Is it possible to stay off bone drugs altogether

For me and my sister, no. We have osteoporosis in our family. My grandmother was in bed for 8 years after breaking a hip, and my dad took care of her. My dad worked out at the gym and he got osteoporosis, broke a few bones, and ended up in bed and me along with a team of CNAs took care of him for 3 years. It cost us $250,000 a year, paid for by my mother who fell down the stairs, broke many bones, and died from her injuries. My youngest sister and I have been very physically active and have eaten well trying to avoid osteoporosis. My sister hikes in the CO mountains and carries her tent and what she needs for camping on her back. She is a petite woman. Our aunt had osteoporosis too. I spoke with Dr McCormick who told me that I HAD to go on osteoporosis drugs if I want to continue to live an active life. My sister is, too. I am doing it for not only myself, but also for my children so they don't have to figure out what to do with me. Everyone is different and has different causes for having osteoporosis.

I’m not sure if strengthening the muscles around the spine works for everyone. As a dancer and then a yogi, I’ve done most of those exercises for the past 40 years and I do have osteoporosis in my lumbar spine. I did go through a challenging cancer w a lot of radiation to the pelvis so, I’m sure that didn't help

@kallettla Thanks for sharing! What are you and your sister on for an Osteo med and can you share what both of your Dexas are for your lumbar L1-L4? I feel like you about not burdening my two boys but unfortunately I don't do well with any meds, even Melatonin at 3mg makes me dizzy in the morning. I am exercising, taking supplements, weights and watching diet. I am also petite. My T-score was -3 for lumbar.

Mine are about the same as yours. I took Evenity and then Reclast. I am someone who reacts to meds too. I did ok. Reclast put me back a couple of days but the next injection should be easier they say. Dexa scan this fall to see how it has helped.

Best wishes.

My doctor will put me on Fosamax for one year after I finish with Tymlos. After that, we'll take a drug holiday and monitor. I am hopeful that whatever I am doing will be good enough to keep me off drugs at that point!