PCP Suggesting Meds for Osteopenia

Posted by northrancher @northrancher, May 6 11:26am

I'm 73 and I've had stable Osteopenia for about 20 years. Last June, I had a terrible fall, which resulted in an L1 Compression Fracture (20% LOH). Due to that fall, my PCP says I'm now considered as having clinical Osteoporosis and is recommending I take an OP med. Would really like your opinions and thank you, in advance.

Here are my DEXA results from last week:

L2-4
T-score -1.7
Left femoral neck
T-score -0.9
Right femoral neck
T-score -0.9
Left femur
T-score -0.9
Right femur
T-score -0.8
1.6% hip fracture over 10 yrs
14.2% major fracture

CTX 419

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nightsky | @nightsky | May 8 7:55pm

I'm drinking PH 9 water to help my spine, eating 60-100 grams of prunes and 200 grams of Jarlsberg cheese daily.

I'm exercising, although I need to do more of it.

My osteoporosis improved to osteopenia without drugs. I'm continuing on this path to avoid potential drug side effects. It seems to me that all medicines can have a downside.

northrancher | @northrancher | May 8 9:37pm

In reply to @nightsky "I was considering Osteostrong until I read about people who experienced fractures during their sessions." + (show)

Oh no! very disturbing. Where did you hear this?

northrancher | @northrancher | May 8 9:41pm

In reply to @nightsky "I'm drinking PH 9 water to help my spine, eating 60-100 grams of prunes and 200..." + (show)

Good for you figuring out what works without taking meds. I'm still working on it for myself. My goal is to stay in osteopenia & avoid falls.

jennirdh | @jennirdh | May 9 9:14am

In reply to @nightsky "I was considering Osteostrong until I read about people who experienced fractures during their sessions." + (show)

The location I go to in central Florida I have confidence in, they are right there with me, spotting me and checking my positioning during each session. There haven’t been any issues at least at that one. I did get clearance from doc before I started and I was very anxious at first, it was only 4 months since I’d fractured L4&5. They started me out very very cautiously, and I am gradually getting stronger. Of course I would check w your doctor that you trust, but at least go to your Osteostrong location and have them show you the machines and explain the process. Then decide for yourself!

nightsky | @nightsky | May 9 10:19am

In reply to @jennirdh "The location I go to in central Florida I have confidence in, they are right there..." + (show)

I'm glad they are starting you slowly. Apparently, a trainer rushed a woman into a training too intense for her bones.

jennirdh | @jennirdh | May 9 10:28am

In reply to @nightsky "I'm glad they are starting you slowly. Apparently, a trainer rushed a woman into a training..." + (show)

That’s terrible! If anything I am still VERY careful, that feeling of vertebrae compression fracturing is horrific. I, too, never want to experience that again! 4 times total for me, T12 was the only one I wasn’t exactly sure when it happened…

nightsky | @nightsky | May 11 8:00am

I'm sorry this happened to you, and I hope your bones become strong!

nightsky | @nightsky | May 11 8:06am

In reply to @northrancher "Good for you figuring out what works without taking meds. I'm still working on it for..." + (show)

Your goals are the same as mine!

I need to return to limiting salts and sugars while increasing proteins. I've become a little lax since my DEXA results improved.

Falls are a big deal. I sustained a hairline fracture in my patella a few years ago, and my leg has not been the same since then. Only recently did I learn that poor hearing can affect balance.

nightsky | @nightsky | May 11 8:18am

In reply to @northrancher "Oh no! very disturbing. Where did you hear this?" + (show)

I don't recall where I read it. I researched Osteostrong and recall that it was in a review.
Here is one:
https://www.inspire.com/groups/bone-health-and-osteoporosis/discussion/fc5667-beware-my-painful-experience-at-osteo-strong/
Also, maximal static contractions can be dangerous for people with high blood pressure,

MelioGuide has been a good resource for me.
https://melioguide.com/osteoporosis-prevention/osteostrong-review/