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?
It’s like someone smacks you across the face when that happens. My eyesight in my right eye became distorted at 58 from a macular pucker, I was diagnosed with osteopenia a few years ago and two years ago I had my right foot fused. Will spare you all the in between fun. Just kèep getting up and moving forward and celebrate the wins.
Ouch! That’s scary about your eye. I’m so sorry but you’re right, we just celebrate the wins and move on.
I had a bone density test done this year and have been put on Alendronate, a once a week pill. I have also started a 2xweekly fitness/yoga class for ladies of a certain age! It is definitely helping my balance and stamina.
Your osteoporosis comments were very timely for me as I just had my 2nd DEXA scan in 10 years (I’m 68) and the results were worse than before. I measured in the osteoporosis range 10 years ago, but chose not to do anything. I’m small framed and lower weight. I’m wondering about my parathyroid now, and will want to check that first. All of the osteoporosis drugs have scary side effects and mixed results. Seems you’re damned if you do, and damned if you don’t. I have been researching like crazy this week and started a notebook of information, as well as signed on to many online osteoporosis groups to learn more from my new “tribe”. Sending you good thoughts for making a decision, and looking forward to hearing what you learn. As Roseanne Roseannadanna said “It’s always something….”
Thanks for keeping it real, Jennifer. I love your blog, it makes me grateful for people like you who are willing to share the truth about aging while giving us all hope that we can do it gracefully. Why is it that I still feel 21 in my heart? It is such a shock to look in the mirror and see someone I no longer recognize. As for technology, I try so hard to keep up, but I seem to keep falling farther behind. (Ask my kids/young adults)! Despite it all, life is a gift. I intend to live, read, travel and wear the clothes that make me feel seen to the very end!
We can’t let it get us down.
Sorry to hear of your rough week, but glad you could find some wins. Great job on the sweater. Looks cozy! I recently had my bone density test and was shocked when it showed improvement from my last one. I didn’t know that could happen! I’ve been doing some light weight training and lots of walking (as recommended by my doctor). Along with Vitamin D, I guess it’s working. Don’t get discouraged. There is always hope.
I feel better knowing that I am not the only person regretting updating my iOS on my phone. It has been a frustrating learning experience. I am getting used to it but I do not like it and have told people to wait as long as possible before doing the update.
Hi Jennnifer, I had ostopenia on a DExA scan 2 years ago and chose to increase weight exercise and take a calcium supplement. In December 2024 I had insufficiency fractures of my sacrum. I am now on Evenity and haven’t decided what to do after Evenity. Bone density is very scary and all the drugs have some nasty side effects. I went from rowing, weight lifting, and yoga to a walker in one day. I’m back to walking but very slowly. Your blog has helped me immensely as I always enjoyed shopping and now I’m restricted to shopping on line. Please do as your doctor advises.
I’m so sorry Connie! Be safe
Your knitting looks so nice, it inspires me, but I just am not getting the hang of it using You Tube. I am excited to see your finished cable sweater, the start you shared is beautiful. I have my Dexa scan every other year and at 70 so far so good. I really do need to do more balance exercises. Falling is not really an option as we age.
My mum is 83 and has broken 5 bones in the last 2 years–the last one just this past June! As a result, I went and got a DEXA scan at 55. Apparently I’m not osteoporotic even though I take proton pump inhibitors for GERD and have many of the same issues my mother has… Anyone had any results with AlgaeCal supplements?
Some really like it
Thank you, Jennifer, for reminding me that humor helps. Using humor when dealing with concerning issues doesn’t mean I’m not taking it seriously or ignoring it. Just a way to maybe, maybe keep my anxiety from reaching defcon 1 and going nuclear.
I love your posts! 🤗
Jennifer, we must be on the same testing schedule! I just had my DEXA last week and got the dreaded osteoporosis diagnosis. I am meeting with my doctor to discuss what’s next, but I’m sure medication will be advised. The side effects sound scary, but so does a broken hip. I hope you will keep us posted as to what you decide to do. I really appreciate your openness in sharing your health journey. This is a wonderful community!
Jennifer, I love the dress you have selected for the Ball! It is a classy yet trendy black dress that will turn heads. Also, don’t sell yourself short about the sweater. I think it looks cozy and cute! I have Osteoporosis, and went straight to medication four years ago, as I had a dramatic drop in my bone density. I have had three annual infusions of a bisphosphonate (Reclast), which along with exercise and a healthy diet, improved my bone density significantly (I now technically have Osteopenia). Fingers crossed that it holds! There are some good treatments available nowadays. Good luck!
Oh, how I can relate! I started Evenity injections last month for osteoporosis. Two injections each month for a year, then I’ll switch to Prolia twice a year for maintenance.
I continue to let myself be duped into trying those “tests” of whether I’m aging well that are so prevalent on IG. It appears that at 71 I’m not! One deep squat (like a catcher would do) put me in bed for a day with severely painful abdominal muscles. Lol! I’m sticking to my walks, chair squats, and light weights for the foreseeable future.
I think your sweater is lovely—kudos to you!
Quite a week for you! Don’t let the osteoporosis diagnosis get you down, I was diagnosed at 49 (chemo can cause early osteoporosis) and I’m now almost 75 and have never broken a bone even though I’ve fallen. I was told not to lift more than 10 pounds, which of course I didn’t follow since I had to carry my grandchildren. I think they’ve improved the medications available in the last 25 years but make sure you are informed of side effects so you can make the best decision for yourself.
Yikes, what a week you had. I’ve been seeing an endocrinologist for osteoporosis for a couple of years. I’m now on medication. The one I have, Raloxifene , is for the spine and it’s working. I tried Prolea and had bad reaction. Good luck as you figure out how best to deal with the osteoporosis.
At least you can smile 😊
My DexaScan showed no change from 3 years ago, so yay there. But that’s no explanation for why I cracked 2 ribs this summer, at different times, doing nothing more than bending over. Sigh. And I keep finding these little scaley patches on my skin which my dermatologist kindly calls “barnacles.” Actually, they are sebaceous keratoses, totally benign. so he freezes them off and they clear up in a week or so. Then new ones pop up somewhere else. It’s like an endless game of dermatology Whack-a-Mole.
LOL! It feels like that to me with these skin issues.
Your comment about Flonase and bone density worried me–I rely on Flonase to survive (without sneezing 24/7). If you don’t mind me asking, are you going to continue to use it or are you trying a different allergy medication? As for your sweater…from what you’d said about it, I thought it would be a mess. Not at all! Perhaps not exactly what you want, but it looks beautifully done. The trim around the collar, the rounding of the sleeves–impressive. I hope it gives you some satisfaction. Finally, I, too, am feeling fragile with a torn meniscus and a broken wrist from falling due to the meniscus problem, so here’s to both of us–all of us!–staying safely upright for the holidays (and beyond).
I have stopped using it and will try other things. I’ll keep you posted.
I like your sweater, especially your sleeves. I think u r being too hard on yourself.
Getting older is not for the faint of heart. A friend of mine broke her hip just tripping over a small rug. I now make sure that any rugs have backing that prevent it from sliding. My right shoulder started bothering me several months ago. I figured I pulled a muscle but it kept getting worse so I finally saw the doctor about that. After xrays, he said I would probably need shoulder replacement surgery at one point. He said I’d know when it became necessary. Now I know why my parents and their friends used to talk about all the ailments so much!!!
Ouch! My Prenuvo scan reported I am bone on bone in my shoulders. I’m just waiting for the axe to fall.
You are amazing and sharing all your stuff makes you more real. I am sorry everything is hitting all at once, but that’s how life is. Keep your beautiful smile and fabulous attitude!