21. Bucket List

It was one my bucket list, I explain, when I'm asked about the cast on my left forearm (non-displaced distal radial fracture). I've never broken a bone before, but you'd think that with osteoporosis, I'm at risk.  OK, but how much risk?  Well, not that much.

The FRAX algorithm uses bone density measurements and also family/personal history and height/weight. FRAX says over the next 10 years I have a 10% risk of a major osteoporotic fracture (which includes my broken wrist) and a 2.5% risk of hip fracture.

That's a fairly low risk, but for me it was 100%.  

So I do anything about it?

As planned I will continue the alendronate for the five year course.
And I will continue HCTZ which diverts calcium from urine to bones.
I should step up my self-designed yoga routine which emphasizes balance, core strength, and posture, the first two particularly important for fall prevention.

And of course, more caution when pruning tall trees

20. Annual Exam 2017

Met with my endocrinologist who who agree with the plan to continue alendronate for another couple of years.  She was not surprised that my bone density improved, both because that is not an uncommon finding with alendronate (despite official statements to the contrary) and because the HCTZ may be shifting some calcium to my bones.  The latter would also explain no new kidney stones.