Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis          
Every Mature Woman's Nightmare
I am a 66 year old woman with early diagnosis of osteoporosis. One of my greatest fears is falling, and breaking a hip. I have already been diagnosed with thinning bones. The test for osteoporosis is painless. Low level x-ray is used to scan hips, spine and wrists. There are many causes for osteoporosis. My doctor, Doctor Siebor, has explained that there is no cure for osteoporosis; however, it can be stopped or slowed.
The causes of osteoporosis: Doctor Siebor said some of the causes of osteoporosis are:

Loss of bone Mass
Loss of calcium
Cigarette smoking can contribute to osteoporosis          
Menopause

Diseases such as:
Kidney failure
Rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment:
Although there is no cure for osteoporosis regular exercise, physical therapy and a healthy diet can help osteoporosis sufferers. Mayo Clinic is finding there are some medications that are helping. (www.mayoclinic.org/.../osteoporosis/basic/treatment ) These medications are:

Alendronate
Risedronate
Ibandronate
Zoledronic

There are some side effects with these medications such as; upset stomach and heartburn. However injections once a year do not have the side effects as the pill form. I am not using any form of medication at this time. I walk, get plenty of sunshine, and eat healthy. I never smoked so that was a plus.
How has my life changed:
I have not done much to my life style. I still walk my dogs and do the things I have always enjoyed. I am just more careful.



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