Osteopenia

[countessmouse]

I have it, apparently, according to the bone densometry test I had this morning. And, frankly, it's not particularly surprising given my maternal grandmother's severe osteoporosis -- which initiated the test in the first place because I'm really not of the age for it.

What does this mean? Not a whole lot. Oh, I met five of the eleven risk factors and I'm affected by three other proposed "causes" of osteoporosis: cola intake and regular use of inhaled steroids among them. Cutting back on the cola is probably a good idea. Doing the same for the inhaled steroids probably isn't because I need to breathe. I spent some time today between frantic calls on a project reading up on treatment methodologies. And, again, there isn't much to do at this level except increase my calcium and Vitamin D intake and exercise more (shut up Gunthar). I did find it interesting, however, that a symptom of bone loss is lower back pain -- something that I have been dealing with for the last two years.

It could be worse, I suppose. Every other test from this annual exam came back normal and, if I can keep from catching G's cold, I'm fairly healthy.

Comments

[shonao.livejournal.com]

I would say I'm worry to hear this, but in all honesty it isn't horrific.
I'm rather pleased you and your Dr have decided to have these tests done. :)

Besides, if everything else came back good, then YAY!
There is a LOT more that technically _Could_ be wrong.

:)

[lady-eliz.livejournal.com]

Hey, I was thrilled that my cholesterol and triglycerides continue to be very low, my blood sugar is normal and my thyroid is normal. Thank God I got those genes from Dad's side of the family!

[shonao.livejournal.com]

SEE! So much else is good!

I'll just be sure to buy you a big-ass jug of OJ for Christmas ;)

[fieryredhead.livejournal.com]

Sorry to hear about the diagnosis but glad that you now know and can move forward with treating it.

*hugs*

Fun exercise

[traceroo.livejournal.com]

Yoga is a really healthful treatment for bone issues. Nice, gentle, no impact -- and I think quite fun!

My mom has osteoporosis so I'm just waiting for the other shoe to fall (on me) there. The doc said I'm a little young for a bone density, so I'll just stick with yoga and pumping myself full of calcium.

Trace

Re: Fun exercise

[lady-eliz.livejournal.com]

I'm looking at either a yoga or pilates class. I've taken them before and really enjoyed it, but part of the problem is finding a time that works with my wonky schedule.

My doctor's insistence on the bone density test surprised me, because I'm at least six years younger than the recommended age to start them.

Re: Fun exercise

[traceroo.livejournal.com]

Since we get them for free at work, no reason not to, really! That was my thinking, so I was a little disappointed at my doctor's refusal for me.

Speaking of work, at least with the new office move, we'll have better access to a local YMCA. I'm looking to that to take better advantage of some class times. I just lose so much in the commute time that it's ridiculous to contemplate taking classes during the week.

T.