Just wanted to share:
I was diagnosed in May of 2004, was on low dose Pred for about a year. Arava, Imuran then Humera. Been on Humera for almost a year.
It helped alot for a long time, but I'm starting to stiffen up in my hands again and cannot make a fist...(It's not as bad as it was a year ago) but it's getting there.
I'm finding the rapid change in temp and weather is affecting me. 75 degrees one day, lots of wind and 40 degrees the next.
Anyway, I just had a bone density test and It is not good....now I'm on another drug.....Evista. My L1 is -3, L2 -2, L3 -1.
Is anyone else on drugs for osteoporosis?
KAT
Yes and yes! I got my bone density test at the same time I was diagnosed. At only 31 I was shocked to find my scores low..but they were. I am glad I found out before going on any long term steroid therapy. Get you test done...btw..I take actonel. Wow! I am going to have to mention this at my next rheumy appt. in Feb. At my age, I didn't think anything about bone density testing. Thanks ladies!I was shocked too Crunchy!....I'm like "great, another drug, more money, more side effects! What more could a girl want for Christmas?
I can't let this get me down....but the cold weather is hurting me all over.....Thinking about Florida....I think I'd rather fight hurricaines! LOL!
How many more shopping days till Christmas?
KAT
Hey, it's not that warm in FL either. We're under a freeze warning tonight! Hurricanes aren't so bad....you have plenty of time to run...LOLI'm in Northern Kentucky, it's 75 one day and 30 the next, reaks havoc on me bones ;). It's gonna be 16 here tonight and 50 on Wed.
I went in to the Chiropractors office and adk for a gallon of BioFreeze. They cracked up!
It's either laugh or cry!
KAT
Hey Kat! How have you been?Joooonieee!
Been hanging in there! Hope life is treating you well.
LUV
KAT
Going to have to remember to ask my rd on wednesday. thanks!What are the symptoms to look for if you have low bone density?No symptoms at all. Even if you have osteoprosis you're unlikely to feel anything. That's why it's so important.
I went this week for my second scan. Two years ago was my first. It showed osteopenia in my hips but not my spine. This time it's in my spine. My numbers doubled in two years!
I'm 35 and have had RA for close to 13 years. All the years on the meds has caused a great deal of it they think. I'm also now in menopause....so my risk increase due to that.
The test is super simple.....and very important.
I had a bone scan a year ago and I had excellent numbers. RD said probably because I did yoga for 15 years everyday and hiking. Now I wonder if my numbers have really decreased. I have been on pred. pretty much the entire year and almost no exercise. Weight bearing exercise is the best for bone density but it hurts us the most