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Here's to Your Health:  Calling all "Vintage" Farmgirls....Osteoporosis  |
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lamamama
True Blue Farmgirl
255 Posts
Melanie
CA
USA
255 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 20 2007 : 01:29:19 AM
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As part of my recent health issues/cancer scare, I had a bone scan done. Results showed I have osteoporosis in my hip & spine.  YIKES! While I am no Spring chicken, at 54 I am hoping to have a good number of years to go. (As a single Mom, my 2 kids reallly need me....they're 14 & 11.)
Have any of you Farmgirls been diagnosed with osteoporosis? What did you do? I really, really do NOT want to take HRT, or the "bone glue" medication you see so many commercials for. My Doc isn't a fan of bone glue, either, but yet doesn't feel that the natural approach really works.
Any advice or experience you could offer would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Melanie |
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vintagegrl
True Blue Farmgirl
280 Posts
Jeanette
NH
USA
280 Posts |
Posted - Apr 20 2007 : 05:35:15 AM
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Melanie, am so sorry to hear about your osteoporosis. I do not have osteoporosis, I do have major problems with balance. I practice Tai Chi and Qi Gong every day, and take lessons from a teacher 3 times a week. Since I have been practicing Tai Chi/Qi Gong (about 3 years), my balance has improved (which reduces the possibility of falls which can cause fractures). It also helps in osteoporosis. Here's a site that explains more if you're interested:
http://www.worldtaichiday.org/WOMENandTAICHI.html
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westernhorse51
True Blue Farmgirl
1681 Posts
michele
farmingdale
n.j.
USA
1681 Posts |
Posted - Apr 20 2007 : 05:58:17 AM
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Melanie, I have brittle bones so Im told but I don't feel brittle. I just take calcium & eat ALOT of greens.
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Apr 20 2007 : 12:22:46 PM
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Melanie-
A tried and true farmgirl that I know here in the community had much the same problem and is about your age. A few years ago she broke her leg in a horse riding accident. It never healed properly. Even after they removed the cast she could hear the bone cracking as she walked. The doctors were concerned about her being able to continue to walk. She started raising diary goats and drinking fresh non processed goats milk. Today her leg is fine and the doctors are completely floored by her bone density.
Alee |
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ponyexpress
True Blue Farmgirl
320 Posts
Sandy
Kirkwood
Missouri
USA
320 Posts |
Posted - Apr 20 2007 : 4:45:03 PM
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I also had a bone scan done - in my late forties because I was having some pain in my right hip. It showed osteopenia, which is the precursor of osteoporosis. I take calcium supplements, but try to get the majority of my calcium through green leafy veggies, milk, yogurt, etc.
The other important thing to remember is to begin/continue with weight bearing and strength-building exercise. That will make a significant difference in the health of your bones. A physical therapist can recommend specific routines that will help.
P.S. My follow-up bone scan two years later showed slight improvement in the bone density.
I've tried to find a suitable exercise video for women my age...but they haven't made one called "Buns of Putty" |
Edited by - ponyexpress on Apr 20 2007 4:46:59 PM |
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lamamama
True Blue Farmgirl
255 Posts
Melanie
CA
USA
255 Posts |
Posted - Apr 20 2007 : 7:57:20 PM
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Thanks, everyone, for your kind responses.
