osteopenia/osteoporosis

[Guest guest]

I have osteopenia (in some areas, like my right heel and wrist, for example),

and osteoporosis in my pelvis, lumbar spine, and hips. Osteopenia is, to my

understanding, rather like the precursor, or a slightly lesser degree of,

osteoporosis. I am 43 (HEDS/CEDS), but I was first diagnosed with osteopenia

and osteoporosis over 10 years ago. I may have had it before then, but it

wasn't officially diagnosed. I had numerous fractures with little or no trauma

even as child...as early as 6 yrs. old. I went several years ago to the Center

for Mineral Metabolism at the Univ. of TX Southwest in Dallas, where I was given

a calcium upload test. That, as well as 24 hr. urine collection, blood work,

bone density tests, etc. gave a truer picture of how my body actually

uses/absorbs the calcium (and in my case, being post-hysterectomy, estrogen

replacement) that I swallow. I was surprised to find out that my body was not

absorbing those things needed to help with healthy bone turnover at all,

regardless of how many supplements I was swallowing daily. I had been taking

the Rx drug Fosamax for about 8 years, and a very high dose of Premarin, as well

as calcium supplements. My dr. told me that research shows that long term high

doses of those Rx's can actually lessen bone turnover. He reduced my Premarin

(estrogen) dose, and took me off Fosamax for the time being. He also

recommended that I try Citrical + D, specially, saying that it was more easily

absorbed that some generic store brands of calcium. I have done all of this

faithfully, but my bone turnover is still well below the norm. During my last

visit, it was strongly recommended that I try compression pads (worn invisibly

in an undergarment) to help reduce the risk of hip fracture. I might also make

a good candidate for the drug Parathyroid injections, but only after I've had my

cervical spine operation over with and am well on my way to healing. Otherwise,

that particular drug can create a " hungry bone " syndrome, and actually lessen

the density of bones which are trying to heal from a surgery/fracture/trauma.

Have I helped any at all?

Gentle Hugs,

~LoneStarRose~

(~~)

Message: 11

Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2004 07:02:15 -0800

Subject: Re: Osteopenia (pre osteoporosis) in a 19yr old---anyone else?

I have two daughters (Hypermobile type) and both have osteopenia; ages 20

and 22

On 2/13/04 4:17 AM, " ceda " <ceda > wrote:

>

> Subject: Osteopenia (pre osteoporosis) in a 19yr old---anyone else?

> Anyway, just wondering how many other 'young' people here have this!

> From my information I've read that EDS and osteoporosis and

> osteopenia are related.... is that true? ... I'm just

> curious to know how many others have been diagnosed with this so

> young. I'm planning on dealing with this in a big way as there is no

> way in heck I want any more fractures!!!