Osteopaenia

Yes, I was diagnosed with osteopenia caused by high doses of prednisone when I was first diagnosed and was very ill. I was already at risk, being a small-boned, white female.

Since that time, I have successfully reversed my bone loss through healing the gut, improved nutrition, cardio and weight training. I did it without using osteoporosis drugs or even calcium supplements, so take heart. It is within your control to improve your bone density... especially since you've become aware of the problem before it becomes full blown osteoporosis.

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Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis spring 1999.

 

Maintenance dose sulfasalazine. Probiotics, l-glutamine, vitamin D and fish oil caps. George's aloe vera juice. Oregano oil antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal. Mostly grain-free and dairy-free diet. Long-term remission with only minor blips.

 

 

 

Hi guys,

Your replies me a lot to me - I thank you very much (Go rabh míle maith agat (in Irish)).  In my case, I think that it was due to prednisolone usage too.  I have to admit too that I went against my doctor's advice and took it (prednisolone) longer than I was supposed to.  I have been taking Calcium supplements regularly for a long time too, so I don't know why I am this way.  My diet is generally poor though - i am bulimic too.

Kevin

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Age 26

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Diagnosed at age 22

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Symptoms since age 20

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Pancolitis

Join the club... Have you been on Prednisone? It really is the drug we love to hate! I used to be the only thing that would stop my flares but now, like all my other meds, it doesn't do much even at the highest dose.

I haven't had any problems with my Osteopenia. But I have stopped snow boarding and worry about if I fall (again!). The good thing is that it is the start of bone loss. I started taking a calcium supplement and haven't noticed any problems... I also haven't had my bones check again so I couldn't tell you if it worked or not.

Hi Kevin,

Sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis of osteopenia. I have osteopenia, too. I've never been on pred, but I have a very small frame so I think my bones might be naturally less dense compared to average. My doctor put me on a calcium & vit. D supplement and I do weight-bearing exercises to try to gain some bone mass or at least decrease further loss at this point.

Are you on any meds for your UC right now? I'm sorry to hear you're having a rough time right now. It sucks having this disease and being young. Well, I'm sure it would suck at any point...

p.s. - I think prednisone (US) is the same as prednisolone.

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25 years old; diagnosed March 2007;

Currently: persistant rectal inflammation

Asacol, 4 tabs, 3xday; Rowasa nightly; Viactiv; Metamucil wafers; multivitamin; Primadophilus Reuteri; sublingual allergy drops; Ortho Tri-Cyclen

It depends what kind of medication it is. I always hang onto my UC meds (like Canasa if I've tapered off it) in case I'll need them again. I guess I would probably hang onto the steroids if I thought I might need them again in the future. Check the expiration dates though and throw out any that are passed the date. Hopefully, after your colonoscopy, your doctor can give you some options for other meds/dosages so that you can head towards remission.

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25 years old; diagnosed March 2007;

Currently: persistant rectal inflammation

Asacol, 4 tabs, 3xday; Rowasa nightly; Viactiv; Metamucil wafers; multivitamin; Primadophilus Reuteri; sublingual allergy drops; Ortho Tri-Cyclen

Bulimia can also cause bone loss. Are you being treated for it and/or receiving therapy?

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Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis spring 1999.

 

Maintenance dose sulfasalazine. Probiotics, l-glutamine, vitamin D and fish oil caps. George's aloe vera juice. Oregano oil antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal. Mostly grain-free and dairy-free diet. Long-term remission with only minor blips.

 

 

It's because we've all got the tee-shirt, Kevster