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May 2019
10:55pm, 15 May 2019
551 posts
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NRGEE
I am wondering how many fetchies have been diagnosed with a low bone density by a Doctor- probably by having a bone density scan at their local hospital?
I am 48yrs and have osteopenia( not as bad as osteoporosis )- this is the term for a lowish bone density that is not a severely low bone density( which is termed osteoporosis ).
when I was 26 years old I had osteoporosis and received drug treatment for it. I was told to stop running marathons; but not to stop running. I was also told to put on weight. I was v lean around 7.5 stone and 5ft 6. I had been running seriously for 3 years and had run for a local running club. I had a period of severe depression requiring hospitalisation when I was younger. During this time I had a v poor appetite and didn't eat adequately. Although I was thin then- I did still menstruate. I was referred to a musculoskeletal consultant following 3 stress fractures whilst marathon training- 2 metatarsal and 1 tibial. A bone density scan revealed I had bones of a 70 year old and fulfilled the criteria for diagnosis of osteoporosis. I was devastated and was told not to run the marathon that I had been training for. I was put on Fosamax and Calcium/Vit D. I was on the Fosamax for I think 3 years- although it wasn't often used in someone of my age. I responded v well and my bone density increased by nearly a third( which the Dr said was remarkable).
I have 2 yearly bone scans and no longer take Fosamax; but still take calcichew D3 forte. I now weigh 9 st 2ibs and my most recent bone density scan showed I am osteopenenic still- but not yet near to the osteoporotic diagnosis.
I know that as I am perimenapausal- over the next few years my oestrogen levels will fall and so will my bone density. The consultant has recommended that when my periods stop- I should consider HRT rather than a specific drug for osteoporosis. Apparently I will have to have other menopausal symptoms to be diagnosed HRT.
I have run intermittently over many years now and have just picked it up again training for a 10K. I think 10K is a nice distance and I am hoping the impact of running around 20miles a week will strengthen my bones not weaken them. I am due a bone density DEXA scan in 2020.
I am wanting others to share their experience of being diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia and how they have had to modify their lifestyle and exercise regime.
I wear orthotics now that have corrected my biomechanics and run at present in BROOKS glycerine neutral cushioned shoes. I also use a gym. I know I should do some weight training; but I don't enjoy it. I do cross training as well as some 3m treadmill runs.
What type of exercise do you do? Is the diagnosis of low bone density restricting your running in any way?
My new gym assessed my body composition my weight at 9st 2lb, height 5 ft 5.3 inches, BMI a healthy 21.2, body fat 26.8%, body fat mass 15.6kg. The body fat measurements are at the lower end of the IDEAL range.
I am happy with things at the moment; but do worry about getting osteoporosis again as I get older. Osteoporosis runs in my family- my aunt, grandma and mother all have it. Who is to say that I could have got or get osteoporosis even if I wasn't running marathon distance? It is v tempting to up my mileage now; but injuries set in and then I get depressed- so I have decided it is not worth it.
I have read with interest fetchie Drs comments on bone health in the menopause thread and have found this thread informative. If any fetchie Dr wishes to comment on this forum topic or to f mail me with their thoughts - that would be great. Thanks for reading this.
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May 2019
8:29am, 16 May 2019
14,793 posts
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Sharkie
Though I'd boing this - must be other Fetchies with similar experiences?
Not me so far, touch wood - or rather touch limbs to hard surfaces ie doing resistance work for all I'm worth.
It's an important thing to think about esp for middle aged and beyond women.
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May 2019
8:45am, 16 May 2019
566 posts
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MH
yup - just been diagnosed with osteopenia (a treat for my 50th birthday!) in lumbar spine. Have to cut and run right now, but will post again later!
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May 2019
6:13am, 17 May 2019
552 posts
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NRGEE
Hi MH
Please do post! sorry you too have osteopenia. I am interested in your story.
Thought more people would respond to my initial post. I am interested in both women and men diagnosed with low bone density. Please do add to this discussion or f mail me about your experiences. Many thanks. NRGEE
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May 2019
7:48am, 17 May 2019
43,714 posts
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runnerbean
Boing
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May 2019
8:31am, 17 May 2019
8,386 posts
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Mandymoo
Morning
Slightly different here but along the same lines. Had a hysterectomy at 27, followed by ovaries removed at 30, am now 52 (almost 53). Had HRT for about 3/4 years but then had to come off as couldn't get on with it. Took up running just before my 40th birthday and have run 6 marathons, various halfs etc. Broke my wrist 12 years ago, silly fall, then broke my foot 8 years ago (again silly reason but not long after Brighton Marathon). Had a bone density scan just after that and was told early stages of arthritis but normal for my age.
Have suffered with injuries since breaking my foot, especially that leg, knee, foot and for the last two years my running has been very poor. I have taken up cycling which I love, but have managed to crack ribs on a couple of occasions due to silly falls (I really am not accident prone).
Have just been to the drs this year due to very very painful knees, foot and joints and an xray revealed osteoarthritis in the knee they checked. Bone density scan booked for 31st May. Dr said I am very high risk for osteoporosis to my early hysterectomy.
