I don't think I've shared this but I had a mammogram and Bone Density scan the other day and let's just say one of those came back not good, the bone density scan. My mammogram was just fine, thank goodness. You know every single year I have one and I am absolutely terrified of the outcome. So many of my friends have faced breast cancer, losing one this summer from it. I almost want to cancel the appointment the apprehension is so great, but if I don't have it checked I would worry more, so onward to boob squishing day!
The bone density thing I knew was probably going to not be good as it was down a couple of years ago but I did not expect my doctor to want to put me on more drugs. His nurse called and said he wanted me to take Fosomax. I've heard some nasty stories about the stuff and I immediately told her I wanted to research it first, but in reality I am NOT going to take it. I am not going to go into old age with a counter full of pill bottles with the remedies more damaging than the cure. I am going to do other things to offset it. First of all I joined OsteoStrong recently. OsteoStrong is a type of bone strength training that uses low-impact, high intensity exercises to help increase bone density and reduce the risk of fractures. My doctor said my other hip has significant osteoporosis in it, much like my replaced hip, and arthritis. I can work with that. I am also upping my Vitamin D3 and Omega3's and drum roll please, more exercise. I'm sure if I lose weight it will help too, so I have a plan.
Oh, and my doctor, every time I go in there, tries to get me on like Ozempic or Mondoro to lose weight. I am so leary of that stuff and really don't understand it. Years ago there was a drug program out called Phen-fen that I took, lost weight, but of course, put it back on. Not long after it had been on the market people started having heart issues, having to replace valves attributed to the Phen-fen thing. I certainly dodged a bullet on that and I've TOLD my doctor about. Plus there is a rare thyroid cancer with these new drugs and since I have thyroid issues, as did my father (2/3 of his removed) and my brother has, and my great grandfather having thyroid cancer I am NOT going to chance it.
I asked my doctor why it works, the skinny guy he is (he's diabetic and a pencil thin man,) and he said it basically makes you feel full, you don't eat. Um, that's not healthy, to not eat. You don't get your nutrition and the stuff causes your body to not poop right. Hey, I've already got mine working just fine, I'm not mucking that up again.
Back to my plan. I am retired, don't have to be anywhere I don't want to, there is absolutely no reason I can not get on that damn exercise bicycle gathering dust in our bathroom and use it. I have only one reason, I'M FUCKING LAZY! So, that being said, I have decided that Monday's and Wednesday's I will ride the bike. I'm not going to push, or have an unattainable goal, just get on and ride as long and as far as I can and build up. I used to ride 5-10 miles a day. Then on Thursday's I will go to my OsteoStrong and do my quick workout. I think this plan will work, will fit into my life. I thought the perfect day to start would be New Year's Day, and Monday is New Year's Day, that it would be the day to begin. Although this morning I did get on to see if I could do it and you know what I did a mile, easily, well, sort of easily. I recovered very fast, a good sign. No, no excuses, I have an attainable plan and when I go to see Dr. K in a few months, hopefully, my weight and blood pressure will be down. The bone density we will recheck in 2 years. I'm willing to wait.
I will keep you posted how this PLAN goes.
