What Could Go Wrong? Well, Let Me Tell You
Old Bones
It started with my hips. My latest DEXA scan showed a sharp drop in bone density over the last three years. It was dramatic enough that my primary care doctor messaged me immediately: “It’s time for medication.”
That felt abrupt, especially since the report still placed me in the osteopenia category. But I’ve been around long enough to know when something’s above my pay grade, so I asked for a referral to an endocrinologist.
I’m very glad I did.
She spent over an hour with me, asking questions that spanned everything from my thyroid medication to the Flonase allergy spray I’ve been casually squirting up my nose for years. (Turns out even that can affect bone density). While the DEXA said osteopenia, she took one look at my chart, including the time I cracked my femur in two places from a not-very-impressive fall ten years ago, and moved me directly into the osteoporosis category. Apparently, your bones don’t care how old the injury is or how graceful the fall might’ve been.
I CAN’T BELIEVE I’M SMILING BECAUSE I WAS IN AGONY…NOTICE THE BLUE STRIPE IN MY HAIR 🤣
We talked about everything that could be contributing to the loss and how to slow it down. Pilates got a gold star. Weight-bearing exercise is at the top of the list. She wasn’t convinced I needed to lift weights, but I am. I asked about wearing a weighted vest on walks, and she quickly shot that down. She wants me to be very, very careful. Sheesh.
Then came the balance talk. Not the emotional kind…the “don’t fall and break something” kind. According to her, the biggest danger now isn’t the bone loss itself, but what happens if I trip. Apparently, hip fractures in older adults often lead to a rapid decline. Some never regain independence, and many don’t survive two years. That part landed.
She ordered what felt like every lab test under the sun…most of which I’d never heard of…and said we’d regroup once she’s had time to sort through it all.
I left her office feeling slightly stunned and a little fragile. Which I suspect was her intent.
And in the perfect twist of midlife irony, I caught my sneaker on the edge of the carpet while walking down the stairs. Luckily, I had one hand on the railing. There’s nothing like nearly face-planting after a fall-prevention lecture to keep things humbling.
New Phone
As if the bone scan wasn’t enough of a reality check, I also got a new phone. What was meant to be a simple upgrade turned into a full-blown reckoning.
The new iOS looked nothing like my old one. Icons had moved, apps behaved strangely, and basic settings I use every day had vanished into mysterious layers of menus. It looked like a phone, but it may as well have been a remote control from another planet.
I’ve used an iPhone for years, so I assumed I’d know my way around. But this time, I felt completely out of my depth. After several frustrating hours, I gave up and took it back to the store.
The very kind (and very young) man helping me gently explained that once I updated my old phone, it would’ve looked and worked almost exactly like the new one. Yikes.
So I kept the phone, and I’m pushing my way through it, one small annoyance at a time. Every app logged me out, and it refuses to stay connected to my home Wi-Fi. Every time I get in the car, it randomly blasts the audiobook “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning,” which I finished over a year ago. Poetic or creepy?
Grandpa Sweater
I finally finished the gray cardigan I started knitting last year. It’s oversized, plain, and every bit as thrilling as that sounds. No awards were won for the knitting skills used nor the results. I’ve been calling it my grandpa sweater, because honestly, that’s who it looks like it was made for. It may end up as my cozy “inside sweater,” and that’s just fine. It needs buttons, which I may or may not get around to sewing on.
I wanted something calm and meditative…and that’s exactly what I got. The process was soothing. The result? A little dull, but dependable.
Now I’m wishing I hadn’t left my cable sweater project back in Vancouver. That one has texture, movement, and enough complexity to keep things interesting. I think I’m craving that kind of creative energy again with something that keeps me engaged and curious about what’s coming next.
Nose Cream Update
In slightly more encouraging news, I think the red spot on my nose is starting to fade. Emphasis on think. I followed the dermatologist’s directions (or so I thought), dabbed on the cream for four days, then patiently waited for… something. A reaction. A change. Any sign that it was working.
Nothing happened. So I kept waiting. Then one morning, I spotted a faint bit of flaking and thought, “Aha! Progress.”
