Struggling with making an osteoporosis treatment decision

I also had inaccurate DEXA scan results. Baseline in Nov 2022 was -5.1 and next scan in Dec 2023 after a year on Tymlos showed -3.7 in spine, which is not possible. Dr. Keith McCormick said it is likely the technician did not place me on the table correctly. So disappointing to not know what Tymlos is doing for me. Hope to get another scan before the end of the two years on Tymlos.

I am also in Florida. I am seeing an osteoporosis "specialist" in Orlando and she is encouraging me to go on osteo meds. Before my bloodwork, and just based on a DXA, she leaned toward Evenity. During the second visit, since my CTX was high, she was leaning towards Prolia. My third visit is in about a month and I am guessing she will continue to suggest Prolia. I am doing whatever I can to avoid prescription drugs because they scare me. (I purchased a Marodyne LiV platform, am eating 6 prunes a day, eating mostly organic and healthy foods, walking daily, strength training 3x/week, avoiding alcohol and limiting caffeine, taking quality supplements and collagen). I am researching bioidential HRT, but I am 16 years post menopause so that may be risky. I plan to ask my osteo doctor about HRT and I am guessing she will say no. I am also in the process of searching for a second opinion since I predict my doctor will disappoint me again during the next visit. I am considering Dr. Bush at Central Carolina Othropedic Associates (who uses Echolight REMS); Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville; a functional medicine doctor locally (if I decide on bioidential HRT).

I am in orlando and looking for osteoporosis specialist, who are you seeing? Have you found a closer place for REMS scan? How about a Functional Medicine Dr.

Most osteostrong locations have echo light scanning ability. I think it travels from location to location but I know there is an Osteostrong in Orlando. My doctor, after my latest dexa, just called the pharmacy and ordered fosomax for me even though I said I would take no medication. Good luck to you!

Change drs at once. Evenity is also made by AMGEN who make Prolia. How convenient to have another of their drugs available. And these guys are working for AMGEN. Well done finding that out. We all in the same boat and feel depressed that we have been advised to take drugs that hasn't had long term data. I read that some women have had increased bone density with Prolia. What a joke as l believe those new 'bones' are mere camouflage jobs. I read thar it's like renovating a house, where you cover up the problem but it is still poorly maintained underneath. Same with Prolia bones. That's why you are lucky if you can get an Echolight scan that shows you the quality of the bones. Good luck to all of us.

I feel grateful that these drugs are available to those of us who want to go that route. During my bone journey I've taken fosomax. Forteo, evenity and now Prolia. The "worst" side effect was a bit of gird with fosomax. I didn't want to go the route of my sister in laws mother who was bed ridden and in agony from osteoporosis and no meds available. I recognize that some people have good results from other methods but those were not my path. Good luck to you.

I think you are right to be concerned and shouldn't let yourself be backed into a corner. I am 70, just diagnosed with osteoporosis, with a T-score of -3.1. It was kind of shocking because I've walked at least 5 hours a week for the last 25 years, done strength training on a regular basis, until the last year when I got really sick (but managed to keep walking through it). I also was just diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder that requires me to be on prednisone, a bone thinning drug. It will be long term. I have a rheumatologist I trust and a close friend who is an excellent doctor. The rheumatologist prescribed Alendronate and my friend supported that. It has been around for years. My mom took it (as Fosamax). She had bad osteoporosis - with the dowager's hump. She did not get additional fractures. My aunt, who took no drugs, died from spinal fractures. The Alendronate is a once a week dose. I'm going to try to build my bones back better so keep walking and do targeted exercises for the osteoporosis and try to get off the drug. They know enough about it now, that after 5 years on it, a drug holiday is taken. Carol Michaels is a PT and an expert on Osteoporosis. She has videos on You Tube - safe strength and stretching exercises for osteoporosis - with no forward flexion of the spine. By the way, I am not a paid consultant for Alendronate! Wishing you the best.