1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health

Hesitant to begin drug treatment for my osteoporosis

Posted by artistel81 @artistel81, May 14, 2024

Hello! My first post here as a new member. I am an active 69 year old female who was diagnosed many years ago with osteopenia but now have osteoporosis. When diagnosed with osteopenia I gave several drugs a try. I had side effects from all the oral choices I took, and when giving myself Forteo shots, broke out in hives all over my body. After that, I decided I would take my chances and go the natural route to keep my bones healthy with diet, consistent exercise and Calcium/Vitamin supplements. Fast forward to present time my last bone density scan was worrisome, (a -4,4 T score in my spine). An endocrinologist strongly suggested treatment, (shots or infusions), but I still fear side effects. I am currently trying to educate and empower myself by researching all options. I am already a bit overwhelmed with so many differing opinions. Drugs or no drugs?! The possible serious side effects of drug treatment still frighten me. Has anyone here diagnosed with more advanced osteoporosis, remained fracture free? Am I at such a high risk that I’m doomed without drug treatment? Thank you in advance for any advice, experiences, etc.

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shhsgirl | @shhsgirl | May 27 11:15am
In reply to @lhankins "Current medical training pushes the pharmaceuticals. It’s quick and easy because physicians are not afforded the..." + (show)
@lhankins

Current medical training pushes the pharmaceuticals. It’s quick and easy because physicians are not afforded the time to dig deeper into what the core problem really is. Osteoporosis is a systemic bone disease. More complex than Amgen wants you to believe. We are on our own here. Keep searching for a physician who will work with you and that you are comfortable making the decision of which meds if any that you will take. After eighteen months I finally found a specialty medical group that is helping me optimize my hormones first, since I could not tolerate the osteoporosis meds currently on market.

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I completely agree. I’m going to see how Forteo goes, I think. And consult a functional medicine doctor.

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shhsgirl | @shhsgirl | May 27 11:20am

I’m 73, fracture free, very active, with femoral neck at -3.7 and spine at -1.1. I’m in the same quandary you are. I wish I could simply put full trust in medicine, like in the old days, but the medical and pharmaceutical establishment have squandered my trust. I really do feel like I’m on my own.

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shhsgirl | @shhsgirl | May 27 11:27am
In reply to @gravity3 "Have you done much research on the osteoporosis drugs yet......not just the list of possible side..." + (show)
@gravity3

Have you done much research on the osteoporosis drugs yet......not just the list of possible side effects listed by the manufacturer? It is also very important to research providers who prescribe. Do they have the training, expertise and experience to prescribe the right drug for you and the understanding that correct drug sequencing is vital .

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This site is part of my research. I’m not a STEM person, so can’t do technical research. I don’t have a PubMed subscription, but can usually understand abstracts of journal articles when I can find them.

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njx58 | @njx58 | May 27 1:06pm
In reply to @shhsgirl "Well, no. But I’m not sure it’s quite like that. Bone density is only one measure..." + (show)
@shhsgirl

Well, no. But I’m not sure it’s quite like that. Bone density is only one measure of strength. I’ve had enough falls to wonder why I haven’t fractured, I guess. And Evenity seems to have very serious side effects. I’m leaning more toward Forteo (Tymlos).

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It is true that bone density is not the same as bone strength - and DEXA does not measure bone strength.

I've been on Tymlos for over a year and have done really well with it, for what it's worth.

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2 replies
lhankins | @lhankins | May 27 1:13pm
In reply to @njx58 "It is true that bone density is not the same as bone strength - and DEXA..." + (show)
@njx58

It is true that bone density is not the same as bone strength - and DEXA does not measure bone strength.

I've been on Tymlos for over a year and have done really well with it, for what it's worth.

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Bone density is different from bone quality. DXA does not assess bone quality.

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1 reply
njx58 | @njx58 | May 27 3:31pm
In reply to @lhankins "Bone density is different from bone quality. DXA does not assess bone quality." + (show)
@lhankins

Bone density is different from bone quality. DXA does not assess bone quality.

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I think I just said that.

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1 reply
lhankins | @lhankins | May 27 7:31pm
In reply to @njx58 "I think I just said that." + (show)
@njx58

I think I just said that.

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You did. I replied to the wrong person.

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shhsgirl | @shhsgirl | May 27 7:52pm
In reply to @njx58 "It is true that bone density is not the same as bone strength - and DEXA..." + (show)
@njx58

It is true that bone density is not the same as bone strength - and DEXA does not measure bone strength.

I've been on Tymlos for over a year and have done really well with it, for what it's worth.

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I just ordered Dr. McCormick’s book. If I do anything, it will be Forteo, which I understand is similar to Tymlos.

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shhsgirl | @shhsgirl | May 28 12:12am
In reply to @lhankins "Current medical training pushes the pharmaceuticals. It’s quick and easy because physicians are not afforded the..." + (show)
@lhankins

Current medical training pushes the pharmaceuticals. It’s quick and easy because physicians are not afforded the time to dig deeper into what the core problem really is. Osteoporosis is a systemic bone disease. More complex than Amgen wants you to believe. We are on our own here. Keep searching for a physician who will work with you and that you are comfortable making the decision of which meds if any that you will take. After eighteen months I finally found a specialty medical group that is helping me optimize my hormones first, since I could not tolerate the osteoporosis meds currently on market.

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I forgot the mention that I’ve been on steroid inhalers —for asthma and rhinitis—for the last 35 years. I’m going to ask if I can go on Montelukast, instead, and use a rescue inhaler when necessary. My grandson just eradicated all of his asthma, except when he has a cold, with Montelukast.

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2 replies
lhankins | @lhankins | May 28 9:25am
In reply to @shhsgirl "I forgot the mention that I’ve been on steroid inhalers —for asthma and rhinitis—for the last..." + (show)
@shhsgirl

I forgot the mention that I’ve been on steroid inhalers —for asthma and rhinitis—for the last 35 years. I’m going to ask if I can go on Montelukast, instead, and use a rescue inhaler when necessary. My grandson just eradicated all of his asthma, except when he has a cold, with Montelukast.

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That’s interesting. I am asthmatic as well and stopped using my daily inhaler due to the steroids. I will check out Montelukast. Thank you for the tip!!

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