Hesitant to begin drug treatment for my osteoporosis

I am not sure what you mean by saying I have crossed the line where I can use the “excuse” that I didn’t know. I only saw my T Score and nothing else.

As far as pros and cons go, I have looked into both and it seems there are many serious cons and not that many pros.

I wrote a really long response and lost my internet connection and it disappeared. I will try again.

A DEXA of -4.4 is serious. I had three lumbar spine fractures at -3.7. The pain is horrific for weeks or months, and there is residual disability, pain and even some loss of independence. This is the reason I have been on this forum for awhile. To be honest about fractures. I have endured side effects because quality of life is worse with fractures than with side effects.

One problem is that osteoporosis has no symptoms and you can feel strong. At -4.4 you are not strong and are at risk.

Like you, I tried oral bisphosphonates and Forteo over the years and could not tolerate them. I am willing to endure side effects, as I said, but I mean I could not tolerate them at all. I did cancer meds that affect bones but my doc did not prescribe Reclast as is usually done with this treatment, due to my afib.

COVID interfered with me going on Tymlos. After the fractures, I had to decide between Tymlos and Evenity, the only choices left to build bone. I had assumed Tymlos might cause the same issues as Forteo but it didn't. Evenity was new at that time, and I had seen a masterclass in which someone did Tymlos and then Evenity, in sequence. So I have done that. Two years Tymlos, 4 months Evenity. I will finish by "locking in" with Reclast.

You will probably be offered Tymlos or Evenity. Tymlos is an anabolic that works through the parathyroid. I went from -3.7 to -2.5 on it, severe to borderline. It is good for spine. The injections are daily, done at home, and the medicine leaves your body in a few hours, half life 1 hour. Evenity is anabolic the first half and anti-resorptive for the second half, and is quite potent. It is a monthly injection done at the doctor's office and stays in the body about two months, half life 12.8 days. Many docs are prescribing that these days. Even if a doctor suggests something, you can choose.

I liked Tymlos because I am sensitive and have health issues, and the dose on the pen is adjustable. I could not tolerate a full or even half dose and restarted with 1/4 dose and moved up. Many of us are doing that. It lets the body adjust. There may still be side effects but very tolerable and better than fractures.

I fractured those 3 vertebrae with one unwise movement. Again, my DEXA was -3.7 in spine. I really hope you consider meds, and quickly. Don't lean over to pick things up or twist. A PT can help us move wisely. But I still make mistakes. Hope you appreciate that I am trying to be honest. I don't like scaring people!

I was wondering, did your score get better? Or stay the same. I am 80 yrs female and my Dr has suggested prolia but because of my back pain decided I did not want more pain. She asked Foxmax daily pill for a year but you cannot move for 30 min and stay in sit up position. It can get heartburn. Have you tried that?

I am a -4.0 on spine. I have started researching the drugs and it is scary to hear about the side effects. Why are you only 4 months on Evenity?
Why do you need Reclast after being on Tymlos and Evenity?

@debbie1956 and @lilyrock8, how much K-2 are you taking? I just joined and since December 2024 I have been doing Orange Theory Fitness Classes about 6 days a week and taking supplements, eating more protein and fat and hoping my next bone scan is not severe osteoporosis still. I went from 4'10.5" to 4'10" to now 4'9" tall and about 100 lbs. I wore a back brace for Scoliosis when I was a child. My Scoliosis is starting to get worse again. I am doing well with the strength classes and building my strength back before I stopped working out after the terrible car accident in 2008. I am age 63. I wish I chose a different name but usually it takes so long to find a name no one has so I thought this name would immediately be accepted. I need to get ready for bed, but I found this site looking up how much K-2 should I be taking for Osteoporosis. I am sensitive to medications also. Thank you everyone for participating, sharing and caring. Thank you for letting me be part of your group.

Thanks for your reply mayblin.
Here are my T-scores: -2.7 spine, -2.2 hip, -2.6 femoral neck. FRAX was not calculated due to a T- score below -2.5 for the spine or femoral neck.
I had an N-Telopeptide urine test which showed 33 nM BCE/mM Cr.
I am taking Jinteli 1 mg/5mcg.
My endocrinologist wants me to take Fosamax and stay on the Jinteli. My GP, who ordered the urine test, recommended taking only Jinteli.

Windyshores left this group months ago. She is no longer active on the forum.

After a bone builder, you need a biphosphonate to preserve gains. I am into my second year on Tymlos. My T-score of -3.0 is now -2.0; probably better since my DEXA was six months ago. My plan for afterwards is to take Fosamax for a couple of years, then go on a drug holiday during which I'll have DEXA scans to monitor.

Or, who knows? I learned that Keith McCormick, the author of "Great Bones", took Fosamax years ago and then stopped using meds. He relies on nutrition and exercise, and a DEXA every two years. He is 71 years old and is still athletic. I'll probably consult with him later this year to get his thoughts on what to do.

My side effects on Tymlos have been extremely mild and short-lived. Nothing that would even keep me from leaving the house. It's been well worth taking, a hundred percent.

@debbie1956 and @lilyrock8, how much K-2 are you taking? I just joined and since December 2024 I have been doing Orange Theory Fitness Classes about 6 days a week and taking supplements, eating more protein and fat and hoping my next bone scan is not severe osteoporosis still. I went from 4'10.5" to 4'10" to now 4'9" tall and about 100 lbs. I wore a back brace for Scoliosis when I was a child. My Scoliosis is starting to get worse again. I am doing well with the strength classes and building my strength back before I stopped working out after the terrible car accident in 2008. I am age 63. I wish I chose a different name but usually it takes so long to find a name no one has so I thought this name would immediately be accepted. I need to get ready for bed, but I found this site looking up how much K-2 should I be taking for Osteoporosis. I am sensitive to medications also. Thank you everyone for participating, sharing and caring. Thank you for letting me be part of your group.