I had a bone density scan a few years ago and it showed I had osteoporosis. I know being paralzyed I was more apt to osteoporosis but I also take meds for my UC, (steroids) that leech my bones of calcium even more. So on my birthday I had my first sign or headsup that I should really start a regimen to prevent or slow it down, Osteoporosis that is. I somehow broke a rib on my right side from coughing. Ive had a standing frame all these years but neglected to use it just because its a pain getting in and out of it. So now my concern is, if I try to use the standing frame are my legs even strong enough to support me now? 19 years of paraplegia and 9 years of taking meds that drain my bones even more? Im really scared now. I have visions of being like glassman and breaking my legs or arms or back again just by getting in and out of my truck or getting out of bed or my God! even while making love. I broke my rib by coughing!

So my question. What do you guys do to manage bone loss? Will taking Boniva or other Osteoporosis meds help me rebuild bone density? I started taking Caltrate, I think thats how you spell it, its a bone supplement.

Should I try to use my standing frame?

Nervous and scared!

I have always had weak bones and have broken so many now that I've lost track. After my SCI, I had a bone density scan and found that I did not have Osteoporosis...yet, but I was dangerously close to the -2.5 rating.

At the advice of my bone doctor, I went on a strict regime to improve my bones. I take 1000 mg in Calcium supplements, daily and, because I live in Canada where the sun rarely shines, I also take 1000 IU in Vitamin D supplements. I make a concious effort to eat low fat dairy. I was on a Haagen Dazs ice cream kick for awhile but I've replaced that with an organic frozen yoghurt (more calcium, same amount of protein and way less fat)...which makes great smoothies. I keep a big jar full of almonds in my kitchen of which I grab a handful daily giving me a triple-kick of protein, monounsaturated fatty acids and calcium!

I know you can't change your meds but you can cut down on caffeine and alcohol. If you smoke, quit.

I used a standing frame every day in rehab and bought one when I got home and would stand for 1-3 hours. I just brought my laptop and did work or dicked around on the internet. I eventually graduated to walking. I push myself to walk 10 km/week. I also jump up and down when I do my workout in the pool at the gym.

To start, for you, I think it is wise to consult your doctor and have another bone density scan done. My bone doctor has recommended that I have one done annually. From there, you can decide, with your doctor, what kind of exercise regime will be safest for you to pursue.

Look after yourself!

It's not a concern for me but I have a close friend who had issues. She's not a forum member but is T12 and broke her femur about 15 years ago just lifting her leg to dry her toes. Having had 3 kids it wasn't a surprise to get a diagnosis of osteoporosis. Additionally, she's on warfarin which also is thought to cause osteoporosis. She takes general care of her diet and makes sure she gets some calcium but isn't taking anything special. What she has done is live a very active life. She's darn hard to keep up with. And all this activity seems to have strengthened her bones cos she aint had no trouble since all those years back. There is hope.

I have osteoporosis, partly due to my SCI but mainly due to long term high dose corticosteroid use due to a lung condition I have developed in the last year. I still have plenty of Calcium but am also on Alendronic Acid which is a drug which alters your bone metabolism, normally cells called osteoclasts break down bone and osteoblasts produce bone. Alendronic acid inhbits the osteoclasts so that you are making more bone than normal therefore protecting your bones from osteoporosis. I take 1 tablet once a week.

Hope this helps, feel free to PM me if you want any more info on side effects etc or any more info on how the drug works.

Jules
xx

same here

Hmmmm I hadn't heard of the cortical steroids adding to bone density loss or calcium loss (which ever is the case). I have developed the osteoarthritis as well and thought it was just due to the SCI & fact that my injury was compression of the whole spine. But I've got asthma and so whenever I get a cold or if the allergies are bad enough......which is why I am now diabetic ("it's the steroid's fault"). As to what I've done to try and minimize the bone loss.......I try to swim when ever possible (I'm a partial and so in the water I can move my legs around fairly well which as we know "any exercise will help"), I take a calcium suppliment + a prenatal vitamin (has 100% of just about everything including vitamins A & D + every other alphabet), and I also take glucosamine & chondroitin supplement as well. I've never had a standing frame because where I lived was always too small (apartments & now a mobile home), so although I can keep myself suspended using "an old lady walker" to help with the bowels it doesn't do much for the weight bearing & I can't stand or walk but for a few minutes even with crutches or other assistive devices.......so I've just done with out.......and so far so good I only have bone issues with the spine.

Sorry didn't mean to worry you wheeliebear75, corticosteroids do cause osteoporosis, however the main problem comes with high dose long term oral steroids (prednisone). The corticosteroid inhalers are a much lower risk, because they act directly on the lungs and not alot gets into the bloodstream. If you have to take the oral steroids in short bursts this is also a much lower risk.

Hope this helps
Jules
xxx

Thanks for the advice. Im gonna ask my doctor for another bone scan and take it from there. Ive noticed its taking long for it to heal, I think I broke it on the 11th and its now the 21st and still hurts! getting old sucks! Im gonna try and stop drinking soda, I read it leeches calcium from our bodies also. I dont drink or smoke and dont drink coffee, soda is my weakness. It sucks having to lift my chair into my SUV, the pain! lol.