What would you do? Medication.

Posted by babs10 @babs10, Feb 12 7:18pm

Hi, I am interested in lay people opinions given I have received so much conflicting advice from MDs. It’s astounding and I’m sure I am not the only person who is confused and wary about any decision I make.

I am 68 years old and have significant OP – my T score is a -3.5. I was diagnosed in October. I knew I was genetically predisposed so have regularly exercised since my 20s and have maintained a healthy diet. Since the diagnosis, I have upped the frequency of weight lifting and the use of resistance bands and I am doing what has been advised in terms of diet and supplements.

My Plan D insurance will only cover Prolia and Forteo. I have decided against Prolia and am reluctant to start Forteo. Backing up a little, I enjoy adventurous vacations such bicycle trips and strenuous, long hikes. In September, for example, I hiked a portion of the Camino de Santiago. While training, I slipped and fell three times on big rocks and didn’t break anything. Last year, I took a bicycle trip in Europe. I tried out an electric bike which got away from me and I took a hard fall – it hurt, but no fractures. I know that my bone density is low as reflected by my low T score, but I also believe the quality of my bones is good, and the DEXA score is only part of the equation. One of my doctors said, “Oh, you did your own DEXA test.”

Like everyone, I want to avoid a fracture more than anything so I am willing to consider Forteo, but here is my concern: Is there a chance I might hurt the integrity of my bones by going on it? Might I inadvertently worsen my own situation by taking medication just to improve my DEXA score?

I also want a life plan that needs to last maybe 30 more years. We take a medication for a year or two, then switch to another medication for a year or two. Then what?? None of the MDs I have talked to have had a satisfactory answer. Maybe they are waiting for new drugs to hit the market.

I’m really struggling with the decision. I know I am the only person who can make it, and I will have to be responsible for the outcome, but I would really like to hear what thoughts others have. Thanks so much - any input is welcome.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

@glojo

I have not had an unfortunate experience…YET, thank goodness, but I work with a very experienced and cautious personal trainer. With. -3.2 lumbar and -1.9 femur, I started about 18 months ago with mostly 5 and 8 pound dumbbells and am presently using mostly 12, 15 and 20 pounders. I use these with squats, overhead presses, curls, deadlifts, rows, lunges, etc. I workout once a week with the trainer and duplicate the exercises at home. Since I do not have a barbell set, I’m not using that yet, but I have used a couple of machines at his gym….inclined leg press up to my own weight, and a few cable exercises with anything from 30-60 pounds. So nothing too ridiculously heavy, a very small start and very gradual increase, and adapting when needed for weak wrists and an occasional cranky knee. The MOST important thing is FORM and learning to properly use your core, which requires someone with experience to spot you and give feedback with consistent prompting. I would never attempt anything like this without professional guidance. It’s the best money I have ever spent!

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How did you go about finding a trainer? Seems like a simple question, but I am not having any luck finding one!

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@babs10

I have a few follow up questions after watching your presentation - do you prefer I post them here or would you prefer I message you privately? I don't see the option to send a private message on the forum so I'd need your email address (I guess?).

Thanks.

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You can post them here, private message, or send me an email if you like. It will not let me post my email here, but it is on the first slide of the presentation in the video. Mike

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Ok great. I'm just headed to the gym (yay) and will be in touch later. Thanks so much.

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@michaellavacot

You can post them here, private message, or send me an email if you like. It will not let me post my email here, but it is on the first slide of the presentation in the video. Mike

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Hi @michaellavacot, posting personal contact information on the public forum is not advised. While you, @babs10 and others can use secure private messaging, I would like to point out that by sharing on the forum, your collective messages benefit many and we can all learn from each other.

Mayo Clinic Connect, as you can see, is a welcoming online community where patients and caregivers share their experiences, find support and exchange information with others. No one is an expert and, at the same time, we're all experts by experience. It is a collective that brings mutiple perspectives.

You can read more in the Community Guidelines about medical advice and more:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/

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@colleenyoung

Hi @michaellavacot, posting personal contact information on the public forum is not advised. While you, @babs10 and others can use secure private messaging, I would like to point out that by sharing on the forum, your collective messages benefit many and we can all learn from each other.

Mayo Clinic Connect, as you can see, is a welcoming online community where patients and caregivers share their experiences, find support and exchange information with others. No one is an expert and, at the same time, we're all experts by experience. It is a collective that brings mutiple perspectives.

You can read more in the Community Guidelines about medical advice and more:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/

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Hi, and thank you for the information. I was going to message him privately, and I looked up how to do that in the instructions, but there was no link by his name as I expected there would be. I also tried clicking on the envelope in the upper right hand corner, but all that came up was a private message sent to me. I didn't see how to generate a new one to him or anyone else. Any ideas?

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@babs10

How did you go about finding a trainer? Seems like a simple question, but I am not having any luck finding one!

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I had to search for awhile. I checked the local hospitals and was lucky to find a strength training class at one hospital rehab center that was offered to anyone. At the end of the six weeks I signed on for individual sessions. So maybe check local hospitals, or start with your gym staff or other members. They don’t have to be experts in osteoporosis, but they need to be experienced working with an older population and willing to listen. You can always change.educate yourself first about safe movements. Sherri Betz is a good online start.

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@glojo

I had to search for awhile. I checked the local hospitals and was lucky to find a strength training class at one hospital rehab center that was offered to anyone. At the end of the six weeks I signed on for individual sessions. So maybe check local hospitals, or start with your gym staff or other members. They don’t have to be experts in osteoporosis, but they need to be experienced working with an older population and willing to listen. You can always change.educate yourself first about safe movements. Sherri Betz is a good online start.

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I watched a few Sherri Betz interviews. She’s great!

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@babs10 you can use the private messaging on this site. You click on the envelope at top right!

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@windyshores

@babs10 you can use the private messaging on this site. You click on the envelope at top right!

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Hi Windy, I tried that, but all that came up was a message someone sent to me. I didn't (and don't) see a way to generate a new message.

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@matilda1993

I watched a few Sherri Betz interviews. She’s great!

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I have watched her and agree with you. I also signed up for the Onero online classes. I'm not sure how long I'll stick with it. All of this gets so expensive and if I end up taking Forteo, I'll really be in dire financial dire straits.

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