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Speaking with your doctor is the best way for you to better understand your
own risk for the disease, as well as prevention and treatment options. Many
people find that talking with their doctor about osteoporosis is difficult,
sometimes because they aren't sure what they need to discuss.
Here are several questions to get you started; they are common concerns.
If your concern is about preventing osteoporosis:
*How do I prevent
osteoporosis?
*How do I know if my bone density is low?
*How much calcium
and Vitamin D is right for me? What are the best sources of calcium and Vitamin
D?
*Based on my medical history, lifestyle and family history, am I at risk
for osteoporosis?
*How do I know if someone in my family suffered from
osteoporosis? What are the signs to look for?
*Am I currently taking any
medication that puts me at a higher risk for developing osteoporosis?
*Do men
get this disease?
*Am I too old/young to get this disease?
*What about
exercise?
*Should I have a BMD (bone mineral density) test? What are the
risks of a BMD test?
*How do I know if I have fractured a bone?
*I have
had fractures in the past; could they have been caused by osteoporosis?
If you have osteoporosis or osteopenia, or are at high risk for the
disease:
*What osteoporosis medications are available to help me?
*What
are the benefits/side-effects of these medications? Will the medications
interact with other medications I am already taking for other conditions?
*Am
I too old/young to start medication?
*Should I have a BMD test?
*How can I
know if the medications I am taking for other conditions will cause dizziness,
light-headedness, disorientation or a loss of balance that could lead to a
fall?
*Are osteoporosis medications covered by my provincial drug benefits
plan?
*What sort of physical activity is best for me now?
*How much
calcium and Vitamin D do I need? What are the best sources?
*How can I
protect my bones from getting worse?
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