About two weeks before the end of 2020 I broke my arm, when I tripped over a log on the ground. In my mind it was an unavoidable accident, and because I fell hard, it didn’t surprise me that I broke bones. My doctor had other ideas, and felt that it was an accident that shouldn’t have resulted in broken bones. We agreed to disagree.
When she suggested I have a bone density, I wasn’t at all happy and was grumpy that she would think the fall caused a ‘minimal trauma break’ as she called it. I’d never had a bone density test, and as I was told it wasn’t painful, decided to go off and have it, even though, in my mind, I knew it was a waste of time.
Well, it turns out that I was wrong and having the test was not a waste of time. My results were fairly bad and showed a very low bone density score. The bone density test is similar to an x-ray, so it’s a very simple test to have. The result is called your T-score. Your T-score is compared to that of young healthy person with healthy bones. The range of the T-score indicates the severity of bone loss. A negative T-score means there is reduced bone density, which is to be expected in an older female. My reading indicated I had very low bone density which if left unchecked could, eventually, lead to osteoporosis. The low score indicated I had a high risk factor for fractures, which of course is correct. As well as my recent break, I broke my other arm five years ago, and broke two bones in my spine when a car hit me while I was riding my bike, twelve years ago.
As a result, I now have to have an injection every six months and take daily high dose calcium tablets. The surprise I had at my resuts, made me wonder how many others have had their bond density tested. As most of my readers are in the danger age group, this post is a reminder to ask your doctor if you should be tested.
As the doctor described to me, our bones do most of their growing in our childhood and teenage years. When we reach our mid thirties, we start to lose bone density faster than our bones can grow.
My grumpiness at having to take the test, turned to gratefulness,that I was urged to have it, and can now have the treatment necessary to prevent severe bone deterioration. I’ve been prescribed daily high dose calcium tablets and an injection every six months.
Ways to Control Loss of Bone Density
We should try to include the following into our lifestyle, in order to control loss of bone density as we age.
- Add calcium rich products to the diet
- Small amounts of caffeine and alcohol only
- Daily Vitamin D
- Weight bearing exercise, eg. walking up hills
- No smoking
- Add balance exercise to your program, which will help to prevent falls.
For further information:
Jean Hailes for Women’s Health
msk.org.au
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How interesting but true! I am sorry you were not aware of the bone density testing. I’ve had two of the years, and apparently my being overweight was/is a help in keeping osteoporosis at bay because of my body needing to carry around a weighty me, Whilst I cannot remember the year of tests that las time I was told don’t come back for 10 years. Maybe I need to be redone because it’s about that now.
My late Mum was very slender and had to take a regime of meditation for osteoporosis. She had always played sport and remained agile till about 2 years before her death from cancer. Never had a broken bone but was on this meds for a long time too.
I hope your health information now guides you as well. And when I see my GP I will ask about a bone density test.
Stay well! We need to be well to enjoy our later years more!
Denyse
Denyse I’m sure all my years of dieting has contributed to this. So, another reason we shouldn’t bother with it
Yes. Dieting is cray cray…..Sorry to say. Amending eating only way for go. I cannot cut any food out but because of my mouth I literally have to cut down amounts.
I went to my GP today and had a great check up and he recommended I have the bone density test as it had been more than 10 years. Looking forward to knowing how things are.
Thank you so much for linking up for #lifethisweek. Next week, the optional prompt is
8/51 Explore. 22 Feb. I hope to see you there and I wish you well for the week ahead. Denyse. #lifethisweek #linkup #Mondays https://www.denysewhelan.com.au
Good to hear you had a good check up Denyse. A few of my friends are heading off for bone scans now. Hope all goes well
Hi Jen – I haven’t heard of that test but I know that bone density is a concern for women of our age and older. My mother in law has the injection as well, and she was told the other day that her poor bone density can come into play when she has an extraction next month – they have to be extra careful of her jaw bone during the procedure – so many things to think about as we get older – and to try to prevent if we can. Hope your arm’s healing well.
Hi Leanne I thought it was just me that hadn’t heard of the bone scan. Interesting to hear about your mum and the dentist. The doctor told me I have to tell her if I need dental treatment so she can chat to the dentist for those reasons you gave. It can be Hereditary so maybe you could think about getting yours checked, or ask your doc next time you’re there
I am so pleased you had the test Jen, despite your ‘grumpiness’ at it being suggested. Isn’t it funny how we react to these types of suggestions sometimes, but in your case it was a worthwhile checkup. I’m so glad you are able to help your bone density this way and agree we all need to be reminded of these tests, preferably before we fall and break a bone! Thanks for the information. #lifethisweek
Thanks Deb. Good news all round really. It surprises me how many don’t know about this test
Hi Jen, after I was diagnosed as coeliac I had to have a bone density test because having gone untreated could have caused a loss of density but thankfully I was fine. My grandmother had issues so my mother regularly haves tests. I probably should follow up again as well!
Good to hear you’re doing ok Deborah. I’d definitely keep up with testing as you have hereditary issues. Thanks again for visiting