Okay, I’m not even 40 yet (well, I will be in August), I’m already getting these subtle and not-so-subtle signs of aging! Some of you out there know what I’m talking about, and if you don’t….read on! You’ll want to know!
I’ve been having some pain in my right knee for a few months. It only happens when it’s still like when I’m sleeping or sitting on the floor with the kids. It’s behind my knee, in the back. It doesn’t happen all the time but I decided to get it checked out anyway. I had an x-ray done and I got a call from my doctor yesterday with the results……
She said it has Osteopenia (sp?), which is a decrease in bone growth and has something to do with early Osteoporosis! Not only that, but it shows signs of slight arthritis! I had a blood test done a few weeks ago and had my calcium level checked (you can see my other post about that and DHEA Sulfate levels) and it was in the normal range. I am generally a pretty healthy person, I don’t drink sodas, I eat mostly vegetarian with an occasional piece of chicken or turkey (3-4 times/year) and I’m not overweight! So where did this come from?
My husband does a lot of reading and he said that exercise, particularly resistance training (weights), is the main thing that will reduce/turn around osteoporosis. Okay, I’ve been slacking in that area and am going to set a schedule to get back on course!
My doctor said that even though my calcium is in the normal range I can still have this problem. (Huh?) She recommends taking 1000 mg of Vit D and a Calcium supplement daily and to get a bone density scan over my whole body to see if there are other areas in my body with the same thing. I’m not sure I want to know that!! 
Just knowing about my knee is enough right now!
Has anyone done any research on this or work in the health industry who can pass along some more information on getting osteoporosis/osteopenia at such a young age, how to reverse it without drugs, etc.?
Take heart, get your blood tested and have a regular annual check up with your doctor to make sure everything is working right (In addition to OB/GYN). Better to find out early if you’re going off track rather than later!
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!
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