Osto,, What?

[Kim UPST NY]

ok Help Ugh!!! what the hell!! I am 34 and I just was Diagnosed Jan, 15 Now just last week I get a bone scan, Mind you I am 90 pounds Pretty active and 5'2" So my Dr. calls me to tell me I have Advanced Ostioprosis in my Spine and hip WHAT? I was stunned I go back April 14th for treatment What treament what the hell does this mean? Will I get better? Now I know what the pains from darned it Why has my body turned against me. This could have started when I was 15 THANKS CELIAC and thanks Medical intitutions for over looking all us misdiagnosed souls!!!

[Jen H]

Hi Kim,

Totally understand how you feel! I"m 28 and found out I have osteoporosis in January. I was diagnosed with celiac last August. The good news is that that diet will help repair your bones somewhat (at least that's what my endocrinologist told me). I am on calcium supplements and have been encouraged to exercise 4-5 days per week and will be reevaluated in a few months. If I show a decline, I may have to go on medicine, but hopefully I will continue to rebuild my bone.

I was pretty upset when I found out I have osteoporosis too. You'd think it would be something easy to detect, but I guess it's not. Because we haven't been receiving all the nutrients we should be, our bones are suffering. One suggestion I have is to see a specialist about your osteoporosis. I see an endocrinologist who follows my case and reevaluates me every 6 months with blood tests and bone scans. He had a lot of knowledge to offer as well. I'm not sure if you've read this book, but Celiac Disease: A Hidden Epidemic is an excellent read. There is a whole chapter on osteoporosis.

[Rusla]

I am going to my doctor tomorrow for a bone density referral because both my aunt and mother have Osteoporosis and I have back calcification and massive hip problems. My aunt and mother both have shrunk considerably.

[Ursa Major]

Kim, I am really sorry to hear about your osteoporosis. The good news is, that at your age your bones can recover somewhat.

Jen, are you only taking calcium? In order to repair your bones you really should be taking magnesium and vitamin D as well. Has your vitamin D level been tested? Without vit. D, your body can't even use the calcium, and taking the magnesium is almost more important than the calcium to repair your bones (again, if the right balance isn't there, the calcium you take will be useless).

[Jen H]

Hi Ursula,

Oops, forgot to mention vitamin D and magnesium. My supplement is a Calcium/Magnesium supplement and I get plenty of Vitamin D from all the Tropicana OJ I drink. I had my blood levels checked recently and they were all normal.