How many of you improved your osteoporosis without drug intervention?

Posted by deblb @deblb, Nov 28 8:13pm

I was just diagnosed with osteoporosis and had my first Prolia injection about a month ago. I have never had any health issues, I am 65 and have never been on medication. I was blind sided and of course didn't ask questions of my doctor and had no tests done other than the bone density scan only because it was recommended at my age. I am getting the Bone density report from my doctor, a GP, next week and I want to know what I should be asking her, should I request a referral to an endocrinologist?
I also want to know if anyone has stopped Prolia after 1 injection and is there a risk of rebound fractures? How many of you improved bone density with natural approaches. I am reading that bone density increases with Prolia because the 'dead' bone is not removed and new bone is deposited onto the old bone, not really improving bone quality. There is just so much information out there and hard to know what is fake and what is real.
Thanks for your help

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marilynaz | @marilynaz | Nov 28 9:07pm

It's important before you start any osteoporosis treatment to have your vitamin D level checked..

deblb | @deblb | Nov 28 9:26pm

In reply to @marilynaz "It's important before you start any osteoporosis treatment to have your vitamin D level checked.." + (show)

Thank you. They use to do the test as a standard blood test routine in Canada but they no longer do. I can request and pay for it.

windyshores | @windyshores | Nov 28 9:30pm

@debib My doctor doesn't use Prolia due to rebound.

You might want to get a copy of Dr. Keith McCormick's book "Great Bones." He suggests limiting Prolia to 1-3 doses, the fewer the better, and has some complicated instructions for transitioning to Reclast or Fosamax.

Yes an endocrinologist is a good idea! In my experience PCP's tend to prescribe bisphosphonates or Prolia but endos will first prescribe a bone builder like Fortoe, Tymlos or Evenity first and then "lock in" with Reclast or Fosamax.

If your osteoporosis is new and mild you can talk to your doctor about what to do after Prolia, probably Reclast or Fosamax, and then try some natural approaches. McCormick writes about those in the book as well.

Seems like you are already pretty well informed!

deblb | @deblb | Nov 28 10:17pm

In reply to @windyshores "@debib My doctor doesn't use Prolia due to rebound. You might want to get a copy..." + (show)

Thank you. I will talk to my doctor and try and get the book

tmarkow | @tmarkow | Nov 29 9:17am

While waiting for his book, you can hear a very informative interview with him here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/critically-speaking/id1463016517?i=1000676606414

windyshores | @windyshores | Nov 29 9:57am

Just want to mention that although McCormick has expertise in "Holistic Approaches to Osteoporosis" ( the title of his first book), his own osteoporosis was treated with Forteo and Fosamx.

Lani Simpson, another proponent of natural approaches, ended up taking meds, according to a master class I did with her. She was considering Tymlos.

People have posted on this forum that they did go from osteoporosis to osteopenia. Two things to consider: if people use strontium, it makes the DEXA look better than it is; and changes in DEXA less than -.5 may not be significant so although we may think we have crossed back to osteopenia, it may just be within the range of error either way

sridge | @sridge | Nov 29 10:29am

In reply to @deblb "Thank you. They use to do the test as a standard blood test routine in Canada..." + (show)

I am in Ontario and recently had my Vitamin D checked and it was covered under OHIP ( our provincial government insurance plan). It may vary by province.

deblb | @deblb | Nov 29 4:11pm

In reply to @sridge "I am in Ontario and recently had my Vitamin D checked and it was covered under..." + (show)

Ok, good to know. It used to be covered and then they stopped but maybe for patients with osteoporosis are an exception. I am in Ontario too.

debbie1956 | @debbie1956 | Nov 29 10:41pm

In reply to @deblb "Ok, good to know. It used to be covered and then they stopped but maybe for..." + (show)

Yes, I'm in BC. My family doctor told me that the vitamin D test was no longer covered and that the endocrinologist or doctor from the osteo clinic could order one when I see them. I didn't want to wait, so asked the naturopath for it and paid -- well worth it.

deblb | @deblb | Nov 30 6:49am

In reply to @sridge "I am in Ontario and recently had my Vitamin D checked and it was covered under..." + (show)

Hi sridge. Are you seeing an endocrinologist? What part of Ontario are you in? I am near Windsor. I see my doctor Friday and am going to ask to be referred to an endocrinologist