Hi @rete. Would abaloparatide (Tymlos) be your first foray into medication for osteoporosis? Could you share what concerns you about it? If you have results from DEXA, TBS and bone markers that you're comfortable sharing, that would be helpful for this community to know so we can best guide you if you'd like. If you have a history of fractures or prohibitive comorbidities, that would also be helpful to know.
I completed one year of Tymlos with minimal side effects - some joint pain and fatigue. I also have an autoimmune disorder that contributed to the side effects I experienced. Overall, I think that Tymlos is pretty well-tolerated by the majority. The injections were very easy and completely pain-free for me. For reference, I completed one year of Evenity before Tymlos, and am now on Reclast. Your doctor should be able to tell you what your next step would be after Tymlos (or any other medication).
Best wishes to you moving forward!
Hi hollgs
I’m new to this site so please bear with me.
I am 75, I fell from my bike in 2014 & damaged my shoulder which is now all screwed up,but fine to use.
In 2018 I was lazy & leant over to reach something & slipped on bathroom floor, I had a closed fracture on shaft/femur so nothing needed to be done. No other slips or falls, I’m quite slim only 56k in weight which apparently isn’t helpful for your bones. I walk, do exercises on you tube with an Osteoporosis trainer & generally all fine no aches & pains. I take all the vitamins etc we need & read & follow any information I can.
I did take Alendronic Acid weekly in 2019 for 4 years & then stopped had another scan in 2023. In 2019 AP Spine was T score 4.3. Z score -2.0
Femoral neck T score -3.0 Z score-1.2
Total hip T score -3.5. Z score-2.1
In 2023
Spine was T score 3.9. Z score 1.6
Femoral neck T score 2.7. Z score 0.7
Total hip T score 3.2. Z score 1.5
I finally after requesting to see someone after 6 years was seen by Dr Singh very nice guy but seemed determined to start me on Tymlos followed by Denosumab in 18 months.
I am planning on having a REMS test but would just like to talk to someone about options as I wasn’t offered an option, I think I’m going to carry on without any medication as it doesn’t always work and I am very careful when out and carry a walking pole.
Thank you for reading my message and best wishes to you for the future.
Hi hollgs
I’m new to this site so please bear with me.
I am 75, I fell from my bike in 2014 & damaged my shoulder which is now all screwed up,but fine to use.
In 2018 I was lazy & leant over to reach something & slipped on bathroom floor, I had a closed fracture on shaft/femur so nothing needed to be done. No other slips or falls, I’m quite slim only 56k in weight which apparently isn’t helpful for your bones. I walk, do exercises on you tube with an Osteoporosis trainer & generally all fine no aches & pains. I take all the vitamins etc we need & read & follow any information I can.
I did take Alendronic Acid weekly in 2019 for 4 years & then stopped had another scan in 2023. In 2019 AP Spine was T score 4.3. Z score -2.0
Femoral neck T score -3.0 Z score-1.2
Total hip T score -3.5. Z score-2.1
In 2023
Spine was T score 3.9. Z score 1.6
Femoral neck T score 2.7. Z score 0.7
Total hip T score 3.2. Z score 1.5
I finally after requesting to see someone after 6 years was seen by Dr Singh very nice guy but seemed determined to start me on Tymlos followed by Denosumab in 18 months.
I am planning on having a REMS test but would just like to talk to someone about options as I wasn’t offered an option, I think I’m going to carry on without any medication as it doesn’t always work and I am very careful when out and carry a walking pole.
Thank you for reading my message and best wishes to you for the future.
Hi hollgs
I’m new to this site so please bear with me.
I am 75, I fell from my bike in 2014 & damaged my shoulder which is now all screwed up,but fine to use.
In 2018 I was lazy & leant over to reach something & slipped on bathroom floor, I had a closed fracture on shaft/femur so nothing needed to be done. No other slips or falls, I’m quite slim only 56k in weight which apparently isn’t helpful for your bones. I walk, do exercises on you tube with an Osteoporosis trainer & generally all fine no aches & pains. I take all the vitamins etc we need & read & follow any information I can.
