Graceful Women: Wait! I’m Too Young to Have Osteoporosis!

On another Graceful Women post, The gluten-free diet and osteoporosis, Betsy Wuebker mentioned that she was diagnosed with osteoporosis. In her comment, she talked about some of the contributing factors to this disease. Osteoporosis is an important concern for menopausal women, so I asked Betsy if she would elaborate on its causes and treatments.

Betsy is author of the blog Passing Thru, and here is her story:

Every Sunday morning I swallow a miracle.It’s a pill that may save my life, and definitely will restore my youth. The name of this wonder is alendronate sodium. I take it because, at age 55, I have the bone density of an 80-year-old. I’ve got full-blown osteoporosis.

While serious in someone my age, this diagnosis didn’t exactly come as a shock. My mother and her mother both had it. Their stooped, painful posture was what is still commonly referred to as “dowager’s hump.” They were literally incapable of standing up straight. With this family history, I always suspected I’d wind up with osteoporosis in my dotage, too. What I didn’t expect was that it would show up this early. I’m way too young, after all!

Six months ago, a series of somewhat alarming symptoms led me to consult with my OB-GYN. She ordered what seemed like an inordinate amount of blood work, did some exams, accelerated a colonoscopy appointment (did I have cancer?), and sent me in for scans. Within the space of a few weeks, I went from taking no medications other than an occasional aspirin and over the counter heartburn relief, to several daily prescriptions. I had high cholesterol, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease , and a significant Vitamin D deficiency.

All of these conditions are fairly common, but I found the Vitamin D deficiency surprising. Anyone who looks at me will conclude I am hardly undernourished. How was I vitamin D deficient?It was explained: With all the concern about skin cancer, more folks are staying out of the sun. In colder climates, there is less sunlight during short days in winter. I’m a pale, pink person who always burns. I use a lot of sunscreen, and since pre-menopause, don’t tolerate excessive heat well, keeping me out of the sun even more. Add that to decreased milk intake from my inability to tolerate lactose, and bingo. I was prescribed a mega-dose of Vitamin D for six weeks.

In the meantime, my bone scan results came in, and I received a letter summoning me for a consult. “You have osteoporosis,” the letter said. “Please come in as soon as possible to begin a treatment plan.” Great.

My OB-GYN referred me to a rheumatologist when it was revealed most osteo drugs have the unfortunate side effect of increased heartburn. We both knew I needed no more of that. I was pleased to note the new doctor was on several “Best” lists, and his manner was kind and knowledgeable. “What we call the ‘neck of your hip’ and your lower back bones are so porous, you’re at extreme risk. We generally see this deterioration in someone in their 80’s, not their 50’s.” Swell.

Acting as though he had no other patients in the world besides me, he took the time to explain my options. “If you’re heartburn prone, your insurance still requires you to tough it out for a month before changing you to the more expensive annual injection. Plus you’re going to want a combination supplement – always take calcium with vitamin D. The vitamin D is the assist in absorption.” My circumstances – lactose intolerance, no milk, no sun, and no supplementation until now – had created the perfect storm for accelerated bone density loss.

“The good news is, with this drug your bone loss will rapidly arrest and then start to correct itself. Within two years, your bone density will be age appropriate, and you can go on a maintenance plan. Plus, with exercise, you can strengthen even further.” Awesome, a dispensation!

“Until then, whatever you do, do NOT fall. You’ll break a hip or fracture your back.” Jeez, okay. I’m already fearful carrying laundry down our scary basement stairs or walking on icy sidewalks. I’ll probably forego the bicycling I looked forward to this year, as I took a spill a couple of years ago which impacted my mobility for several weeks. It could have been much, much worse.

So . . . every week, I take my miracle pill that is going to restore my bones back to relative youth. Every day, I take my calcium + vitamin D to give these nutrients their best, life-saving shot. And every day, I get my hour’s exercise on a treadmill that’s only an inch or so above the ground, so there’s not far to fall. This is all easily achieved. What a simple fix to ensure I’m around for the next thirty years, when I’ll really be old!

Suggested Reading:

http://www.nof.org/osteoporosis/”>Osteoporosis: A debilitating disease that can be prevented and treatedhas a downloadable questionnaire

Osteoporosis Symptoms, Treatment, Causes, Prevention, Risk Factors and Diagnosis

Hormone Replacement Therapy now Contraindicated in Osteoporosis Treatment due to increased risks for breast cancer, heart attack, stroke and blood clots

The Mayo Clinic – Osteoporosis

Your turn

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