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  Discussion on That darn ball!!
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Member:
erika

Posted on Sunday, May 24, 2009 - 12:34 pm:

Okay, okay, I know I should blame myself, not the ball, but I am sore and cranky and don't need anything else to rough me up. So I choose to blame "the ball"!

I bought one of those ridiculously expensive, huge balls (40") to keep Cleo occupied when she is off the pasture and alone. Yesterday I finally brought it out to introduce it to her. we worked on the ground first, and I got her to shake off her terror of it by circling in and out around it. Finally she got curious and seemed to be having a good time pushing it along with her nose.

So, here's my mistake. I got on her to do the same thing. Worked fine for the first two shoves, then the ball rolled back toward her side and --genius that I am--I kicked the ball away from her side. Well, next thing I know Cleo is all four feet off the ground about ten feet high--me another ten feet higher than that. Needless to say, I landed in a different part of the field than Cleo did.

I saw checkerboards in front of my eyes, and felt like I broke my pelvis (again). So I got to renew my relationship with everyone at the ER. Spent the day getting CAT scans and x-rays. Thanks to my helmet, my head was okay. Nothing broken, but a monstrous pinched nerve in my back has me flattened out for God knows how long!

Here's the thing: I knew when I was doing this that things weren't right. All the horses were on high alert about the ball and their tension was rubbing off on Cleo even though she is the calmest and bravest of them. I knew I didn't play long enough on the ground. I should have done only that the first time, but I had a friend meeting me for a trail ride and I didn't have much time before. So I never got to the point of rolling the ball into her, tossing it over her back all the things I SHOULD have done before starting mounted play.

Then, to top it off, as I got in the saddle, I realized that I rarely wear those particular breeches because they are too slippery!

So the moral of the story: You KNOW when you are rushing things. You KNOW when you really shouldn't be doing something. You KNOW when your horse is tense. So WHY, oh WHY don't you listen to the voice of reason in your head?!

I'll be fine in a few days for sure. But please take my advice (and that little voice in your own head) and don't rush things. When you have the feeling you shouldn't...then DON'T!

Or just blame the stupid ball.

Erika
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, May 24, 2009 - 1:09 pm:

OUCH! We do listen to our little voice of reason once we break ourselves enough Takes quite a few spills and one or two that REALLY hurt.

I am now listening to that voice..last years broken ribs, tuned it back in..

Hope your back on your feet soon, and listen to the "voice" from now on!
Member:
maggienm

Posted on Sunday, May 24, 2009 - 1:23 pm:

oooh Erika,

Ouch, hope you heal quickly.

Funny how we always know we should listen to that little voice and how it is sooo right!

I just bought one of those balls also. Will be sure to introduce thoroughly on the ground before trying mounted work.
Member:
dustee

Posted on Sunday, May 24, 2009 - 1:26 pm:

However, you had your helmet on. I never go anywhere without my helmet, and I have a feeling you are exactly the same way. What would you be feeling like right now if you had said - "oh, I don't need my helmet today".........see, things can always be worse!! Hope you are feeling better soon!
Member:
ajudson1

Posted on Sunday, May 24, 2009 - 2:13 pm:

Oh Erika, OUCH!!

I've been playing with the exercise ball around Tango, but I can't imagine being on any of my horses with that being in the arena, even Cody who was playing with one of the huge horsey ones the first time we saw him. Games on horse back are not my thing any more!

Now, be a good girl, and listen to the voices in your head, all of them, tee hee!

BTW, that reminds me, my mounting "block" (huge log)is shakey, and I need to level it off. Every time I step on it, I think I need to level this thing, before I fall. Or daughter falls.

And helmets, I have been knocked in the head daily lately it seems, just because the horses are tossing their heads from the flies. So far, I either had my helmet on, or just got my cap knocked off. Tango got me good earlier today when I was going to rinse him off after working. His head tore the visor off my helmet.

Rest well, get better soon!
Member:
vickiann

Posted on Sunday, May 24, 2009 - 2:35 pm:

Good grief, Erika.

Thanks for posting a good reminder about not taking shortcuts when new equipment is involved.

Take care.
Member:
erika

Posted on Sunday, May 24, 2009 - 3:48 pm:

Thanks guys, I really wasn't fishing for sympathy--although it always helps! Funny thing, I thought about this as I was doing it. The other day, I think it was Diane, mentioned fear outside the arena. As I read it, I thought, "I hope she doesn't go farther/do more than she's comfortable with". It is easy to think that pushing through fear in a reasonable manner can also mean doing something we're not ready for.

Now see, even though I thought about it ahead of time, I still didn't take my own advice! The last time I had that little voice (only one, Angie!!) and ignored it was about five years ago when I got on a friend's green horse while thinking to myself "I don't want to deal with this horse's problems today".

Yup, that was when I woke up on a helicopter headed to the nearest trauma center. I'm really hoping that yesterday's lesson sticks with me a bit longer than the next five years!

Be careful out there, everyone!! And, Angie, fix that mounting block today.

