Joan: Overcoming Obstacles

Osteopenia was not the biggest obstacle Joan has had to deal with… “it was the summer of 2000 and I had been looking forward to a visit from my daughter. A short time after picking her up at the airport I started to feel unwell. By the evening I was coughing up blood and by the end of the day I was in the intensive care unit (ICU) breathing by means of a respirator. Over the next three weeks, totally immobilized, I was given numerous blood transfusions while they tried to find the source of bleeding from my kidneys and lungs. They told my husband and kids that I had a 20% chance of survival.

When I was transferred to the ward, my doctor anticipated another month in the hospital before I would be strong enough to go home but I was out after a week.”

“My doctor attributed my recovery to my fitness level. I remember distinctly having him tell me that because I had been in such good shape, my body was better able to handle the stress of the illness.” Joan exclaimed proudly.

During the 6 months of recovery and while in ICU, I was on bone density depleting drugs. This is one of the reasons that I am so concerned about the health of my bones.

They never came up with an official diagnosis. Joan was discharged with 50% function of her kidneys, osteopenia and the determination to make the most of each day and each opportunity life brings.

“I have followed Margaret's program over the past 4 years to work on my balance, strength and flexibility. I know that Margaret's program provides me with the latest research findings related to building bone through exercise.” Joan says confidently.

When asked why she exercises she is quick to answer: “exercise allows me to play effortlessly with my grandson and provides me with the ability to pursue new interests and opportunities that come up!”

“Following the safe and effective exercise program Margaret developed for me gives me piece of mind”.