Thanks Lasma And others. Raloxophine (evista) is a selective estrogen uptake inhibitor that I have been on for 20 years to prevent recurrent breast cancer in young women with hormone negative rumors. So far, so good.
It is now being marketed as a bone density drug. My bone density is well above average, but I’m not a a dr. I don’t know how much is from the med and how much is my regular chemical balance, good diet and weight bearing exercise .
My goodness, that last paragraph was really self-congratulatory. I didn’t mean it that way I’ve just been lucky in some genes compared to my friends with breast cancer in our thirties.
Well I am going for a bone density study in a few weeks when I am following up with my wrist fracture from August. So, I read this thread and found it historically and currently helpful since it started in 2010 and gives you an idea how recommendations change.
I came across a 2000 bone density of mine T (-1.5) - the only one I had - age 45. Yes I have followed the recommendations but really they would be a laugh today as to how weak they were.
So far I have learned in reading info on my own a few interesting things. One that competitive cyclists (I am not but I have friends who are) should have their bone densities checked in that somehow it not only does not protect you from osteoporosis but seems to be more of a setup. (girlfriend age 45 wrist fracture from fall, other age 40 neck fracture from fall). And second that cycling and swimming while excellent on many levels are not exercises for prevention of osteoporosis. I also read that horse back riding and skiing were risky with osteoporosis, I presume because of the falls.
I have a question for y’all.
OK so, I did jog a half marathon this past year and I do love to walk - am keeping that up and do lots of stairs. Yes my new plan of weight lifting is on board but got to finish the wrist healing first. But I think that I am not as balanced as I used to be. My weight is good and yes I am a small white female who is a setup for osteoporosis. Luckily no hip fractures in the family.
Do you have favorite activities that seems to help with balance? I thought of Tai Chi, some type of dance, etc. ??
My doc in addition to the meds, calcium, vit D recommendations she gave me also gave me a scrip to see an OT and PT if I wanted to get recommendations on everyday things to do to improve balance, avoid falling,etc. I didn’t jump on the chance to do that because initially I figured, “listen, I am not a 56 year old inactive, sedentary woman who sits around all day!” But I’m hanging onto the script. I actually wondered if the PT might be able to recommend some strength building/weight bearing exercises that I can do on a regular basis at the gym - just like a trainer might do.
Weight bearing exercises are key. So exercise where you bear weight on your feet (spinning might count, when you are off the seat???) like walking, running, cross country skiing, etc. And weight/exercise with your arms that are neck and above.
I am a very active almost 60 year old. The ortho guy told me I needed to pay attention to my upper body as all my exercises are for lower body. I plan on weight lifting for my upper body. But, I do think that balance played a role in my fall. I would like a dance class or something for balance that does not involve plain exercise. I would like to mix it up.
A few sessions with a good PT can be very beneficial. The key is to find a specialist who understands the needs of your particular athletic activity. When I was referred to a PT after wrecking my knee, I found a lady who was a high level marathon runner. She took the time to analyze my running and did a few sessions on fixing it.
For balance, get a Bosu ball. That thing will kick your butt.
Yes, a bosu ball. I stand on one (with the curved side on the floor; I stand on the flat side) while I lift weights over my head. Once you get the balance thing down on that, it’s a piece of cake. I also do a bit of yoga. There are also exercises to do to make sure your legs are strong – standing up from a sitting position on two legs, then on one leg, then holding a weight. If you can do all that without wobbling or falling, you’re good.
Got the bosu ball- been messing with it some- not full force yet. Seems fun.
I got the Dexa- -1.9 to -4.0 .Oh my. Done in a GP’s office. I think I need another scan done somewhere else. I’m 60. I asked for an endocrine referral. I refused the Prolia. I do not want to be old anymore.
@rockymthigh: Why did you refuse the Prolia? At -4.0, it seems to me it could help significantly. Even if it’s slightly inaccurate, even -3.0 is cause for alarm.
“Study attrition was significantly lower in the group that took NSAIDs before exercise suggesting improved tolerance of vigorous bone-loading exercise.”
I had my most recent bone density test this week, and my T scores are between -2.5 and -2.9. I’ve had osteopenia for several years, and have several risk factors for osteoporosis (white, under 127 lbs, small-boned, family history). My dr. has given me 3 options to consider:
Do what I’ve been doing with taking Vit D and calcium. Increase exercise. Retake bone density in a year. (A few years ago I had similar T scores and they improved the following year, but I think I increased my Vit D at that time because it was too low, It’s not low now)
Go on Fosamax for a year and then retake bone density. Both my dr and I are spouses of dentists so we have our concerns regarding bisphosphonates. I already have periodontal issues. I also don’t like the protocol for taking these meds.
Referral to osteoporosis clinic at the nearby teaching hospital. Not sure exactly what they’ll do other than possibly run other tests to see if there’s anything treatable causing the osteoporosis, or offering other treatments that my insurance isn’t likely to cover.
For those of you who’ve faced this issue, any recommendations among those options, or any other options I should consider.
