Boudicca's Voice

Bone Density Results

I had my Bone Density Scan today... AND... I HAVE DENSE BONES!!! Well. Kinda. Sorta.

Basically, all the running, weight lifting, and the three years of Karate increased the bone density in my spine by over 4% and my hip by 3% which now puts me in the normal range. Not the high end... but normal nevertheless.

I was stunned. Really. You can't feel your bones get more dense. I thought for sure it was all for naught and I was going to have my OBGYN calling me tomorrow when he received his results, sternly telling me AGAIN that I need to take my calcium.

Heh. But that ain't happenin' now, because my weight bearing exercise did it! Yahoo!

And just so you know... when I started weight training 3 years ago, I was squatting 50 lbs, leg pressing 120, and curling 5. I'm squatting 100, leg pressing 250 and curling 20. 3 sets each, 15 reps. I have made big improvements in all areas of lifting and I'm very happy.

But I'm happier as it has all made my bones healthier.

I asked my doctor if I could expect to continue to accrue bone mass. We both agreed that it was highly improbable. I had heard studies showed 5% was what you can get with weight bearing exercise. I'm pretty much there, but will keep trying, while adding Calcium fortified OJ to my diet. He said I can't slack off because now I have to maintain it. Maintenance is probably even more important at this point than gaining it was 3 years ago, in my opinion.

So that's the scoop. I'm happy. I will have no problems maintaining as... I'm a very goal oriented and driven person.

And my real lesson to me today was, 5% may sound like a small percentage, but when talking bone density... it is not.

Posted by Boudicca at December 1, 2005 11:39 PM | TrackBack