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?
Your lovely simple grandma sweater is going to be a favorite snuggle up and read or knit sweater this winter. The pearl buttons sounds perfect. I liked to knit lovely little sweaters for my grandchildren when they were little. My oldest great grandson got my last Irish knit when he was two. I miss knitting the most next to giving up skiing. But at 80, it is now good memories. I’m sorry that your scan caught up with you. Mine did a few years ago. Don’t stop walking. We do a mile everyday, whether I feel bad or not. Brent is 84 and has had two falls which only got him a few scratches on the outside one and the inside trip over a large area rug got him a little sore. But super scary!
I used to love making irish knits. I’m n ot sure I’m still up for it.
I am due for a new Apple watch, but my son (tech support) mentioned I need to upgrade my phone to new IOS and that this upgrade will be challenging. I may do this when he is around to help/answer questions. Good luck.
What a week! So sorry.
I moved from osteopenia to osteoporosis seven years ago. I was on Fosomax for 5 years with a bit of improvement, but not as much as I’d hoped for. I’ve been avoiding going back on medication as I’ve had quite a lot of problems with my teeth and I’ve read that you shouldn’t have major work done on your teeth while on these medications. I’m trying to walk more, lift weights and take an on line exercise class for osteoporosis from Margaret Martin.
I’m surprised your doctor said no to the weighted vest. Did she say why?
Aging can sure be frustrating at times! Just gotta keep laughing!
I like your cozy sweater! Your work is really beautiful! I picture some pretty silver buttons.
She felt adding too much weight right off the bat was a bad idea
Hi Jennifer, I had to jump in today and share with you what I am doing. Please check to see if there is an OSTEO STRONG location near you. Osteo Strong is amazing and was developed to build bone strength and reverse osteoporosis. You go once a week and it really is incredible how it works. It is helping me so much and improved my posture immediately. My doctor completely supports what they do to build bone strength with just five machines. I am so glad I did this rather than go with a trainer this round. They also work on balance as well as strength. You can find them online and they offer free visits to their locations to check them out.
Thanks Pam! It sounds like a fantastic program. I’ll check to see if there’s one near us.
You go girl!
So sorry you’re facing osteoporosis. It’s a shocking diagnosis, received mine at 58 due to aggressive chemo for breast cancer at 42. It’s frustrating that you look fine from the outside, yet vulnerable on the deep inside. Keep turning the dials you can control!
I love that attitude Diane!
Really cute hat!
I wonder if that new rug is a trip hazard.
It’s very thin and has a non slip bottom
I think your sweater is gorgeous. I am also dealing with bone density issues: been on fosamax for nearly 5 years. I continue my walking routine and notice when I don’t keep at it. My cell phone is about 15 years old. I don’t ask much of it but am dreading the day I will have to update it.
You look great and I appreciate your blogs very much.
I actually like your gray sweater. It looks like beautiful workmanship and I like the slouchy oversized fit. Very modern.
That should’ve said will get better! Darn auto correct 🤦
I think your gray cardigan came out great! All you need is a little scarf around your neck to add some color and it doesn’t have to be an inside cozy sweater! Sorry you had a rough day but hang in there and it won’t get better! Life is a roller coaster.
Sorry you had a rough week! Hopefully this week is better:)
Wanted to warn you on the rug-esp the round ones, can easily bunch up on the ends and they are nearly impossible to get flat. Since buying mine, I’ve read many similar reviews. I do have a rectangular one in my bathroom that gives me no problems. On the positive side, yours does look very nice!
I too broke my iPhone after slipping on a pine cone in a parking lot and twisting my ankle. My ankle was quick to heal but I had the hassle of learning how to use a new iPhone. I think that you should check out a fatigue mat for your kitchen. They have gradual edges along the sides to prevent tripping. They’re also very comfortable to stand on. When I was a teacher, I used one at the front of the classroom to help my back from being tired. Grocery cashiers who have to stand a long time use them at their tills. Check them out.
I will check them out
Thank you for such a “real” blog. Love your openness with sharing life experiences. I’m sorry it’s been a tough week, but so glad you caught your fall. I never go down stairs without my hand on the railing. I was on Prolia (injection every 6 months) for 2-3 years. My score did not improve on my last scan so I’ve switched to Evenity (injection in each arm every month) for a year, then will go back to Prolia. Evenity is showing great results in the first year of use but not beyond. I have balance issues because a brain tumor surgery destroyed the balance nerve on one side. So I have to be careful of falls. I’m 69 too, and while I don’t feel “old” I’m noticing a mind shift that I’m vulnerable and have to factor that into any activity. Feels limiting. I love your sweater and think it looks great on you. Maybe the addition of buttons would help you like it better. I see pearls in a silver setting. Take care. Wishing you well.
Thanks for sharing your experience Deby
I really like your “grandpa” sweater..if the weather ever turns to what should be November I’d be wearing that sweater all the time…….good luck with your tests…..
Sadly, my bone density took a dive and now I have to have medication. Never thought I would be in this place. I am short and thin which isn’t in my favor. Are you going to take medication?
I have had similar issues with sweaters and other things I have made. I knit a poncho style wrap and never wore it. Also made a long gray sweater and never wore it. I seem to be good at making baby hats. They get worn! Will continue to make baby blankets too.
Hi Jennifer, I’ve been reading about you for over a year?! Never have responded, but I really hear what you sent this morning. Being 69 myself, those doctor discussions are not easy to hear. I’m a very active person, ride my ebike, play pickleball, hike, play golf and have personal trainer 2x/week. With all of that, my osteopenia is staying in check. But, the doctor has stated that because I’m over 65, my medical records place me in the “fall risk” category. My doctor noticed I took a fall on my bike (sprained wrist), and another due to a hiking incident (negative sprained wrist injury). My doctor was quick to change my records to state that these were the “result of a sports-related activity,” not random “falling incidents.” That’s important apparently! It indicates that we are active people, not sedentary. She made these changes in my medical records, to avoid having a wheel chair to take me to get x-rays, or bone density tests for liability purposes! Can you imagine!?! Bottom line: tell your doctors how active 65+ people are these days!
Hi, Jennifer: Just thanking you again for a relevant and informative blog for our aging selves. On another note, I’ve looked on ruggable’s website and like what I see. The only problem is that I like to view rugs up front and in person before I buy them for quality and color. Online doesn’t cut it and the thought of returning such a big item doesn’t thrill. Any suggestions? Thank you! Nan
Jennifer.
So sorry you are dealing with bone density issues. I have the beginnings of osteoporosis . I just do muscle and bone density exercises, walking, elliptical. I cannot take the medication by mouth due to reflux.
She wanted me to take the Prolia, but it says you can never get off ,because if you do your bones will be worse. If I have a problem with it , well then what?
I am thinking maybe Recast infusion, but friend’s femur broke, and she was on it a couple of years, and it is hard on kidneys, jaw bone.. I have another friend who has been on one of those and broke her wrist and had to have surgery. Do these drugs just coat the bone? Do they work well with everyone or only some?
Just don’t fall. I would like to hear more women’s experience on these drugs, the side effects are holding me back.
Yes, rugs are not a good thing. Shoes with thick soles are another problem. I find we don’t lift our feet up high enough like we used to. I tripped twice within the last 15 years, did not break anything, lucky I guess. When my legs get tired from walking, shopping , touring this is when the feet drag and why I tripped. I am looking at the uneven pavement and curbs more than I used to.lol
Hang in there. Let us know what decide on. Read and research, reviews etc.
I will keep you posted.