Severe osteoporosis at 76: Is it too late for help?

Posted by stayingalive @stayingalive, Mar 2 9:01pm

Today, my endocrinologist said it was too late to make my bones stronger. I have severe osteoporosis and have had several compression fractures in my back. I'm 76, but I'm not really ready to give up, but I don't know what to do.

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What is he/she calling severe osteoporosis?

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Profile picture for kfhoz @kfhoz

@jozer Great post, thanks! Although your question was rhetorical, I cannot help but note that a partial response can be found in the below presentation. It is by Dr. Michael Lewiecki to doctors & researchers at the Osteoporosis Foundation of New Mexico annual symposium in 2025. Parts are quite technical and I had to pause the video and zoom in to study some of the charts and graphs.

Treat-to-target for osteoporosis


Excerpt: " ... What seems like a simple decision on the surface [to use anabolic drugs first] turns out to be fairly complicated now insurance companies have a very easy answer for us. You're all familiar with this "Fail First". This is where we're required to start off with the cheapest medication ... "

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@kfhoz Thank you for the link to the video. Very helpful!! That conference has a number of interesting presentations.

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My rheumatologist said I have severe osteoporosis in my spine. My lumbar spine T-score is -3.6. I'm opting to get the best treatment I can get. I'm in my late 60s and don't want to go through what my mother went through. My mother had multiple fractures in her 80s-90s (some in her spine) from osteoporosis. She never had treatment for it. At that time (over 20 years ago), she had so many other health issues to cope with that her osteoporosis just fell by the wayside. I don't want to get like that. I saw her suffering with a lot of pain before she died. My T-scores are actually worse than hers were in her 80s.

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See another Dr. I was diagnosed at age 77 . I completed a 1 yr. course of Evenity. I saw significant gains in spine after 4 fractures. Hip was a very small gain. I will progress to Prolia. I am seeing a Rheumatologist.

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Profile picture for wizdum @wizdum

See another Dr. I was diagnosed at age 77 . I completed a 1 yr. course of Evenity. I saw significant gains in spine after 4 fractures. Hip was a very small gain. I will progress to Prolia. I am seeing a Rheumatologist.

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@wizdum Your situation is so similar to mine. I (age 76) have just finished 8th month/round of Evenity. My active lifestyle has not changed but am noticing increased leg pain, tingling, spasms, etc. Will be anxious to see results of bone density testing after 12 months of Evenity. Plan is to progress to Prolia. Doctor is dismissing any of my side-effects as normal aging and also from very low dosage (10 mg/daily) of Lipitor which I have taken for more than 8 years with no side effects. Maybe I should check in with a Rheumatologist? Thanks.

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Profile picture for pbradley1954 @pbradley1954

Let's beat it! I plan on working hard to show the doctors it can be reversed. Your endocronologist sounds like a rheumatologist I saw...very negative. I am starting the ONERO program tomorrow, am changing up my diet to include more protein and calcium, and trying OSTEOStrong in April. Keep trying...don't give up! Also, maybe get a REM scan to see if maybe your bone quality is okay. Maybe go to a functional medicine doctor. I saw one on Monday and she made me feel much more optimistic.

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@pbradley1954 Very good response. To me, it's always best to try a natural approach before taking heavy pharmaceuticals.

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Profile picture for zezzajs @zezzajs

@wizdum Your situation is so similar to mine. I (age 76) have just finished 8th month/round of Evenity. My active lifestyle has not changed but am noticing increased leg pain, tingling, spasms, etc. Will be anxious to see results of bone density testing after 12 months of Evenity. Plan is to progress to Prolia. Doctor is dismissing any of my side-effects as normal aging and also from very low dosage (10 mg/daily) of Lipitor which I have taken for more than 8 years with no side effects. Maybe I should check in with a Rheumatologist? Thanks.

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@zezzajs, I have several friends who take or took Evenity. Two have similar symptoms to yours. Another now needs to use a cane because of those symptoms. I can it taken Evenity because it's contraindicated for those who've had a stroke or heart attack. I have had both. That's primarily why I'm looking for an alternate to medication.

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Profile picture for stayingalive @stayingalive

@zezzajs, I have several friends who take or took Evenity. Two have similar symptoms to yours. Another now needs to use a cane because of those symptoms. I can it taken Evenity because it's contraindicated for those who've had a stroke or heart attack. I have had both. That's primarily why I'm looking for an alternate to medication.

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I'm sorry. "I cannot take" is what I intended to type.

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Profile picture for gravity3 @gravity3

@mmjhinger8

Glad you are here. Lots to learn about osteoporosis and the variety of ways that people are approaching care. Are you working with an endocrinologist? What are the suggestions for treatment are you considering?

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@gravity3 I was prescribed fosamax about a month ago but have not started it yet. Been trying to exercise every day now and eating better. Very Leary about taking the fosamax but don’t want to lose more bone density

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Profile picture for zezzajs @zezzajs

@wizdum Your situation is so similar to mine. I (age 76) have just finished 8th month/round of Evenity. My active lifestyle has not changed but am noticing increased leg pain, tingling, spasms, etc. Will be anxious to see results of bone density testing after 12 months of Evenity. Plan is to progress to Prolia. Doctor is dismissing any of my side-effects as normal aging and also from very low dosage (10 mg/daily) of Lipitor which I have taken for more than 8 years with no side effects. Maybe I should check in with a Rheumatologist? Thanks.

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@zezzajs Love how they blame it all on ageing. I had a lot of pain before Evenity due to fractures. The aches and pains that went along with Evenity were mild by comparison. Had more problems toward end of Evenity....actually the couple months after. I have IBS and low thyroid. Really want to get on with the Prolia, just making sure Dr. answers my questions as originally they told me I would get Reclast after. Most Dr.s are so overwhelmed these days with their case loads. Just be aware that fractures hurt more than aches and pains. Want support more than anything from my healthcare providers. The whole thing is so stressful that I think I'm going to have to take Meditation to a higher level than just 15 min per day. Thinking CBD oil next.

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