Calcium supplements if you have AS?
I have been told I have osteopenia - the beginnings of osteoporosis. Is taking a Calcium ssupplement safe if you already have fusion in your spine? I exercise regularly, but I am 70 and want to address this issue.
This is a really good question,
. I too have been asked to take calcium supplements by my orthopedic surgeon. I fractured the side of my foot while walking in the house last year. Just recently I re-fractured it chasing after a puppy. I do not have osteopenia/osteoporosis but have fusions of the neck and thoracic area prior to diagnosis and after.
I think the only person who can answer this question would be your treating physician. Discuss this with your rheumy and see what they say. I am sure they will give you their honest opinion on the matter.
Unfortunately, we can't advise patients in our community to undertake a treatment or not, as we are not physicians. But we can offer up our experiences and help aim you toward the right treatment path.
I've come across this study from 2020 that might steer you toward a decision ... https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7667943/
Hopefully, you will come to a decision but I do wish to witness other's experiences with calcium as they go about their journey with AS, osteopenia, and osteoporosis in our community. I hope you find answers.
Thoughtfully, Rebecca (community moderator)
