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Hi, I am 21 and recently I have had two spinal fractures. From the look of the x-rays the radiologist and doctor think I my bones are not dense enough and that I may have osteoperosis in spite of my age. I have to have a bone density test to see if this is so, but because I live in a remote area it will be some time before I can get this done. I am very worried because I don't know anything about osteoperosis in young people. Is osteoperosis curable? If I do lots of wieght bearing excercise and take calcium supplements will my bones get dense again? Please tell me if there is something I can do, I'm afraid I am going to get a hunchback.
In Reply to: Dr Stoll or anyone, is osteoperosis curable in a young person? posted by Ella on July 16, 2001 at 23:41:15:
you might want to look into the Female Athlete Triode and
see if anything relates to you.
They say that the bone density in old age is determined when
young so you should look into it Very seriously.
VF
In Reply to: Dr Stoll or anyone, is osteoperosis curable in a young person? posted by Ella on July 16, 2001 at 23:41:15:
about osteoporosis -- the doctor there was talking about this being more than a matter of enough calcium, but also of other vitamins (such as vitamin D), and a hormonal imbalance. Sure wish I could remember his name, or the title of his book, but it made alot of sense to me.
It seems to be that you need a doctor that knows more about the big picture of this disease, but I'm not sure where you would find such a doctor -- hope someone here has some good ideas.
(and keep up that weight work!)
In Reply to: Dr Stoll or anyone, is osteoperosis curable in a young person? posted by Ella on July 16, 2001 at 23:41:15:
Paul Chek made a comment once that Olympic weightlifters have such incredible bone density that the weights they lift without a problem would crush the spine of a normal person. (Mind you these are athletes who typically have 10+ years of elite level experience.) So yes, weight bearing exercise will indeed increase bone density.
It seems obvious to me that the more stress put through the bones, the greater the response will be for increasing bone density. Therefore weightlifting will show better results than swimming, for example. (This has been borne out by medical studies of athlete bone density. All athletes showed more bone density than sedentary people, but swimmers had the lowest bone density among athletes, Olympic weightlifters the highest.)
In Reply to: Bone density and weight bearing exercise posted by Lincoln on July 17, 2001 at 16:24:03:
I feel the same as Lincoln does - that weight-bearing is good for the bones. I have placed a link below which gives information about osteoporosis (you can click on various topics) plus there are many websites which discuss this subject.
As your young age you should be able to build up your bone density with exercise, calcium, and vitamin D. I have heard of young women being able to attain normal bone density again because they still have the benefit of estrogen. Women past menopause can maintain their bone density and thus prevent further crushing of vertabrae with drugs and diet changes plus exercise.
I do know that jumping on a trampoline helps immensely - because it puts impact on the bones and helps the lymph system and circulation. I cannot jump high on my trampoline because I have varicose veins, but if you don't have you could.
Here is the link. Raisa
In Reply to: Re: Bone density and weight bearing exercise posted by Raisa on July 17, 2001 at 16:47:16:
The link is below.
In Reply to: Bone density and weight bearing exercise posted by Lincoln on July 17, 2001 at 16:24:03:
Here is a much better link. Raisa
In Reply to: Bone density and weight bearing exercise posted by Lincoln on July 17, 2001 at 16:24:03:
Here is a much better link. Raisa
In Reply to: Re: Bone density and weight bearing exercise posted by Raisa on July 17, 2001 at 16:58:11:
Last attempt!!
In Reply to: Dr Stoll or anyone, is osteoperosis curable in a young person? posted by Ella on July 16, 2001 at 23:41:15:
Ella, The latest clinical tests on this say do not take calcium supplements, and do not use dairy products. There is a compound called ipriflavone derived from soybeans that seems to stop osteoporosis and rebuild your bones. It inhibits osteoclasts that breakdown goodbone and enhances osteoblasts to build good bone. This may be something you may want to do some research on. Just a suggestion. Good luck.
In Reply to: Re: Bone density and weight bearing exercise posted by Raisa - to Ella again on July 17, 2001 at 17:02:43:
.
