Is there an alternative path after years on Prolia?

ans, very helpful. Thanks for waiting until you had time to make this post so very clear. And congratulations on your TBS score. You are correct that the TBS score is derived independant from the BMD and Frax score. It 's better to have more information particularly if you are close to a score indicating the need for treatment. But importantly if you have secondary osteoporosis from T2 diabetes, hyperparathroidism, chronic kidney failure steriod use just to name a few.
I'm eager for forthcoming comparison TBS scores between the various pharmaceutical treatments.

I appreciate the care in your response.

Do I understand correctly that the TBS measures only the spinal bones and NOT the bones of the hip or femur neck? If so, what if any relevance would a TBS analysis provide for those of us with normal bone density at the spine but bone density issues in the hip area?

@rjd - Yes , you are correct . The TBS only captures the trabecular areas of the spine. There is a bit of trabecular substance in the femurs necks, but , and I’m only speculating here- because how the test is designed and how the bones are make up of differing materials , with all the cortical, hard bone of the hip it’s unable to separate, or capture the trabecular/soft area from the cortical bone.
I have extrapolated this as I’ve read and understand that, for example , why you only get a reading on the DEXA of the 4 lumbar vertebrae is that because if they were to go higher all the bones of the ribs would interfere with the value . The second part of your question is interesting and something I hadn’t really thought of before as I am very much impacted by my spine , while being pretty good in my hips. I think there is merit to your thought. Enjoy your day!!

I am on Prolia also but very worried about the horrible side effects. Do you feel safe with Prolia?

I have been on Prolia for 5 years after 2 years I went from Osteoporosis to Osteopenia with excellent improvement in all of my scores. It’s now 2 years later and I have stayed on Prolia and due for an injection in June and a DEZA in August.
I have had lower spinal pain and my Endocrinologist referred me to a Rheumatologist that was purely a tele call but she ordered lumbar X-Rays which I wanted before my upcoming injection. She was impressed that my hip bones looked fantastic but I had some arthritis in lower spine. I want my DEXA before my inj in June which is when the Prolia has waned to see my numbers. If good I want off the Prolia. I’m a nurse and any medication not needed I don’t want. But I am 84 and prior to Osteoporosis I have been Osteopenia for years and had no discomfort. Coming off I will be very careful to transition to appropriate medication and monitor for rebounding.

Thank you so much for all that great info, joann. Are you taking calcium supplements with your prolia and if yes, how much. My doctor never mentioned calcium only VitD3 and I take 4000 iu daily but that did not help after 5 prolia injections. Is it because I did not take calcium? Your reply will mean a lot to me. I am now 78 and have very severe osteoporosis.

No I don’t take Calcium because I have had several kidney stones that have had to be removed and my stones are 95% Calcium Oxalate .
Before each Prolia inj I have blood work to determine if my Calcium is in normal range and it must be within 30 days of my inj. Mine has remained normal so it’s never delayed my inj.
About 6 months ago I had growth removed from my lower leg and had to go to the wound center weekly for 4 moths. The wound doctor had me start taking Collogen Peptides to improve healing time, which I did daily. It really helped the healing but I also noticed a big improvement in my dry skin and overall felt better. So I am continuing taking it daily and on my latest labs my calcium levels were higher tha normal range. I only take 1000 units of D3 twice a day and my D levels remain in normal range. I have taken D3 for many,many years.
How long have you been on Prolia and what’s your last DEXA test say?
Do you get couples of your labs and DEXA test.
Have you ever had lumbar x-rays ?
I am 83 and do my own research which sometimes drives my Endocrinologist crazy.
If I can help let me know anytime I live in Surprise AZ close to Phoenix.

Would this be the first med you would be on for osteoporosis? If so, what is his rationale dor this rather than a bone builder first?

Dear Joann, You have been a jewel providing me with all this info. My bone density test dropped to the bottom in one year after taking prolia for two years without calcium. I take VitD3, 4000 units per day but that did not seem to help. I don't know what causes the sudden drop of my DEX. Checked my parathyroid was normal my calcium levels normal so I don't know what to do. I feel lost and afraid to stop the prolia.

My phone number is 252-377-2427 if you don't mind chatting with me I am really interested in your case because you don't take calcium with prolia and yet the doctors insist that when taking prolia we must take calcium. thank you so much.