Home Featured Discussion Osteoporosis  We say...

In this discussion: 10/6/00 Treatment, prevention and more-Even More from the Consensus Plus Feature Links & Recommended Reading 10/5/00 More from the Osteoporosis Consensus  10/4/00 Progress & Promise-From NIAMS 10/3/00 From the Osteoporosis Consensus-Prevention Tips 10/2/00 We say...

We say...

We had a very good response to the osteoporosis survey. The majority of you are aware of at least some of the risk factors and are doing something in an attempt to prevent it. Good job! But some of you were unaware of the risks factors, we need to work on you! Osteoporosis affects 28 million people in the USA, you could be next!

Here are some comments and advice from our survey:

"Don't wait till your diagonised with it before you do anything about it. Start early to avoid it."

"The best advice I can offer is to take your vitamins (bone therapy), and keep as active as possible. Exercising and activity help control the progression of oteoporosis. ***Don't get discouraged, an "optimistic attitude", is another very strong and effective medication."

"make sure you get bone density tests and take your meds"

"I have had 5 stress fractures due to osteopenia. They have been very painful to recover from and the stress fracture in my leg put me in a cast for 8 weeks. So, my advice would be to try to keep a close watch on your bone density and try to prevent the disease."

Do you know what the risk factors for osteoporosis are? If so do you have any risk factors?

"Yes, I'm a woman, I take prednisone, I have a thin frame, I smoke and I mainline caffine"

"Yes, I have had very complicated surgeries due to the amount of bone loss/density."

"Yes. My son (5 1/2) is as risk due to Prednisone 5 mg once a day. Of course, he doesn't smoke:), has adequate calcium intake and engages in weight bearing exercise through playground activites."

"I have had three thoracic stress fractures. Man do they hurt, one finger fx  (making a bed, don't laugh KJ), and two stress fx of my left foot."

Do you currently have a diagnosis of osteoporosis or osteopenia? If so, how are you being treated for it?

"Yes, I have osteoporosis in two of the bones in my back and osteopenia in my knees and hips. Right now we are trying HRT, Oscal, foods high in calicum and walking exercises."

"Yes, have severe osteoporosis. I take an increased number of vitamins."

"I have osteoporosis and am currently taking 1800 calcium qd and myocalcin spray. I drink a large glass of orange juice with calcium every day and occasional glasses of milk."

"I have osteopenia. Right now I am taking Fosamax, Calcium and Vitamin D."

"I do have osteoporosis but I only take calcium for it"

"No, but I have had JRA for 14 years, and I would like to know more about my increased risk of osteoporosis."

Each day this week we'll learn more about osteoporosis, including the risk factors, treatment, diagnosis and prevention. Check back everyday to see what's new.

Tina Underwood & Community Members
Page last updated on October 1, 2000