weak bones?

Question

Hi,
I was just wondering if anyone could give me some idea of what this could be? For the last year i've been practically housebound,sometimes even bed ridden, and havn't been able to do much. My bones seem to have become very weak and they keep cracking? I always feel extremely weak and my body aches alot also. I suffer from very severe depression and i know thats probably whats made me feel so weak.
I'm only 15 so i don't think it could be brittle bones or anything?
Would calcium supplements stop my bones from cracking so much?
Thanks x

mlgable - they have. they've been amazing but im not responding quickly and ive kind of relapsed so its a long process x

Answer 1

You need to see a doctor of rheumatology as soon as possible. It's very possible that you have a condition known as Fibromyalgia. Everything you describe sounds like it.

The pain of fibromyalgia occurs in areas where the muscles attach to bone or ligaments and is similar to the pain of arthritis. The joints themselves are not affected, however, so they are not deformed nor do they deteriorate as they may in arthritic conditions. The pain typically originates in one area, usually the neck and shoulders, and then radiates out. Most patients report feeling some pain all the time; and many describe it as "exhausting." The pain can vary, depending on the time of day, weather changes, physical activity, and the presence of stressful situations; it has been described as stiffness, burning, stabbing, sudden, radiating, and aching. The pain is often more intense after disturbed sleep.

The other major complaint is fatigue, which some patients report as being more debilitating than the pain. Fatigue and sleep disturbances are, in fact, almost universal in patients with fibromyalgia, due to lack of serotonin, and if these symptoms are not present, then some experts believe that physicians should seek a diagnosis other than fibromyalgia. Up to a third of patients experience depression, and disturbances in mood and concentration are very common.

Fibromyalgia patients are also prone to tension or migraine headaches. Other symptoms include dizziness, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, and gastrointestinal problems, including irritable bowel syndrome with gas and alternating diarrhea and constipation. Some patients complain of urinary frequency caused by bladder spasms. Women may have painful menstrual periods.

I have written an article on Fibromyalgia and have enclosed the link for you to read. Definitely see a doctor of rheumatology as soon as possible.

Answer 2

You should be retested for vitamin and mineral deficiencies periodically after a celiac diagnosis. Have you been? Many doctors are not very knowledgeable about post-diagnosis care for celiacs and won't do this. The reason is that some celiacs don't regain the ability to absorb nutrients well for months, sometimes months, and it can take years for others. They may need supplements during this time. And you should be monitored to make sure your vitamin levels are improving. That said - if you are diagnosed, it usually takes at least 6 months to heal. If you get a gluten contamination episode, it takes at least 2 weeks to heal after that, each time, and each time you are nutrient deficient. And all the nutritional deficiencies mean that your bones, tendons, muscles, whatever - they aren't getting the nutrition they need to be built properly, to heal properly, to GROW properly. So you can be left with joint, muscle, and bone pain that needs time to improve. This can also be a problem if you are avoiding gluten but have not been doing as well in avoiding gluten cross-contamination in the home or out of the home. However, that said? Celiacs can be prone to other issues, and even growing pains can involve the knees and ankles, as well, oddly enough. It's worth seeing if your mom or dad can take you to see a doc. The cramping is not usually caused the weak bones, no. Osteoporosis - brittle bones due to too low minerals - actually doesn't cause pain. I'm not sure why your doctor said that about the knee, unless there was just some miscommunication.

Answer 3

You need to go see your doc to find out what is wrong. WIthout examining you there is no way to have a clue what it might be. Calcium is not the answer to your problems. My question is why haven't your parents gotten all of your problems diagnosed and treated by now?