Connect
← Return to Improve bone density and strength without medication?
Discussion
Improve bone density and strength without medication?
Osteoporosis & Bone Health | Last Active: Jun 6 11:28am | Replies (177)Comment receiving replies
I ran across this site and am writing in desperation and confusion. More than a year ago I was dx with osteoporosis (mild, don't have scores with me). I really wanted to try to deal with it without drugs and still do. I did a fair amount of research and consulted with my PCP (no osteoporosis specialist in my area.) She had a standard protocol, take Fosamax and 1500 mg calcium supplement. That didn't work for me for lots of reasons, so I didn't follow through. About the same time, I was distracted from the osteoporosis because of a dx with AFib and put on Eliquis blood thinner. Several of the supplements and foods that another doc had recommended are not allowed (especially Vit K). One national online group I contacted would not take patients on blood thinners or with certain heart conditions. I also have severe osteoarthritis, lots of pain, and a problem with walking and balance due to a long-ago injury, so having to figure a lot out about weight bearing exercises. (In the meanwhile, many family problems I'm dealing with.) I'm back to ground zero on osteoporosis, know I should be doing something, and just don't know where to start. Any suggestions?
Replies to "I ran across this site and am writing in desperation and confusion. More than a year..."
@lindabp I have afib (still declining blood thinner, because my dramatic episodes don't happen often and my CHDS score is 2). I have osteoarthritis and a bunch of other things. I can't imagine a medical practice turning me away!
For mild osteoporosis (still above -3.0?) you could still try some holistic methods. I would too much calcium with afib (I do 800mg tops).
You might want to look at Keith McCormick's books "A Whole Body Approach to Osteoporosis" or more recently and more thoroughly, "Great Bones" available online. He also does consultation in person and by phone for $350 initially.
PCP's tend to start with Fosamax. Many used to prescribe it for osteopenia but that use has decreased, from what I hear. You might want to see an endocrinologist.
I try to remember that doctors don't have liability if they prescribe but do have liability if they don't prescribe. So they tend to prescribe! We can discuss and decline, and wait, if we want. If your scores are very borderline, maybe you can talk to McCormick or other holistic doc.
No need to be desperate on account of osteoporosis! I have had it for 16 years. I have never done any weight lifting, just tai chi, walking and I want to swim for my muscles (won't help bones of course).
But I know that afib is a very difficult problem too and you are dealing with that. Hope you have a cardiologist and maybe a nutritionist would be helpful too. I also rely on pharmacists on interactions: they tend to know more than my docs!
Connect
@lindabp Vitamin K is fine with Eliquis, not Coumadin though.
" From Dr. Google "There are no known interactions between Eliquis and Vitamin K12. Eliquis is a new anticoagulation agent that does not interact with vitamin K1. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist, so it is always best to consult your healthcare provider2. A total of 360 drugs are known to interact with Eliquis2. Vitamin K is in the drug class anticoagulant reversal agents2."