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??Osteoporosis at 44 years old??

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Posted 1/21/2008 4:06 AM (GMT 0)
 Hi,

I have oseoarthritis, bone spurs in my neck and a annular tear at L4-5. The arthritis is worst in my neck but elsewhere as well.

So lately I've been getting a burning sharp pain in the side of my foot, only there's nothing there and nothing wrong with it as far as I can see. I mentioned this to my Dr at my last visit and he is sending me for a bone density scan Feb 4th and said something about osteoporosis. I don't get the connection (if there is one) or understand why he thinks I could have Osteoporosis when I'm only 44. Any ideas?

Thank you for any insight you can offer, as I am puzzled.

Posted 1/21/2008 4:39 AM (GMT 0)

Hi gardenrat,

I just turned 41 (on the 18th of January actually) and i have had osteoporosis for 3 years.  Have you had a hysterectomy or have low estrogen?  Both can cause bone loss and early osteo.  Until you find out try calcium and vitamin D. 

Nothing surprises me.  I ignorantly thought that osteo/rheumatoid arthritis as well as osteoporosis happened at a much older age and i have all three but if you read through this forum most people are around our age and younger.

Good luck 

 Raven 

Posted 1/21/2008 5:10 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you Raven for your reply!
As a matter of fact I DID have a complete hysterectomy 5 years ago and don't do HRT. I just don't get what it has to do with my silly foot. :)
So if I do have it I just have to take supplements?
Posted 1/21/2008 6:25 AM (GMT 0)
The burning pain in your foot MIGHT be related to a lower back problem. If you have bone spurring in the neck, chances are you might have some in the lower back. One of those spurs in turn could be irritating a nerve that goes to the foot. Ask your doctor to send you for an EMG and nerve conduction study. That not only tell you IF there is a nerve problem, but can reduce or identify the source.

BTW, I have osteoarthritis [OA] in many joints. My OA was first identified in my 30s. OA is often a disease of wear and tear or over usage. Athletes get OA at young ages from the wear on their joints. I was a fierce skier in my teens and 20s and my shoulders are showing it now.
Posted 1/21/2008 2:55 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Ides. My Dr did ask if I talked to the Ortho about my lower back when I was there last month. I didn't, as we were discussing my neck. I do have a pinched nerve in my neck and in my elbows also from the OA. So what you say makes a lot of sense and I bet you are right!
And I was very athletic until my knees went in my 30's. Had those scoped and that was a blessing. Wish they could do arth surgery on all my joints! That knee surgery was magic and has lasted 15 years. They are starting to go again though, but I can't complain. I'm still walking most of the time. :)
Posted 1/21/2008 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
I was dx with Osteoarthritis at age 25.I have had Osteoporosis the past 5 yrs.......

Posted 1/22/2008 5:35 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Gardenrat,

Just so I don't misunderstand you did say osteoporosis, not osteoarthritis.  And yes having a complete hysterectomy without Hormone replacement therapy can definitely cause bone loss and osteoporosis.  My oncologist first recommended Calcium and Vitamin D but after my last Bone density mineral test I started taking Actonel 1 x week which is supposed to help replace bone loss.  I am not a doctor though, but ask him just to see what he says.

They are even going as far as saying that my Rheumatoid arthritis may be caused by the quick onset of menopause (change in hormone levels).

Posted 1/24/2008 5:12 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah Raven, he's thinking osteoporosis and I already have osteoarthritis. I'm just blessed I guess. (not)
Posted 1/24/2008 6:08 PM (GMT 0)
Are you taking prednisone by chance?  I have the beginning stages of osteoporosis, but it's because I'm on prednisone.  I'm 34.  I have arthritis in my neck too.  It's brutal isn't it.  I feel 80....

 

Ginny

Posted 1/29/2008 4:05 AM (GMT 0)
Hey gardenrat...fancy meeting you here!  You used to post on another forum!  I'm 46 and just got back the bone density test today!  Boniva anyone?!  It was the prednisone!

Posted 1/30/2008 6:15 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Hilda, yep, over in chronic pain.

Hi Ginny. Nope, no pred, but a couple times a year my GP will take pity on me and give me a cortisone shot IM. It really helps. I wish he would put me on pred, I can't take NSAIDS cuz of my gutt problems, which is another story. ugh. And the steroids also actually settle my gutt problems as well.

Anyway, today I got that pain in my right hand and middle finger that I've been getting in my foot. It's not the 'usual' burny pain of my joints, it's a sharp stabbing pain. It takes my breath away. Nothing wrong that I can see. Makes me feel like a total freak. :(  But it probably is like they said earlier, related to my neck/back issues.

Today I'm popping and cracking like crazy, must be the arctic blast we're getting here today. One of the neighbors brought some sewing over this morning for me to do. It was funny, cuz when I got up and walked across the room, everything was just cracking and he just looked shocked, LOL!

What's funny is, even though supposedly my lower back is worse off than my neck, it doesn't bother me half as bad as my neck. Go figure.

Anyway, I'm just blathering on and have nothing new to report until the scan on the 4th. I suppose it will take a few days for the GP to get the report back. The scan is the day before my 45th birthday. Yep, sure makes me feel old. *sigh*

 

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