Anecdote One: I had a friend in undergrad that was also in recovery from AN, and also had probs with her bones. She also had a genetic predisposition to osteo, so she and her mom had actually been on meds for it together when she was a teen ( unique bonding opportunity, courtesy of ED). She had to go off of it, though, because it actually reduced the density in her jawbone to the point that it was causing big problems. I *think* it was Boniva, not 100% sure though. I am not bashing the drug (don't sue me! I am a grad student and have nothing you want anyway!), that's one of the acknowledged side effects, just wanted to mention what I knew of someone's personal experience.
Anecdote Dos: I have asked physicians about meds for osteo at various times, and the response I have always gotten is that they're not designed for young people who still have many decades of life ahead. They have mentioned the same thing as the article above, that the drugs can in some ways make bones more brittle and likely to break over time. I am NOT A DOCTOR and am not trying to give medical advice or discourage anyone from seeking meds, just sharing my experience. The article above focuses on elderly people, and there are some other issues to think about if your osteo is early onset due to an ED. Definitely definitely discuss this stuff with your physician if you have concerns, obviously; there is new stuff out all the time, hopefully some of the developing treatments will be better for younger patients. The ultimate verdict from my physicians has been: the best thing for your bones is to restore your health so that you're menstruating. Female sex hormones play a huge, huge role in maintaining bone density, and there really is no substitute for the way our bodies are supposed to naturally work.
M. told me a really horrible story the other night. I guess his grandmother has severe osteoporosis. She took a fall and fractured her femur, the kind of break that is usually fixed by putting a rod in the bone. But apparently her skeleton is so depleted that there is not even enough to anchor the pins and other hardware, so she is basically just wheelchair-bound forever now.
Your bones are what your body is built around, eat for them, if nothing else. I guess this is my public service announcement of the day. Take care of your bones, my loves, you only get one set. One of my biggest motivators in recovery is realizing that wearing an artificially small size X for a few years while I'm young is not at all a fair trade for decades of limited mobility and other issues later on in life.
9 comments:
My bones are one of my biggest motivators too. My grandma had severe arthritis for the last decade of her life, and although that isn't anything to do with osteoporosis, it did show me just how insanely boring and undignifying it must be to be housebound and unable to care for yourself. Osteoporosis runs in my family AND I'm allergic to milk, so I am determined never to let my anorexia get the better of me again. I'm keeping my periods this time!
Great public service annoucement ;) I think it's important to talk about stuff like this because it's too easy for people to stick their heads in the sand and pretend that if they can't see the damage, it doesn't exist.
So true...it really is scary since even women without any history of EDs are prone to osteoporosis- my mother just had a bone density scan last week, and I'm actually anxious for HER results- I haven't got one yet surprisingly, but my mother wants to schedule me one- which I admittedly am scared about, but is something I need to do.
Not to do with bones but I heard an add on the radio for getting a LAP BAND for your addolesent children and how good it is for them. Can you imagine being a 14/15 year old and having your parents do this to you? So you can fit in better. (he says as he ignores the food in front of him cause the scale is up .5 today). Got to love our society.
Sara: I hope your mom's results come back OK. It could be a relief to get yourself scanned, regardless of what the results are at least you won't have the worry in the back of your mind...
Also, I didn't want to be ENTIRELY doom and gloom, I joke about my "Jiffy Pop" bones for levity, but actually I'm proof that all is not lost and density CAN increase with recovery, post after my last scan is here: http://buildingbeautybeyondbody.blogspot.com/2009/05/suspected-of-anorexia.html.
Honestly, the bones thing is what encourages me to eat more than any of the other physical "scares." I had osteopenia the last time I went in. Osteoporosis is already in my family because we're pretty small-boned/thin naturally. I was on Fosomax during the worst of my anorexia, but only for a short time. A wiser doctor told me that it wasn't for people like me and it wouldn't really do anything. Lo and behold, when I gained weight, I got another scan and I HAD regained bone (so it is possible). I haven't had a scan since 2002-ish and I'm kind of scared (plus, it's expensive and my insurance blows). Anyway, I'm diligent about my calcium, but I also know that even though I get my period regularly, gaining another 10-15 lbs would be really good for my body. More cushion :) Thanks for this reminder!
As someone with both arthritis and an e.d. I am painfully aware of how the e.d. is contributing to the health of my bones. I often try to tell myself that I don't need to worry since I am big boned, but I know that, no matter what size my frame, my body would be happier if I gave it proper nourishment on a regular basis.
Thanks for this reminder that recovery is about so much more than gaining weight.
I totally agree. I remember when I had ED and my knees hurt whenever I moved. I couldn't even sit because it made my bones ache. :(
What you said about jaw problems tied to osteo drugs is echoed by both my mother and my dentist. The office won't do anything other than cleanings for patients who are taking/have taken osteo drugs. There is a risk of being sued for dental complications. It can also cause primary tooth and jaw problems ... that dentists then won't treat because of the risks.
I am in my 40s and have had anorexia for more than 28 years (with some years of remission). I was able to have children during those healthier years, which helped increase bone density. Additionally, although I still have an anorexia diagnosis, my scans the past two years have shown increased bone mass each year. Apparently, the window for building bone is bigger than previously thought. Younger people have an even better chance of reclaiming bone health/mitagating potential disability.
thanks for the reminder. I definately don't do much for my bones, as far as eating dairy goes.
I know I should do better. You just don't think of these things when you are young. But unfortunately when you are old it is too late.
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