When I began the blog almost a year ago, I vowed to help stroke survivors with each one and today’s is no exception. A year ago I had my annual routine physical that included the usual stuff. At the last minute I requested a bone density scan to get a baseline of the health of my bones since the stroke. The doctor was so alarmed at the results, he ordered an immediate reclast drip. (Reclast is specifically for the treatment of osteoporosis.) I was going to say prescribed but he gave me was much stronger message. E.g., I was at risk of a spontaneous fracture. I understood this to mean that I didn’t even haveto fall to experience a fracture. I called my brother, Dr. John, for a second opinion and he was in strong agreement with my OB/GYN. There were several factors contributing to the onset of osteoporosis They were: age, inactivity due to the stroke, and genetics. I did the reclast drip immediately. I agonized over these test results forever. (if I did have a fracture anywhere it could mean immobility again and I couldnt expect Bob to nurse me through this again so My fear was it really meant a nursing home. Fast forward one year and my annual took place on Wednesday. It was the first time I looked forward to getting the bone scans but I just had to know if I improved. The doctor said not only had my scores improved, I actually gained bone densityand I was in the process of reversing the bone loss. I was elated. I attribute the results to the Reclast drip primarily, a lot more activity, Calcium supplements daily and Vitamin D as often as I can get it.
If you are a stroke survivor, please, please be as active as you can be, control the things you can like your Calcium intake, etc. Bob is more active lately too and this motivates me.
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