Osteoporosis Support Group
Osteoporosis is a disease of bone in which bone mineral density is reduced, bone microarchitecture is disrupted, and the amount and variety of non-collagenous proteins in bone is changed. It is estimated that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50 worldwide have osteoporosis. It is responsible for millions of fractures annually, mostly involving the lumbar...
I am 45 years old and have Osteopenia, which I have been followed for for quite some time at a Bone Density center. I am small framed and petite and the bone density doctor that I use to see told me that my baseline would be different than lets say someone with a larger frame who is not so petite. I have always wanted to get me bone density into the normal range and can't seem to do this. The doctor I use to see is no longer at the center and because of this it took me 4 years to go back instead of the 2. I just had a bone density the other day and took the results up to mmet with the APRN. She was nice, but really didn't seem to know her stuff like my other doctor did. I had asked her what something meant on the scan results and she didn't know. I am concerned because my spine density went down a little since the last scan 4 years ago. It seemed like a fairly small amount, but she couldn't really explain it adequately to me. She just said that my lab work was good and my Bone Breakdown was low which is good. When I asked her why my density went down in my spine she couldn't give me any reasons why being that my blood work was all good. I am supposed to just continue my exercise and supplements and get another Scan in 2 years. Iwould like to do all I can to stay off meds and get my density back up in my spine. My hip density is the same. I am starting to wonder if I am doing enough exercise and taking enough vitamin D. I have had other health issues and have only really been exercising 2 to 3 times a week. I walk 2 to 3 hours weekly and do the weight machines 2 times per week. Is this enough? I take a total of 2000 of the Vitamin D3 daily. I had been exercising 3 times a week and doing the weights 2 times a week prior to my scan in 2007 and at that time my density had improved, so I thought this was adequate exercise, maybe not or it is that I haven't been as consistent the past 4 years with this. I would appreciate any suggestions on what more I can do to improve my Bone density in my spine. Sorry for the long post.
Thanks,
April
Thanks,
April
On this discussion site they had a research study which showed a positive impact to bone density when you eat prunes at every meal. Well, by golly, I am eating them. I am not petite but thin so they recommended between 6-10 per day. So I worked up to 6. Do a search and you will find the study.
Also another research study found that standing on one leg for one minute 3 X per day increased bone density because it puts stress on the bone equal to 53 minutes of walking.. This is also very good for balance. I am doing this too. Search on this site for the article.
And... when weight lifting do it "Super Slow" Count to 10 up and 10 down. It is a much harder work out and puts stress on your bones. It is aupposed to even build bone.
I am trying everything to keep from going on any perscriptions. I have terrible insurance coverage so I pay dearly. I recently had a concern about my gall bladder. The 30 minute abdominal Ultra Sound cost me $1100. I can't afford any more tests.
So good luck. Sandy
April