Osteoporosis at the Age of 21

People ask me what it's like to have Osteoporosis at such a young age. I will tell you. 

I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis at the age of 21. As I’m sure many of you know, Osteoporosis is a bone disease in which bone tissues deteriorate causing bones to become extremely fragile and so brittle to the point that even minor falls or even stresses like bending over or coughing can cause a fracture. That’s how serious of a disease it is. It is rare for someone my age to have it. Osteoporosis is normally seen in post-menopausal women over the age of 50. 

When I was first told this, I was in denial. Honestly, I thought it was an exaggeration. I couldn’t believe how quickly my bones had worsened. Now at 21, I have aches and pains I imagine my grandparents to have. I cannot do a lot of things people my age do, due to the risk of fractures. I love to wear high-heels, and still do, but every time I put them on I'll have to think, “If I trip, I will break.” I always look at the floor when I walk, I’m afraid of falling, because if I fall, something will most likely break. Now, when I’m driving my car, I worry about accidents, because I could fracture my neck, even from a minor fender bender.

Sometimes I laugh it off. It’s embarrassing and laughing helps me not feel as embarrassed. It does hurt. A lot.

As of right now, I am taking my prescribed medication. It is difficult to cope with the side effects of my medication, when none of them are made for someone my age. Right now, I'm focusing on exercising and getting an adequate nutrition along with my supplements prescribed.

So what’s it like to have Osteoporosis so young?
It sucks.

This is why I try to help and inform others. Because this is something you will have to deal with later on in your life if you neglect your health, starve yourself, don't exercise or get enough of your vitamin D and calcium intake.

This is very real and it could happen to you.

BUT, IT'S NEVER TOO LATE.