I did take Alendronic Acid weekly in 2019 for 4 years & then stopped had another scan in 2023. In 2019 AP Spine was T score 4.3. Z score -2.0
Femoral neck T score -3.0 Z score-1.2
Total hip T score -3.5. Z score-2.1
In 2023
Spine was T score 3.9. Z score 1.6
Femoral neck T score 2.7. Z score 0.7
Total hip T score 3.2. Z score 1.5
I finally after requesting to see someone after 6 years was seen by Dr Singh very nice guy but seemed determined to start me on Tymlos followed by Denosumab in 18 months.
I am planning on having a REMS test but would just like to talk to someone about options as I wasn’t offered an option, I think I’m going to carry on without any medication as it doesn’t always work and I am very careful when out and carry a walking pole.
Thank you for reading my message and best wishes to you for the future.
Hi @rete. Thank you so much for your very thorough response.
I can certainly understand not wanting to start a new medication. There are many people here who have chosen that route. There are some who are happy with that decision, and some who regret it. You can do a targeted search here to find those posts.
When you say you "would just like to talk to someone about options" are you referring to medications other than Tymlos-->Prolia? If so, let us know as there are options.
I myself chose to start treating my osteoporosis with medication after I experienced an atraumatic L2 spinal fracture. I woke up with severe pain and went to the ER. CT also showed prior fractures of T12 and L1 from which I had not had any symptoms. I also concurrently had atraumatic bone marrow edema and fractures in my right foot and ankle. The outcome was that I was bedbound for months and my quality of life plummeted. Initially I was put on Fosamax, but luckily I was referred to a metabolic bone specialist who started me on Evenity. I did that for one year, then Tymlos for one year and just had my first Reclast infusion in May 2025. So far, so good! That being said, I can appreciate that this route might not align with what you want for yourself. I also appreciate that you seem to have an open mind and are interested in being proactive in the choices you make regarding your care.
Hi hollgs
I’m new to this site so please bear with me.
I am 75, I fell from my bike in 2014 & damaged my shoulder which is now all screwed up,but fine to use.
In 2018 I was lazy & leant over to reach something & slipped on bathroom floor, I had a closed fracture on shaft/femur so nothing needed to be done. No other slips or falls, I’m quite slim only 56k in weight which apparently isn’t helpful for your bones. I walk, do exercises on you tube with an Osteoporosis trainer & generally all fine no aches & pains. I take all the vitamins etc we need & read & follow any information I can.
I did take Alendronic Acid weekly in 2019 for 4 years & then stopped had another scan in 2023. In 2019 AP Spine was T score 4.3. Z score -2.0
Femoral neck T score -3.0 Z score-1.2
Total hip T score -3.5. Z score-2.1
In 2023
Spine was T score 3.9. Z score 1.6
Femoral neck T score 2.7. Z score 0.7
Total hip T score 3.2. Z score 1.5
I finally after requesting to see someone after 6 years was seen by Dr Singh very nice guy but seemed determined to start me on Tymlos followed by Denosumab in 18 months.
I am planning on having a REMS test but would just like to talk to someone about options as I wasn’t offered an option, I think I’m going to carry on without any medication as it doesn’t always work and I am very careful when out and carry a walking pole.
Thank you for reading my message and best wishes to you for the future.
@rete it took me a while to get an understanding of those DXA scan numbers. I mean how do those numbers relate to my risk of fracturing. I do not know if there is a chart somewhere that illustrates that? It's simple to say osteoporosis starts at -2.5 but how much does the risk increase when it goes down from there?
My take on this is that yeah -2.5 is the starting point for Osteoporosis but it's not so awful bad. But when you start moving down to say -3.0 or -3.5 you have moved into even more serious fracture risk. And above -4.0 is definitely red light flashing territory. Some people fracture at -2.0 but as your numbers go down the odds of fracture get worse. Once you are around -4 you are definitely at seriously high risk.
For the hips either a Total Hip or a Femoral Neck around -3 is definitely serious risk.
I'm just saying all this to perhaps give you more perspective on your numbers. I would suggest getting another DXA hopefully on the same machine with the same technician.