As for me, I am lying in bed wondering if my horses are being washed away in this monstrous flash flood storm. It's like the end of the world outside!
Erika
Member:
hollyw

Posted on Sunday, May 24, 2009 - 4:08 pm:

Oh, Erika . . . what a wisdom-filled post.
Thank you for the reminder (while laying there flat on your back).

I remember, almost 20 years ago, hearing John Lyons tell the symposium participants to listen to that little voice. He said that most of the time before we get hurt around horses, we have a little warning voice go off in our brains . . . and if we listen to it, we will save ourselves and our horses a lot of grief.

I know I've been guilty of not listening, too.

I have an exercise ball in my arena. It will blow under the arena fence if I leave it loose, but I have it tied by a string (a couple of feet long attached to the "plug") to a wadded up rusty chain that I unearthed when we were combing the arena (didn't want to anchor it in the ground). That way, the ball blows this way and that, and I just work around it as if it isn't there, and the horses aren't bothered by it anymore as they have seen it bounce around and blow in the KS winds. I'm sure that Cleo and the other horses might be more afraid of that vicious ball when you reintroduce it (heck, all h3ll broke loose the last time it was around) but I'm confident that you will handle it expertly next time.
So sorry that you are hurt. Dang . . . not good for us as we get older . . . but today in NJ sounds like a good day to just laze around the house anyway.
Take care. Hugs((((Erika))))
Member:
pattyb

Posted on Sunday, May 24, 2009 - 4:30 pm:

Oh Erika.....thanks so much for sharing your episode with That Darn Ball. I am laying around too, post surgery (Wednesday) and only taking brief trips to the computer.......you should see what I posted on another message board when I got home and everyone wanted to know I was home OK. I must have been drunk as a skunk on pain pills when I wrote that...lol.

So glad you are ok but that was funny (in a sense) now that you're doing well. Your words were so descriptive, I felt like I was standing there watching this unfold thinking out loud "No, don't go there!" The last time I broke my own safety rules, I ended up on a former race horse without knowing it. Next thing I knew, I was on the ground looking up at a tree....... Dummy me, I forgot to ask the history behind the horse before I got on (bareback).

Anyway, glad you're ok........what part of Joisey? I grew up in Freehold, spent the summers in Seaside Park. My grandfather ions ago was once a county judge there in Ocean County.

((((((((((Erika))))))))))
Member:
kpaint

Posted on Sunday, May 24, 2009 - 6:10 pm:

Yes, Many Thanks Erika...I need reminding. I have had so many setbacks preventing me from getting in the saddle the past 12 months I could just stomp my feet and shake my fist in the air...I've had my "new horse" 13 months now and I have been on her back a grand total of four times. Arg. It's been one petty small injury after another for me or for her and add in LIFE outside of my desperately, can't wait to get into it, hobby...and add weather...double arg, stomp, stomp, hrrrumph! So I'm a PRIME candidate probably for wanting to rush it. I'll keep you mind and your warning. Currently I am nursing a torn lcl on my left knee. Growl. Stepped off the tractor two weeks ago wrong and pop, snap--and then a few loud curses at myself. I was so darn mad at me. First thing I said to my husband once I caught my breath was, "I sure hope DIVA HORSE doesn't forget she's broke by the time I get to ride and have a place to ride!@#@!"

So thank you. I will count to ten before I jump into something.

I bought one of the 40" balls also to occupy some horses' time. We are playing a bit in the round pen--on the ground.

Glad you are ok. A pinched nerve in your back and a visit to the ER doesn't sound fun at all.
Member:
frances

Posted on Monday, May 25, 2009 - 5:25 am:

Oh Erika! I always had a certain FEELING about those balls having a dark and evil side ...

Get better soon!
Member:
dtranch

Posted on Monday, May 25, 2009 - 7:24 am:

Erika Darlin ... don't think that is quite what is meant by "follow the bouncing ball". Don't take it so literally next time. Sounds like good advice, listening to that little voice ... but I have so darn many of them it's hard to figure out which one is right.

Hope you had on clean underwear for the trip to hospital.

DT
Member:
ajudson1

Posted on Monday, May 25, 2009 - 8:29 am:

Denny!!

Hope it don't hurt too much to laugh, Erika!
Member:
mrose

Posted on Monday, May 25, 2009 - 11:08 am:

Denny! ROFL!

Erika, good advice. I know from my own experiences that whether it's in training or just bringing horses in from the field, if I try to hurry the process and take "short cuts" that's when I get into trouble.

With a reputation like yours I'm dying to meet you! Sure wish you could make it out this August! I don't know who Denny will be picking on if you don't come!
Member:
maggienm

Posted on Monday, May 25, 2009 - 11:51 am:

Denny,

woohoo,
what everyone was thinking but no one else dared say!
Member:
erika

Posted on Monday, May 25, 2009 - 12:24 pm:

Ha ha ha! Thanks for keeping me entertained, you guys! It sure helps keep the boredom away.

PattyB, I am in northwest NJ, Sussex County. I do like Freehold. Been there for dinner a few times since it is near my sons' high school. I think you should post your post-surgical comments here, too. Nothing like sharing our most embarrassing moments, huh?

