Hesitant to begin drug treatment for my osteoporosis

Posted by artistel81 @artistel81, May 14, 2024

Hello! My first post here as a new member. I am an active 69 year old female who was diagnosed many years ago with osteopenia but now have osteoporosis. When diagnosed with osteopenia I gave several drugs a try. I had side effects from all the oral choices I took, and when giving myself Forteo shots, broke out in hives all over my body. After that, I decided I would take my chances and go the natural route to keep my bones healthy with diet, consistent exercise and Calcium/Vitamin supplements. Fast forward to present time my last bone density scan was worrisome, (a -4,4 T score in my spine). An endocrinologist strongly suggested treatment, (shots or infusions), but I still fear side effects. I am currently trying to educate and empower myself by researching all options. I am already a bit overwhelmed with so many differing opinions. Drugs or no drugs?! The possible serious side effects of drug treatment still frighten me. Has anyone here diagnosed with more advanced osteoporosis, remained fracture free? Am I at such a high risk that I’m doomed without drug treatment? Thank you in advance for any advice, experiences, etc.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

pam52 | @pam52 | Apr 27 10:13am

In reply to @annms01 "What is jaw necrosis? I can’t shut my jaw all the way when I try to..." + (show)

@annms01
It sounds like you might have TMJ syndrome, which stands for Temporal-mandibular joint syndrome, which affects the jaw joint. I had this syndrome 20 years ago, and it is, indeed, very painful. It causes pain when biting down and chewing, especially chewing hard foods like nuts and hard candy. It also feels like a person cannot open their jaw very wide, which is due to tight muscles in the neck.
Because I was very uninformed about this condition back then, I saw dentist after dental specialist who treated me with various dental devices and even braces in my 50's, all of which only had a moderate effect on the problem.
TMJ symdrome is a muscle problem, not a tooth problem, so I would be very careful, if I were you, in the treatment you seek. A physical therapist is probably the best place to begin.
Just to let you know, osteonecrosis of the jaw actually affects the jaw bone; it is a deterioration of the bone in the jaw and can be exacerbated by some osteoporosis medicines. Good luck with everything, and if you want to know more about some of my treatments, I can email you off this list.