Bone Mineral Density Scan--Results

[Bina]

Yup, just what I needed: Osteoporosis
My late Mom had it and she cracked her back vertebra from sneezing.

Anyway, this is what the report says:
Lumbar spine T-Score of -3.6
Left femoral neck T-Score of -4.0
Left total hip region T-Score of -4.0

Based on these readings I am classed as Osteoporotic and have a 10 year fracture risk
considered to be high (greater than 20%).

Will be having a repeat study in one year.

Prescribed Calcium and Vitamin D twice daily...no problem, but also prescribed Actonel,
which concerns me somewhat.
My stomach and digestive system is so sensitive and easily messed up.

I know that we discussed these meds last October 2008 and was wondering if anybody had any new or different information to share. Thanks in advance.

 

[Danny]

Bina, sorry to hear that..... I know thats not what anybody wants to hear.

 

[Freddie]

Gee Bins I really wish I had some information for you. Maybe if you have a couple of crackers before and after taking the Actonel might help with your stomach and digestive system.

(((((hugs)))))

 

[ottagal]

Bina,
Ditto for me (as Danny said). However, I am glad that you have this information andcan be proactive with treatment (although I am certain you would prefer not to have this news) . Was there any mention of using light weights and more weight bearing exercise as part of the treatment protocol?
Thinking of you,
Sorry I can't help you with the meds.

 

[Duffey]

Bina,
You need to focus on some weight bearing exercise . . . . and no, I don't mean that kind!

 

[Bina]

The disappointing part of taking the Actonel is that it is taken first thing in the morning upon rising,
sitting up or standing only, then waiting at least 1/2 hour to eat.
I already take my Metoprolol upon awakening and then wait 1/2 hour to eat. Grrrr.
Exercise and my arrhythmia issue don't seem to get along either. LOL I'm such a loser.

 

[Freddie]

Bina,
You need to focus on some weight bearing exercise . . . . and no, I don't mean that kind!

Would lifting a pan of fudge count as weight bearing exercise?

 

[Duffey]

The disappointing part of taking the Actonel is that it is taken first thing in the morning upon rising,
sitting up or standing only, then waiting at least 1/2 hour to eat.
I already take my Metoprolol upon awakening and then wait 1/2 hour to eat. Grrrr.
Exercise and my arrhythmia issue don't seem to get along either. LOL I'm such a loser.

I have a "delicate" digestive system. I took Actonel for awhile, and it didn't bother my stomach. I'd take the Metoprolol later.

 

[Bina]

I can't function without the Meto, so I will take it first and wait a bit before the Actonel.
Oh crap, I don't know....

 

[Freddie]

How would this work:
When you first wake up, stay in bed and take the Meto - wait 1/2 hour in bed then, get up and then take Actonel.
If you have to set an alarm 1/2 earlier than you would usually get up - that way your still on track with your normal day.

 

[Bina]

freddie, u must be spying on me.....LOL.....I wake up, pop my Meto, and then I watch TV in bed for 1/2 hour or so before getting up and making my hot chocolate. I'll have to research the Actonel some more.

 

[Freddie]

No laughing involved here, I just knew, but had to make sound like I didn't know.

 

[skeptic49]

Sorry about the DX, Bina...hope you can scchedule the meds and chow so that you aren't too hungry in the AM.

Jim

 

[marie]

Bina, so sorry to hear this. I have it as well. I use reclast. It's given by IV but only takes about 20 minutes in the doctor's office. It's a once a year and you don't have to take anything else except your calcium for course.

If you can do pilates that helps as well.

 

[Lynlw]

Would lifting a pan of fudge count as weight bearing exercise?

I hope so that is my excercise routine, please don't tell me it doesn't work, next you'll probably say popcorn isn't a vegatable.


Bina, Have you taken calcium since you started coumadin? I know there is some concern about the coum/vit K /bone density. but there are NOT many studies, since they just figured out vit K relation to bone not that long ago.

 

[Bina]

I was taking those daily chewy Calcium/Vitamin D supplements for a while when I stopped drinking milk, but this past year I really wasn't consistent at all with them. My cholesterol has also risen, so I guess the lack of exercise is showing. I'm just falling apart.
Popcorn has loads of fiber if not vegetable qualities....

 

[marky]

(((Bina)))
Iwas dx with osteoporosis 4 years ago very prematurely. I have celiac disease and relate the early osteo dx to that. Anyway I could not tolerate any of the biophosphates..but take Evista without any problems. Evista is a hormone and it actually is proven to prevent breast cancer.. you can take it any time of the day with or without food.. ask your doc about it. It actually reversed my osteoporsis.

 

[CThrock]

Sorry to hear your BD was not a good report. I had the same test a year ago and the Dr told me exercise and calcium and D. I also take another vitamin called replex and helps restore the joints. We will see in a few months of they worked or not. If I were you Bina I would do some reseach on other meds used for opteoporsis. Then get with your Dr again.

 

[Lynlw]

I was taking those daily chewy Calcium/Vitamin D supplements for a while when I stopped drinking milk, but this past year I really wasn't consistent at all with them. My cholesterol has also risen, so I guess the lack of exercise is showing. I'm just falling apart.
Popcorn has loads of fiber if not vegetable qualities....

I hear you, I hate to get my yearlu blood work because of my pain meds, they ALWAYS find some problem, one year it was my hypothyroid AND gall bladder, then my liver, cholesterol ect, but I'm a terrible patient so ignore most of it

don't forget cheddar popcorn adds your dairy

 

[Adrienne]

I have been taking Actonel for about 2½ years because of osteopenia of the spine (I did not want it to degenerate to osteoporosis). I have had no side effects. I hate taking (even though it is just once a week) it simply because I have to wait a half hour before breakfast and sit up. I sit in front of the TV because without my breakfast and either tea or coffee, I am a zombie and cannot do anything useful.