My doctor told me this too, and advised that I supplement my nutritional
intake with calcium, magnesium, and something else that I can't remember
(although I'll bet Carla knows).

In a message dated 11/28/2001 1:18:31 AM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

> Hi,
>
>  We CP'ers are at a higher risk for osteoporosis and arthritis than the
>  general population because we are not as mobile as TAB's are. Those of us
> who
>  are not able to bear weight, run the risk of thinning bones much sooner
than
>  those who do. Bearing weight and being active in doing various types of
>  exercise like walking helps our bones build density.
>
>  Having abnormal muscle tone in general means that we use our bodies in ways
>  that the TAB's don't and with all of the stories of people being in their
>  30's and 40's and having HUGE problems with decrease in ability to be
mobile,
>
>  and increase pain and using meds to help us deal with pain, this may be
>  another reason why we are facing these problems earlier than the general
>  population as well.
>
>  There's also speculation that spending time in casts and not weight bearing
>  also affects us years later by having bones that are much more porous than
>  the average person which leads to early arthritis and other problems.
> Another
>  possibility could be because where we did have surgery leads to less
>  circulation in those areas because of damage to the muscles from the
surgery
>  and lengthenings, transfers and bone derotations. On the other hand, there
>  are those that do not have their dislocated hips done and they don't have
>  sockets after a while. Again this is because they don't bear weight and
they
>  don't form properly in the first place.
>
>  So a number of possible factors are at work here. I did ask to go for one
of
>  these bone density tests earlier this year, but have to do it through my
>  regular family practice doctor as opposed to the ortho. So one of these
days,
>
>
>  Hope this helps,
>
>  Dina
>


Betty
aut viam inveniam aut faciam
"I will either find a way or make one."