Sara, you want me to come to get picked on??!! Be careful what you wish for...never know what an evil east wind might blow your way!

My back is improving, only occasionally excruciating now. I'll be back outside doing more stupid stuff before you know it!
Erika
Member:
canter

Posted on Monday, May 25, 2009 - 8:08 pm:

Erika, sorry to hear of your run in with the ball! Everyone else has offered you words of wisdom so I will just say that I hope you feel better and are up on your feet soon (and don't be in any rush to overdue it, either, or you will be flat on your back again)

Go Easy!
Member:
paardex

Posted on Monday, May 25, 2009 - 8:09 pm:

OK Erika I will bring double underwear arrive by car so both of us will be OK at Sara's place. We will handle Dennis together by teaching him where the rearview mirrors on his truck are so he doesn't forget his wife[or any other passenger] again!
Jos
Member:
lilo

Posted on Monday, May 25, 2009 - 9:27 pm:

Erika - Sorry you got hurt, but so good of you to post and share your experience. I've been there - ignoring that little voice does not pay. And being in a hurry around horses is not good, either.
Wishing you a speedy recovery,
Lilo
Member:
jowidner

Posted on Monday, May 25, 2009 - 11:19 pm:

Yikes Erika! A pinched nerve in the back sounds awfully painful. Oooh.

Thank you for sharing your cautionary tale. Its so easy to get in a hurry with something like that. My little voice is always after me, telling me to take it slow and no shortcuts.

The thing is, sometimes I think that my little voice has just a bit too much to say, and I end up missing out on some things that likely would have been fine. I'm not nearly as bold as I used to be, but then again it takes a lot longer to heal these days!

Denny! Of course she had on clean underwear! The only question is whether or not she was wearing her "signature bloomers"

Gotta keep you smiling through your pain Erika. Hope you feel better soon!
Member:
ekaufman

Posted on Tuesday, May 26, 2009 - 9:30 am:

Ok, I bought one of those darn balls years ago. I bought a spotted one (because it seemed funny to me, and was very cheap). Here is my wisdom to contribute-- not a toy for stallions, not where anyone can see them.

The ball did not survive, but I think it was happy to die.
Member:
erika

Posted on Tuesday, May 26, 2009 - 10:41 am:

Ha ha ha ha! Oh my God! What a vision elk!

You guys are all so funny! Now what have we learned here? I highlight three important concepts:

1.) Listen to the little voices--no matter how many and how contradictory.

2.) Always wear clean underwear.

3.) Check the SIZES when shopping at Wal-mart.

Oh, and for Dennis, I'll add one more:

4.) make sure the wife is loaded up before departing!
Member:
pattyb

Posted on Tuesday, May 26, 2009 - 11:12 am:

Greetings and good morning.

I've bought Jolly Balls over the years......and a few of those giant kid's balls at Walmart but what they found the most entertaining--->an empty milk jug with rocks in it. Like the kid or cat that would rather play with the box the toy came in, keep it cheap, keep it simple....lol.

I haven't bought any recently but I do remember that little voice you all speak of telling me to remove them from any riding areas. So, why is it a horse spooks when you're on their back over the same toy, rock, piece of paper, car horn, motorcycle, tree blowing in the wind that they would normally walk right by otherwise?

Erika....I don't have much to tell post-op wise....other than I will never take another Percocet unless they clamp my mouth open and shove it down my throat. I didn't mind being "drunk" for the first few days but when I started hallucinating a cat that wasn't there on 1/4 dose, I hung it up and went with 2 Tylenols....yikes!

My first follow-up is today and I have my fingers crossed that I will at least be released to the barn. Ziggy is a one person horse and is stressing not knowing where his "momma" is.....and I've reached the point where the walls are closing in. Name a movie and I'll probably be able to tell you who stars in it, where it was filmed, what studio produced it, etc. This laying around stuff is the pitts, I had no idea healing took so much energy..... What an ordeal........
Member:
erika

Posted on Tuesday, May 26, 2009 - 11:21 am:

Patty, where are you in VA? My sister lives in Alexandria.
Member:
maggienm

Posted on Tuesday, May 26, 2009 - 11:53 am:

chuckle chuckle.

I am still waiting for the corral to dry before I introduce the ball.
Member:
sross

Posted on Tuesday, May 26, 2009 - 7:44 pm:

My husband just asked if I was ok as I sit in front of the computer laughing so hard I'm still wiping away tears
Member:
pattyb

Posted on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 - 12:22 am:

Sandra.....have you read Diane's escapades on snowy uphill driveways? You'll need a whole box of tissues for that one.

Erika... I live in Gloucester, Virginia. Twenty minutes by boat to the Mobjack and Chesapeake Bays and a delightful place to live where you can stand in the paddock and listen to horses eating hay while the seagulls fly overhead. As a kid in Joisey, I had to choose horses in Hightstown or seagulls in Seaside Park. Here, you can have both.

