Wellness

[wonderfulworld]

I also read that all forms of carbonated drinks are bad for bones...especially cola. Has anyone else heard this?

[Lucky Charm]

You know what? You pay for insurance, you pay for your doctor visit, have the scan done.

I personally would look for alternatives to pharm drugs. I've read a poster's or two bad experiences with these drugs and their lives are disintegrating faster than the bone was.

[Lucky Charm]

On 12/5/2014 wonderfulworld said:

I also read that all forms of carbonated drinks are bad for bones...especially cola. Has anyone else heard this?

I heard a doctor once say that soda was 'liquid cigarettes'. Not good.

I used to drink soda occasionally, but it's a no brainer to turn it down now.

It's not good for you in so many ways.

[goodstuff]

On 12/4/2014 pistolino said:

If you don't intend to take the medications they push for bone loss, I wouldn't even bother with the test. It's a waste of your time and insurance money. Just because insurance covers it doesn't mean you have to have it, especially if you don't intend to follow the recommended treatment.

Personally, I think if you're at "a certain age" and have risk factors for bone loss, it would be worthwhile to have a scan just so you know your status. If you have bone loss you could increase your calcium intake, increase walking or other weight-bearing exercise, take extra precautions in your home to prevent falls, etc. And if your bones were bad enough, you might even reconsider taking some medications. It's good to know where you stand and to be able to consider options.

[Sweetbay magnolia]

Thanks, AnnaBella and HH - I see now that bone/joint issues are related (of course) but the deterioration can be independent.

Give me a new hip tomorrow. I am tired of being in pain. Hammer away at the femur and then prescribe a powerful pain killer. I will embrace rehab, and then hopefully I can resume "normal" activities.

[lizzys]

Osteoporosis is considered a silent killer because you don't always have symptoms. Knowledge is power so having the test is important to know how strong your bones are. To say the OP should not have the test just because she does not want to take pharmaceuticals doesn't make any sense!!! There is way more to bone strength and bone building than pharma drugs. Please keep us posted on your results. Wishing you the best!

[NYC Susan]

On 12/5/2014 GoodStuff said:

On 12/4/2014 pistolino said:

If you don't intend to take the medications they push for bone loss, I wouldn't even bother with the test. It's a waste of your time and insurance money. Just because insurance covers it doesn't mean you have to have it, especially if you don't intend to follow the recommended treatment.

Personally, I think if you're at "a certain age" and have risk factors for bone loss, it would be worthwhile to have a scan just so you know your status. If you have bone loss you could increase your calcium intake, increase walking or other weight-bearing exercise, take extra precautions in your home to prevent falls, etc. And if your bones were bad enough, you might even reconsider taking some medications. It's good to know where you stand and to be able to consider options.

I agree.

I had my second one done a few days ago, and will discuss the results with my doctors. Then - just as I did last time - I will decide the course of action I want to take. I value the opinions of my doctors and they are very good at presenting all options while respecting my right to decide what I'm most comfortable with.

I really believe that knowledge is everything, and I want as much info as possible before deciding how to proceed. That's why I had the bone density study done. Not because I would jump into taking medication & not because I wouldn't, but rather because I always prefer to make educated decisions.

We're fortunate that this type of testing is available, and I would never fault anyone for choosing to have it done.

[lennox25]

What is the purpose of the OP's post ?????????

[151949]

On 12/5/2014 Sweetbay magnolia said:

Thanks, AnnaBella and HH - I see now that bone/joint issues are related (of course) but the deterioration can be independent.

Give me a new hip tomorrow. I am tired of being in pain. Hammer away at the femur and then prescribe a powerful pain killer. I will embrace rehab, and then hopefully I can resume "normal" activities.

When I had knee replacements , my experience was that the pain from the surgery was minor in comparison to the pain from the bone on bone knees.

[June Lands]

On 12/5/2014 adelle38 said:

So your wasting the time of doctors, technicians and your insurance company's money to have a test that you don't believe in.

I never said I did not believe in Dexa Scans... Just that they are not 100% accurate as many people may think.

Here is a good article on Dexa Scans...http://rienstraclinic.com/newsletter/2010/March/

Also,Many women have Mammograms and may not choose conventional therapy if they find out they have cancer... being informed is a good thing. To know what is going on with your body and THEN you decide how you will deal with whatever comes up. Just because a woman( or Man) decides not to do what their doctor presents does not make it a waste of time. That is really a strange way to look at preventative health