Have received so much conflicting advice - you cant run, you can run, dont swim, do swim, do weight bearing, dont do weight bearing (although all have said yes to cycling).
Have my induction at the gym on Tuesday to help with some form of exercise, and will do some Pilates or yoga as have been told that will help.
I have not run for weeks now as my knee has been too painful to run - last night I thought about it as had a good day, with hardly any pain but then spent most of the night awake last night with painful joints, burning knee etc.
Sorry that turned out to be a bit long.
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May 2019
9:19am, 17 May 2019
567 posts
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MH
Hi NRGEE
Sorry this is later that anticipated - got back too late yesterday.
I took myself of for a DEXA scan a little while back. I have a higher risk of osteoporosis due to family history (my Mum has osteoporosis and we're pretty sure that a few of her sisters did, although they are all dead now - my Mum was the youngest and she is 89 this year), also I had an earlier menopause, but not *that* early. I have not had any fractures but felt that I needed to know so I could be best prepared. Turned out to be the right decision.
I thought my Vit D levels were on the low side - turned out it was only just above when they prescribe - anyway, I am now taking 2000 IU per day and I have upped my dietary calcium (milk, kefir, skyr and cheese are all my friends - just can't get friends with the bony fish). I posted on the menopause thread, and Vrap was very kind and posted some very useful info. My GP has agreed that HRT might be beneficial, I've had some more blood tests this week and have another appt in a week or so. I still take the POP pill, despite describing menopausal symptoms to the HP that I was having at least 5 years ago - but because I've never had any bleeding since being on the POP, they were sceptical as to whether I really *had* gone through the menopause (I guess sleeping on towels night after night was a blip then....).
My running has never been in the volume of your distances or training, and I totally went away from it in my 40s when I did a lot of mountain biking (and of course, cycling is not a weight bearing exercise). I'm getting back to it now, but due to knee issues probably won't do anything beyond 10K. I've done quite a bit of weight training in the past, but less in the last 10 years (D'oh) although I've always done a lot of weight bearing exercise. I've gone back to the gym though, to get some lifting in again, and I'm persuading myself to fall in love with it ...
My BMI (for what it's worth) is around 22 and I'm 1.67m tall. I was very lean in my early twenties but naturally so, probably classed as underweight - but I think that's pretty normal for that age? I did go through a period of disordered eating in my late 20s/early 30s but not to the extent that my periods stopped. I was heavier in my 30's and early 40's mostly due to lifestyle and work (too much travelling, lots of stress and long hours).
I think it's quite easy to beat yourself up and decide that it was something you have or haven't done, but like a lot of things it's a bit of crapshoot.
Sorry to hear that you've had to deal with it from such a young age, but really great that you responded to the alendronic acid treatment. Due to my Mum, I've had an interest in the subject anyway, and even more so now, particularly as it relates to exercise.
(and I fell down the stairs a week ago, fell right on my sacrum, got stupidly upset at the time as I irrationally thought I would break into pieces - it hurts like bugger though)
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May 2019
7:15pm, 20 May 2019
555 posts
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NRGEE
Mandymoo- I hope that your bone density scan on May 31st goes ok. When I have a bone density scan- I get the results on the same day( about 30-40mins later, from either the consultant or the nurse specialist). I hope you don't have to go back for a 2nd visit on a different day. The scan itself is painless and v straightforward- don't wear a bra with wires( I wear a cropped top bra) and avoid jewellery. It takes around 5-10mins. The procedure is really not anything to get concerned about. I suggest you make a list of questions to ask the Dr/nurse. If you do have osteoporosis/osteopenia, your mind may go blank when you receive the diagnosis( mine did).
MH- I admire your perseverance with weight training!! I have tried.....; but really don't enjoy it. I have just joined a nice new gym; but it is mainly men using the weights. I think you limiting your distance to 10K for running is sensible.
It is confusing about whether or not it is sensible running with low bone density. From what I have gathered distances like the marathon are not sensible. Shorter distances loading the bones are good.
As we are nearing the menopause, low bone density is a reality and unfortunately genetics has a big role to play. My mother, her sister and both grandparents have/had osteoporosis. My consultant described me as being a "graduate of poor bone health", as I have gone from being q badly osteoporotic to being mildly osteopenic. I do worry about what will happen when my oestrogen levels drop in the menopause- I guess I will go on HRT. Apparently though, HRT is not licensed to treat osteoporosis and the have to have other menopausal symptoms to prescribe it.
I am surprised that no one else has commented on this thread. If you are reading this and have an experience of low bone density or can give any more advice ( fetchie Drs)- please do respond.
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May 2019
9:20pm, 20 May 2019
8,404 posts
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Mandymoo
My drs have sent me for the scan so not sure if will get the results or will have to wait..have had one done about 10 years ago after breaking foot.
Have induction at the gym tomorrow night.
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Jun 2019
12:09pm, 25 Jun 2019
8,599 posts
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Mandymoo
Results from scan were osteoporosis in the spine - hips are apparently good though.
Drugs, physio and hopefully can keep under control for now.
Have decided not to run as since I have stopped knees have been much better - cycling is still happening and managed 73 miles no worries at the weekend.
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Bone fusion.
Feb 2017