Had my first trek out to the barn in a weeks time tonight. Ziggy was glad to see me but you could tell he likes things organized and structured.....poor fella. Once I got in the stall and started brushing him though, he fell right back into our normal routine. Phew, I was concerned it might take him a few days or even a week, he did fine after maybe 10 minutes max. And when "dad" came out, Ziggy told him his momma was back and he didn't need him any more.....whoops. Poor "dad" will never be mom no matter how hard he tries. Dad did his best to take care of the horses but like most men, he's not nearly as attentive as I am (and he doesn't keep treats in his pockets).
Member:
erika

Posted on Friday, May 29, 2009 - 12:19 pm:

Patty, keep your mouth closed when you gaze up at those seagulls!

Okay, so a week after "the incident", I am walking fine as long as I don't twist, or bump into anything unexpectedly. So yesterday I went out to longe Cleo, who is rapidly becoming a Thellwell pony from grass without exercise.

Then I brought out the dreaded ball. She didn't bat an eye this time and immediately walked right up and started pushing it around. I even played catch a little with her, rolling it back and forth to each other. Tried to get it to roll against her side/legs/butt, but she was too quick with the nose.

I don't plan on riding near it until I can toss that thing right at her without a reaction! Missed several days of cool, calm riding weather and I'm annoyed at myself to no end over it.

I'll work on the ground again today, and hopefully soon I will climb back aboard.

BTW, I am absolutely technicolor with all the old bruises turning various shades of purple to green! Oh my!
Erika --the gimpy rainbow girl
Member:
canter

Posted on Friday, May 29, 2009 - 1:07 pm:

Erika, I hope after this, the only rainbows around you are in the sky and not all over your poor battered body!

We had one of these balls at the barn, and Sparkles was fine with it - even when it rolled into her - until I started to bounce it. As I bounced it higher and higher she got a bit wide eyed and tense and when I did roll it into her after that, she did not appreciate it in the least. So, if you haven't already, make sure Cleo is fine with it bouncing as well as rolling and flying through the air.
Member:
erika

Posted on Friday, Jul 3, 2009 - 10:24 am:

GRRR! The ball continues to haunt me. Been having lingering tenderness over my left kidney since the "landing" so doc ordered kidney CT.
Now it turns out, kidney is fine--just bruised, but I have two fractured vertebrae! I am shocked because I have no other pain or motion limitations. But L2 and L4 are busted. They didn't see anything at the ER, but I guess that was X-rays, they only CT'ed my head.

Having a bone density scan next week to determine if it is from the fall (I hope!), or God forbid, osteoporosis! I figure the injury will heal, the other possibility would be a nightmare. Meanwhile I am grounded. So onto the lunge line again.

Sorry if this is too much personal info, but I am quite depressed over this, and can't wait to rule out bone thinning, if we can. I know I've got a messed up spine, what with arthritis, stenosis, eroded disks, blah blah blah, etc. But I feel like nobody gets to Saddlebag status without some corrosion.

If you have a moment, would you mind a little prayer for the cause to be injury vs. osteoporosis?

Thanks,
Erika
Member:
ekaufman

Posted on Friday, Jul 3, 2009 - 11:04 am:

Hi Erika,

Well of course I can't diagnose you, but the words I live by are "sufficient to the day is the evil therein." Borrowed from the other guy's testament, no less, but they are helpful. The data you have includes a hard fall and two broken vertebrae-- it requires no imagination whatsoever to link the two. It's a simple and probable explanation that the fall caused the injury; spinal columns are inconveniently fragile.

If there is something more dreadful lurking, it will worry you in the future sometime, so there's no point feeding it extra days now. In any case, the injury is sufficiently explained w/o another lurking condition.

Just my thoughts.
Member:
leslie1

Posted on Friday, Jul 3, 2009 - 11:05 am:

Arggh Erika
Healing prayers your way. Chances are its from the recent fall.

My mom was just diagnosed with osteoporosis in her hips.
Member:
lilo

Posted on Friday, Jul 3, 2009 - 11:19 am:

Erika, I am thinking about you. I broke my foot last year, almost exactly a year ago. How? Just by pushing off from the ground to hard when mounting, since the gelding hat moved a bit.
I had the bone density scan and was diagnosed with osteopenia (the first stage of bone thinning, not quite osteoporosis). So - I upped my calcium and Vitamin D supplements, drink a little more milk and eat a lot more yogurt. My bone did heal just fine, but my foot still bothers me slightly. And, I try to mount from a mounting block whenever possible.
Yes, I do hope it is caused by injury (quite likely, with the fall you took), but, even if there is some thinning of the bone, there are things that can be done.
You are correct - most of us with saddlebag status have some corrosion ........
Lilo
Member:
scooter

Posted on Friday, Jul 3, 2009 - 11:38 am:

Prayers it was the fall Erika. I fell off Hank last year and my back hurt for months! The joys of owning horses!
Member:
lhenning

Posted on Friday, Jul 3, 2009 - 12:11 pm:

I like they way elk says it better, but us country gals say "don't borrow trouble". Doctors are famous for giving us all the possibilities, but usually the logical one is the truth. It's possible that even though you don't feel pain in that area, the nerves might be fooling you and the pain you do feel is actually caused by the vertibrae.

Sending good karma your way . . .

