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Bones Are breaking!

Is anyone else out there experiencing bones that just break for no reason...?? I walked around for 2 months with my right foot all swollen and all bruised up... it literally felt like my foot was broke, however, I could'nt recall any injury at all to this area... it seemed strange and my sister and I would just laugh it off, but, it HURT... finally, I went to the local urgent care in our area and he said it sounded like a stress fracture, but after 3 x-rays, said that is not what it was... I waited 3 more weeks to get in to see a podiatrist, still very curious as to what the heck could be causing this pain and bruising... I went in to see him and after he performed 3 x-rays, he picked up immediately on two of them that I definitely did have a stress fracture in my foot... he ace bandaged it and put me in an orthopedic shoe... that has been approximately 3 weeks ago... then, I woke up yesterday morning, and my left hand is huge, swollen, bruised and it, too, feels broken... is this a sign of osteoporosis? HELP

Sorry to hear of this. I hope your doctor finds out what is going on. I am not an expert, but I believe osteoporosis usually affects the spine and hips. Yet, you seem not to have any complaints there. I would suggest you tell your doctor about all this and ask if he/she thinks you should have a bone density test. That would determine whether or not you are at risk for stress fractures or other breaks.

Let us know how you make out.

Nonviolent fractures are certainly a symptom of osteoporosis, but without other details about yourself, it would be hard to speculate. If you haven't had a DXA scan, get one immediately. Also your doctor should look for underlying causes of these breaks. How old are you? Have you gone through menopause? Have you had times during your childbearing years when you went months without a period? Do you have any chronic conditions (RA, IBS, Crohns,etc) Do you have a family history of osteoporosis? When someone has osteoporosis, it is not uncommon to see foot fractures as you describe. I hope you're taking plenty of calcium (1200 mg/day taken hours apart) and Vitamin D (1000 IU/day)

I had a hysterectomy almost 3 years ago. I have broken my right ankle and left. I have also chipped bones in both elbows. One of the times I got out of the shower and noticed I had a bruise as big as a grapefruit in my elbow. I went to feel it and it was so painful. I don't recall hitting it so hard that it caused that kind of injury. I have had two bone density test and they come back fine. They have never given me hormones or any kind of boniva or fosomax. I'm only 37. They wouldn't give me hormones because I smoke. what should I do. I am taking a multi vitamin that has calcium 60mg, magnesium 1mg, potassium 5mg and I also take 1 calcium+D 400iu, and calcium 600mg...is this enough...

These are red flags for sure. What were your DXA scores? Was there any change in density between the two tests? For example - did the followup show that you had lost any bone? If so, what was the percentage of change? Sometimes we have patients who are young and have a normal bone density. However, when they come back and have a repeat DXA , while the scores are still int he normal range, the test shows that they have lost >3% of their density. This is a clue to think about meds because in this case, it's not necessarily the scores that we pay attention to, but the accelerating loss. Looking ahead, you could speculate that you would continue to lose unless an intervention was taken. Being postmenopausal, you are certainly a candidate for Fosamax/Actonel/Boniva, all of which are approved for the prevention and treatment of osteporosis. Unless you get a good bit of calcium in your diet, you need to up your intake of calcium and vitamin D. You need 1200 mg of calcium a day - taken in 600 mg doses several hours apart - and 1000 IU of Vitamin D.

Smoking is also bad for the bones. I'm sure you know you should quit so I won't beat a dead horse.

It would also be a good idea for your MD to run a few more tests to determine why you're breaking your bones if your DXA shows normal stable density.

This email is to follow up to my previous email and to thank the responders. I just got a appointment with the women health clinic at the va in November. Thank God!! I know in the last 10 years the VA has gotten better with women issues but I still think they have a long ways to go. They wouldn't give me hormone replacement at 35 so I wont get ostioprosis or boniva so I can walk at 60 but a 60 male veteran has ED and smokes and drinks, they will give him Viagra. so he can have sex. Is this really a medical condition at 60 years old or is it what happens to the male body when its done producing children, just like women go through menopause maybe this is a condition call "womanpause".....(sorry to go off the subject) When I referred to the test, I have only had one bone density and as of 3 weeks ago I am down to 1 or no cigarettes per day. its been hard but I need my life back. started 3 calcium vitamins a day. 1am, 2nd at lunch and 3rd at dinner. Hopefully this will help until I go to my appointment without any breaks. Of course I was reaching in my mail box and my middle finger hit the outside of the mailbox. My knuckle is swollen and reddish purple. I must have shipped a bone because I can barley type this note...not good

