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 second this. This is an invaluable resource. He has also guided me through supplementation and low dose HRT, and so far, I have avoided having to go on a bone medication.
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.
I found your post helpful. I have severe osteoporosis of my spine, and I don’t want to go through what you did with a fracture. However, I tend to have rare side effects from multiple medications. On top of that, I have autoimmune diseases and have had significant dental problems/work. So, the possibility of jaw necrosis with Prolia scares me just as much. I have limited resources outside my excellent Medicare and supplement plans, but I don’t think that they would pay for dental treatment if I had complications. I’m having trouble getting specific information about my options. What kind of specialist do I need? My rheumatologist prescribed the Prolia, but he is difficult to get in to see. Would a spinal specialist be better? Thank you.
Hi @wisewoman75. I'm so glad you found my post helpful! You will find a lot of very helpful information on this site, so I'd like to suggest that first you do some searches regarding your specific issues. You can also create your own post - I did that when I was new here and it served me well.
Have you been on any medications for osteoporosis yet? Did you have both DEXA and TBS done? You referred to having severe osteoporosis in your spine - if you're open to sharing that result, it would be helpful.
My suggestion would be to do a broad search for "metabolic bone specialist" as that covers the whole gamut of specialists including endocrinologists, rheumatologists, orthopedists and the like. Unfortunately, most specialists are booked out for months, but it doesn't hurt to try. I got lucky with my last one and had a video visit the day after I called her office and she's great!
If your scores warrant it, you would need a medication that builds bone such as Tymlos, Evenity and Forteo - your dental health is not such a major concern with those as it is with Prolia (as far as I'm aware of). That would then need to be followed up by a medication that holds onto whatever bone growth you gained. All of these medications have many potential side effects, and many potential benefits. I always balance researching potential issues with researching positive responses - that often will be reassuring which I find vital as I highly value diminishing stress!
I hope that's helpful. I tried to be as concise as possible as this can be overwhelming when you're new here. Eventually it begins to come together.
Hi @wisewoman75. I'm so glad you found my post helpful! You will find a lot of very helpful information on this site, so I'd like to suggest that first you do some searches regarding your specific issues. You can also create your own post - I did that when I was new here and it served me well.
Have you been on any medications for osteoporosis yet? Did you have both DEXA and TBS done? You referred to having severe osteoporosis in your spine - if you're open to sharing that result, it would be helpful.
My suggestion would be to do a broad search for "metabolic bone specialist" as that covers the whole gamut of specialists including endocrinologists, rheumatologists, orthopedists and the like. Unfortunately, most specialists are booked out for months, but it doesn't hurt to try. I got lucky with my last one and had a video visit the day after I called her office and she's great!
If your scores warrant it, you would need a medication that builds bone such as Tymlos, Evenity and Forteo - your dental health is not such a major concern with those as it is with Prolia (as far as I'm aware of). That would then need to be followed up by a medication that holds onto whatever bone growth you gained. All of these medications have many potential side effects, and many potential benefits. I always balance researching potential issues with researching positive responses - that often will be reassuring which I find vital as I highly value diminishing stress!
I hope that's helpful. I tried to be as concise as possible as this can be overwhelming when you're new here. Eventually it begins to come together.
Thank you for the information and encouragement, Holly. I just received this diagnosis last week with a score of 4.1 for my spine I had only a decade scan. I, too, research and weigh the pros and cons when making decisions. I found an endocrinologist who specializes in osteoporosis and thyroid, so I will call her for an appointment. I see my dentist next week and will discuss her experience with osteoporosis patients, if any. The complexity of osteoporosis has been frustrating for me, but I feel better after reading your response. I do believe that I need medication but want to make an informed decision. I have multiple chronic conditions, but there has been nothing to compare with this! I had a severe reaction to only relatively benign medication for autoimmune disorders and have had to manage through life balance. It is not the same as with the osteoporosis. My PCP thinks that it is hereditary, and the specialist I found is in the same health care system as some research facilities. That feels promising.
