Osteoporosis and Crohn's

[CarolinAlaska]

On Friday Jaedyn had a bone density scan. I got the results today and sadly she has osteoporosis in her spine (T-score -3.5, Z score -3.0) and osteopenia in her femoral neck and total hip (T score -1.8 and -1.6 respectively; T score -1.9 and -1.8 respectively). Osteopenia is defined as a T score between -1.0 and -2.5, and osteoporosis less than -2.5.

Let me know you have experience with your children having osteoporosis from IBD, and if so, how is being treated?

 

[my little penguin]

Did she stop with peptamen shakes ?
No real advice since this was not an issue for DS.
What did her Gi say?

 

[Tesscorm]

I don't really have solid advice but I did have osteoporosis when I was a child (between 5-7 years old). Mine wasn't caused by an illness or meds - I don't think they ever knew what caused it. But, all I wanted to say is that, over time, my bones did heal and density reached normal levels - so osteoporosis now doesn't mean it'll always be. :ghug:

 

[crohnsinct]

Ugh Carolin...I think I may have been the one who encouraged you to get the scan so you know Olivia was dx'd with Ostopenia. Her docs weren't to concerned but did give her a stern talking to regarding calcium supplementaion and weight bearing exercise. Being a hard core swimmer that didn't count. We are hoping her addition of track is going to make some difference. Also, I have been in consult with an MD who advocates a clean diet and he says that animal products interfere with calcium absorption...who knew? So she is now 95% plant based, running track and taking calcium supplements.

FWIW - I think a big reason GI's run this test is because they are trying to make sure there aren't any underlying absorption issues so if there may be you need to get those under control first. Our GI also said O's race (Caucasian) and low weight also put her at risk. The good news is girls can increase bone density up to 20 years old so you have some good years ahead of you...knowledge is power!

 

[Jmrogers4]

Oh Goodness Carol, Hope like Tesscorm and Crohnsinct say you can get things under control and build up her bone density. No other advice just sending lots of hugs

 

[kimmidwife]

This is one of the things I worry about. what is the doctor recommending?

 

[AZMOM]

Carol! :-( :-(

We've only had one bone density scan and it's been about 5 years ago, just a few months after dx. You make me think we need a new one!

What's the plan?????

J.

 

[CarolinAlaska]

Ugh Carolin...I think I may have been the one who encouraged you to get the scan so you know Olivia was dx'd with Ostopenia. Her docs weren't to concerned but did give her a stern talking to regarding calcium supplementaion and weight bearing exercise. Being a hard core swimmer that didn't count. We are hoping her addition of track is going to make some difference. Also, I have been in consult with an MD who advocates a clean diet and he says that animal products interfere with calcium absorption...who knew? So she is now 95% plant based, running track and taking calcium supplements.

FWIW - I think a big reason GI's run this test is because they are trying to make sure there aren't any underlying absorption issues so if there may be you need to get those under control first. Our GI also said O's race (Caucasian) and low weight also put her at risk. The good news is girls can increase bone density up to 20 years old so you have some good years ahead of you...knowledge is power!

FW- So, the pediatrician ordered the test at my request- GI hasn't seen it yet, I suppose. I plan on getting Jae in to see Dr Wilson (GI) soon because Jaedyn is back to not eating much and is losing weight like crazy ... I'm wondering if we're going to have to scope/pillcam/Fecal Calprotectin again soon... I've been hoping that it isn't true, but I think she is making a big turn to her old ways again

CIC - My husband has been reading about how milk makes osteoporosis worse and similar stuff about meat. Sadly, the main things Jae will eat are milk and meat . Perhaps that is the problem... She's scared to eat most veggies cooked or raw .

J. and Kim - Her pediatrician wants her to eat calcium rich foods get plenty of weight-bearing exercise and vitamin D3, but isn't used to dealing with this problem in kids, admittedly. She doesn't want her to do meds. Like your daughter, CIC, her exercise this year was mainly swimming, but did soccer in summer. She will soon be back to soccer two nights a week.

 

[crohnsinct]

Poor Jae

Weight bearing exercise could be as simple as walking. If you could get her to take a 30 minute walk each day that would really help.

Chia seeds! They have more calcium than milk...well per ounce...you don't eat them. You can put then in juice, sprinkle them in yogurt or smoothies etc and they turn gel like and just drink them up.

Zip a huge handful of kale in a fruit smoothie. You can't taste it a bit and loaded with calcium. Throw some chia in there while you are at it! In a study they found more calcium was absorbed from kale than milk which really makes a difference for our kids who have absorption issues to start with.

White beans, black eyed peas, almonds (good fat for weight gaining to), blackstrap molasses (good for iron to). Fortified OJ (I try to stay away from this one because of the sugar but you gotta do what you gotta do).

How are her vit d levels?

 

[Farmwife]

I'm late to this but I do hope it's temporary. It's just one more thing you don't need.
Hugs

 

[crohnsinct]

http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/triad.html

Interesting read. Good stuff on estrogen, periods and bone mass. Don't ask what led me here :ymad:

 

[LHJ]

Good information for adults with Crohn's and osteoporosis too. Thank you!