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Robyn_W's avatar
Robyn_W
Member
12 years ago

Osteoporosis update

Well today I saw the exercise physiologist,for advice on managing my osteoporosis.Because my spine is the most affected,I was given lots of ideas for exercise and lifting.Exercises that I should avoid now are skipping,running,any jumping,and leg presses( because of the pressure on the spine when pushing the weight)It is important to keep your spine straight,so even riding my bike is not the best idea.Sit-ups,and exercises where you bend the spine are not good.For lifting,going down on one knee is the best choice.If you drop something small on the floor,the 'golfers bend' where you stand on one leg and put the other one straight out behind you,and bend over,is the best choice.It looks funny,but it keeps your spine straight.He said not to be obsessed with all this,but common sense most of the time,will definitely help.I am also going to see the nutritionist,as he said that she can really help when it comes to advising on proper amounts of calcium and protein for me.I feel much better about this today,knowing that I can do something to hopefully slow this down.I have an appointment with the bone specialist in May so that will be interesting too.Hope everyone is doing ok tonight.Cheers Robynxox

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  • AnnaB's avatar
    AnnaB
    Member
    12 years ago

    I haven't had any side effects.  I'm not convinced that the 'quality' of the bone  with these medications is actually improved.  It may increase the density but really is the bone any stronger.  Just me being skeptical.

    Grateful I don't have any side effects.  I've been osteoporotic since age 41 (54 now) No fractures despite this and being active.  Dumb luck probably but I try not to spend too much time thinking about  how fragile I might be.

    I'll be curious if I have any density improvement with my next DEXA which I guess won't be for another 6 months.

    Any problems with Aclasta?

  • AnnaB's avatar
    AnnaB
    Member
    12 years ago

    I haven't had any side effects.  I'm not convinced that the 'quality' of the bone  with these medications is actually improved.  It may increase the density but really is the bone any stronger.  Just me being skeptical.

    Grateful I don't have any side effects.  I've been osteoporotic since age 41 (54 now) No fractures despite this and being active.  Dumb luck probably but I try not to spend too much time thinking about  how fragile I might be.

    I'll be curious if I have any density improvement with my next DEXA which I guess won't be for another 6 months.

    Any problems with Aclasta?

  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    12 years ago
    I was already osteopenic as was heading towards menopause at 47. I had a recurrence so did chemo twice. Fortunately (or unfortunately)!depending in which way you look at it I am triple neg so don't take tamoxifen, Femera etc. I have been having an Aclasta infusion every 12 months for last two years. Bone density still going in wrong direction, but hopefully not as fast as it would,if I didn't have infusion. How do you feel after Prolia? Paula
  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    12 years ago
    I am sure nearly all the exercises I do are wrong. Might have to,pay a visit to Physio or hunt down an exercise physiologist! Thanks Paula x
  • AnnaB's avatar
    AnnaB
    Member
    12 years ago

    I was osteoporotic before doing chemo so now my density is almost off the scale (-4.9).  Usually it is an Endocrinologist that looks after osteoporotic problems.  I have been started on Prolia injections every 6 months.  I live north of sydney so I'm interested in the clinic Robyn mentioned at RPA.  I was very anxious when I realised how poor my density was.  It's so important to remain active but I felt like wrapping myself in cotton wool to avoid fractures.  Thankfully after the initial shock I just got back to exercising as Robyn described and living life .  I probably won't ever be able to switch to Arimidex and will stay on Tamoxifen.

    Stay strong and straight x

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hi Michelle.Yes weights are good,as long as you keep,your back straight.:)
  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    12 years ago

    As usual, you have not wasted any time getting organised and it is great that you share your new information with us all.  The tips for lifting and turning could benefit everyone.  And jumping was part of your program, so it's good to know what NOT to do any longer.

    At least walking is still good cardio, and resistance bands are still a good workout.  Are you allowed to use weights if you keep your back straight?

    Good luck with your appointment in May.  Meanwhile, keep up the dairy & yoghurt, sardines & salmon - thinking of you.   Michelle xx

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hi Paula,I forget the correct name for this type of doctor,but it's a doctor that specialises in osteoporosis.There is a clinic here at RPA for this and I feel fortunate to live so close .The one other thing that I forgot to mention,is that any sort of twisting is really bad for your spine,when you have this.So if you need to turn around,rather than twist,you should always remember to turn your whole body.They are small things to do,but they can be really beneficial.Also,the exercises for the upper body with the resistance bands,are still really good to do.Keep in touch Paula,and take care.xoxRobyn
  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    12 years ago
    I have osteopenia/so close to osteoporosis that my Dr calls it that. What is a bone specialist? I live in Cairns and don't believe we would have one of those here. Interesting re the exercises. No wonder I have constant back pain. Keep,posting all your useful info. Paula x