In the meantime, I am learning how to avoid bending and twisting from the waist and have a PT evaluation with a therapist who works with older adults and osteoporosis patients scheduled for next Monday. Patience. Lynn, patience!
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.
Not everyone wants to undertake a lifetime of taking powerful medications. I know I will only do so kicking and screaming the whole time. But then I am not a pill junkie either.
Thank you for the information and encouragement, Holly. I just received this diagnosis last week with a score of 4.1 for my spine I had only a decade scan. I, too, research and weigh the pros and cons when making decisions. I found an endocrinologist who specializes in osteoporosis and thyroid, so I will call her for an appointment. I see my dentist next week and will discuss her experience with osteoporosis patients, if any. The complexity of osteoporosis has been frustrating for me, but I feel better after reading your response. I do believe that I need medication but want to make an informed decision. I have multiple chronic conditions, but there has been nothing to compare with this! I had a severe reaction to only relatively benign medication for autoimmune disorders and have had to manage through life balance. It is not the same as with the osteoporosis. My PCP thinks that it is hereditary, and the specialist I found is in the same health care system as some research facilities. That feels promising.
In the meantime, I am learning how to avoid bending and twisting from the waist and have a PT evaluation with a therapist who works with older adults and osteoporosis patients scheduled for next Monday. Patience. Lynn, patience!
Hi Lynn. Thank you for your reply. I'm so glad to know that you're being proactive about your care - that will serve you well. It takes time, patience and a willingness to persevere to be able to come to grips with the amount of research necessary to understand osteoporosis and its treatment. Btw, do look into bone markers and the TBS I previously mentioned. Those are both good to have done before you start treatment.
Best of luck with getting an appointment with the endocrinologist and your upcoming dental appointment and evaluation with PT. Do come back and let us know how it's going.
Warm regards and best wishes,
I second this. This is an invaluable resource. He has also guided me through supplementation and low dose HRT, and so far, I have avoided having to go on a bone medication.
I totally agree - Great BOnes by Dr Keith McCOrmick is the most comprehensive reference and guide. Moreover it is hopeful. ANd we all know that our mental state is the critically tied to our health and abiliity to recover. In fact it may be the single most important driver. THis book covers the underlying casues that can be contirbuting to the condition - we are all different but as we gain knowledge we can contribute to our recovery. I am so grateful for this book . and I am so grateful for hope.
Hi Lynn. Thank you for your reply. I'm so glad to know that you're being proactive about your care - that will serve you well. It takes time, patience and a willingness to persevere to be able to come to grips with the amount of research necessary to understand osteoporosis and its treatment. Btw, do look into bone markers and the TBS I previously mentioned. Those are both good to have done before you start treatment.
Best of luck with getting an appointment with the endocrinologist and your upcoming dental appointment and evaluation with PT. Do come back and let us know how it's going.
Warm regards and best wishes,
Sorry to take so long to reply. As you can imagine, I’ve been doing more research. I have an appointment with a spinal specialist on October 2nd. I also found someone who seems to be an excellent endocrinologist who is associated with the university and have an appointment with him on November 13th. I am encouraged to have the with him that soon.
I’m also getting used to this diagnosis and will be working with a physical therapist who specializes in older people to safely get stronger.
I’m so grateful for this supportive group!
Best always,Lynn
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I second this. This is an invaluable resource. He has also guided me through supplementation and low dose HRT, and so far, I have avoided having to go on a bone medication.
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1 ReactionI found your post helpful. I have severe osteoporosis of my spine, and I don’t want to go through what you did with a fracture. However, I tend to have rare side effects from multiple medications. On top of that, I have autoimmune diseases and have had significant dental problems/work. So, the possibility of jaw necrosis with Prolia scares me just as much. I have limited resources outside my excellent Medicare and supplement plans, but I don’t think that they would pay for dental treatment if I had complications. I’m having trouble getting specific information about my options. What kind of specialist do I need? My rheumatologist prescribed the Prolia, but he is difficult to get in to see. Would a spinal specialist be better? Thank you.
