1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health

Has anyone improved bone density without meds?

Posted by naomid @naomid, Mar 21, 2023

I have a very problematic dental history and will continue to need additional root canals and implants. I also have Sjogren's Syndrome and want to avoid any drugs that cause rheumatic symptoms. Other issues in my health history make all of the meds risky for me. That said, I work out almost daily, lift weights, maintain a healthy diet, take all the recommended supplements, and get most of my calcium nutritionally. My endocrinologist wants me to take an infusion/injectable drug. I dread the side-effects, yet I'm afraid of fracturing, which hasn't happened over the many years I have had osteoporosis. That said, my numbers are getting worse (-3.2 spine, -3.1 hip). I need to do something more than I've been doing, and am at a loss. I need hope and solutions I can be at peace with. Thanks for any comments or suggestions!

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gravity3 | @gravity3 | Jan 15 6:04am
In reply to @sumi "Hi Chris, Was one of the injectables Prolia? Or a different drug? And the once a..." + (show)
@sumi

Hi Chris,
Was one of the injectables Prolia? Or a different drug? And the once a week Monday tablet, is it Fosomax? When you mentioned no side effects I wondered about stomach pain issues.
I am researching now which bone density med is best for me before seeing my ob/gyn to discuss options next week.
I am 73 and have never taken these drugs before trying to build bone without.
In the past ten years I have developed along with osteoporosis, adult onset scoliosis with multiple spine issues~ Lumbar stenosis, thorasic pain, discs compromised, etc. Thanks for any feedback from all! 💎🌀

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May I ask what your dexa scan scores are? I also have osteoporosis and various spine issues including lumbar spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis. I have used a number of osteoporosis meds that have helped improve my dexa scores..all without noticable side effects. My main concern now has to do with possible spine surgery down the pike and worries about whether osteoporosis will effect any surgery that may become necessary. I am wondering what concerns you about treating your osteoporosis with medication. Will you also be consulting an endocrinologist or is your gyno well trained in the treatment of osteoporosis?

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susanjohnston | @susanjohnston | Jan 29 1:08pm
In reply to @windyshores "#susyt Forteo and Tymlos are good with spine. Evenity probably as well. All three are bone-builders...." + (show)
@windyshores

#susyt Forteo and Tymlos are good with spine. Evenity probably as well. All three are bone-builders.

Are you seeing an endocrinologist? With a score of -3.6 I would think you would be on one of those three bone-builders, not Prolia (or a bisphosphonate). Can you get a second opinion?

I chose Tymlos because I am sensitive to meds and the dose is adjustable. Every person reacts differently to meds. I have had a 20% gain in my spine and have gone from -3.3 to -2.5.

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So glad to see your comment. I am so afraid to take Tymlos. 1) Did you have any side effects? 2) How long were you on that drug before you saw the improvement? 3) Did you need to switch to a bisphosphonate drug when you finished Tymlos? 4) Was it difficult doing the shots each day?

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windyshores | @windyshores | Jan 29 9:28pm
In reply to @susanjohnston "So glad to see your comment. I am so afraid to take Tymlos. 1) Did you..." + (show)
@susanjohnston

So glad to see your comment. I am so afraid to take Tymlos. 1) Did you have any side effects? 2) How long were you on that drug before you saw the improvement? 3) Did you need to switch to a bisphosphonate drug when you finished Tymlos? 4) Was it difficult doing the shots each day?

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@susanjohnston I answered these questions on another thread I believe, at length, but will be shorter here:

I miss being on Tymlos. I dealt with side effects by going down on the dose and titrating up. I took 7/8 of the full dose and had 19+gains in spine and 9% in hip at 18months. The pen has adjustable dosing.

I did 4 months Evenity (only one in my MD's practice) then Reclast.

The shots are no big deal. Honest. Small needle. I switched to morning and the headache went away. When I stopped at two years I kept thinking I had to do the shot!

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