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@isabelle7

@windyshores

You are so awesome and helpful!!! I honestly can’t thank you enough. You give me hope when sometimes, being honest, I feel a bit hopeless. And helpless. But from what you say and that I’m learning through doing research we are far from hopeless or helpless.

I just received a response from his endocrinologist and it’s unsettling. But we will deal with it. Here’s what she said:

Hi Dave/Isabelle,

Yes, the x-rays show a new compression fracture at L1 and possibly at L3. This most likely happened when he had the pain unloading the dishwasher.

Treatment of these fractures is usually conservative - treating pain +/- bracing if needed.

Dave, let me know if your pain is stable, better or worse since we talked a few weeks ago and whether you are able to stand up straight.

If pain is significant then you can take Tylenol 1000 mg three times daily. If this doesn't help then I can prescribe calcitonin nasal spray for you to take for 2-4 weeks.

I have ordered x-rays for 7/16/24 to confirm that the fractures are stable. You don't need an appointment for this.

Forteo is the best treatment option for your osteoporosis. I have entered the prescription. Please call the pharmacy for a price check. Let me know whether it is affordable. If it's not then I recommend Reclast instead.

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Replies to "@windyshores You are so awesome and helpful!!! I honestly can’t thank you enough. You give me..."

@isabelle7 I just saw this- after your later post!

Fractures are sometimes treated with Kyphoplasty- injection of a kind of cement into the space. However if his spine is not curved, he probably doesn't need it and my docs said the outcome would be the same with or without.

There are three possible medications: Forteo and Tymlos (similar to each other), and Evenity (different mechanism). I don't think Reclast is the only other choice besides Forteo. You can ask the endocrinologist about Tymlos or Evenity if you cannot pay for Forteo.

These companies have patient assistance programs if you meet income guidelines. I got 18 months of Tymlos for free at Radius Assist.

The pain and disability from fractures got better for me- not 100% but much better. I was crawling on the floor in pain and could not cook, do laundry, etc. So yes there is probably going to be a lot of improvement.