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Hesitant to begin drug treatment for my osteoporosis
Osteoporosis & Bone Health | Last Active: Aug 10 5:31pm | Replies (288)Comment receiving replies
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 She is no longer active on the forum.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.
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Thank you for your reply. Thank you for letting me know Windyshores left the group. I'm glad you told me what drug you are using and that you haven't had any side effects. I am so afraid of side effects and mistakes that doctors can make. I am familiar with Dr. Kieth McCormack, I have been following him for awhile now. I have the "Great Bones book as well, on page 563, he talks about Forteo and Tymlos and states that his major caution with both drugs is that their effects on hip and forearm BMD must be monitored. Both drugs improve spine BMD but spine has higher trabecular bone than cortical bone, whereas hips and forearms have more cortical bone. He says that he has seen several patients with forearm densities plummert after two years on PTH analogs. My forearms are very skinny so that scares me! And my hip is also losing bone.
Has your hip BMD improved in the year you have been using it? Has you doctor been monitoring you?