At age 34 my bones too began breaking for no apparent reason. I asked my Dr about it. He did a DEXA scan and indeed I did have osteopenia and I started taking Fosamax. This slowed the progress down. For other reasons I later went off the Fosamax, and my last DEXA scan shows osteoporosis this time. Check on getting help, with finding out what is going on. Letting this go could result in serious injury

Hi, I was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis at age 35. I had stress fractures in both ankles after jogging (which I did almost daily) and they were not seen on xray initially. Two years later I started having pathological fractures of my ribs and after 4 months of pain and 5 fractures later I was diagnosed with osteoporosis. My scores come back fine on the quick diagnostic tests.... the ones that check your heal or finger and therefore I don't believe they are valid. Dexa scores have consistently come back with t scores of more than -2. I strongly suggest having bonafide Dexa tests done and if osteoporosis is diagnosed...follow up with a good rheumatologist. I recently completed 2 year treatment of Forteo and my bones have improved dramatically. I also take over 2000 mg of elemental calcium daily with at least 800 iu of vitamin D. I also make sure to get the recommended doses of vitamin K and magnesium. Hope this helps and I'm always happy to answer any questions. Marcia

The quick tests you refer to are called peripheral testing and are not diagnostic. In our osteoposoris center we have a Sahara ultrasound machine which scans the heel. These tests are designed for women ages 40-64 with no risk factors for osteoporosis. It's a good quick portable way to target those people (inlcuding men although they aren't approved for male testing) who might otherwise not get tested by DXA yet. You're right about the DXA. It's the gold standard and is a diagnostic test. Also, once having had a peripheral test, one should never have another. They are not sensitive to measure any followup changes. We constantly repeat this information when we take our machine to health fairs because people want a cheap (or free) test instead of going for the big one.

I just read an article on Vitamin D3, that it is more important than Calcium alone in preventing Stress fractures. That up to 10,000mg have been found to be safe, as long as it is the D3 form, which is the natural one and won't cause adverse effects. Not sure if I would start there. I take 1,000mg along with Calcium/Vit D3 400mg. I also take Standard Process, available at some Health Food Stores and Chiropractors. Biost is good for the Bones. You might want to speak to your physician, some are up on nutrition, some are not. You would probably need more than 1,000mg., seems strange that this is happening spontaneously. Sounds like some disorder, maybe check with a specialist. Hate to sound scarry, but that is what I would do, after taking the D3 to help prevent further fractures. Pineapple and Sweet Potatoes are on my food chart for bone health. Sorry not more foods listed. Mary

One article isn't enough to draw any conclusions, but in this case there are dozens in the last 5 years. You are correct, there are dozens of articles on the subject showing that high levels of vitamin D are not only safe, but probably necessary considering 80% of Americans are likely vitamin D deficient. The body cannot absorb more than about 600mg elemental calcium at one time, so taking 2000mg/day is too much. 1200mg/day is plenty, with meals. If you take Calcium Citrate, you don't even need to combine it with meals.

Vitamin D3 should be checked separately for your 25 (OH) levels in addition to getting the DEXA scan (yes, it's DEXA not DXA) to determine your bone density. [Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry] There are many different ways your doctor can submit the request for these tests so they would be covered by insurance.

The optimal range for vitamin D blood levels is between 32-100ng/ml. Taking 2000IU/day of D3 can maintain D levels. You may need to take 4000IU/day or more to raise your levels if you are significantly deficient.

There's only one Cal-Mag/D supplement I know that has 2000IU of vitamin D3 in addition to the calcium you need. It was developed for men with prostate cancer who were undergoing hormone therapy (a situation that kind of simulates menopause) because they lose bone mass 5-10 times faster when on hormone therapy (ADT). It's called Prosteon. My understanding is that many women are finding out about it and using it because of the desirable high D levels.

Just FYI - we always referred to the bone density test as DEXA too, until the ISCD (International Society of Clinical Densitometrists) notified us - as an accredited site - that their official position on it was now DXA.