Linda
Member:
mrose

Posted on Friday, Jul 3, 2009 - 12:12 pm:

Hi Erika, I hope the doctor gave you some good pills so you'll feel a little better and be more willing to rest your back and let it heal.

If you are diagnosed with Osteoporosis, it really isn't the end of the world. I've had it for quite a few years. There are meds you can go on and things you can do to strengthen your bones, and they do respond.

It is unusual for someone who is physically active, particularly if you do weight bearing activities, like lifting bags of grain and hay bales , to get osteo unless there are other factors involved. In my case, I've always been allergic to dairy products and never had them even when I was pg. I also didn't take added calcium until fairly late in life. If I hadn't been so active, I would have osteo much worse. My doctor has me on calcium, Vit D, and other supplements, as well as miacalcin and Boniva plus hormones. My bone density in 5 yrs. has become almost normal. So...there is hope. Don't worry about the osteo. Glad you're getting the scan so you'll know for sure and can get busy correcting it if you do have it.

As said before, vertebra crack pretty easily without osteo. You just have to hit hard enough at the right angle. They usually heal "good as new" if you take care and follow the doctor's orders. btw...did the doctor say you can lunge a horse? Pulling on the muscles up and down your spine might affect the vertebra also.
Member:
vickiann

Posted on Friday, Jul 3, 2009 - 1:33 pm:

Down time can be really hard to handle but there is no choice when something has to heal.

Try to find some related, cheerful activities that leave you with some sense of accomplishment as you keep your focus on the day that you will be back on top of your horses again.

You are very fortunate that your kidney and other organs are okay.

Hoping for rapid healing for you.
Member:
paardex

Posted on Friday, Jul 3, 2009 - 3:20 pm:

Thinking of you Erika! You are so right you don't get to be a saddlebag without SOME wear and tear!
If you count all the falls etc and pounds we lifted it is some kind of a miracle we can get out of bed on our own!
Jos
Member:
erika

Posted on Friday, Jul 3, 2009 - 4:52 pm:

Well, thanks, sisters. You're absolutely right about not worrying about what I don't know! I often say "Don't mourn your loss until it happens" so I guess I am not taking my own advice.

Glad to hear that osteoporosis is reversible. I guess if it turns out to be that , it would be a blessing in disguise to get it early.

I appreciate the moral support. Don't worry about a tug on the lunge, Sara. Cleo is a lazy girl and the worst I usually get is to have to chase her out to get out the slack. Pulling would be WAAAY too much effort for her to offer!

A funny little aside: Doctor said "No riding, I don't want you bouncing around". I laughed at him and tried to explain that I DON'T "bounce around" in the saddle! I told him the only bouncing I do is when I fall off! But, since I couldn't guarantee that either, I'm grounded for the week. (These are the same docs that think riding is only exercise for the horse.) Thanks again. I guess the waiting is the hard part. I'll let you know what happens.
Erika
Member:
mrose

Posted on Friday, Jul 3, 2009 - 5:39 pm:

Erika, you need different doctors! My primary care doctor raises and jumps warm bloods, and my orthopedic doc owns race horses, and the surgeon that's worked on me has QHs! They are all much more sympathetic to riding. My primary doctor even wrote a script for me to give to Lonnie that said I need to spend more time in the barn and on my horses and that house work was bad for my health!
Member:
canter

Posted on Friday, Jul 3, 2009 - 7:11 pm:

Hey Erika,

Sorry to hear about your back. If you are worried about osteoporosis, as others have said, getting a bone density test will answer that question for you. Being caucasian and female puts you (and others with the same demographics) at risk (other risk factors are slim build, smoking, Oriental) The test takes less than a couple of minutes and is painless. The bisphosphonates (such as Boniva) can help reverse osteoporosis, as long as they are taken in conjunction with calcium & vit D.

It is most definitely reversible, so get diagnosed so you can either put your mind at rest or get the proper treatment.

In the meantime, take it easy and give yourself a chance to heal.
Member:
rtrotter

Posted on Friday, Jul 3, 2009 - 9:53 pm:

Erika,

Sounds to me like you are on the mend and things that could be serious are going to the bottom of the list. Your post made me think about all the injuries I've gotten over the years. The latest being a kick in the head and a kick on the hand with me trying to escape my horses stall.

All because I trusted her a bit too much. She has occasionally gone wacko on my husband but its usually after a race and never in her stall and she is usually perfect when you do not put her on crossties. Well, I guess 2 days ago wasn't a good day for her and as I reached down to pull off one of her front leg wraps she squealed put on her attack face and kicked me with her back leg, she was quite coordinated, me,well she scared me s---less. I couldn't get out of the stall fast enough. The only good thing is at least I found the trigger for the bad behavior, pain. Specifically her right knee, so she is on vacation until the knee heals and hopefully she will be normal once again.

Please take care of yourself.
Rachelle
Member:
maggienm

Posted on Friday, Jul 3, 2009 - 10:36 pm:

Erika, thought control is way harder than any horse training.

Focus on today.

