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Post by louie on Feb 19, 2023 13:00:24 GMT -5
Over a year ago I was Dx'd with severe osteoporosis. I had two different kinds of meds given to me and both caused severe reactions.
I had a sit down discussion with Endocrinology and opted for no meds. If I felt so awful that I couldn't stand up and walk across the room or even hold a book to read...how was that going to make me better?
My decision was more good food and exercise to challenge my bones and strengthen my muscles around my bones. I went to my CrossFit gym and we worked out a plan. After all summer of conservative personal training and weight training, I felt so much better. I was stronger and in no pain [even all the lower back pain was gone!].
I'll be 67 this year and was told I was fragile. So instead I took on a hiking challenge along with training. The challenge was 59+ miles of hiking in the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. I don't feel fragile. I feel strong.
I go to Mobility class twice a week along with continuing with CrossFit [modified].
How will I feel in 20 years if I make it that long? I don't know.
All I know is that right now, things are pretty darned good.
I'm still a Caregiver for Hubby, but a few hours a week, I get to be an Explorer!
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Post by formerlyme on Feb 21, 2023 16:54:00 GMT -5
louie, it sounds like you are doing what feels right for you. May you keep maintaining physical strength and enjoying life to the fullest.  Several physical problems I've had in recent years were caused by some of the meds I'm on. Seems sometimes the treatment is more intolerable than the actual condition one is being treated for.
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Post by Fireheart on Feb 21, 2023 22:15:21 GMT -5
Over a year ago I was Dx'd with severe osteoporosis. I had two different kinds of meds given to me and both caused severe reactions. I had a sit down discussion with Endocrinology and opted for no meds. If I felt so awful that I couldn't stand up and walk across the room or even hold a book to read...how was that going to make me better? My decision was more good food and exercise to challenge my bones and strengthen my muscles around my bones. I went to my CrossFit gym and we worked out a plan. After all summer of conservative personal training and weight training, I felt so much better. I was stronger and in no pain [even all the lower back pain was gone!]. I'll be 67 this year and was told I was fragile. So instead I took on a hiking challenge along with training. The challenge was 59+ miles of hiking in the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. I don't feel fragile. I feel strong. I go to Mobility class twice a week along with continuing with CrossFit [modified]. How will I feel in 20 years if I make it that long? I don't know. All I know is that right now, things are pretty darned good. I'm still a Caregiver for Hubby, but a few hours a week, I get to be an Explorer! That's awesome, Louie! I'm one who believes very strongly that diet & exercise can be just as good (better even) than what can be prescribed. So many meds and treatments have such horrible side effects. My spine has a permanent curve (though not visible by looking at me, it has caused many issues in the past) from a wreck when I was 16; so, I do boxing, martial arts, & targeted exercises to strengthen my core muscles to better support my spine. So far, it has worked well. I'm glad your routine is working well for you. Attitude also has so much to do with our health, and I feel it's often overlooked. You have a great attitude and that seems to be serving you well. |
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Post by louie on Feb 22, 2023 7:34:31 GMT -5
That's awesome, Louie! I'm one who believes very strongly that diet & exercise can be just as good (better even) than what can be prescribed. So many meds and treatments have such horrible side effects. My spine has a permanent curve (though not visible by looking at me, it has caused many issues in the past) from a wreck when I was 16; so, I do boxing, martial arts, & targeted exercises to strengthen my core muscles to better support my spine. So far, it has worked well. I'm glad your routine is working well for you. Attitude also has so much to do with our health, and I feel it's often overlooked. You have a great attitude and that seems to be serving you well. I also get a ton of support from those at the gym which helps a lot. The gym is like a family and they hold family events too. I am fortunate to have found a way to help myself and yes, it takes a lot of dedication and work, but I'm hopeful it helps. In September of this year I go back for another scan and we shall see what is going on. The medications were pushed and pushed. One of them was a shot that lasted 6 months. I asked the doctor if I had a bad reaction would it keep me inactive for 6 months? After 2 yrs of that particular med, I would have had to go back to the first medication that made me feel so bad I couldn't walk! I may end up eventually in trouble, but at the moment, I am doing great and have a positive outlook. Thank you. |
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Post by louie on Feb 22, 2023 7:37:14 GMT -5
Several physical problems I've had in recent years were caused by some of the meds I'm on. Seems sometimes the treatment is more intolerable than the actual condition one is being treated for. I see the medications that my husband is on at this late stage of his diseases and I wonder if all are necessary? He feels that he should have pain meds and let the rest go. I've had 3 meds in the past 20 years and non of them worked well and caused more issues. I so get that! |
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Post by nkat on Feb 22, 2023 20:10:54 GMT -5
Louie, I reuse to take those meds. I will take vitamin D, K2, and calcium. Try to get my calcium from foods.
I have to start my exercises from therapy since my back is feeling a tad better and my experiences with the kidney stone are over after going under anaesthesia 3 times for it. I completely ruptured a disc and now have a bump on my spine. Looks wonderful. Have osteo arthritis in my lower back.
I had a dog accident when I was 50, had my shoulder broken in 3 places, and only got 80% of my arm usage back. I seem to strain my back trying to reach with that arm.
You sound like you are doing everything right. I am a lot older than you, turned 76 on Monday and am ready for the glue factory.
Nkat
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Post by louie on Feb 25, 2023 16:18:54 GMT -5
Louie, I reuse to take those meds. I will take vitamin D, K2, and calcium. Try to get my calcium from foods. I have to start my exercises from therapy since my back is feeling a tad better and my experiences with the kidney stone are over after going under anaesthesia 3 times for it. I completely ruptured a disc and now have a bump on my spine. Looks wonderful. Have osteo arthritis in my lower back. I had a dog accident when I was 50, had my shoulder broken in 3 places, and only got 80% of my arm usage back. I seem to strain my back trying to reach with that arm. You sound like you are doing everything right. I am a lot older than you, turned 76 on Monday and am ready for the glue factory. Nkat Yikes, that sounds awful. Yep, the medicines for osteoporosis were nasty for me. We will see where I am at this fall, but I'm not sold on the meds that they gave me. I don't want to live in agony and not be able to walk! |
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