Hi BoneBabe, I just read all of your info an wanted to thank you for you help.It is so good to talk to someone who really knows..I love my Dr. but he is not a specialist ,but darn good. He does all he can to help me. He has said, I am the only person he has ever had that has so much wrong. It is all documented, I am sorry to say.I am on total disability an can't get to the right Dr.s I need to see plus now being bedridden it is impossible to do anything.I only get out by ambulance to go to the hosp.an that is for UTI'S, I just got home again this past friday.It is an on going mess for me, so I really hope these that are just finding stuff out do something right away an don't put it off.. I know there are alot of good meds over the counter but I can't afford them at all... I didn't put mine off on purpose I just can't get a Dr. here in FL. who will take anyone on Medicaid, it is a darn shame, we who live here ,the greatest country in the world, can't get the medical care we all need so badly.I do have a VNA that comes once a month due to a Cath that has to be changed an she is alot of help at times. but her hands are tied too..I have been praying for a Dr. to help me get a Suprapubic an it is suppose to be done this friday the 31st. so I pray that will slow down all the infections I have ALL the time..When I got the Lupus plus the rest, I was told all the meds I can't take is because of the Lupus.I don't know but it seems like it is all antibiotics that I have trouble with so I end up in the hosp. for at least a week or moreon IV'S..I am really down right now due to all I have been thru an there aren't any answers for me,.I have read alot on all the diseases cause I am the type that needs to know what I am up against, not knowing would only cause me to worry more.I did have a Density test many yrs ago an need another but cause I can't get anywhere I can't get things done plus Medicaid won't let me have most of the things I need..I know most states are alot better than mine but here I am an stuck..But thank you for helping so many with all their questions..Maybe you can answer me about trying to stand up...Oh it is extremely painful but I am more afraid of breaking bones if I did try to do this..I want to try so bad but the fear of it is to much.I just don't know what to do anymore.I only know I am sick of being so helpless in bed 24/7..My whole life has been stolen from me.Forgive me please, I didn't mean this to be a woo-is-me, I just had to say THANK YOU...Cathi

I didn't get the sense that you're having a pity party. I hear a woman full of determination who is frustrated by a lack of support. My hat's off to you.

By all means, try to stand up. Make sure you're holding on to something. Being in bed 24/7 will soften your bones quickly. Even if you stand for a few minutes at a time a few times a day. Or you could try putting ankle weights on and raising your legs. Anything with some resistance. You need to build up your muscle to support you and strengthen those bones.

Has a doctor - any doctor - talked to you about Forteo? Ask. It is made for people like you and could be a godsend. It's a daily injection for 2 years that actually grows new bone. A good reference source for you would be the National Osteoporosis Foundation website ( www.nof.org) lots of info there.

So you have RA, Lupus, Osteoporosi, chronic UTI's. That's a load to carry. Are you bedridden due to the pain? Have you had any kind of physical therapy? I just feel that the more you can move about the more in control you'll feel and the more positively your body will respond.

My heart goes out to you and if I can answer any of your questions, I'll sure try.

Beth

Hi Charleegirl, I just signed on an saw your question. YES,I have had this happen to me, I twisted my ankle very slightly, but it was just like yours an it took 3 wks .before they found it. Talk about alot of pain. The E.R.kept telling me I was fine, boy was I far from fine..But since then several yrs. ago, I have been told I have all of the OSTEO'S, plus alot of other things..I have a total of 8 autoimmune diseases now.Please keep a good eye on your health.It took yrs. before they really got to find all of my problems.I was told I had to have been born with R.A. because my bones were so far gone then, that was in 1990 then in '94 I heard of "the rest of the family memebrs" (as I call them).I was given some great advice from an Eye Dr. she said to ask for a "Lupus Profile" blood test cause a regular blood test won't show anything an she was so right .My regular Dr.didn't listen to me an only did the normal test, I had to get the Profile an boy did they ALL show up..I truly pray this doesn't affect you or anyone ,an the only reason I say anything now is MOST people don't know about this special blood test..,Most Dr. think your nuts, mine did, until "He Saw" my test results.Just a word of advice to anyone who may have some major things going on with NO answers. I am now bedridden an have been for 9 yrs an can't stand on my own feet due to Osteopina, which is like brittle bones an I have a servere case of Neuorpthy in both feet, so I have been told my bones could break at any time...It has been pure hell all these yrs. Please, I pray no one takes this as if it could be you, THIS IS NOT TO SCARE ANYONE!!! ..Also, alot of times only MRI'S can show things that are wrong..I hope this helps you an many others. With everything I have been thru I still have many questions. I got all of my info from WEBMD, an printed it out to have an boy did that help me alot. Plus I also had copies made of EVERY test I had done to show other DR's. if needed. They all really appreciate it.Even going to the hosp. for something I have copies of all allergies, med.s I maybe on or can't take an that is so very helpful..I really wish you well. IF YOU WANT TO WRITE I AM HERE..God Bless you