Praying for your healing and peace.
Member:
dres

Posted on Saturday, Jul 4, 2009 - 2:14 am:



On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots..
Member:
npo33901

Posted on Saturday, Jul 4, 2009 - 8:42 am:

Sympatise with you Erica, wish you fast healing.........

Lilo, don't you take FOSAMAX ? It is necessary to proces Vitamin D And Calcium . Please inform about this !!

Fran, what is BONIVA ?

I've been told, Ostioporoses can never reverse, we can only to stop the process or get worse .

AM.
Member:
rtrotter

Posted on Saturday, Jul 4, 2009 - 9:09 am:

Fame,
The most recent Sally Field( Flying Nun, Gidget) commercials for Boniva ( probably similar to Fosamax) has been stating that the product stops and reverses bone loss.

Rachelle
Member:
lilo

Posted on Saturday, Jul 4, 2009 - 9:55 am:

Hi Fame - no, I do not take FOSAMAX. Since I do not have osteoporosis yet, my prescription reads for Calcium (with Vitamin D3) and weight-bearing exercise. I try to walk (mostly to the barn and back ....), also on the treadmill at the rec center.
I will get another bone scan next year, and see if it helped. I do have to be honest - I am trying to avoid prescription medicines whenever possible.
Lilo
Member:
mrose

Posted on Saturday, Jul 4, 2009 - 2:19 pm:

Fame, I don't take Fosamax either, just the Boniva. I should go on line and look at the differences in the drugs, but I think the main difference is that Boniva you only take once a month. I think the Fosamox you have to take daily, don't you? I had scans every year and now every two years unless my doctor thinks I should have one for some reason. My density started improving after the first year on the supplements and Boniva.
Member:
canter

Posted on Saturday, Jul 4, 2009 - 4:02 pm:

Boniva and Fosamax are both bisphosphonates - same class of drug for reversing bone loss. Sara, there are a few differences, but mostly it has to do with dosage. Boniva is monthly, Fosamax, I cannot remember the dosage. There are a few other brands out there as well, one is an injection, rather than a pill.

All these drugs have been tested effective ONLY when taken with calcium and vit D, so just because one is on one of them (bisphosphonates), doesn't mean you can stop taking the others.

Fame, the calcium (+D, helps in the absorption of the calcium) helps prevent osteoporosis, as does weight bearing exercise and a good diet...the bisphosphonates actually help treat it and will "re-build" some bone.

My Mom is also on Boniva, and her bone density testing has improved greatly in 2 years.

Fame, since you are not in the US, my guess is you are not seeing the same commercials on TV for these (and other drugs) that we see here...some of them may not be yet available in your country.
Member:
jowidner

Posted on Sunday, Jul 5, 2009 - 12:13 am:

Erika, I hope you feel better soon, and that osteoporosis is not an issue. As others have said, if caught early it can be treated very readily.

For those of you interested in learning more about osteoporosis, bisphosphonates and other treatments, here is a great web site:

https://www.nof.org

Sara, I know that your husband is an avid cyclist like mine. This article was in the NYT health section:

https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/01/is-bicycling-bad-for-your-bones/?em
Member:
jowidner

Posted on Sunday, Jul 5, 2009 - 12:21 am:

PS. Fosamax is weekly. The NOF website has a nice comparison chart under Medications.
Member:
erika

Posted on Sunday, Jul 5, 2009 - 10:53 am:

Very interesting about the bicycling , since my aunt (who is now in the nursing home for osteoporosis of her spine) was always a big cyclist! Miles and miles every day--we used to hum the Wicked Witch of the West song when she'd take off and be gone for hours!
Erika
Member:
mrose

Posted on Sunday, Jul 5, 2009 - 11:52 am:

I don't know that cycling is helpful for osteo as it isn't weight bearing. But, it's excellent for your heart and lungs! It made my wrists and ankles hurt, which I think is weird. Maybe Lonnie needs to further adjust my seat height.
Member:
jowidner

Posted on Sunday, Jul 5, 2009 - 6:26 pm:

Yes, that article was interesting. They pointed out that these were professional cyclists who train for hours day in and day out, so they do put their bodies through a lot of stress that even a serious recreational cyclist wouldn't experience. Still, it was enough for me to get after hubby once again to take his calcium and vitamin D!

And yes Sara, I agree cycling is great for cardiovascular health, but not so good for the skin with all that sun and wind exposure.

About your wrists and ankles: There is quiet an art to bicycle fit, not just seat height but the length of the stem, height of the handlebars, and the overall geometry of the bike. And then there is not doing too much, too soon, which can be hard when one's hubby is already in great shape and has the ability to ride comfortably for hours!
Member:
mrose

Posted on Sunday, Jul 5, 2009 - 7:43 pm:

Thanks for posting the websites,JoAnn. I'm forwarding the bicycle one to Lonnie so he can read it...inbetween hours spent watching Tours de France!

Lonnie had already adjusted the bike for me, but did adjust the seat height again. I think the main reason my my wrist and ankles hurt is lack of riding. My idea of "starting slow" is a ride a mile or two long!