Sandy, did you do anything besides the increased Calcium? Specifically, did you do anything with weights? And what great news about your scan!! Good for you! At this point, I would be happy to gain even just a tiny bit. Odd thing is, for many years I have had a very good diet, with absolutely no soda of any kind, lots of leafy greens, tofu, yougurt, whole grains, etc. I did not, however, supplement with any vitamins or Calcium. And, to be truthful, I have not done any regular exercise for 14 years, since having my kids. Yes, yes, I know that it is shameful, but I've just been so busy as a working, single Mom. I'm trying to get up the motivation to do a regular exercise program, including free weights. I've heard they are very good for slowing bone loss, & actually building it in a lot of cases. |
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cinnamongirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1682 Posts
Carrie
Canada
1682 Posts |
Posted - Apr 21 2007 : 07:54:48 AM
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| Soy milk higher in calcium then cows milk. Iuse a lot of soybean products hope that helps. |
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ponyexpress
True Blue Farmgirl
320 Posts
Sandy
Kirkwood
Missouri
USA
320 Posts |
Posted - Apr 21 2007 : 09:05:02 AM
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Walking is a great way to start with an exercise program - and it is good for the hip and back bones. I'm not really consistent with any exercise program - I hate to go to a gym...I would much prefer to work/exercise rather than spend time on a treadmill. So, I would volunteer for barn duty, shoveling ****, pushing wheelbarrows, etc.
Try to start by taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Park farther away in the parking lot to force the extra steps.
And actually, the May/June issue of AARP magazine has an excellent article on a 30-minute fitness plan that uses free weights.
Jeanette mentioned Tai Chi and I would second that..along with yoga. I need to get back to my gentle yoga class, because I really did feel better when practicing regularly. About six weeks into the class, the instructor commented that she noticed how much stronger I had become ( I guess in being to maintain posture and poses).
Good luck - I wouldn't discount the natural remedies just because your physician doesn't support them. Your bone scan results should have shown the percent in decline of bone density and your risk factor for fracture - mild, moderate or severe. Take a look again at your results and then you and your doctor can come up with a plan of action.
I've tried to find a suitable exercise video for women my age...but they haven't made one called "Buns of Putty" |
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Phils Ann
True Blue Farmgirl
1095 Posts
Ann
Parsonsburg
Maryland
USA
1095 Posts |
Posted - Apr 21 2007 : 3:29:05 PM
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Melanie, I brought my "Bone Density" report up for you to look at. The supplements which include magnesium, silica, boron, and vitamin K have made such a difference. I'm thinking non-pasturized milk would have all this, if I could only get it! The book on exercise for menopause is really good, too--uses free weights and leg weights. Hope it helps you!
Ann
There is a Redeemer. |
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lamamama
True Blue Farmgirl
255 Posts
Melanie
CA
USA
255 Posts |
Posted - Apr 23 2007 : 10:02:34 AM
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Thanks again, everyone, for all of your helpful suggestions.
Ann - I really appreciate you bringing the previous thread up about this issue. Duh..... I didn't think to look through old threads for it.
I was so pleased to see that your bone density had actually improved! Wow! Have you had any more scans since that time? What things are you doing now?
At this point, I think I'm just going to try all the natural approaches first: the supplements, exercise (gee, trying to find time is going to be SO hard!), free weights. Many, many years ago I did yoga regularly, & have always missed it - so I think I will also go back to that. Hmmm..... I wonder if the question of balance is improved more with Tai Chi than yoga????? Fortunately, I have innately excellent balance, so hopefully that might be one of my few positives in this whole thing.
After the scan results came in, my Doc really scared me with her little speech about the risks of osteoporosis. Not fun to hear, to say the least. Apparently my bones are pretty weak.  It's hard not to think about those scary stories of old women collapsing their spine just by a hard sneeze.
Thanks, again, Farmgirls!
Melanie
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Phils Ann
True Blue Farmgirl
1095 Posts
Ann
Parsonsburg
Maryland
USA
1095 Posts |
Posted - Apr 23 2007 : 10:35:53 AM
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Melanie, my doctor has told me I can wait two years before my next dexa :) I still use the supplements and do the exercises. I expect to do both indefinitely. And, I do use the bio-identical hormones, but don't know for how long. Email me if you'd like, and I'll give the supplement amounts. I started with them as opposed to simply using calcium/vit.D after years of no bone increase... and then read an article by a Dr. who treated an elderly woman's fracture successfully with them.
How have you made out with your diagnosis (or hopefully, lack of!) concerning cancer? I still pray for you... any updates?
