Back in 2015, after my first DEXA, my primary care provider announced, “You have osteopenia. Your bones are thinning.” I was only 52. I dismissively waved my hand, more concerned about the multiple health conditions I was juggling and a weakening pelvic floor and left hip that had rendered me mobility challenged and exhausted. I also have Crohn’s, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, P.O.T.S., and Ehlers-Danlos Hypermobility. I was using a mobility scooter to go the distance whenever we shopped or did activities with the family.

I was only 28 when diagnosed with osteoporosis. I was a Pilates instructor at the time, and a teacher of teachers, training future instructors and leading a curriculum on special conditions including osteoporosis. So, my shock at the news was seismic.

I’m Victoria, 70 years old and a lucky, lucky person. I live on California’s Central Coast, one of the most salubrious places on the planet. Mild weather enables me to enjoy vigorous 1-2 hour walks and 2 mile swims in outdoor pools. Farmers’ markets are plentiful, and local wines are award winning. So here I am, slim, a disciplined exercise-person, with an impeccable healthy diet. I am a registered dietitian doing everything we’re told is good to help prevent osteoporosis. Then lo-and-behold, I was diagnosed with osteoporosis, not just osteoporosis, but severe osteoporosis with extreme risk for a fracture by sneezing or bending over to put on my shoes. What? Seriously? How can that be?