I wonder though, now that I think about it, if my lopsided riding style, which I constantly fight on horseback, carries over to the bicycle so I'm putting too much weight on one wrist? Ever since I hurt my ankle I catch myself trying to protect it. Perhaps one type of riding will help the other.

PattyB, I just reread your post and your discription of the area sounds so idylic, like a scene from "Misty" the Chincoteague pony! Are you near those islands?
Member:
npo33901

Posted on Monday, Jul 6, 2009 - 2:00 pm:

All very interesting about osteoporoses . Will ask my Dr. about changing Fosamax ( I take it weekly ) to Bonivia . It would be f a n t a s t i c , if my bones could get stronger !!! Yes, weight bearing excercise is the best - weight lifting - experts say . Boring stuff .
We do watch CNN (my husband is South African, english). But not US commercials here .
Erica, hope you are feeling better .
Member:
canter

Posted on Monday, Jul 6, 2009 - 2:47 pm:

You don't need to lift weight to gain the benefits of weight bearing exercise, Fame. Simply walking or jogging, aerobics, tennis, soccer...any of these are considered weight bearing sports.

(I regret that riding can't be considered weight bearing,...but then again perhaps the acts of grooming, lifting tack could be...)
Member:
mrose

Posted on Monday, Jul 6, 2009 - 4:57 pm:

Riding may not be weight bearing, but boy, lifting hay bales and feed bags, cleaning stalls and dumping manure sure are!

Fame, the only "down side" to the Boniva is that you have to take it on an empty stomach and wait one hour before eating. I cheat a little and have my coffee before taking it. The other thing is you have to remain in an upright position for an hour after taking it also. I don't find either of these to be a problem, but I guess it could be for some people.

Does anyone know if they make a liquid calcium supplement? The hardest thing for me to do is swallow those huge calcium pills.
Member:
erika

Posted on Monday, Jul 6, 2009 - 5:06 pm:

Sara, I like the Viactive Calcium Chews in Fudge flavor. To me they are like candy!

But then, my friend thinks they are vile--go figure. Worth a try, though.
Member:
dustee

Posted on Monday, Jul 6, 2009 - 5:18 pm:

Hi, all - my doctor (who rides and is over 55, and female) told me that sitting trot is considered a "weight bearing" exercise - - for what it's worth...
Member:
canter

Posted on Monday, Jul 6, 2009 - 6:16 pm:

Well, that's good news, Dustylin...guess I'll have to keep working on my sitting trot!

Sara, in addition to Viactiv, quite a few other brands have chewable tablets in assorted fruit -like flavors (OsCal has a lemon chiffon flavor). I can't swallow those horse pills either and am horrible in taking any pills. I better stay healthy or I'm in trouble as someone will have to hold me down to get me to take my meds, unless they hook me up to a portable I.V...
Member:
ajudson1

Posted on Monday, Jul 6, 2009 - 6:30 pm:

I like the chocolate Cal chews too. No matter how I take Calcium, I always feel sick to my stomach for a few minutes afterwards. I've even had to head to the bathroom I felt so ill! A few dry crackers helped, but still...yuck!
Member:
ajudson1

Posted on Monday, Jul 6, 2009 - 6:33 pm:

Fran,

There are some good liquid and powdered multi vits that are pretty good. I take half oj, and half water, and mix as much as I can in it so I don't have to swallow pills. Only hubby can swallow a handfull of assorted vitamins at one time, the rest of us choke.
Member:
sodmonst

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 7, 2009 - 9:27 am:

Target has "gumDrOp" calcium for adults in the vitamin section, also little D3 gummies, C gummies, Omega 3 gummies, and multivita gummies.
Yum.
Member:
mrose

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 7, 2009 - 10:18 am:

I'm going to keep my eyes open for the chews and gummy balls. Maybe Wallie World has them. We don't have Target.
Member:
ajudson1

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 7, 2009 - 10:35 am:

Only thing I found with the yummy gummies is they are lacking in amount of some vitamins & minerals. But I think calcium ones are better.

I love to use Spirit-tein powder in smoothies to add vitamins to our diet.
Member:
npo33901

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 7, 2009 - 10:54 am:

We have here also huge pills - but the must be dissolved in your mouth and they are sweet - like to take them after dinner as a "desert".
Member:
erika

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 8, 2009 - 8:32 pm:

I got good news today! My bone density test came up just fine, so evidently the fractures were caused by the fall, and just must have been missed in the ER. No osteoporosis!.

So, since it has been about six weeks, and I haven't had any more pain for some time. I am back in the saddle tomorrow!! Yay! Being on the ground isn't so safe either...Cleo stepped on my foot yesterday after groundwork. I have two purple toes and a toenail threatening to fall off, but I can take the weight off it by riding! LOL!

Need some fun because my younger Windhound came in last night extremely agitated and stinking to high heaven from a direct skunk spray!! I don't know what this skunk eats, but it smelled more like burning rubber than skunk. EEEEWW! I even got up and check for smoke in the house. Then I banished the dog from my room and tried to sleep through the stench he had wiped on every surface of the house!

So, lots of Febreeze, CarpetFresh,and lemon Pine sol we can finally breathe, but haven't washed the dog yet, so I'll probably do it all again tomorrow.