Hi @wisewoman75. I'm so glad you found my post helpful! You will find a lot of very helpful information on this site, so I'd like to suggest that first you do some searches regarding your specific issues. You can also create your own post - I did that when I was new here and it served me well.
Have you been on any medications for osteoporosis yet? Did you have both DEXA and TBS done? You referred to having severe osteoporosis in your spine - if you're open to sharing that result, it would be helpful.
My suggestion would be to do a broad search for "metabolic bone specialist" as that covers the whole gamut of specialists including endocrinologists, rheumatologists, orthopedists and the like. Unfortunately, most specialists are booked out for months, but it doesn't hurt to try. I got lucky with my last one and had a video visit the day after I called her office and she's great!
If your scores warrant it, you would need a medication that builds bone such as Tymlos, Evenity and Forteo - your dental health is not such a major concern with those as it is with Prolia (as far as I'm aware of). That would then need to be followed up by a medication that holds onto whatever bone growth you gained. All of these medications have many potential side effects, and many potential benefits. I always balance researching potential issues with researching positive responses - that often will be reassuring which I find vital as I highly value diminishing stress!
I hope that's helpful. I tried to be as concise as possible as this can be overwhelming when you're new here. Eventually it begins to come together.
Best wishes to you moving forward!
Warm regards,
Holly
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4 ReactionsThank you for the information and encouragement, Holly. I just received this diagnosis last week with a score of 4.1 for my spine I had only a decade scan. I, too, research and weigh the pros and cons when making decisions. I found an endocrinologist who specializes in osteoporosis and thyroid, so I will call her for an appointment. I see my dentist next week and will discuss her experience with osteoporosis patients, if any. The complexity of osteoporosis has been frustrating for me, but I feel better after reading your response. I do believe that I need medication but want to make an informed decision. I have multiple chronic conditions, but there has been nothing to compare with this! I had a severe reaction to only relatively benign medication for autoimmune disorders and have had to manage through life balance. It is not the same as with the osteoporosis. My PCP thinks that it is hereditary, and the specialist I found is in the same health care system as some research facilities. That feels promising.
In the meantime, I am learning how to avoid bending and twisting from the waist and have a PT evaluation with a therapist who works with older adults and osteoporosis patients scheduled for next Monday. Patience. Lynn, patience!
Thank you again,
Lynn
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5 ReactionsCan you talk more about why this is horrifying.
Not everyone wants to undertake a lifetime of taking powerful medications. I know I will only do so kicking and screaming the whole time. But then I am not a pill junkie either.
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2 ReactionsHi Lynn. Thank you for your reply. I'm so glad to know that you're being proactive about your care - that will serve you well. It takes time, patience and a willingness to persevere to be able to come to grips with the amount of research necessary to understand osteoporosis and its treatment. Btw, do look into bone markers and the TBS I previously mentioned. Those are both good to have done before you start treatment.
Best of luck with getting an appointment with the endocrinologist and your upcoming dental appointment and evaluation with PT. Do come back and let us know how it's going.
Warm regards and best wishes,
Holly
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Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI totally agree - Great BOnes by Dr Keith McCOrmick is the most comprehensive reference and guide. Moreover it is hopeful. ANd we all know that our mental state is the critically tied to our health and abiliity to recover. In fact it may be the single most important driver. THis book covers the underlying casues that can be contirbuting to the condition - we are all different but as we gain knowledge we can contribute to our recovery. I am so grateful for this book . and I am so grateful for hope.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsSorry to take so long to reply. As you can imagine, I’ve been doing more research. I have an appointment with a spinal specialist on October 2nd. I also found someone who seems to be an excellent endocrinologist who is associated with the university and have an appointment with him on November 13th. I am encouraged to have the with him that soon.
I’m also getting used to this diagnosis and will be working with a physical therapist who specializes in older people to safely get stronger.
I’m so grateful for this supportive group!
Best always,Lynn
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