@artscaping Thank you so much, Chris. This is great information. I too will be playing catch-up. As I have indicated in a number of posts, I am absolutely fuming at my PCP that he dropped this ball. It sounds as if Tymlos may be the best option for me too although I hate the idea of giving myself injections. UGH. Those are the only two that build bone, right? My DEXA report says I am at high risk for a fracture.
That is a good question, what to do when the 18 months is up. I will do more research on Tymlos. As I commented above, I called the rheumatologist I want to see today and she is now scheduling in December. I asked to be put on the waitlist and was told that I would be, but that it is a very long waitlist. 🙁 Have you asked your doctor what will happen after the 18 months? Are you seeing just your PCP for this or are you seeing a specialist too?
Where you mention daily exercises you mention walking. Walking is great for cardio and general conditioning but I just read that in a study done with a test group that did not walk, and a group that did walk daily, there was no difference in bone strength much to the surprise of the researchers. I also saw somewhere that high impact exercises are good, but if your bones are weak should you really be doing high impact? I am thinking I will do some Zumba, that's pretty good exercise, burns a lot of calories and I think will be good for bone strengthening. I did it a long time ago, before having knee replacements, and a lot of women I know at my health club do it. I enjoy the pool and that too is good for some things but I doubt it does much for bones and right now that is a huge consideration for me.
I bought the ebook, "Strong Women, Strong Bones" by Miriam Nelson. I haven't read far into it yet but I think it will be good. My sister has osteopenia and her doctor recommended it. The same author has also written "Strong Women Stay Young" which too delves into bone-building but is not as specialized as the former.

@llwortman I can certainly understand your reluctance to take the drugs you mention. You did not mention Tymlos or Forteo. I believe those are different than the drugs you mention. Would they possibly be an option if you got to the point that Chris and I are at, needing to rebuild bone?
JK