I'm Healthy - Sort of...

The other day at work, they offered health screens. My results: In spite of just drinking 2 cups of coffee and running up two flights of stairs, my bp was 80/63. This is down from 141/100 pre-surgery. I have gained about an inch and a half in height. I'm now 5'5" and was between 5'3" and 5'4" pre-surgery. I'm so grateful all that weight is not compressing my spine. Unfortunately, my bone density is in the crapper. I'm waaaaay below normal. Just goes to show I'm not as dense as most people think I am. I can't take calcium supplements because my kidneys leach the calcium and turn rock hard. Since I can't make a necklace out of the stones, there's really no point in being my own kidney stone factory. Here's the exciting part... When the delightful little woman started to do my body fat analysis, she asked me if I was small or medium framed. Huh? I'm large framed. She tells me that I lean more to being small framed and certainly no more than medium at the most. Get out of here! My body fat is 27% which is in the normal range. And get this - the analysis was done on my arms which is the fattest thing about me. Connie

Hello there...... I'm glad to hear that your health has improved so much. Hey 27% is downright lean!! I think that it's a hoot that you've actually gotten taller as a result of weight loss!! You're the first I've heard of who has reported this phenomenon, but it's certainly logical. I must confess, that I worry about the calcium question though!! Isn't there some way of arresting the loss of bone mass?? I'm totally ignorant on the subject, but I know of the results of bone mass loss as I'm sure you do. My mom was prone to kidney stones, so I know what a drag they can be, but it sure seems like lousy choice: kidney stones or bone loss!! I'll know a lot more about the state of my own heath soon. I'm going to my family doc next week for a complete physical......Oh boy......I get to cringe once more at the sound of snapping latex gloves!!! "Well Mike, the bad news is that it's time to check your prostate....... the good news is ..... that I have small fingers"!! BA DUM BUM!!! Hey, at least he's got a sense of humor!! CHEERS Mike

Connie, 27 Percent body fat wow!! That's great!! I would think that must be some kind of calcium you could take or something else to prevent those kidney stones from forming. I no there i s meds out there for that. Have you asked your Doc about something like that? losing all your bone denisty could be very bad for you. I think you should do some checkin up on that. Good luck on getting taller, You probably just stand better than you ever did as you don't have all the weight to carry around with you. Marilyn, the Bearlady

I recently spent two days in the ER with my boyfriend when he was passing his first kidney stones so I know they are no joke. I have read that that performing weight-bearing excercise can increase bone density, even in osteoporotic elderly patients, and Connie I'm pretty sure you've mentioned lifting weights as part of your routine so at least you have that in your favor. Also, the last time I was at the doctor's office, I saw a brochure on a medicine that is designed to help replace calcium. I'm sure you'll talk to your PCP about this - please let us know what the recommendations are. Jen