In Reply to: Dr Stoll or anyone, is osteoperosis curable in a young person? posted by Ella on July 16, 2001 at 23:41:15:
I managed to get myself a lift to the city yesterday and had a bone mineral density scan. My local GP gave me the results today and I have severe osteoperosis. My T score was -2.5 (if that means anything to anyone) The report also said that I should take an anti-osteoporotic treatment, (Raloxifene, Alendronate, Sodium Etidronate or Calcitriol.) I have to go back to the specialist to get a prescription for one of these. Does anyone know anything about any of these drugs? I am nervous about taking any medication, and I will have to take it for several years apparantly. My doctor says it is safe, but then a doctor told me the same thing before I took accutane! Also I am recommended to take 1500mg of calcium daily, is that safe? And what is the best form of excersice for strengthening the bones, lifting weights? Thanks for any info you can share.
In Reply to: Dr Stoll or anyone, is osteoperosis curable in a young person? posted by Ella on July 16, 2001 at 23:41:15:
Hi, Ella.
This is SERIOUS and a potentially crippling condition at your age. It IS reversable but you are going to have to embark on a very different lifestyle than got you here.
You have to have a genetic susceptibility or this would not be happening to you. So far, there is nothing that can be done about that.
You need to start with multple reps of light weights and eventually progress to heavier weights. Taking a couple of grams of a quality hydroxyapatite ( MY wife and I take the Multigenics Brand.) twice a day; AND practicing serious wellness (See the free protocol on the home page.) is the least that I would do.
I also think it well worth your while to find a good Sports Medicine Specialist in your area. Take a copy of your medical records and the bone density report with you.
Let us know how you do. This will totally change your life--whether you do this or not! For the good if you DO and for the bad if you do NOT.
Walt
In Reply to: Today I was diagnosed with osteoperosis, question about the drug treatments. posted by Ella on July 18, 2001 at 07:44:22:
Ella, Dr. Stoll's approach is usually different from the conventional doctor's. You could check the archives for osteoporosis in the search box above. I am trying the hydroxyapatite but won't really know the results without another bonescan.
In Reply to: Today I was diagnosed with osteoperosis, question about the drug treatments. posted by Ella on July 18, 2001 at 07:44:22:
Hi, Ella - The l500 mg of Calcium is definitely safe for you to take. I just read that Vitamin E has been found to help bones too. And, of course, with the Calcium you should take Vitamin D.
I think that -2.5 is not severe osteoporosis. I think that it is still osteopenia, which is below normal bone density but it is not considered osteoporosis until it goes below -2.5. I'm not positive about this. However, since you have fractured vertebra, they may say it is severe because of that. My bone density is -3.5, which is very severe. But I am much older than you are. I have never broken a bone, but I have several crushed vertebra. My shoulders are not hunched over, and I never would have known about the osteoporosis if I hadn't taken a bone density test. I have been taking Fosamax (alondrate) for almost 3 years, and I know many women who have taken it longer. Most people can take it. The results vary, but at least it maintains the bone density you have and many times improves it. I also take Evista, which is a lot like estrogen. Since you are so young and still have your own body's estrogen, you probably don't need this. I hope you will read those links I gave you about osteoporosis because they really are very informative. Do any of your relatives have osteoporosis? I think it is considered genetic. Also, if you call your doctor, he should be able to answer all your questions. Dr. Stoll will answer tomorrow, I think.
Raisa
In Reply to: Dr Stoll or anyone, is osteoperosis curable in a young person? posted by Ella on July 16, 2001 at 23:41:15:
Just a thought after reading these posts. I have a cousin that suffered osteoporosis in her 20s as well, but in her case, it was due to prolonged anorexia. Her bone density was compared to that of a 75-year-old woman.
Please don't take this as an aspersion, accusation, or affront, Ella, as this comment is not aimed at you (particularly since I don't know anything about your condition other than what you mentioned), but rather is intended to make the point that not all osteoporosis in young people is due to genetics or prior physical activity level, which some people might infer from the other posts.
I wish you all the best in your pursuit of health.
P.S. When you're contemplating that weight lifting, remember that it will make you strong physically AND mentally. Weight lifting has been a terrific booster to my own confidence level. It's fun to shock people sometimes, since I'm a small, slight person (with great muscle definition!)--onlookers are often surprised at the weights I lift. Anyway, I've been lifting for 13 years, and I'm still going strong (pardon the pun!). Good luck and have fun!
In Reply to: Re: Dr Stoll or anyone, is osteoperosis curable in a young person? posted by max on July 19, 2001 at 01:24:34:
Hi, max - How sad about your cousin!! How is she now? Was she able to cure her anorexia? Did she also have bulemia?
