Dr's report #1

susandoeshair
on 4/16/09 4:26 am - Alexander, AR
Hi guys,

No news on the blood work for the cramping, but I'm just home from the bone density test. Damn, I've never been any good at tests, and evidently didn't "bone" up enough before this one, because I got a D-!  I have a -2.3 on my density, -2.5 is osteoporsis, so I'm in the osteopenia stage, and just a gnats wing from full blown osteoporisis.

  The last year or so I've been rather hit and miss with my calcium, or does that state the obvious? I've been so good about my other supplements, but I just don't seem to remember to get the calcium in. one of my AR friends  had the best idea to take them when I start drinking my water after a meal, which is good and sound advice, but have I followed it?  NO!

So, here I am, waiting for the doctor to review the tests and tell me what manner of nastiness I can take. Fosimax is the one the x-ray tech said they most often prescribe, but according to their website it can cause stomach trouble. I'm wondering if that means I shouldn't take it?? Damn again.

We'll see....stay tuned for part #2.  I'm gonna go crawl under a rock.

Susan

 

Debbiejean
on 4/16/09 5:01 am - Shelbyville, MI

Oh my Susan!! People that don't take their Calcium Citrate go down a path of woes...so people take your calcium citrate and you need to take at least 4 of them a day.
I'm so anal with my vitamins, I have bottles at home and the same bottles at work.
I work in a hospital and have become great friends with the Bariatric Nurse Director and she stops in my office and just smiled when she seen all my vitamins layed out for the day.

Okay Susan it takes 21 days to make a habit. Today is the first day, each day will get easier. I just had my 2 yr. labs drawn today and our surgeon makes us stop vits. for 2 days b/4 the draw. I miss taking them just for those 2 days believe it or not. I will stay up late if I forget my calcium. I have only had to do that twice since having surgery.

Be sure to check with your bariatric surgeon on what needs to be taken for your osteopenia. You are not the first one to forget calcium...nor will you be the last. Sending you hugs.

susandoeshair
on 4/16/09 6:59 am - Alexander, AR
Good idea about not taking your vitamins for a couple of days before your lab draws. I bet they'd be a bit more accurate.

I'll get through this, not just because I know I will, heck, there's been worse, but because I have all of you to help me!

hugs back

Susan

 

(deactivated member)
on 4/16/09 5:48 am - San Juan Capistrano, CA
RNY on 07/11/07 with
Susan,
Take a deep breath & know that you will be fine.  I have had osteoporosis for about 5 years now.   My Mom has had it for over 25 years and now goes to a Rhuemetologist for treatment.  I only wish I had known when it was osteopenia & had started treatment earlier.

The good news is that the decline in bone density can be stopped and sometimes even reversed.     You must follow your Drs protocol.     For me it's 500 mg Calcium Citrat 3 times a day  plus Vitamin D and Magnesium.   I almost never miss my calcium.   What works best for me is this:
1)  I place 500 mg on my nightstand when I go to bed.   When I wake up in middle of night (you know why, right?), I take it before I go back to sleep.
2)   I place 1000 mg on our drink tray first thing in the morning.  (I started serving coffee & all drinks on a tray 'cause we were spilling on the carpet too much!)    So in the morning I take 500 mg and then sometime later in the day I take the other 500 mg.
3)  When I go to bed, I take my iron, so it won't conflict.
This works for me.  I think the most important thing is to do it the say every single day.

Fosamax has never trouble my stomach.  I stayed off it for two weeks after surgery, then began again.   No trouble at all.   Also, be aware that there are other medications besides fosamax.    My Mother has a Boniva injection 4 x a year, so it couldn't possibly upset the stomach.   There is another medication where you give yourself a daily shot in the leg.  It's given for very advanced osteoporosis, but again, maybe it could be given if your stomach was sensitive.

Don't forget that weight bearing exercise is the other part of treatment.    My doctors say it's just as important as calcium & fosamax.

I can't stress how important it is to follow the doctor's orders.   It's not too late for you.  My back is rounded.  So is my older sister's.   Mom's is even more rounded.   This results in back pain, but it's so much better when I exercise.

I'm thinking you're lucky to be finding out now so that you can treat it appropriately.  
HUGS to you!
susandoeshair
on 4/16/09 7:05 am - Alexander, AR
Deep breath taken and I feel better already. Thank you so much for your kind words, I know you're right that I'm not the first, nor the last to have this. I honestly don't know why I thought I'd dodge this, after all, I'm caucasian, fair skinned and small frame, and then throw in the malabsorption issues and......

Well, anyway, your suggestions are great. I also get up every night for the same reasons, and I usually get a sip of water. Guess I'll just put a Citrical next to the glass. Thanks for the info on the fosamax, too.

hugs to ya

Susan

 

annette R.
on 4/16/09 6:36 am - ithaca, NY
Susan - don't you dare crawl under a rock. Get some sunshine and good old Vitamin D. 

Duct tape the calcium to your forehead. Everybody will notice and remind you to take them. I'm trying to make you smile, not be a jerk.

With our modern medicine, all sorts of woes can be corrected. They have to list all sorts of side effect to cover their Donkeyso don't fret about the meds until you try them.
 Annette     Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting           
  
susandoeshair
on 4/16/09 7:06 am - Alexander, AR
I knew I could count on you to make me smile!

Thanks for that, and the chat earlier. Hope you and your friend had a great time at lunch.



Susan

 

Linda S.
on 4/16/09 9:59 am - PHOENIX, AZ
Susan,I am so sorry! Perhaps because of your WLS, they will have an alternative for you.
Gentle hugs.

 WHAT WE FEAR,WE CREATE.                                                                                                


 

susandoeshair
on 4/16/09 8:57 pm - Alexander, AR
Sweet Linda, thanks!  All will be well, I'm sure. Always turns out the way it should, huh?

hugs back

Susan

 

val_aiken
on 4/16/09 2:37 pm - Port Angeles, WA
There is a new medication out for osteoporisis.  Reclast it is a once a year IV treatment.  I will switch to that after my surgery.  I have been taking Boniva for 3 years now.  It never bothers my stomach
Val
          
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