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

@jozer Has anyone ever mentioned Tymlos to you? I just started it 2 weeks ago. I'm almost 65 and my spine is the worst at -3.7

@cpog no nothing…yet. Never heard of any drugs other than reclast, fosamax and prolia from doc, and he did not like prolia. Tymlos, etc. were not discussed. Appointments in early summer for the dexa after a year in on reclast so we will see what else he wants me to do and whether I do it or not

@jozer

I wonder why he did not talk to you about the anabolics/bone builders. The thinking now seems to be that starting drug sequencing with an anabolic increases bone building activity. And that starting with a bisphosphonate may inhibit bone building to some degree.

@mmjhinger8

See my reply to jozer below.

One doctor (rheumatologist) did say she would have started me on an anabolic first. My endo started with fosamax and after modest gains, moved to reclast. Bisphosphonates are apparently the first line of treatment in most cases. However since he said my osteo was severe (usually consideration for bone builders first) I wonder why we didn’t go over that. Perhaps my medical history/family history? Worst number femoral neck at -3.5, rest were between -2.6 -2.8. We will have an awful lot to talk about during the 15 minute checkup in spring!

@kfhoz thank you for that…and yes insurance companies do want the cheaper treatment first, if it fails then you may be allowed to move to the drug that actually works better 😂

It is never too late to do anything we can for our bones…many here are older than you and are doing all kinds of things to help their bones…maybe it’s time to ask another doctor.

Are you taking any supplements? Most on this forum take calcium in an absorbable form like calcium hydroxyapatite, vitamin K in an Mk2 formula and vitamin D. Many also take Fortibone a collagen powder with proven results to help your bones. Insurance of course wants you to take cheap bisphosphonates first but bone builders like Forteo and Tymlos should be tried first with severe osteoporosis. You need a new doctor!

@humphreysbr Thank you. I do take most of those supplements except the collagen. I'll look into that. Forteo costs $2000 a month. I have insurance that lowers the cost, but it is still financially out of reach for me.

Thank all of you again for all the great advice and comments .

@stayingalive - I hope you can find a supportive MD!!! That was lousy advice and it's never too late to make positive changes in one's life and that includes your bone health. Doing nothing is the absolute worst possible thing you can do. After I was diagnosed, I felt paralyzed with fear and pretty much did nothing physical - I don't recommend that! I also did a lot of research which has been beneficial.

I'm a bit reluctant to include this link b/c there is SO MUCH information, but if you can pick a few things you'd like to focus on, there is good information here to get you going.

Osteoporosis is an overwhelming, confusing diagnosis and there are so many conflicting opinions. and it took me 3 years to find a doctor I trust. You'll get there! Best wishes.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2GQ9c1bFkQmkcQD3nIpJhQ/videos