And I would suggest that medication wise considering Evenity over Tymlos and a bisphosphonate over Prolia. That is if you decide to do a med. Evenity simply builds more bone faster than Tymlos.
Best of luck to you!
@rete it took me a while to get an understanding of those DXA scan numbers. I mean how do those numbers relate to my risk of fracturing. I do not know if there is a chart somewhere that illustrates that? It's simple to say osteoporosis starts at -2.5 but how much does the risk increase when it goes down from there?
My take on this is that yeah -2.5 is the starting point for Osteoporosis but it's not so awful bad. But when you start moving down to say -3.0 or -3.5 you have moved into even more serious fracture risk. And above -4.0 is definitely red light flashing territory. Some people fracture at -2.0 but as your numbers go down the odds of fracture get worse. Once you are around -4 you are definitely at seriously high risk.
For the hips either a Total Hip or a Femoral Neck around -3 is definitely serious risk.
I'm just saying all this to perhaps give you more perspective on your numbers. I would suggest getting another DXA hopefully on the same machine with the same technician.
And I would suggest that medication wise considering Evenity over Tymlos and a bisphosphonate over Prolia. That is if you decide to do a med. Evenity simply builds more bone faster than Tymlos.
Best of luck to you!
Hi, Thank you for your message. The chances of another dexa scan are very remote & it took over 10 months to get the results of the last one. I am planning on an appt with Nick Birch to have a Rems scan & talk to him about what to do in the future.
I have read several books about Osteoporosis, read dozens of information from my google searches and listened to multiple podcasts. The most informative and BEST book IMO is “Great Bones” by Keith McCormick. He doesn’t scare you like others do, but educates you about various causes, delves into what is happening at the cellular level, explains how the medicines work. He is a chiropractor doctor who also had osteoporosis, went on medication for a while, but also believes that proper nutrition, supplements, and exercise are a big help. I got mine on Amazon.
I have read several books about Osteoporosis, read dozens of information from my google searches and listened to multiple podcasts. The most informative and BEST book IMO is “Great Bones” by Keith McCormick. He doesn’t scare you like others do, but educates you about various causes, delves into what is happening at the cellular level, explains how the medicines work. He is a chiropractor doctor who also had osteoporosis, went on medication for a while, but also believes that proper nutrition, supplements, and exercise are a big help. I got mine on Amazon.
Great Bones is excellent, I also liked Rebuild your Bones. Best of all I like watching Dr Doug Lucas on YouTube.
He has a wealth of information without cost. He also has a podcast. Dr. Doug is an orthopedic surgeon. He has done many interviews. Be sure to subscribe and like I am on YouTube.
Hi, After 6 years, I asked to speak to a Doctor re my 2 dexa scans, I got an appt at Caerphilly hospital where I saw a consultant who said I needed to go on Tymlos because of my weight/height & risk of fracture. There was no discussion re any other drug or self help just they I needed to go on Tymlos. I’ve had no fractures for 7 years or so & am very mobile. The thought of an injection every day for 18 months & then another 10 years on a twice yearly injection just fills me with horror.
Connect
Connect
Like
Helpful
Hug
Hi hollgs
I’m new to this site so please bear with me.
I am 75, I fell from my bike in 2014 & damaged my shoulder which is now all screwed up,but fine to use.
In 2018 I was lazy & leant over to reach something & slipped on bathroom floor, I had a closed fracture on shaft/femur so nothing needed to be done. No other slips or falls, I’m quite slim only 56k in weight which apparently isn’t helpful for your bones. I walk, do exercises on you tube with an Osteoporosis trainer & generally all fine no aches & pains. I take all the vitamins etc we need & read & follow any information I can.
I did take Alendronic Acid weekly in 2019 for 4 years & then stopped had another scan in 2023. In 2019 AP Spine was T score 4.3. Z score -2.0
Femoral neck T score -3.0 Z score-1.2
Total hip T score -3.5. Z score-2.1
In 2023
Spine was T score 3.9. Z score 1.6
Femoral neck T score 2.7. Z score 0.7
Total hip T score 3.2. Z score 1.5
I finally after requesting to see someone after 6 years was seen by Dr Singh very nice guy but seemed determined to start me on Tymlos followed by Denosumab in 18 months.
