Osteoporosis Damn It! XPost

Well, over 9 years of altered guts caught up with me.  I have osteoporosis.  I haven't always been the best with calcium.  I always took it but not nearly enough until I had my revision.  Last year I had a DEXA Scan and it showed problems so I had a follow up a year later.  I haven't read the results yet but this is what my doctor wrote me:
"You have had some progressive bone thinning and both your hip and back are now in the osteoporosis range. We need to discuss additional work-up and treatment options."
I know what some others have dealt with this.  What is my best course of action?

I dunno anything about the treatment of osteoporosis.  I do know that, in order to prevent further bone loss, it's important to make sure you take your calcium citrate and that your vitamin D level is at least 80.

Kelly could you check this post and try to help her? I think she is looking at issues later on... or troubles..

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/rny/4504544/PATTING-MYSELF -ON-THE-BACK/

So far I'm OK, but suspect I'll deal with osteoporosis.  It runs on BOTH sides of my family including grandmothers, aunts, cousins, along with several having osteopenia currently.

Are you post-menopausal?  This too will add to your chances of having osteoporosis.  My cousin that is 45 years old had a hysterectomy at 40 and was on hormone therapy.  At the age of 43 she was dx'd with osteoporosis.

You'll probably have to consider meds to so down the process of bone loss along with VERY CLOSE watching of your Vitamin D, PTH and calcium numbers.

 I'm sorry you got that news. I don't really know anything about the treatment of it.
I hope they figure it out for you.
Deb T.

I have had osteorporis & osteoarthritus for quite some time.  I am a year out and my calcium levels were worse after RNY so in November I had a Reclast infusion.  Done via IV it sucks all the calcium out of your body and puts it in the bones.  You have to be faithful about taking your calcium after treatment to get the levels back up.  I just got my bloodwork back last week and my calcium is fine.  The only down side was that treatment is done with chemo patients.  Very sad.  It's done in about 25 mins though.

I saw my endocronologist today and she perscribed  a 1x weekly dose of Fosamax for my osteoporosis (had this condition prior my December surgery, but she wanted to see my labs a couple of months post-op first)). Follow-up DEXA scan after I have been on the meds for a year.
Couple things of interest that she mentioned as well. She stressed  the importance of taking Nexium as the Fosamax and similar drugs can cause heartburn. My extra weight has actually been serving as a weight-bearing exercise and my bones have been somewhat strengthened as a result (imagine that....an up side to obesity!).  So as the weight comes off I need to do weight-training exercise. And of course, take my perscription Vitamin D and Calcium.

(As an aside--she also said I am so longer diabetic! Woo-hoo)

I came away from the appointment feeling that the treatment was very do-able. Wish you success with yours.
Kay