hi, seniorhope66.
I think it unwise to avoid the osteoporosis medications.
Reclast, as you mention, doesn't build new bone it does increase bone density by collecting the older bone. It does help to prevent fracture.
Forteo and Tymlos are the only drugs that rebuild (remodel) bone. These drugs increase the cells that get rid of fissured or damaged bone and replace it with new, well integrated bone.
In your situation I'd choose Tymlos if your weakest bones are in the hip or femur and Forteo if you weakest bones are in the spine.
After two years on Tymlos or Forteo you may be able to continue taking it. I'm into my third year of Forteo. Most osteoporosis patients take Reclast after Tymlos or Forteo.
Any of these medications can cause unpleasant side effects. With Tymlos or Forteo you can quit the drug as it leaves the body usually within four hours, with some people it takes longer. But almost always you only have side effects withing the 4 hour period. And then you can quit the drug without lingering effect. Of course, you may have no side effects. I haven't had any with Forteo and have been told by the prescribing endocrinologist that I can take it without any other medication for my lifetime.
Some people take Reclast without side effects. For most the side effects are joint pain. Some experience flu-like symptoms for the first day or the first week. And some really have long term side effects--mostly pain.
There isn't any way of knowing before taking the medications what your response will be. There are just odds. Like Russian roulette. We only play because we are afraid of fracturing.
You might ask for bone markers. CTX and P1NP before treatment and three months in. For each of these medications, there is a set of people for whom they are not effective. Even after they have suffered for a year or two. I'd be so mad.
I'm happy to engage in this conversation if you have more questions or questions about the other medications. It's important to gather ideas from everyone and the make your personal choice.