young and diagnosed with osteoporosis

**want2live** · 03-15-2010 07:16 PM

I will turn 30 later this year but have just (today) been diagnosed with osteoporosis. My calcium levels are fine but my Vitamin D level is low and must be the cause.

I have been told with medication my bones can be restrengthened although I will now have to take medication for the rest of my life.

The thing that really devastates me is that I was told I will have to give up my favourite sport for 2 years (until my bone density returns to normal). I came home and cried. My sport is something I love and something social for me - I feel like its a part of my identity.

Is there anyone else out there going through this or who has gone through it? I know I need to follow doctors orders but I hope I can find a fun and competitive sport I can compete in where I don't risk bone fractures.

**jacquelinenh** · 03-26-2010 05:20 PM

Well, the good news is that you have time on your side! When women are diagnosed late in life, it seems like there is no other course than taking the meds. In addition to what your doc recommends, you might want to try an acid/alkaline balance diet. Basically, you eat foods that boost the pH of your blood. The theory is that blood that is too acidic can dissolve bone and slightly alkaline blood will prevent any breakdown. Taking calcium, strontium, and doing exercise may actually help strengthen bone. Here is an article about acid/alkaline edit

**xJanex** · 03-30-2010 01:45 PM

I have had medication that if i take too long i will have osteoporosis.. So drs have to find alternatives but what im on now is just just bad this effects my bone marrow and liver and my whole immune system..
Drs will find a way for you toget better it sucks but would you rather do what your told or keep doing what you love and in the future will perminatly not be able to do it anymore.. What about swimming?!

**want2live** · 04-03-2010 07:29 PM

Thanks jacquelinenh and xJanex. I forgot to check back to this thread after the first week.... I wasn't really expecting any help because this seems to be so rare in people this young.

I have actually found a great book on osteoporosis and it discusses the benefits of a more alkaline and less processed diet so that's what I'm aiming for.

Sorry to hear about your situation Jane. I did find a facebook group for young people with osteoporosis and it seems most if not all there have had their problems caused by medications - I think some cancer meds and steroid based meds can cause those kind of problems. I find it really hard not to get caught up in the "why me?" mentality as I've never done any of the high risk things like drinking, drugs, eating disorders, bad diet, lack of exercise etc.... I'm sure many others suffering illnesses and disorders are in the same boat though.

The tests and meds have cost me a fortune and I need to get a lot more tests. Money was already tight. I've got a few options in mind for sport but need to find a way to raise the extra money now...

**mistymama** · 10-07-2010 10:53 AM

All women need to be educated about Osteoporosis. I’m writing on behalf Novartis to let you know about a new Osteoporosis Awareness campaign from Novartis, On The Go Women, which aims to educate women on the disease and stresses the importance of managing the condition with treatment and a healthy lifestyle.

We’ve gathered a couple of Osteoporosis-related items that might be of interest - visit (edit) to see the risk assessment tool, Personalized Conversation Starter to be used with your doctor and some fantastic recipes for Osteoporosis-fighting foods.

These tools are invaluable health resources for any women – even if they aren’t at a high risk for Osteoporosis themselves, they can be shared with mothers, sisters and friends who are.
I hope you’ll take the time to visit the site and click around. Let me know if you have any questions.