I've never heard of someone getting osteoporosis from being anorexic, but, of course, everything in your body is affected by it. Raisa
In Reply to: Re: Dr Stoll or anyone, is osteoperosis curable in a young person? posted by Raisa on July 19, 2001 at 13:03:18:
Raisa,
The Female Athlete Triad involves diet, exercise, and I
think hormones in causing osteoperosis in young wemen
athletes and it is Scary where they said 30 yr old wemen can
have bones SO brittle they can break by Just Walking and
something like anorexia or they said extreme dieting is one
of the causes.
VF
In Reply to: Dr Stoll or anyone, is osteoperosis curable in a young person? posted by Ella on July 16, 2001 at 23:41:15:
Hello,
Weight training exercises in which the resistance runs in the same direction as the bone will strengthen the bone. Exercises in which the resistance runs perpendicular to the bone are generally not recommended for those with osteoporosis/osteopenia.
For example, when doing a standing shoulder press exercise with free weights, the resistance runs in the same direction as the bones... through the hands, arms, spine, pelvis, and legs. However, when doing seated leg extensions, the resistance runs perpendicular to leg, thus wanting to "snap" the bones if enough weight is used.
Someone posted that among olympic athletes, weightlifters had the highest bone density while swimmers had the lowest. This makes sense because swimming is 100% non-weightbearing whereas traditional olympic lifts have the resistance running in the same direction as the bone.
In healthy adults, weight training has been shown to increase bone strength, so it would go to reason that it should help prevent the progression of, and hopefully reverse, osteoporosis.
I have a page on my website that gives some details about designing a weight training program to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. These details are intended for individuals at risk or in their early stages. If you are at a more advanced stage, you'll need to start with lighter weight and higher reps, eventually progressing to what I recommend on my site. Of course, consult with your doctor first.
There's another page in my site that talks about nutrition for osteoporosis.
I also make custom made personal training videos based on your equipment, experience, time, goals (increase bone strength), etc. There's more info on this within the shopping area of my site.
Hopefully this was the info some of you were looking for.
Regards,
Tony Alvarez
NSCA Certified Personal Trainer
NASN Licensed Sports Nutritionist
Owner www.getfit4less.com
ps- My site will be undergoing some changes over the next few days, so if you have difficulty accessing it, please try again later.
pps- To reduce your risk of spinal fractures, it's IMPORTANT to avoid "spinal flexion" (rounding the spine), especially when lifting objects from the floor.
In Reply to: Personal trainer's view on weight training for osteoporosis posted by Tony Alvarez on July 19, 2001 at 17:03:31:
Thanks, Tony!
Great information!
Namaste`
Walt
In Reply to: Dr Stoll or anyone, is osteoperosis curable in a young person? posted by Ella on July 16, 2001 at 23:41:15:
.
In Reply to: Re: Dr Stoll or anyone, is osteoperosis curable in a young person? posted by Raisa on July 19, 2001 at 13:03:18:
Hi, Raisa!
My cousin is fine now. A much healthier weight, two darling little boys, and never stops going and going. Cross-country bike riding, roller blading, chasing her boys...
And actually, I'm a little embarrassed. I think I did say "anorexia" in the post, but she actually had bulemia. Well, come to think of it...maybe she had both. I KNOW she had bulemia, though, because her teeth were severely damaged from all the vomiting. She had to have tons of dental work.
Her recovery was quite remarkable, and it was actually spurred by the realization that she had such severe osteoporosis. I think the docs told her she had to give up exercise (hiking, mountain biking, etc.)--all the things she loved to do--because her bones were so brittle that she was risking serious injury. Scary to find that you have the bones of an old women when you're in your early 20s, and that your lifestyle will have to change significantly if you don't start improving your well-being! I suspect that her bone density is greatly improved by now (she's certainly back to doing her favorite physical activities), but I've never asked her about her results from retesting. Kind of a sensitive subject, you know, and by now so far in the past...it's been about 12 years now since she started on the road to recovery. Anyway, she's doing well now, and once she started facing the problem, she never had a relapse.
In Reply to: Re: Dr Stoll or anyone, is osteoperosis curable in a young person? posted by max on July 22, 2001 at 23:45:30:
Thanks for your informative post, Max. Your cousin probably had both anorexia and bulemia, since many times people have both. What good and encouraging news that she is now better and healthy. Anorexia is a very scary thing and very hard to control, I understand. I can see why it would be a touchy subject and better just put in the past.
Raisa
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[ Osteoporosis Prevention Archive ] [ Main Archives Page ] [ Glossary/Index ] [ FAQ ] [ Recommended Books ] [ Bulletin Board ] |
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