I reversed osteoporosis without drugs
I had my bone quality test yesterday along with another bone density test. This was my third bone density test in 14 months.
My first bone density test was Nov 2021.
I started consulting with different doctors. If I must take meds I would. But I had to get to the truth.
The physician who appeared to know the most is Keith McCormick DC the chiropractor who got osteoporosis at a very young age and really understands it.
That first DEXA scan showed I had mild osteoperosis of the spine, within the margin of error.
So no McCormick said to take the CTX (blood) test and a few others.
CTX was good.
My CTX shows that the osteoclasts are not breaking down too much bone. therefore, my next bone density test shouldn’t show that that I am much worse.
I decided not to wait until 2 years for another scan and took
I took another bone density (aka DEXA) scan 10/2022 to see if that was true about the CTX.
My spine was actually better in that scan and it was now osteopenia.
My hip was a little worse bringing it outside the margin of error. McCormick said this was a tough call so I said to him why don’t I get a bone quality test (that he told me about) and I figured that will buy me a little time anyway lol.
Unfortunately, the bone quality test only measures the spine.
Since it’s unusual for your spine to get better and your hip to get worse, it made me think - what have I done differently since the last test? Why would my spine improve but not my hip? What is my spine doing that my hip is not?
I decided it had to be the Supernatural virtual reality exercise app that I exercise to (on the oculus quest VR helmet). Even though I am striking the air, there actually is resistance, and I push hard to hit it as powerfully as I can.
I decided to put weights on my ankles. Everything I read says weight training should be once or twice a week, and I certainly only did it once.
Back to yesterday and the bone quality (TBS) test and yet another bone density (DEXA) test.
My hip was back to where it was on the first test. This put me back inside the margin of error where I would not have to take medication
This demonstrated to me that the CTX score did in fact mean I'm not losing density quickly.
Yesterday's test shows that my spine continued to improve and my bone density score was no longerosteopenia. It was normal. My bone quality test was great. The tech really loved it and called me over to show me how I was completely in the green meaning It was normal which is a little unusual at my age, 74, altogether.
I may be wrong about supernatural helping.
I’ll probably take the DEXA again in six months because I am anxious to see how the hip does, and if it improves even more.
And if so, I’ll turn myself into a study. 😂
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.
Yes, so many variables can contribute to osteoporosis. However, as far as exercise, its been clinically proven to build bone - look up the Liftmor clinical trials- but they were lifting HEAVY and only supervised by trained physical therapists. Onero is the name of the program in Australia where they are having real success in building bone in post menopausal older women, some who had previously fractured . Several of these programs are now in the US but only about 4 - on the east coast. Hope for more. I suggest looking them up for what exercise is effective.
thank you. I'm familiar with both. Lifting heavy weights is pretty challenging as I weight train 3x a week and can not be supervised due to cost. So I lift the heaviest weight I can manage.
(by the way, alignment/form in the Liftmor trial videos on some of the participants was pretty awful. they are lucky did not fracture)
I had issues with MK4, was considering MK7, so thanks for info.
I do a combo of D3 and MK-7 but only 45mcg of the latter. I think people may take too much.
I was wondering the same. After I regulate hormones, I will try the smaller dose of MK-7. Thanks!
to sheilad1
I would like to comment more about your achievement. It brings a hope to many of us, the patients with the same diagnosis. Thank you again for sharing your story. Would you please, share also which supplements you took during the period after which the improvements in your spine were demonstrated. I have osteoporosis in spine as well, and it would be reassuring to follow you.
I am also in the 90 - 95 percentile for women on my heart, but not one of the three cardiologists I've seen has mentioned not taking calcium. The only concern came up when I started investigating Evenity, The rheumatologist I saw recently found two studies that showed that Evenity can potentially make coronary calcium worse. He wasn't quite willing to take a hard line against Evenity for me based on those studies, though.
I am impressed that you have been able to make improvements to your bones with a WFPB diet and exercise. My brother is a huge fan of this diet and has been trying to get me to try it. I'm quite okay with just eating plants and grains, but I'd have a hard time giving up my kefir, yogurt, milk and cheese. Those are my staples.
Also, thank you for the advice on kale powder. I will have to look for that.
It's been over a year since your last post. Would you please give us an update on how your next DEXA scan went?
Take good care!
After I had the TBS and it was GREEN - normal I won't be having another scan for a year.
I think dairy is ok. Especially yogurt which is high in calcium and it's OK with my cardiologist.
Awesome. Happy to hear this.
Your are so lucky to have found Dr. McCormick when you were 1st diagnosed.
Would you please consider posting the results of your bone turnover marker tests. I desperately trying to get a better understanding of my BTM labs and my endocrinologist is zero help—he only ordered them because I requested the tests.
@fearfracture there is apparently a lot of controversy on bone marker tests. My main endo doesn't use them and said there could be a whole conference on this one issue. He said that the markers don't give the whole picture on what is going on in our bones. I saw another endo who does use them, but with caution, and at one point had my PCP order them for Dr. McCormick.
My bone markers have not really matched up with expectations or matched my results, I think they are good to do but we shouldn't rely on them too much. Just my view after talking with all these providers and reading etc.