Naturally, that’s when I double-checked the instructions. Turns out I was supposed to use it for seven days, not four, before letting it rest and watching for signs of life. So now I may need to start the whole process over once my skin calms down. Because apparently, even prescription creams come with a learning curve in midlife.
The good news? It’s only my nose. The bad news? It’s my nose.
Round Peg in a Square Hole
In other small-but-satisfying wins, I finally found a round rug that works in our oddly shaped kitchen, which is technically triangular, with odd square angles. It’s not exactly an easy space to fit, but this one slipped right in and softened things up, just like I hoped.
The room needed a rug, and this one did the job. Bonus: it’s machine washable and dryable. Practical and unfussy, which is just how I’m needing things these days.
It wasn’t the easiest week, but somehow, in between the medical charts and rogue audiobooks, I finished a sweater, found a rug that fits, and didn’t fall down the stairs. I’m calling it a win.
What little victories are you counting right now and when was your last bone density test?
Maybe it was the phase of the moon? It was a perfectly awful week here too. The dentist banged around in my mouth for two hours doing the first stage of a bridge, then told me my lone very old implant on the other side is failing due to bone loss. Another bridge. (I can’t have implants, I’m a leukemia patient in remission). I have a streaming cold and cough. Then our cat got sick, which has required daily vet visits and an elevated level of stress in the whole house. And today is our 41st anniversary. Which, doggone it, is a day to celebrate and be happy about. I’m doing my best, still blowing my nose and worrying! I hope your tests return good results. Fingers crossed!
Hang in there Susan!!
Your new kitchen rug looks nice but beware it’s easy to trip and fall. I did and fell and broke a small bone in my wrist. My daughter bought me the kind of rug that stays in place so I won’t trip. Hope this helps!
This has a rubber bottom and stays put!
Well good morning and lets be hopeful for a more encouraging and pleasant day. I read an article this past year (I think it was in an ARRP magazine). It referenced a study on the progressive lens, “mature” individuals, and an increase in stumbles…..there are studies reflecting the correlation of those variables. So because we are such a vane and superficial society as a whole, we may end up hurting ourselves in the long run (we went from the visible line of readers in glasses to the no line is visible with progressives). I just thought I’d add to the mix of information for you to process……..lol, all seriousness aside, just relax and enjoy the moment.
Interesting!!
I think your sweater is lovely! Us knitters are toooooo hard on ourselves. It is a one of a kind and an heirloom too! I hope you wear it with pride – and teach someone to knit too!
Haven’t had a bone density test…I had my 7th ortho surgery for shattered ankle from car accident and X-rays sometimes say osteopenia. I think I need to ask…lol. Hope your week is calmer!
Please do ask for a scan.
Thank you for your honesty! A lot of us have bone density issues and don’t want to hear the ultimatums from doctors. Let us know what, if any medication they decide to put you on. I like the idea of seeing an endocrinologist and may pursue that myself. Sigh, so many things I skipped over or took for granted are coming back to haunt me as well. As far as the sweater, I want to be proud that you finished it. Let it be a marker that shows that you don’t give up. It has some good qualities and yes by all means wear it around the house. Have a lovely week.
I will share what (we) decide to put me on. I want to be involved in the decision.
Jennifer,
I too, have been diagnosed with Osteoporosis. I have tried several meds that didn’t work, made me feel terrible. I am now receiving a once a year infusion of Reclast, with very good results, and no side effects.
Buy the Black dress, it’s beautiful.
Good morning,
First, I love reading your musings first thing in the morning. Thank you for sharing! I also love your new RUGGABLE. I’ve had two in my kitchen for years and being able to wash them is so necessary for a kitchen rug! As for my last bone density test, it showed improvement since I have been lifting weights with a personal trainer for the past year. I am 72 and even though it’s expensive, it’s worth it for the improvement I am getting. Have a blessed week!
Suzanne
WOW you have been busy. I think your grandma sweater is great, looks hand made which it is and very cozy.
I laughed so hard after reading this one…..You have a great sense of humor & this is just what I needed to start my Monday. Thanks!