I am planning on having a REMS test but would just like to talk to someone about options as I wasn’t offered an option, I think I’m going to carry on without any medication as it doesn’t always work and I am very careful when out and carry a walking pole.
Thank you for reading my message and best wishes to you for the future.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsI'm a bit confused. What do you mean sometimes the osteo drugs don't work?
Hi @rete. Thank you so much for your very thorough response.
I can certainly understand not wanting to start a new medication. There are many people here who have chosen that route. There are some who are happy with that decision, and some who regret it. You can do a targeted search here to find those posts.
When you say you "would just like to talk to someone about options" are you referring to medications other than Tymlos-->Prolia? If so, let us know as there are options.
I myself chose to start treating my osteoporosis with medication after I experienced an atraumatic L2 spinal fracture. I woke up with severe pain and went to the ER. CT also showed prior fractures of T12 and L1 from which I had not had any symptoms. I also concurrently had atraumatic bone marrow edema and fractures in my right foot and ankle. The outcome was that I was bedbound for months and my quality of life plummeted. Initially I was put on Fosamax, but luckily I was referred to a metabolic bone specialist who started me on Evenity. I did that for one year, then Tymlos for one year and just had my first Reclast infusion in May 2025. So far, so good! That being said, I can appreciate that this route might not align with what you want for yourself. I also appreciate that you seem to have an open mind and are interested in being proactive in the choices you make regarding your care.
Best wishes to you moving forward!
@rete it took me a while to get an understanding of those DXA scan numbers. I mean how do those numbers relate to my risk of fracturing. I do not know if there is a chart somewhere that illustrates that? It's simple to say osteoporosis starts at -2.5 but how much does the risk increase when it goes down from there?
My take on this is that yeah -2.5 is the starting point for Osteoporosis but it's not so awful bad. But when you start moving down to say -3.0 or -3.5 you have moved into even more serious fracture risk. And above -4.0 is definitely red light flashing territory. Some people fracture at -2.0 but as your numbers go down the odds of fracture get worse. Once you are around -4 you are definitely at seriously high risk.
For the hips either a Total Hip or a Femoral Neck around -3 is definitely serious risk.
I'm just saying all this to perhaps give you more perspective on your numbers. I would suggest getting another DXA hopefully on the same machine with the same technician.
And I would suggest that medication wise considering Evenity over Tymlos and a bisphosphonate over Prolia. That is if you decide to do a med. Evenity simply builds more bone faster than Tymlos.
Best of luck to you!
Hi, Thank you for your message. The chances of another dexa scan are very remote & it took over 10 months to get the results of the last one. I am planning on an appt with Nick Birch to have a Rems scan & talk to him about what to do in the future.
I have read several books about Osteoporosis, read dozens of information from my google searches and listened to multiple podcasts. The most informative and BEST book IMO is “Great Bones” by Keith McCormick. He doesn’t scare you like others do, but educates you about various causes, delves into what is happening at the cellular level, explains how the medicines work. He is a chiropractor doctor who also had osteoporosis, went on medication for a while, but also believes that proper nutrition, supplements, and exercise are a big help. I got mine on Amazon.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
8 ReactionsHas anyone tried a weighted vest or would a backpack with some books in work? Also how about a Vibration plate?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionCheck these threads under subject Osteoporosis. Lots of discussion on both.
Great Bones is excellent, I also liked Rebuild your Bones. Best of all I like watching Dr Doug Lucas on YouTube.
He has a wealth of information without cost. He also has a podcast. Dr. Doug is an orthopedic surgeon. He has done many interviews. Be sure to subscribe and like I am on YouTube.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsHi, After 6 years, I asked to speak to a Doctor re my 2 dexa scans, I got an appt at Caerphilly hospital where I saw a consultant who said I needed to go on Tymlos because of my weight/height & risk of fracture. There was no discussion re any other drug or self help just they I needed to go on Tymlos. I’ve had no fractures for 7 years or so & am very mobile. The thought of an injection every day for 18 months & then another 10 years on a twice yearly injection just fills me with horror.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions