Well, ipg, I do have opinions. Knowledge is a little more elusive.
I knew I'd eventually have osteoporosis, had my first dexa at 50 and became
fascinated with our bones through pubmed. When Forteo was approved it was
a new medical method for dealing with the imbalance between cells that
break down bone and cells that build bone. Instead of stopping the break
down and the build up, Forteo increased both creating a stronger bone.
The method was new, the concept is as old as our bones.
My only experience is with Forteo, so I am very limited, especially
compared to other contributors on Connect. Even knowing I'd have
osteoporosis, I started a little late. I looked everywhere for a doctor
who wasn't insisting on two years of Reclast after Forteo. There wasn't
one. I started Forteo and continued looking for someone to switch to when
the two years were up. Much to my surprise at the two year mark, the
endocrinologist I see said he thought I should continue on Forteo. When I
asked for how long he said, "until your dexa T score is -1. I started my
fourth year in April.