Connect
← Return to What would you do? Medication.
Discussion
What would you do? Medication.
Osteoporosis & Bone Health | Last Active: May 21 9:55am | Replies (232)Comment receiving replies
@babs10 Forteo builds quality bone. It is an anabolic. Prolia, on the other hand, is an anti-resorptive which affects turnover. It is very hard to get off, and my docs try to avoid using Prolia at this point because of the intense rebound.
In my experience falls have not caused fractures. Instead twisting and bending do. But that's me. I did have a spinal fracture a long time ago from a truly traumatic fall when my back landed on the corner of steps, but my DEXA was okay then. I used to think the same way: I fell and nothing happened so my bones must be okay. Then I made one unwise movement (with DEXA's similar to yours) and got 2-3 lumbar fractures- so painful and disabling. I only say that to encourage you to try a med!
Forteo is a good drug. You follow it with Reclast or Fosamax, but those "lock in" gains and you can probably take a med break after one or two doses. If you for any reason cannot tolerate Forteo, you might get authorization for Tymlos, which I prefer because the dose is adjustable and can be ramped up. But many tolerate Forteo just fine. These meds both give excellent gains.
You can do a trabecular bone score with a DEXA to ascertain bone quality if you can find a place that does that, but with -3.5 not sure how relevant that is!
You might want to look into Keith McCormick's book "Great Bones" or Dr. Ben Leder's video "Combinations and Sequencing" on YouTube.
I am a fan of Tymlos. I am struggling with Evenity. Grateful for my two years on Tymlos and Forteo is similar. For either the companies also offer financial assistance if you meet income guidelines. I got 18 months of Tymlos for free.
Replies to "@babs10 Forteo builds quality bone. It is an anabolic. Prolia, on the other hand, is an..."
Thank you so much for weighing in. Since my insurance only covers Forteo (after rejecting Prolia), I might be stuck. Maybe doctor's can appeal if there is a bad reaction? I weigh 125 pounds and recently read a post somewhere that rightly said people at 125 lbs shouldn't have the same dose as someone who weighs 170 lbs so being able to adjust the dose does make good sense with the Tymlos.
I haven't read Keith McCormick's books yet, but have watched some of his videos. I find him especially credible because he is not straight anti-medication. He understands that some people need and will benefit from it. Do you happen to know if he ever took any medication? I'm not clear on that.
I don't meet he income guidelines for Forteo so my fee is going to be $1920 a month. Let that sink in...absurd. There is a cap of $8000 and nothing due after that, but our system needs an overhaul, that's for sure.
Thank you so much for weighing in. Much appreciated.
windyshores,
Bending and twisting is my biggest fear. I had PT last year after my total hip replacement and I told the PT that osteoporosis was my bigger concern. When I told him that I needed help avoiding a BLT (bend,lift,twist), he didn’t know what I was talking about. I explained that I must pick up my 12 pound, blind, elderly dog several times a day. He taught me how to do this correctly. So far, so good.
Can you explain how you are struggling with Evenity? Side effects? Approval? One reason I hesitate to start Tymlos is because I am not yet convinced of the best follow up.
Connect
You are a wealth of information and encouragement for trying Tymlos. I appreciate all the information you share. I consider you a role model if/when I go down the medication route! Thank you!