Osteoporosis....is it permanent?

Question

I have just recently been told that I have osteopenia with resulting osteoporosis. I am 50 years old, and have a family history of osteoporosis. I have broken several ribs over the past year. I also have been on medication that causes osteoporosis, (prednisone) for prolonged periods of time. In the past several months I have begun having to walk assisted with a cane bc I cannot walk across the room without excruciating pain. I also cannot walk straight up anymore and walk bent over. Is this permanent? I am taking calcium with vitamin D and Fosamax for my bones. I'm hoping these meds will help rectify these problems. Anyone else that can give me advice that has the same problem? Thank you..

Answer 1

Oral Pred. will steal bone mass like crazy. Couple that with your family history and you have osteoporosis. Now you have to do something to limit this. First you must get on a plan for life to take 1200mg of calcium citrate daily with a good dose of vit.D. I like citracal or you can get good ones at Sams club or Costco. Next any deformity of the spine is forever. The bent over posture is caused by compression fractures of the spine. The good part is that now there are drugs like Fosamax to help shore up your skeleton and since you are young should you fracture a hip you should have a good outcome. Make sure you do not miss a day with the calcium.

Answer 2

You've been given mostly wrong answers here so far...

I was also diagnosed with osteopenia (just beyond the border of normal) and immediately put on 70mg of Fosamax. By my next bone scan a year later I was back in normal range but am still on Fosamax.

Besides the Fosamax you need to do weight bearing exercise. That will help improve your bone density, too. Between the two you may be just fine. Hopefully, you won't need more prednisone. That stuff is really hard on your body in so many ways.

Answer 3

My Mom had osteoporosis. She also took Fosamax and Vitamin D and calcium supplements. Osteoporosis doesn't go away. Those meds are to help decrease the bone deterioration, slow it down. My Mom indirectly died from osteoporosis so make sure you do everything the doctor tells you and take your stuff consistently. Good Luck to you!

Answer 4

I too have osteopenia. I recently saw a commercial for a new medication that actually helps to rebuild the bones. I am sure you can search to find the name of it. Good luck. Check out the link below for more information.

Answer 5

it's not reversable...but you can prevent further damage to your body. I recommend taking a over the counter calcium supplement and continue taking your prescription fosamax. They also make a calcuim supplement for osteoporosis called Boniva. Instead of taking fosamax once a week for 4 weeks, boniva is once a month! It is pretty expensive if you dont have insurance (it's relatively new) , but it's worth it!

Answer 6

Also, some exercise is good. Try core systems with the large exercise ball to work with. Also, don't drink cola. I take fosamax too and understand it will actually reverse some of the deterioration. Try yoga and swimming too. There should be classes at your local YMCA or YWCA and your local hospital. Good luck.

Answer 7

different calciums are absorbed/utilized differently by the body.
Look into Living Calcium by Garden of Life. My Aunt also has osteopenia & takes this.

Answer 8

I have something similar Osteoarthritis in the degenerative stages, severe. There are controls for us and pain medications but, sorry to say, there's no turning back. We're paying for what our parents gave us. A genetic code handed down that we'll, I'm afraid hand down to our children. I already have two daughters that are showing signs of this. Good luck

Answer 9

You can't undo what the bone loss that has already occured.But you can fight it now and in the future.The meds you are taking will be the main aid in this.Good luck!