I feel you on the bones. Long before my latest scan, after watching my parents’ decline, I have been focusing on balance. I practice balance exercises and focus on always holding handrails or keeping my hand above to grab (w/hand sanitizer for public places), never walking on my hardwoods in socks, and adding single leg exercises to my weight routine (lunges, split squats). There is PT available for osteoporosis as well as YouTube videos for balance. One thing I have figured out is that my poor eyesight and depth perception are risks and some of the exercises I do are with closed eyes. This has all helped. Do start lifting weights! It all sucks but glad we got the wakeup call! And you have permission to stsrt knitting a Cali cable sweater!
lol. How did you know I was scanning new patterns 🤣
I empathize! I switched to a new iPhone this week as well and have spent SO MANY hours updating and/or reloading apps. Mental exercise for sure! Add in a grand jury summons that is messing up travel plans BIG TIME and it was a tough week. What a joy you are on mornings like this with my coffee. Let’s keep on keeping it real together and make it a great week!
Oh boy, Jennifer, you have a lot on your plate. Good luck with it all!
As for the balance issue, I read years ago that your ability to stand on one foot for as long as possible is a good indicator of a person’s longevity. So I have practiced standing on one foot (I always have a support nearby for safety), and now I can stand on each foot for about 65 seconds or more. I do strength training using the EGym at the local Y too. I think doing both has helped me tremendously. I am almost 83 years old and I am proud of myself!
Awesome Bea!
You have had quite a week! I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis.
Last year I fell and shattered my wrist. Afterward I had my first dexa scan at 63. My hip t-score was the highest at -3.9. My regular doctor said the scores don’t really matter! Luckily I have an endocrinologist that takes care of my thyroid issues, she wasn’t too pleased, and told me I had severe osteoporosis. After bloodwork she caught high calcium in my blood and had my parathyroid checked. Apparently a diseased parathyroid can cause osteoporosis! This diagnosis along with a score of tests have been in the few months. I have surgery scheduled in December to have that parathyroid removed and I’m set to begin Evenity monthly injections on December 1st for a year. After that I’m not sure, but my head has been spinning since September!
Hang in there! They’re checking my parathyroid too.
I am 69. When I was first diagnosed with osteopenia some years ago I was surprised because I thought I was doing everything “right,” however, my sister, with her nursing degrees, told me it can be hard to totally outrun my genetics, as a white, northern European woman. I look sturdy, so it was a surprise that the inside didn’t match the outside! I hold onto every railing, don’t look at snow and ice the same way and have developed foot issues that mean I have to have shoes with good traction and stability – yeah, I feel old! My first thought about your beautiful kitchen rug is that it would be classified as a fall risk, as throw and area rugs are discouraged for older people – since when did I get to be older people?!?
LOL, we are senior citizens
Just because I like you I’m going to tell you about AlgaeCal. It’s a natural supplement and has increased my bone density by 25%. No side effects. I know how annoying everyone’s “best” supplements can be. But this one is truly good.
You’re not the only one singing it’s praises. I’ll try it!
Thank you for sharing! I hope this is a better week for you.
I just took a pair of cute boots that i love — but sometimes they tend to get caught in the hem of my jeans – and placed them in my donate pile.
Smart move
I’m glad you ended this on a positive note. I have a feeling you didn’t like the cardigan you knit because of the aforementioned situations. I think it looks nice and the color, to me, is calming. Hopefully it wraps you in a nice hug when you wear it and together you create warm memories ♥️ Thank you for all your helpful and informative posts. Blessings ~
I love the “grandpa sweater”! Give yourself some credit for taking the initiative to make and finish it!
xo
I had a similar experience due with my Dexa Scan and wanted to explain what my endocrinologist recommend for me. There are infusion medications that have an excellent history of results. So far, I have had two infusions of Reclast. Thankfully, I did not have any side effects at all. Usually, over the course of three years, the recommended treatment is 3. So, next year I will have my last infusion and another Dexa Scan.
My sincere best wishes for your consultation after your doctor reviews all your info.