Timing of Bone Markers - how often?

Hi @255anny In my opinion, if your doctor is going to adhere to pre-planned treatment schedule and sequence no matter what (bone markers results are), then bone markers may not be necessary, unless you'd like to have a record just in case you need them in the future. Baseline is always good to have!

IV Reclast does not present bioavailability problems like oral bisphosphanates do. Unless your baseline CTX is very high, Reclast can supress your CTX quite well. This is why some endos use CTX level to determine when to dose the next one.

What osteomed have you had prior to reclast?

Hi there! Thanks for the info. I need to revisit all my books and noted regarding Osteo. It's so overwhelming. My previous meds were 2 yrs Forteo (no improvement) 1 yr Evenity, marginal improvement. I started at -5.2 in my spine, so I will be on meds for the rest of my life.

@mayblin
Osteoporosis meds don’t always work, however, I’m wondering if your doctor has looked for the root cause of your bone loss.
For example- thyroid, parathyroid, absorption issues from gluten allergy, medications such as steroids or PPI’s, vitamin deficiencies??
I’m sure all the usual bloodwork was done, and the results were normal???
Are you already peri or post menopausal? Loss of estrogen can lead to bone loss as well.
I know it is very frustrating to take meds and not see the results you were hoping for, and it’s even more frustrating when your doctor doesn’t “hear” you!!
Keep pushing, it’s important to advocate for your health.
Take care,

Oh yes, all the lab work was done before I started Forteo. And it was all clear. I've had labs run every year since. I am post menopausal. I had gut issues that most certainly robbed me of nutrients for several years, diverticulitis and SIBO. It's been a challenge. I'm finally gaining weight back but I know I'm still lacking the proper nutrients, my diet is fairly limited.

Then would the assumption be that your gut issues were at the root cause of your bone loss? I’m guessing that’s the case along with being post menopausal.
Are you taking supplements such as vitamin D, k2, magnesium, and calcium to make up for what you may not get from diet?
Maybe it would be beneficial if you saw a nutritional expert or a naturopathic doctor ? Your lumbar spine is pretty low so it makes sense your doctor would put you on an anabolic.
Sometimes osteoporosis meds are necessary, but there are also other lifestyle changes that can go a long way to helping.
I know it’s a hard road. It’s good if you have people to chat with about your concerns. This site is great for that, lots of helpful and knowledgeable people.

Oh yes, I am taking supplements. I do try and get my calcium from foods, but it's hard. The calcium supplements are constipating for me and I have to avoid that happening due to the diverticulitis. MK4 and MK7 give me crazy heart palpitations, so those are a big no. I was not afraid of the Osteo meds til I had to choose between Prolia or Reclast. (Long thread about my decision in this group) I went with the Reclast because I was concerned about the rebounding of Prolia. And I didn't like the sequencing of Evenity > Prolia > Evenity that my Osteo expert Dr was suggesting!

Prolia rebound fractures are no joke, happens to the best of us 😉
It sounds like you are doing everything you can for yourself.
For many people osteoporosis meds are for life. Unfortunately this isn’t a condition that gets permanently better after a round or two of treatment.
Keep researching and keep insisting when it comes to the treatment you feel most comfortable with.
Follow your gut.

Well imagine my surprise when the nurse at my Osteo Dr's office called this afternoon. It's been over 2 weeks since I tried to contact them. But anyway, the nurse ordered the bone markers, so I will be getting those asap. I know the blood draw has to be around 7-8am. I see the Dr in August.

@255anny ! i remember now the interesting case of yours! That was a great thread and a great discussion...

It's great to know your lab order is in. It will be good to know then what your bone markers will be at by the end of 12mo after IV Reclast, or right before next Evenity. I'm curious to see your endo's approach in case CTX remains very low by that time. Please keep us posted!

I'm very curious as well! Bone markers confuse the heck outta me. I see some further studying in my very near future. My Dr. was not 100% in agreement with me regarding the markers. She said yes they were helpful to know but not the definitive answer. I get that but why not try every tool in the tool box!
Edited to add - my last CTX in Oct '24 was 112