Today I had my bone density measured. That's the end of the story. The beginning of the story is a long time ago.
The beginning of the story of bone density loss probably started in my mid twenties according to some study or other. Loss of bone density slowly went on in my body until a crisis occurred and then it was found that my bone density was almost in the osteoporosis category.
Usually osteoporosis is considered a female condition. No doubt about it. Men have osteoporosis too. Males just have more bone density so more to lose. If osteoporosis affects men it's usually later on in life.
There are a number of conditions that contribute to loss of bone density. One would be a poor diet. Another is lack of weight bearing exercise. And a third common cause is smoking. There are more conditions that contribute to bone loss.
The crisis that brought my low bone density to light were two broken bones. I broke my right wrist in 1991. The bone was broken into 7 pieces. Magic and skill put the wrist together and I have full usage with no after effects. I 2002 I broke my right wrist again. This time it wasn't as serious a break. This time I said to my doc, "Should I have my bone density checked?"
"Yes ," he said, "You should get it tested." His story was that women break hips and men break wrists???
So my Doc put me on actonel and a bone density test every two years. The first two tests showed some increase of bone density. Now there is little change. I have had some serious tumbles and have not broken anything. I had a nasty bike incident where I went head over heels and although I had injuries, I had no broken bones. I fell down stairs last year and lived to blog about it.
My point is that we get put on testing schedule and it goes on for years. My bone density has not changed. But, they keep saying they want to monitor it. I feel like telling them to go and find some wet paint to watch.
However, I will keep my mouth shut and keep getting tests when I'm told. I will go to the place where the hallway has little dressing rooms with littler curtains and change to get ready for my test.
I would suspect that many people are enjoying the same regime as I am. I hope that you are maintaining bone density.
So far no bone density issues.
ReplyDeleteYou're too young for this kind of stuff!!!
DeleteYou are so droll. I love it!
ReplyDeleteWell, thanks!
DeleteMy grandmother had the best advice. You go to the doctor long enough they'll eventually find something wrong! She live to be 95. Her sister 100, her mother 101.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for having good bones. Keep riding your bike, walking and skating.
Cheri
Your grandmother and sisters had good genes. They lived a tougher life with the best of food. I like your grandmother's advice.
DeleteI'm in the Osteopenia stage - I believe I'm one step back from Osteoporosis. I'm on medication. Oh well . . . So far I haven't broken anything.
ReplyDeleteIt's good that you know your condition and can take some action. I think the medication really works.
DeleteOh yes, me too. I've just broken my foot once though. Gosh... and you go ice skating!
ReplyDeleteI had never broken a bone until my wrist broke. So get the bone density checked.
DeleteGood luck with your density! I have no clue what mine could be.
ReplyDeleteIf you are a big guy and have had lots of weight bearing work you will be in good shape.
DeleteI don't know if I have had a bone density test. At my age I should have. Maybe I should look into it.
ReplyDeleteWomen, yes, get bone density tests. too many docs wait until it's a problem.
DeleteYrs, I am on medication. I work with weights, take my extra calcium and vitamin D as the medicine does not work without that. No broken bones thus far.
ReplyDeleteYou are on a good regime. It works.
DeleteI am maintaining bone density in my skull. In fact the bone in that zone is so thick that my brain now has the size and appearance of a walnut.
ReplyDeleteSince I am a ortopdeic nurse..Calcium rich foods and adequate exercise can prevent osteoporosis,Also take Dvitamins and Calsium tablets..and be careful out there hiking!Use good shoes!
ReplyDeleteGreetings Anita
You've given us all the good things to do. Hiking is good but as you say wear proper boots.
DeleteI once was tested when we had a health check at work and the reslults were I don't have no a predisposition for osteoperose. Last year I tumbled of the stairs twice and on the street once and I still get up with only bruises.
ReplyDeleteYou're in good shape then but have to watch what your feet are on .
Deletesolid bones like me Dad - no problems yet. Sorry, I had to laugh at that last part with the little rooms and littler curtains. :)
ReplyDeleteWell, you might as well change in the waiting area!
DeleteI have taken a few bad falls skating and no breaks. Sometimes it hurts your pride more.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, pride keeps you going.
DeleteI found out a year ago that I have Osteoporosis. I try to eat healthy and take calcium, and be careful, but I am afraid to take those shots the doctor suggested I take.
ReplyDeleteI'd really check out the shots. I've never heard of them.
DeleteI had mine measured years ago and the doctor wants to do it again. I'll get it done one of these days. Glad to know you can roll around now and not break any bones. :-)
ReplyDeleteFor a small person like you bone density can be a problem. Yet again, you are extremely active which is a plus.
Deleteso glad you've not had any more breakage!
ReplyDeleteThe wrists were a big surprise. I don't like casts and it is very painful.
DeleteNo issues like that for me. The only break I've ever had was broken ribs, which were certainly no fun.
ReplyDeleteYou're too young for this stuff. They tell me broken ribs can be a real pain!
DeleteThank goodness you're remaining stable and there are no injuries! I'm not at the stage yet where I need testing but I'll get there soon enough.
ReplyDeleteThere's much more awareness now and I think people look after themselves.
DeleteI remembered this post. We went to the pub for lunch and there was a group of men talking about all these things! I'm doing a post on it later!!!!
ReplyDeleteMine was fine a few years ago. Glad you are doing okay! :)
ReplyDeleteI had one bone density test about 10 years ago. All was fine. Hopefully it still is. I'm glad there's been no deterioration in yours, Red. It must help that you keep active.. walking and such.
ReplyDeleteOh yes- every couple of years. I take calcium and glucossamine so I am hoping that will stave off any broken bones. I wouldn't worry so much but I am super clumbsy.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping that doing weight-bearing exercise (and other exercise) and eating well will help me. My mother had good bones so here's hoping I do too! Glad your bone density is doing well. :)
ReplyDelete