Take care,
Ann
There is a Redeemer. |
Edited by - Phils Ann on Apr 23 2007 10:37:29 AM |
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vintagegrl
True Blue Farmgirl
280 Posts
Jeanette
NH
USA
280 Posts |
Posted - Apr 25 2007 : 04:19:51 AM
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Melanie,
I've practiced Tai Chi for two years now and it has improved my health tremendously. My balance is way better than it was and despite the high amount of steriods I sometimes have to take, my bone density is still good. I love yoga as well. However, there's something about the moving meditation of Tai Chi that is a good fit for me. Here's another interesting article about the health benefits of Tai Chi, the elderly and shingles (chicken pox virus).
http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007704220320
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lamamama
True Blue Farmgirl
255 Posts
Melanie
CA
USA
255 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2007 : 10:10:37 AM
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Thanks, AGAIN, for continued great input. Please know how much I value & appreciate your taking the time to help me!
Ann, I sent an e-mail to you ......hope you get it.
Jeanette, that article was really interesting! I have to say that I'm not at @ surprised that there is something "more" to Tai Chi than just exercise. When I first did yoga - @ the age of 19 (gosh, was I ever really that young?!?) - I started it just for the physical benefits. Within 2 sessions, I became a total convert to the spiritual & mental aspects of yoga. It was incredible.
I have a feeling that this issue is going to be something I will have to stay on top of for the rest of my life. So naturally, I want to "get it right."
I do hope all you Farmgirls with daughters & grand-daughters are making sure your girls are doing everything they can to lay down a solid bone foundation.
Thanks, again
Melanie |
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Mikki
True Blue Farmgirl
1510 Posts
Mikki
Austin
Indiana
USA
1510 Posts |
Posted - May 04 2007 : 10:36:35 PM
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Hi ladies. I have a question for those of you that have osteoporosis. What are the symptoms and is the testing expensive. Since I had a total hyst. a few years ago I have for the past 2 years had so much pain. I hurt everywhere, hips, knees, back, ankles. I've sorta got used to the pain and I don't take anything. The dr. checked me for rheumatoid arthritis but said blood work came back ok. But I know it's not normal to hurt like I do. Thanks for any info.
~~Blessings, Mikki Jo
www.mikkijo.etsy.com
http://burningmeadowsprings.blogspot.com/
http://strawberriesnapronstrings.blogspot.com/ |
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Phils Ann
True Blue Farmgirl
1095 Posts
Ann
Parsonsburg
Maryland
USA
1095 Posts |
Posted - May 06 2007 : 1:26:55 PM
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Mikki, the pain you describe doesn't sound like osteoporosis, which is painless unless you break a bone. If you have osteoporosis, you would most likely be losing height as your spine would be collapsing. Can you have your height checked? As for cost, without insurance, it's less than $200--maybe $150, but you should be able to call the facility and ask. I'm so sorry for your pain, which sounds awful.
XO,
Ann
There is a Redeemer. |
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Mikki
True Blue Farmgirl
1510 Posts
Mikki
Austin
Indiana
USA
1510 Posts |
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vintagegrl
True Blue Farmgirl
280 Posts
Jeanette
NH
USA
280 Posts |
Posted - May 07 2007 : 06:02:18 AM
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Melanie,
Good and Healing thoughts from me to you. Keep giving us updates when you have the time. |
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synapases
Farmgirl in Training
13 Posts
sherrie
san francisco
california
USA
13 Posts |
Posted - May 10 2007 : 10:37:15 AM
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i'm sorry to learn about the osteoporosis. it must be a scary time for you. along with the soymilk suggestion, be sure to get a lot of vitamin d in your diet too. it's an assist in calcium uptake in your body. take care
farmgirl at heart
my cause: afghans for afghans |
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Here's to Your Health: Calling all "Vintage" Farmgirls....Osteoporosis |
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Calling all "Vintage" Farmgirls....Osteoporosis
