@sandrajhunt I fractured making one unwise movement- three lumbar vertebrae, months of pain (I had natural child birth and this was up there) and disability (could not cook, do laundry, etc.). Not doing medications is Russian Roulette in my view. At the time I felt strong and was even doing sword tai chi and other martial arts. That's the problem with osteoporosis: we feel fine.

A friend of mine broke a vertebra coughing and her scores were better than ours.

I would fracture lifting weights. I really only lift something equivalent to a seltzer bottle or detergent bottle. Another consequence of fractures. But since you have not fractured, I would limit weights to a total of 7-10 lbs. Margaret Martin is an expert at melioguide.com. I am just talking through my hat since I can't lift at all!

You do not sound like an “anti-drug wacko” and you are not alone in your reluctance to go down that path. Like all of us, you are trying to roll the dice and make the best decision for yourself. I have paralysis by analysis at the moment, reading everything and listening to all views. When/if I do start medication, I know there is phenomenal advice here, and the resources are priceless. I saw the life-saving benefits of drugs when my husband nearly died from leukemia 14 years ago, and what would we do without antibiotics and other amazing drugs. It’s difficult when you haven’t yet fractured and can’t see the evidence of disease. Windyshores is wise here. I highly value your opinion. You are blazing the trail for us. Thank you! For now, as foolish as it might be, I choose to wait a bit longer, roll the dice a few more times, continuing to read and over-analyze, always keeping the drug option on the table. I won’t close any windows And as for lifting weights, that is different for each individual. It is probably best to work with an experienced personal trainer. This is the best decision I have made so far and worth every penny.

My 84 year old mom sat down on the bed and broke her hip! It’s true, but don’t know how common. That is one of the reasons I just started on evinity, that, and I don’t know what else to do.

As much as dislike drug reps, I would think that doctors discovered fragility fractures from experience with patients.

@sandrajhunt, I just have to comment regarding spontaneous fracture due to osteoporosis. The comment from your physician is accurate. I have severe osteoporosis and last year I had a fractured tibia and ankle after walking several miles, which was considered “overuse “, and required surgery. 2 weeks later I was getting up from a chair and fractured my patella which required surgery. These were both spontaneous fractures second to osteoporosis. So it happens and impacts quality of life.

sandra, only the sane experience that reluctance.

Hi,
My DEXA scan was also -3.3 -- they suggested Tymlos - trying to wrap myself how and
should I inject myself for 2 years, without proven results.....and then how do you hold on
to the results that perhaps you have I have attained. just starting to walk without my cane, but
I still lift weights (very slowly) on my bench (have one in home). I felt that if I could do 5 reps
4x a week, it would help. It has, I feel stronger, yes my back and sciatic and leg ache, but I know I have gained strength in my upper body and the mind set is much better. Keep moving is my motto, if you don't you will be underground.