What to do!

I am 76 with osteoporosis too. My doctor has me on a product called “Bone Up”. I get it on Amazon. It is helping me a lot. If I stop taking it for a few days, I really know the difference. She also told me it is critical that I do weightlifting to strengthen my bones. She wants me to exercise 7 days a week. I walk, do yoga and do weightlifting but need to do more. I feel so much better almost immediately when I do the above.

If this is your first medication for osteoporosis, I wonder why they are not starting you with a bone building drug such as forteo or evenity.

@guinivere you might need a bone builder: Tymlos, Forteo or Evenity. (McCormick will probably suggest this, but let us know.) I believe that with those scores, and a fracture already, insurance will cover. You can discuss with your doctor and ask them to authorize if this is the path you choose.

Of those three, some docs are starting with Evenity but I did 2 years Tymlos before trying Evenity, because Tymlos has an adjustable dose and I am sensitive to meds. I had excellent gains on Tymlos, with scores like yours going down to borderline.

I hope you never have to adhere to some timeline or deadline that you are given to make a decision. Doctors may give us a deadline so they can arrange treatment, or out of concern, but within reason we can take our time, I think.

Michael Lavacot is on this group and he made an wonderfully informative YouTube video on osteoporosis and drugs. It helped me more than anything!

Don't let your Dr pressure you. Make a decision you are comfortable with. I am taking Evenity to build my bones because my dexa was bad.

Hi,
Thank you, I never heard of that supplement. I am happy that it is helping you. So you are not on any drugs for osteoporosis? Smart
Have a great day.

Sylvia

You have time to research and make a decision. Can you doctor spend some time explaining the choices and rationale for each?
It’s not an emergency!

@guinivere with your scores, I would not rely on a supplement and absolutely do not do weight lifting.

One other thought: since you are older, your doctor may be thinking 1) of side effects related to other health issues and 2) that you might be able to stay on Prolia for a lifetime (not Fosamax though, which is limited to 3-5 years according to what I have been told).

But a better plan would be a bone builder, to make progress, then Prolia. There is a combo of Forteo or Tymlos with Prolia, which some intersection of the two, on Ben Leder's YouTube video entitled "Combining and Sequential Approaches to Osteoporosis."

Ask your doctor their reasoning and ask if a bone builder is possible.

The issue with Prolia is getting off but the women I know who are the same age as you are taking it for the rest of their lives.

None of us here on the forum are experts with medical training. We are here to offer support and our own experiences, and help you find resources. So always check with a doctor you trust.

Guinivere, tell your doctor that Fosamax is too slow, Prolia is too dangerous and with your numbers you need an anabolic.
Of course, you don't have to decide today, but your doctor is afraid you might fracture. It's good that the office called you right away and good that she is concerned.
Windyshores gives the best advice and has the most experience. I would cross off Evenity, but it's better than the two you are offered.
You should call them so they can get started in case there is a slow-down with insurance.

@guinivere Did you already have a fracture?

Agree that you do not have to adhere to your doctor's timeline. This is YOUR decision and it takes some time to process it. It may be time to find another MD and I know that isn't easy these days.

@guinivere, here is a link to Michael's YouTube videos which I found very helpful if you are interested:

https://www.youtube.com/@michaellavacot