Here is a shot of my tulips that I planted last fall. The picture really doesn't do them justice. Of course the fence is there to keep the deer from feasting on them. So far it has worked.
I went to a new doctor last week. Since moving to Oregon 8 1/2 years ago I haven't had a Gynecologist. I have been seeing my General Practitioner for my girlie tests each year. I decided I would find one and go and I did. Well the doctor I chose is very thorough. She tested me for my vitamin D and also wanted me to have a bone scan. No problem. I worked at Curves about 5 years ago and each year they had a bone scan offered to their members for a nominal fee and as an employee I was able to have it for free. When I was tested the "doctor" who administered the test (which by the way was of my index finger)told me my bone density was like that of a teenager and also told me to stop taking my calcium because I could end up with calcium deposits on my bones if I had too much calcium. Well, I didn't stop taking it but my DEXA scan results were shocking to me, to say the least. I have thinning bones. I don't have Osteoporosis (yet) but I am on the way to it if I don't take action now. She said I had two options. The first was medication taken once a week and the second is a supplement that contains the mineral strontium, which has been proven to regrow bones. I am going to try this method first since I don't want to have to take any prescription drugs if I don't have to . What they will do is retest me in 6 months to see how I am doing. Also, my test for vitamin D came back low as well. It is pretty common for people living in the Northwest to test low in vitamin D but I have been taking supplements for several years of 1000 mg a day. Mine came back at 40 and 50 is normal and 60-100 is optimum. Sooo, since this also contributes to your bone density I am now going to be taking 5000 mg a day plus the Grow Bone supplement which also contains some vitamin D.
Last night I was scanning the internet reading up on bone density and what can cause you to lose bone and one of the things I read is weight loss can cause bone loss. It said if you lose 20 pounds not only do you lose weight but you lose muscle (which I knew) and bone. Well, I thought about the amount of times I have lost 20 pounds in my lifetime and the fact that I've lost nearly 100 pounds in the last few years and it makes sense. Also, when I was have the reflux my surgeon had me taking Prilosec twice a day and last year I heard on the news that Prilosec can cause calcium to be leached from your bones. When I heard that I stopped taking it. I wonder if it affected my bones while I did take it. Check back here in 6 months and see how I am doing.
Next week I go in for my upper GI and possible fill of the band. Fingers crossed for good results.
9 comments:
Kathy, I have been struggling with the same problems. I have osteopenia...almost osteoporosis. I have Omeprazole for gastric reflux. This drug does not let the calcium absorb into my bones. I took Boniza for over a year and then the acid reflux came back so had to quit immediately. Have my physical next week. I know the news will not be great. I just keep exercising because that is the only think I can control. Good luck.
Vit D deficiency is something that is becoming more prevalent in our society. I think there is so much concern over skin cancer that more and more people are wearing sun screen and not getting the natural Vit D from the sun exposure. Vit D is also necessary for calcium absorption. Good luck and by the way, your tulips are devine!!
We just don't realize how much every thing effects us. From weight loss to other medications, we do need to be careful with what we eat and what we do. I'm glad you were able to see that doctor before it got worse. I guess it's the new thing now for people to be tested for Vit.D. It's so cloudy here for better than half the year, we probably all need more of it too. Besides most people don't get out in the sunshine the way they used too. I hope all goes well for you!
Oh Kathy,
The vitamin D issue is huge! I suffer from it and so do friends of mine. You can't win anymore.
Your tulips are beautiful! Frank and I will be planting a bulb garden this fall.
I hope your acid reflux is getting better.
Jody
Beautiful flowers!!!
I am taking daily calcium (citrate) in hopes of not losing a lot of bone density (I'm sure you have been too!) I've been a devout Curves glad for 7 years and I go
5x a week. LOVE CURVES! I am also hoping that my age (38) and the fact that I have devoted to Curves since my early 30's will help me with bone density later.
Best of luck with the new vitamins.
Curves *gal*
...gah typo!
WOW! I'm messing up big time tonight.
I'm actually 39 and have been for 4 months...sheesh!
Hi Kathy! I will be thinking of you next week when you go back in for your next Upper GI. I hope it is much better news this time... :) When is your Upper GI appointment again?? So I can send you good thoughts that day...?
Your Tulips are beautiful! I hope the fence does keep the Deer away from them, so you can enjoy them as long as possible.
I am sorry to read that you had to cut your Beach weekend short. I hope your dog is still doing ok!
I remember how sad it was for us a few years ago when our Cat started going downhill suddenly with Cancer. We had to put him down after about a month of him showing signs of a serious illness...but I am so glad to hear that your Dog is just suffering from Arthritis, like many of us!!
As for your walks. You are so lucky to live in such a beautiful area. I would want to walk more too, if I had such beautiful scenery to look at!!
But the Desert doesn't exactly inspire me...hopefully the Outlet Stores that will be within a half mile walk of our new RV Park, will inspire me to want to walk there and window shop at least a couple times a week!!
Wow, I didn't know that about the bone loss with weight loss. I might have to get that checked out. Thanks for the heads up!
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