I was also prescribed Fosamax. I took only 2 pills out of the prescription because like you, I was too freaked out by the side effects that I had read about to continue the drug! I decided to take a different approach. I take collagen, multivitamin, D3, K2, magnesium and some calcium. But I get plenty of calcium in my diet from almond milk (Im somewhat lactose intolerant), Lactaid cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, almonds, prunes, unhulled black sesame seeds (90mg calcium/tablespoon) and cooked kale.
I have also joined my YMCA and work out with weights, which i have never done before in my life! Im 72. I walk and I have have a recumbant bike that I ride occasionally. I am hoping that all this activity along with strengthening my muscles with weights and my adjusted diet will be enough to reverse my osteopenia .