In my experience there isn't much that helps the smell on the dog. A bath just makes it wet, not any fresher. Yuck.

But I am glad to be back in action. There is a hunt clinic and a hunter pace this weekend that I was crossing my fingers to be able to participate.

Erika
Member:
ekaufman

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 8, 2009 - 8:55 pm:

Yay Erika!

My rottweiler thinks skunks are oreos. You absolutely can get the smell out with the following mixture:

* 1 quart (or liter) of 3% HyDrOgen Peroxide, H2O2. Use fresh (unopened) hyDrOgen peroxide (H2O2). HyDrOgen peroxide eventually turns into water (H2O).
* 1/4 cup (50 ml.) of Baking Soda
* 1 teaspoon (5 ml.) of Liquid Soap
* 1 pair of plastic or latex gloves (for your hands, of course)
Member:
rtrotter

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 8, 2009 - 9:01 pm:

Erika,

That's good news about you, but bad news about the dog. Someone once told me that tomato juice works on dogs, something about the acidity in the tomato juice neutralizes the smell of the skunk. Never tried it, but I can't imagine having to live with that smell for any period of time. I'd try anything to get rid of the smell.
Rachelle
Member:
erika

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 8, 2009 - 10:24 pm:

Recipe exchange, ha ha! Rachelle, I did a search for deskunking, and most of the posts said the tomato juice does nothing for the smell, just turns your dog pink! Simon's black, so he may end up a victim.

Elizabeth, I saw that one too, but my friend said it didn't do a whole lot more than just waiting either. I may try it though, because Simon stinks SO bad. Even his breath smells like burnt rubber! I shot him with Febreeze before I saw "Do not use on animals". He still stinks...

I don't have a cat, and my dogs are too big for this method, but here's a good one I found:

HOW TO WASH A CAT:there is no pain involved in washing your cat if you follow these instructions:


Thoroughly clean the toilet.

Add the required amount

of shampoo to the toilet water,

and have both lids lifted.

Obtain the cat and soothe him

while you carry him towards

the bathroom.

In one smooth movement,

put the cat in the toilet

and close both lids.

There is no need to scrub as

the cat will self agitate.

(you may need to stand on

the lid so that he cannot escape).

When the cat has raised a good

amount of suds,

Flush the toilet three or four times.



Have someone open the door

to the outside and ensure

that there are no people

between the toilet and the

outside door.

Stand behind the toilet as far

as you can, and quickly lift both lids.

The now-clean cat will rocket out of the toilet, and run outside where he will dry himself.


Sincerely, The DOG
Member:
ajudson1

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 8, 2009 - 11:05 pm:

LOL! Love the how to clean a cat story!

Reminded me of this:

The other night there was a mouse in my grain (garbage) can. So I put the Buster the cat in there, and loosely put the lid on, gave him time to catch his dinner. He did some scrambling which was apparently him trying to escape because when I took the lid off, he was sitting there, the mouse crawling around under him!

I lowered the can towards the floor, Buster strolled out, mouse ran out. Sigh.

Probably pay back for me moving him from the house to barn.

For the skunked dog, try some good pet shampoo with a few DrOps of Tea Tree oil added. Of course the way Tea Tree oil smells, maybe you'd prefer the skunk smell.

Working baking soda in his fur will help too. We do that with our lab in the winter.

Glad the back in going to be o.k.! A few bruised toes isn't as serious as a cracked back.

Anyone got a cure for canker sores? I got head butted by one of the horses, and I can't remember the last time I have been in so much pain1 Just a teeny sore on my lip where lip and tooth met. I am talking really funny lately! (No comment from NJ folks needed....Lee....)

So far, baking POWDER is helping for a short period of time.

Be careful Erika!
Member:
canter

Posted on Thursday, Jul 9, 2009 - 7:16 am:

Good news about your bone density Erika. We've often joked here on HA about bubble wrapping our horses to prevent injury. I think it might be a good idea for YOU! Stay in one (whole) piece, will you??
Member:
lilo

Posted on Thursday, Jul 9, 2009 - 9:23 am:

Good news, Erika!! Have fun riding, Lilo
Member:
npo33901

Posted on Thursday, Jul 9, 2009 - 5:15 pm:

great news - You must be VERY happy !!
Member:
jowidner

Posted on Thursday, Jul 9, 2009 - 6:23 pm:

Yea! Happy trails!
Member:
vickiann

Posted on Friday, Jul 10, 2009 - 4:14 pm:

Glad to hear that you are back to riding, Erika!

Our son did the tomato juice on his Labrador not too long ago and thought it successful but I sure like the sound of elk's remedy.

Angie, for the canker sore, try "abreva."
Member:
mrose

Posted on Monday, Jul 13, 2009 - 12:09 am:

Good news, Erika! Angie, ambusol, or what ever that stuff is they sell for teething babies works good for mouth/lip pain; although it doesn't last very long. If you have a friendly dentist or doctor he/she might give you a little bit of xylocaine ointment to keep on hand for such emergencies. It's great to have on hand for removing splinters, too.
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