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For those with Osteopenia or osteoporosis

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Posted 1/24/2011 4:29 AM (GMT 0)
I go for my bone scan tomorrow...my question is back 7 years ago I was Dx with osteopenia then a more recent scan showed things were better etc but latest blood work my blood Ca was low plys I have family history both mother and grandmother (early onset but not related to CD).  Is there and script strength Calcium supplements?  I know the diocs do not want to put me on things like fosomax since I have yet to have children and I do see that in my future.
Posted 1/24/2011 6:58 AM (GMT 0)
I was diagnosed Osteoporosis a couple of years ago. i've been on a drug called Forteo (amazing, btw, but probably not safe for pregnancy use, though I don't know for sure). Anyway, my endocrinologist did the blood Ca as well as urine calcium. I had to pee into a hat then drain it into this jug like thing for 24 hours. Ick. The overall recommendation is at least 1200 mg Ca and make sure to get your Vit. D! If you haven't already checked your D level you should request it. The calcium can't do its job without D.

Exercise, even walking or light strength training, can help build bone density. If you are young enough to be considering a baby, you are probably young enough to still be building bones. My endo also told me that hormones (estrogen, I believe) plays a huge role in bone building.

I had my 2 year Dexa follow-up after Forteo (not a bisphosphonate) last Wednesday. I'll know Tuesday what the results were. But, I think from the computer print-out, I'm back into osteopenia again! So, don't give up hope! You can work to build bone if you give your body what it needs... and try to stay away from steroids, if at all possible.
Posted 1/24/2011 8:50 AM (GMT 0)
The one thing I do know, that more than 500mg at a time can't be processed.  And you need to take it 2 hours before or after other pills.  I am on 1000 mg/day.  I can only buy 620mg pills.  Instead of bigger doses, look at possibly increasing the frequency of the calcium dosing.
Posted 1/24/2011 1:50 PM (GMT 0)
I really can't tolerate calcium and just take my Vit D, drink calcium enriched OJ and Milk and hope for the best. I'm just over the threshold of normal into osteopenia now.
Posted 1/24/2011 1:56 PM (GMT 0)
I think just adding in 1200 mg of Calcium will be sufficient. I think you are way too young for anything more.

Also Vitamin D3 is good for the bones too.
Posted 1/24/2011 2:02 PM (GMT 0)
I have also had bone loss due to pred and maybe pregnancy too. I went on Actonel for about a year, I think.

I also take 1000 mg of liquid calcium with 400 IU vit. D. Liquid is easier to absorb.
Posted 1/24/2011 3:06 PM (GMT 0)
If you aren't actively trying to have a baby, why don't the docs want to put you on a bone-builder like fosomax? I took fosomax for a year with MUCH success. That was 2 years before I had my first child. Is there a medical reason it's bad to take it if you haven't had kids yet?
Posted 1/24/2011 9:14 PM (GMT 0)
I dont know Stef I guess reminants can remain this was told to me by an old RA doc a while ago who was also claiming my joint pain wasnt being helped by my weight and I could use to to lose some...I was on Paxil at that time and that plus quitting smoking made me go up to 135 pounds (I am 4'9.5")I told her it was from meds she didnt want to hear it I later got taken of that med and placed on a diff and the pounds melted off...needless to say I never wanted to see her again ahve seen other docs since and I am supposed to be on ca and vit D but the last scan I had done was ok so nothing was needed but again at that time I was still ok with milk products where now I am lactose intolerant

She did specifically ask if in the future I wanted to have children (I was 20 at the time and I still do want at least 1 if possible) she said then we definitly want to stay away from things like fosomax (this was in 1999 ish time frame)

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