Questions about Reclast for osteoporosis.

Having been diagnosed with both osteoporosis and osteoarthritis at age 71 I refused Reclast and any other med. I detest meds. However, because mobility was becoming an issue I knew I had to do something to HELP myself as I was becoming depressed. At first a scooter purchase was a thought. Upon pondering both pros and cons after years of athleticism, being tethered to a scooter also qucikly became an unappealing thought. Instead I counseled with an orthopedic surgeon. Within a few month's time R and L Total Hip Replacements have given me a new lease on life. My "medicine" is strictly a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Supplement for bones calcium with D vitamin and collagen. I can once again independently care for myself. Weight bearing exercise which is aslo good for increasing bone density is attained through daily walks. And I can again care for many rescues as well as enjoy life without pain. Tylenol normally does the trick for any pain now.

Yes I did stop taking Fosamax and started with Prolia. I have had no problems with prolia thus far. Hope this helps.

I also had jaw pain after the third fosamax, which is why I stopped it.

Prolia builds density but not new bone. The density increases because it inhibits the osteoclasts from taking away old bone. If you can’t take teraparatide, then Evenity is your only bone building option. So far, results have been really good on Evenity, but it is still relatively early days for this drug. There have been some concern about it causing heart problems, but one of my endocrinologists said the studies aren’t bearing that out. My other endocrinologist says we really don’t know for sure yet.

The “typical” bone builders lately are Tymlos and Evenity. I did Tymlos, had bad side effects and switched to Evenity. To address the cardiovascular issues associated with Evenity, I spoke with my cardiologist to get his blessing and would recommend the same to anyone wanting to use Evenity. And regular monitoring of calcium on either Tymlos or Evenity is indicated, especially if one has a high or high-normal range.

My T-scores were not “bad enough”, according to my rheumatologist, to begin treatment with Tymlos/Evevnity, however, once I’d had four compression fractures, he thought it would be best to do a bone building med; due to the number of fractures, I would be approved for Tymlos and/or Evenity, T-scores not withstanding. I’d had numerous Reclast infusions that “held” my scores but Reclast is not indicated long term. I didn’t really have any significant T-score improvement from Reclast, however, my spine moved from OP to normal after 8-1/2 months of Tymlos and 5 of Evenity.

For what it’s worth, I had already had two or three fractures over a span of several years before my doc ordered an x-ray and I was shocked to learn that this type of spontaneous fracture can occur from sneezing, coughing . . . The fourth was discovered in the ER as a consequence of a visit caused by Tymlos issues. Only the first fracture was really debilitating and took quite awhile to recover. Yikes!

Knowledge is power, knowledge is power! Cheers, All!

Fosamax does not build bone, Tymlos and Forteo do. Fosamax maintains bone density and strengthens bones but does not build new bone. However as with all osteo meds, Fosamax has some side effects that I didn’t want to deal with and I needed to build new bone so I chose Tymlos. My bone density was severely compromised and Tymlos has improved my spine by 11%. I’m hoping for more improvement when I have my next scan in July. This is a crazy journey for sure. Hope it’s an easy one for u. Rose 🌹

My calcium levels remain at normal ranges with Tymlos. But I believe we are all different and react to meds differently. There are only a few bone building meds and because my numbers were so bad my doc had to appeal our insurance because they wanted me to start with Fosamax and my doc said absolutely not. Would have prolonged my bone loss. So I’m almost done with my 2-year Tymlos protocol and have increased the bone density in my spine.

Would you mind sharing your DEXA scores before and after the Tymlos? Thanks.

I will have to look at the report and get back to you.

I thought i had the results on my phone but don’t. I’m away from home for a week but when I get home I’ll look in my medical file for the reports. Have a great weekend!