covers this topic as well. Dr. Christine Northrup's website also has some info on the subject for free.

I am in the UK as well. I have osteoporosis quite badly,I was diagnosed in October last year. My Mum and sister have it as well. We were all put on Alendronic acid and Cal/vit D. I thought this was standard procedure in the UK. I joined the Osteoporosis Society,I can really recommend doing that,they have a help line staffed by nurses and you can ring with any enquiries.Also lost of booklets etc.,you can ring about all the various treatments.
I am waiting to see a consultant because the treatment isnt suiting me.
If I can help you with anything please send me a message.
Try not to get in a state about it, I did at first because I didnt expect it, I have got more used to it now. It is worrying with this weather we are having, I must say I have tended not to go out very much as I am scared of falling, this would never have bothered me before.
Good LUck.

Hi Jolly

I'm in the UK too, similar story, in that I had Osteopenia to start with and now have Osteoporosis. (-2.5) I'm 51. I would say ask to get your Vitamin D blood serum level checked. Mine was way too low and now my consultant is trying high doses of Vitamin D to see if that helps. (We get so little sun here). This is before I'm put on bisphosphonates. The problem with taking those drugs at our age, is the long-term side effects.... I have also been scared in the recent icy weather! But try to stay mentally strong, as any stress can also be damaging to your bones! There are a lot of good books - here are a few authors - Alan R Gaby, Marilyn Glenville, Gillian Sanson, Susan Brown - www.betterbones.com. I have to be honest, in the end I asked for a private consultation with a rheumatologist. I got a whole hour and a full body check and she looked at all my medical history (which is complicated, like yours). It was worth every penny (better than spending the money on a holiday!). And I felt reassured that someone cared. Think about it.

I was also just diagnosed with Osteoporosis. I can only share what my doctors are doing, as I cannot take the Fosomax because I also have Barrette's Esophogus. I am on 1500 MG of calcium (500 MG tablets 3xday), PLUS 800 IU of Vitamin D per day. You have to have the Vitamin D so you absorb the calcium, otherwise it is a waste of time and $$. Take with a full glass of water, preferably after meals.

You might also ask your doctor to check your Magnesium levels (blood test). If it's low, you might need to also supplement your Magnesium.

Exercise...another thing my doctor ordered. Lots of it.

Dear Jojjy,
first of all, I understand that the information out there is extremely confusing. It is true, that peak bone mass is about at age 35 and then starts to decline. The osteoblasts that build bone mass start to get lazy with buidling bone structure because they don't feel that there is any more need for growth or strengthening of your bones. To give them more calcium to work with, doesn't necessarily mean, that the osteoblast know where to put it. In fact, taking Calcium can cause Arteriosclerosis (hardening of your arteries) and calcifications in your organs (eg kidneys). The best way to stimulate your osteoblast activity is still to do weight bearing exercise. Exercise is also beneficial to your hormone household, which influences the health of your body also.
If you can't find time for one hour of exercise daily, your only alternative is to get a BEMER3000. This is a Bio Electro Magnetic Mat, that has been shown to be a very effective bone stimulator. It has shown to increase osteoblast activity by a factor of five, which means, the osteoblast work five times harder to keep your bones strong.
It is safe, it is effective and easy.
My grandma was put on Fossamax and it tore up her stomach. 90% of my patients that have been on bone meds have had severe side effects. I would totally advise against anybody with Celiac Disease to take bone meds. Let me know, if you need more advice for Celiac Disease. We are forming a support group in my town.
To learn more about the Bemer3000 you can go to www.bemeramerica.com/bemer3000girls.
Have a great day!