Is it possible to stay off bone drugs altogether

Well said. I do medical research and you hit it right on the head. Thank you!

Thank you!

2 points to add to the previous, thoughtful comments:
1. Docs are in the drug business & make their $ billing your insurance. If you’re lucky you might find a doc with a broader approach, but it’s been years since I met a doc that didn’t immediately assume I’m on drug therapy without any knowledge of my fracture history.
2. Drugs are not enough. If you were my mom or sister, I would suggest considering a drug therapy to increase bone—only way to find out if it’s right for you. But lifestyle management is as or more critical for avoiding fracture—without weighted exercises, nutrition, establishing a fall-safe environment more bone density is just a number.

I had stomach pains for years. I never addressed it with a doctor. I just assumed it was part of my gastro issues. All that time I was taking calcium supplements, the last being Calciven and the pains increased a bit. I stopped all calcium several months ago and the pains have now stopped. Is there a connection? I have no idea.

When you say bone therapy do you mean bone drugs?

thank you!

look up if they have lactose. I am lactose intolerant and the medicine (now cheaply made) have lots of lactose and I have to take lactaid pills with them if I can't find lactose free ones. Could be that connection for you.

How were your numbers.?

Yes, bone drugs. I used Calcitonin, Forteo & Fosamax. All increased bone density, but with more problems : developed allergy to Calcitonin, increased fractures & dental issues with latter 2.
That is not to discourage drug use—I had early onset osteoporosis diagnosed in 20s (undiagnosed celiac causing malnutrition & low estrogen), which means I never laid down normal bone density, plus I began to shed bone in my 30s with early menopause. My point is that osteoporosis treatment generally follows a cookie cutter, high insurance-paying formula —works for most women, but not every woman. Also lots of medical quacks & scammers ready to capitalize on women’s fear of aging, drug therapy, conventional medicine!
Just keep asking questions, relying on other women’s experiences (like this forum) & your own body.

If this was the only change in your diet, it may be that particular form of calcium or how/when you took was the cause. Have you tried it again to check?
Lots of ways to increase calcium, so you may need to explore other supplements plus experiment with timing —dosing mid-meal sometimes buffets an irritating med, tiny doses spread throughout day, plus increasing calcium in diet so you can rely less on supplements.
Also, keep track of your calcium levels with blood tests to check whether your body is even absorbing .