1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health

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.

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leeosteo | @leeosteo | Mar 19 7:27pm
In reply to @lynn59 "Yes let’s keep in touch as I’ll be going on teriparatide in April too. I’d love..." + (show)
@lynn59

Yes let’s keep in touch as I’ll be going on teriparatide in April too. I’d love to start HRT but I’m very nervous as so many of my doctors are against it for cardiovascular reasons. I think I’ve decided to try Actonel to lock-in my gains and if I can’t tolerate it, then I’ll go to Reclast. But I could change my mind on that!!

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lynn59, ok then.

REPLY
babs10 | @babs10 | Mar 20 8:42am
In reply to @susanfalcon52 "As I’ve posted here before, I am on Evenity - ten months- and feel very alone..." + (show)
@susanfalcon52

As I’ve posted here before, I am on Evenity - ten months- and feel very alone when I meet with my disaffected endocrinologist. Yesterday, I went back yo my rheumatologist who had also prescribed Evenity. I had allowed the endocrinologist to manage my course of Evenity instead of the rheumatologist.
He forgave me for that, spent a lot of time with me, ordered the blood tests that Dr. McCormick suggests, showed interest in Dr. McCormick in general, made eye contact, etc.
Rheumatologist said that I have to go on Reclast the month after my last Evenity injections.
So, that is the plan.

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Sounds like you made a positive change when it comes to the MD. You are not alone when you talk about disaffected "care givers."

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kristie2 | @kristie2 | Mar 20 9:43am
In reply to @susanfalcon52 "As I’ve posted here before, I am on Evenity - ten months- and feel very alone..." + (show)
@susanfalcon52

As I’ve posted here before, I am on Evenity - ten months- and feel very alone when I meet with my disaffected endocrinologist. Yesterday, I went back yo my rheumatologist who had also prescribed Evenity. I had allowed the endocrinologist to manage my course of Evenity instead of the rheumatologist.
He forgave me for that, spent a lot of time with me, ordered the blood tests that Dr. McCormick suggests, showed interest in Dr. McCormick in general, made eye contact, etc.
Rheumatologist said that I have to go on Reclast the month after my last Evenity injections.
So, that is the plan.

Jump to this post

That is the plan for me also per my endocrinologist . She told me that after my last dose of Evenity I will take a one month break and then start the reclast .

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1 reply
windyshores | @windyshores | Mar 20 3:40pm
In reply to @kristie2 "That is the plan for me also per my endocrinologist . She told me that after..." + (show)
@kristie2

That is the plan for me also per my endocrinologist . She told me that after my last dose of Evenity I will take a one month break and then start the reclast .

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My doc said there is no rush to get on Reclast after Evenity!

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1 reply
babs10 | @babs10 | Mar 20 5:50pm
In reply to @gravity3 "How old are you and how many years post menopause? I am exploring this too. I..." + (show)
@gravity3

How old are you and how many years post menopause? I am exploring this too. I am almost 76. Early menopause at 39.

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I watched a good YouTube presentation by Keith McCormick. He doesn't recommend HRT after 10 years from menopause b/c the brain and body forget about estrogen so it's not like a natural presentation anymore. He said others have prescribed later, but he said it makes him uncomfortable.

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1 reply
kristie2 | @kristie2 | Mar 20 7:33pm
In reply to @windyshores "My doc said there is no rush to get on Reclast after Evenity!" + (show)
@windyshores

My doc said there is no rush to get on Reclast after Evenity!

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How long did your doc say that you can wait to go on reclast ?

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1 reply
babs10 | @babs10 | Mar 20 8:07pm
In reply to @babs10 "I watched a good YouTube presentation by Keith McCormick. He doesn't recommend HRT after 10 years..." + (show)
@babs10

I watched a good YouTube presentation by Keith McCormick. He doesn't recommend HRT after 10 years from menopause b/c the brain and body forget about estrogen so it's not like a natural presentation anymore. He said others have prescribed later, but he said it makes him uncomfortable.

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Correction - McCormick doesn't recommend HRT 7 years beyond menopause.

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windyshores | @windyshores | Mar 20 8:09pm
In reply to @kristie2 "How long did your doc say that you can wait to go on reclast ?" + (show)
@kristie2

How long did your doc say that you can wait to go on reclast ?

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He was a little vague but agreed to 2-3 months. My CTX is low...it might depend on that partially. But the new info for me was that it takes awhile for the mineralization in bones that Evenity causes, to happen, and you want that to happen before Reclast is started. Maybe your doc can also explain more specifically for your own situation.

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2 replies
kristie2 | @kristie2 | Mar 20 8:35pm
In reply to @windyshores "He was a little vague but agreed to 2-3 months. My CTX is low...it might depend..." + (show)
@windyshores

He was a little vague but agreed to 2-3 months. My CTX is low...it might depend on that partially. But the new info for me was that it takes awhile for the mineralization in bones that Evenity causes, to happen, and you want that to happen before Reclast is started. Maybe your doc can also explain more specifically for your own situation.

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Thanks that is very helpful info .

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eeeliseee1 | @eeeliseee1 | Mar 22 4:40pm

I’m scared to pick and start too! Did you decide on a treatment plan?

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