There is no escape.
I volunteered for a clinical trial to test the impact of low magnitude mechanical stimulation on bone. To be included in the study, I had to go through several rounds of screening. The first, by interview, was easy. The second was by Dexa scan, to measure the bone mineral density in my lumbar vertebrae and in the head and neck of my left femur.
The results stunned me. I expected to sail through the screening. No women in my family had osteoporosis, or at least never any symptoms: no falls or fractures. I don’t smoke. I skate between 2 and 4 hours a week, walk at least 10 miles a week, and take over 2 hours of yoga classes a week plus half hour workouts on the days that I don’t do yoga. I don’t eat beef very often, and eat dark green leafy vegetables daily. I am not overweight for my height, my BMI is in an acceptable range, (although I would like to loose at least 5 pounds).
And yet. . .my 3rd lumbar vertebrae is osteoporotic, as is the neck of my left femur. 3 other vertebrae are osteopenic; there is only one strong one. I did qualify for the study.
How can this be?
Last week, I filled out an on-line application for Medicare as I will be eligible at my next birthday. Could there be a connection?
I’ve spent years working to improve my health, and become the person I want to be. I used to joke that by the time I get all my emotional baggage cleared and reach my potential, it will be time to die.
Not so funny now.
The good news is that I’ve been gifted with important information and can do something to help myself. Bone does rebuild. I am grateful for all that exercise and good diet and increasingly happy life because without that, who knows what shape my bones would be in.
Still, the end will be the same.
I will enjoy the journey as much as I can. I will live fully. I will use up every minute, in awareness and delight. This I vow.
