Calcium Supplements - Or Not? Posted: 08-27-04 02:32am
I had a bone scan in nov last year which
showed I had osteoporosis, shortly
followed by a diagnosis of
hyperparathyroidism. A parathyroidectomy
was done in march and one gland was
removed. During my original bone scan I
was told I should take 1500 mg calcium
daily and I have been trying to take half
this in my diet and half as supplements.
The blood tests taken subsequent to the
operation still show an excess of calcium
when I take supplements and I have been
advised not to take them anymore. If I
include 1500 mg calcium daily in my diet
this could cause a weight problem. I've
been getting a vague back ache for some
months now and am extremely concerned that
my bone condition isn't improving. My
next bone scan will not take place till
next year. Could you tell me about
calcium absorption and why supplements may
not be absorbed but lead to high blood
calcium?
Any other advice you may be able to give
would also be welcome.
Due to extreme adverse reactions, I was
unable to take fossamax.
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dtyber
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 05 May 2004 Posts: 18 Location: Castle Rock, Colorado
Posted: 09-07-04 23:41pm
I was diagnosed last week with osteopenia,
the precursor to osteoperosis. I'm still
awaiting the results of the bloodwork on
parathyroid and vitamin d, but suspect
they're ok. I am not a big consumer of
dairy products so I am taking calcium
supplements. I do know that the body
will not absorb more than about 500 mg of
calcium at a time. Are you taking the
supplements all at once? If you are,
that might be part of the problem.
I've started fosamax and can tell that may
be a big rough, but i'll stick with it for
now. There is also actinel which is
supposed to be easier on the stomach.
There is also a nasal spray that is used
once a day, every other nostril. You
should probably talk to your doctor about
trying something else. I don't know
about you, but it worries me so much when
I think about not being able to do the
things I enjoy doing because of this
"thing".
I can relate to the low back pain. Try
lumbar cushions and other supports for
that.
