Asd/adhd, diet, smoking and osteopenia

[Mabelface]

Morning all.

I'm a late diagnoses, now 52. I've just been diagnosed with osteopenia. I need to quit smoking and improve my diet. Smoking is part of my rituals and I'm orally fixated. Vapes just don't do it and I'm scared to lose something that's a big part of me. Diet isn't good, instant gratification food is my go to and it has to be safe and familiar.

Anyone successfully won these battles? I'm overwhelmed right now at just the thought of changing.

Re: osteopenia - are you on HRT?

I am, yes, and also prescribed high dose vitamin d3. I already have an appointment at the msk clinic next week as I have arthritis in my hips. Osteoporosis is genetic in the female side of my family. My mum has lost 6 inches in height and has scoliosis. I'm a tad concerned!

That's really good news that you're on HRT. I can appreciate your concerns as I have a couple of friends with osteoporosis, diagnosed in their 40's, and have witnessed their struggles. Both of these women have osteoporosis in their family. They have regular bone scans and since starting HRT their bone density has not deteriorated.

I'm sorry I don't have any advice about stopping smoking. Perhaps when you're seen at the MSK clinic they may have some information to help? It's extremely hard to break habits (I know only too well due to my 'addiction' to Haribo and shit such as these sweets) when there's sensory seeking and/or rituals involved.

Are you able to exercise? Swimming? I get it if not as my idea of hell is a public swimming pool 😖

Ugh, public exercise. 🤣 I query from home, so make sure I go for a walk every day after. Can't do brisk walking anymore though due to arthritic hips. I'm reasonably slim too, more accident than design!