Osteoporosis

[blindhearted]

I was just diagnosised today with Osteoporosis and Osteopenia. Has many people here been diagnosis with either one of these? How does it effect you? Is it reversable?

 

[anonymous]

This is common in CF. It can be treated with medication (Fosamax or Actonel) and calcium. I have it and I take meds for it. I'm not sure if it can be reversed but it can be slowed down with meds.

a guy with cf

 

[nobody]

Blindhearted,
I am a 38 yr old CF patient (male). I had osteoporosis. It is reversable. Take Calcium/Vitamin D and Magnesium as your Dr tells you.
They may prescribe Fosamax too. There is a one-pill-a-month med too (I don't remember the name)
Also, I bought some ankle weights to provide some resistance "lifting". It took 2-3 years to upgrade to osteopenia - but I did.
You may want to cut down or eliminate carbonated drinks too. They work against this process.
I am still working on it. Keep your chin up!
-steve

 

[JazzysMom]

2 years ago I had my first bone density test. It showed a slight thinning of the bones. Not a major problem for those without CF, but because of my CF my doctor wanted me to started a Calcium/Vitamin D supplement immediately. It can be reversed, but the sooner the better!

 

[anonymous]

What are the symptoms of osteoporosis and osteopenia? I have had hip pain for years now and I am finally going to the orthopedic, but I was wondering if I might have joint pain due to the inability of absorbing clacium and vitamin D. Any thought etc. are welcome. PS I also have lower back pain!

Jennifer 33yrs old with CF and CFRD

 

[nobody]

Jennifer,
The symptoms are different for each person.. I had teeth breaking - despite 2-3 brushings a day. I had no pain or other symptoms.
A very astute dr had me do a bone density scan. I am taking prednisone and that also depletes calcium.
Fosamax helps with the absorbtion problem.
My hip pain is due to piched nerves in certain positions.
-steve

 

[anonymous]

They started doing annual bone density scans on my daughter as soon as she started her periods (age 13). They hope to catch any bone problems before they start - they also started her on calcium supplements at the same time.

 

[purpleangel28282]

I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis probably around a month ago and also posted for information about it. For me I had a lot of back pain because of it before I was diagnosed, it was nice to finally know why I was having back pain, sadly I still get it, but I haven't been on treatment for that long. I take calcium pills and vitamin D supplements everyday and one pill that I take once a week. It's really only affected me in that I have the back pain every now and then.