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Here's to Your Health:                  Bone density is improved!   | 
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                 Phils Ann 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                1095 Posts
  
                Ann 
                Parsonsburg 
                Maryland 
                
                USA 
                1095 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Feb 05 2007 :  11:14:51 AM
                        
                      
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                      I've gotta share my good news!  Since 2002, when I first had my bone density tested, I've progressed from "mild osteopenia" in all tested areas, to osteoporosis in one hip until this past December, when the test showed significant improvement.  Has anyone else lost bone density?  It's disturbing, especially when another problem hits, making fractures more likely.  That's another story, but my balance is at risk because of nerve damage, and I do fall.  I have heard several reports that fosamax has side effects, potentially including gum and jaw damage, as well as reports that the bone gain isn't the same structurally, so fractures still occur.  Having said that, what worked for me was four years of bio-identical replacement hormones (I had surgically induced menopause at age 40), and supplements: calcium citrate, magnesium citrate, vitamins D and K, boron and silica (horsetail). I eat plain yogurt twice a day on average... Also, weight lifting for osteoporosis, with exercises from a book called "Strong Women Strong Bones", by Miriam Nelson.  Hormones work to slow bone loss and to make new bone very slowly: I've read that four years of treatment is typical before improvement is shown.  In July of '06, I'd lost another .9%, but by December (to my total surprise) gained 1.6%.  
  Ann
  There is a Redeemer. | 
                     
                   
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                 Miss Bee Haven 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                4331 Posts
  
                Janice 
                Louisville/Irvington 
                Kentucky 
                USA 
                4331 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Feb 05 2007 :  11:48:55 AM
                        
                        
                      
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                      Hooray for you, Ann!  That's wonderful!  I know you must be proud of yourself.  That four years was a lot of day by day dedication and work!  Celebrate your achievement!  :)
  "If you think you've got it nailed down, then what's all that around it?" - 'Brother Dave' Gardner | 
                     
                    
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                 Phils Ann 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                1095 Posts
  
                Ann 
                Parsonsburg 
                Maryland 
                USA 
                1095 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Feb 05 2007 :  12:17:31 PM
                        
                      
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                      Janice, I'm relieved beyond words.  Thank you. Ann
  There is a Redeemer. | 
                     
                    
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                 lilpunkin 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                     
                368 Posts
  
                  
                  
                Texas 
                USA 
                368 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Feb 05 2007 :  12:34:02 PM
                        
                      
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                      WOW!  I am so happy that you are seeing progress!
  Life isn't measured by how many breaths you take, but by how many moments take your breath away. | 
                     
                    
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                 Aunt Jenny 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                11381 Posts
  
                Jenny 
                middle of 
                Utah 
                USA 
                11381 Posts  | 
                
                  
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                 Mumof3 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                3890 Posts
  
                Karin 
                Ellenwood 
                GA 
                USA 
                3890 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Feb 05 2007 :  3:40:47 PM
                        
                      
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                      Oh wow. That's remarkable! Great news- and hope for others who suffer from osteoporosis.
  Karin | 
                     
                    
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                 blueroses 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                1323 Posts
  
                Debbie 
                in the Pandhandle of 
                Idaho 
                USA 
                1323 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Feb 05 2007 :  3:52:54 PM
                        
                      
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                      Ann, 
  So glad to hear this. Very happy for you.
  "You cannot find peace...by avoiding life."   Virginia Woolfe | 
                     
                    
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                 country lawyer 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                1022 Posts
   
                  
                  
                  
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                       Posted - Feb 06 2007 :  10:56:23 AM
                        
                      
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                      Ann, What incredible news!  That's what I call taking charge of your health!  You worked hard to improve and look, it's paying off.  Great job!  I know this is inspiring for those who are trying to do the same.
  "The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time."  James Taylor
 
  www.ragstoroses.blogspot.com
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                 bramble 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                2044 Posts
  
                  
                  
                  
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                       Posted - Feb 06 2007 :  11:32:34 AM
                        
                      
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                      Ann- What wonderful and encouraging news! Good for you, stay strong and healthy, keep up the good work!
  with a happy heart | 
                     
                    
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                 Phils Ann 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                1095 Posts
  
                Ann 
                Parsonsburg 
                Maryland 
                USA 
                1095 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Feb 06 2007 :  11:45:52 AM
                        
                      
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                      You farmgirls are such great encouragers.  Thank you so much!   XO, Ann
  There is a Redeemer. | 
                     
                    
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                 Utahfarmgirl 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                1940 Posts
  
                  
                Portland 
                Oregon 
                USA 
                1940 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Feb 07 2007 :  12:15:22 PM
                        
                      
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                      Phils Ann, years ago, after steroid dependency for a long time, the doctors told me I had lost 15% of my bone density and that if I lost another 10% my spine would collapse.  They said I probably would be in a wheelchair after menapose.  Well, That was unacceptable.  I went to work.  I'm now 5 years past menopause and my bone density is normal.  It can be done.  Good luck!!
  Farmgirl hug, Patricia
  Farmgirls do it organically! | 
                     
                    
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                 Phils Ann 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                1095 Posts
  
                Ann 
                Parsonsburg 
                Maryland 
                USA 
                1095 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Feb 07 2007 :  6:12:33 PM
                        
                      
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                      That is wonderful, Patricia!  Did you mainly find help from weight bearing exercise or from other means?  I have two close friends on steroids, one of whom has a collapsed spine.  They're such dangerous drugs--but, sadly, sometimes the only option.  Thanks for sharing! Ann
  There is a Redeemer. | 
                     
                    
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                 Utahfarmgirl 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                1940 Posts
  
                  
                Portland 
                Oregon 
                USA 
                1940 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Feb 09 2007 :  12:55:38 PM
                        
                      
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                      Ann, getting off steroids was a big help.  I was taking them for asthma. My lungs had been damaged and the steroids were the only thing keeping me breathing.  When I cured myself of asthma, I no longer needed them.  I did this through visualization and other alternative healing methods.  There are always alternatives.  I'm not much for excercise and I have severe fibromyalgia (again, from the steroids, I think) so I hate to exercise, but I do it when I have to.  Let me know if I can help you from my own experiences.
  Farmgirl hug, Patricia
  Farmgirls do it organically! | 
                     
                    
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                 Phils Ann 
                True Blue Farmgirl 
                      
                1095 Posts
  
                Ann 
                Parsonsburg 
                Maryland 
                USA 
                1095 Posts  | 
                
                  
                    
                      
                       Posted - Apr 21 2007 :  3:25:14 PM
                        
                      
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                      I'm pulling this up for Lamamama--the exercise book and supplements may be helpful... Ann
  There is a Redeemer. | 
                     
                    
                       Edited by - Phils Ann on Apr 21 2007  3:30:45 PM | 
                     
                    
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Here's to Your Health:                  Bone density is improved!   | 
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