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Hesitant to begin drug treatment for my osteoporosis
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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I've only taken 2 doses of Fosamax and have my fingers crossed. No side effects, yet, that will keep me from taking dose 3, in 4 days. First dose - headache. Second dose 2 days of cramping. We'll see what dose 3 brings. I'm following the conversations on this platform closely. I hesitated to start but decided, if I was able to take it with minor side effects and it helps, I would give it a try.
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2 ReactionsAlways ask! It is important to have a clear answer and that you pursue any response that is unclear. I think that insurance and habit drive the alendronate path. It is cheap compared to other meds . The troyble with having a bisphosphonate first is that they can sometimes blunt the positive effects of a bone uilder like tymlos, forteo and evenity. Proper sequencing of these drugs is very important. We cannot be passive. We must make demands on our physicians and the medical systems they working. It is absolutely imperitive that we do our own research and prepare in advance for these medical appointments.
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5 ReactionsThank you for this informative input!
Tomorrow will be my 5th week (dose). I do walk everyday from 10,000 to 15,000 steps a day. I have been feeling a bit more fatigued at the end of the day than I use to be. Of course there could be several good reasons for this as well as just a coincidence. I am 74 so I can find something to complain about most every day! I hope you continue to have good luck with this medication as well.
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1 ReactionHello @artistel81 !
Just seeing your post from last year now — wondering what decisions you made and how you’re doing?
I’m an active 63 and my lumbar spine is now -3.9, got worse quickly due to breast cancer drug to suppress estrogen. Being told I *must* do drugs now — endocrinologist recommending Prolia for 3 years and then one year of Evenity, and then not sure what. Feeling pretty resistant to getting on that drug train, as I don’t think one can easily get off those meds.
Would love to know what you chose and how you’re doing! 🙂
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1 ReactionI took Fosamax for 5 years and 2 months. I had good results for the first two years with a 33% increase in spine density and a 7% increase in hip bone density after the first two years.
My bone density remained stable for the next three years but I suffered a T8 compression fracture just after the five year mark.
I had no side effects from the medication but also was careful to follow the instructions when taking it.
After the fracture I saw a rheumatologist who put me on Tymlos. After four months my insurance company pulled my pre-authorization and I was switched to generic Forteo. I could not tolerate Forteo and stopped taking it after three months.
I sought a referral to an endocrinologist at that point and received a thorough evaluation. I am now on Evenity and about to receive my second dose on Friday, so far I have not experienced any side effects.
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3 ReactionsHow do you reach Dr. McCormick and how costly to have him consult?
https://greatbonesconsulting.com/consultation/
$395 for initial consult. His price went up. He's in demand.
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1 ReactionI went to his website and found the price (i am including the link) https://greatbonesconsulting.com/consultation/
There is a button you can press to send a message that you would like to schedule a consult. You will get an email back (it might be a day or two). The instructions are not very clear, but from what I understand, you send in about 2 year’s worth of medical information. Once they receive it, they will contact you if he needs additional lab tests and then they schedule a consult.
I haven’t seen him yet because I am waiting for my medical records and DEXA scan pictures from my doctor…they take so long!!
He doesn’t accept insurance. It’s about $395 for an hour.
I also found him as a chiropractor in Belchertown, Massachusetts and I called his office asking about his supplements. He is definitely legitimate. I have seen him interviewed in many podcasts on YouTube.
This one is very educational about the different medications:
Good luck! Let me know how it goes; maybe you will see him before me!!
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2 ReactionsI have consulted with him. He is very knowledgeable and has firsthand experience (his osteoporosis was really bad, and at a young age, and he was a serious athlete.) There are many YouTube interviews with him, as you can see.
He doesn't push medication unless your condition warrants it.
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