Lumbar T-score -3.5, Evenity or natural approach?

Posted by smartcard @smartcard, Jul 21 2:18pm

Hello everyone,

I'm a 63 year old male looking for advice from people who have experience with osteoporosis.

Recently, I was travelling in a taxi when the driver hit a speed bump very hard. I was thrown upwards in my seat and developed pain in my middle back. I went to the emergency department where I was diagnosed with muscle spasm.

My X-rays showed:

Diffuse decreased bone density.

Mild spondylosis.

Narrowing of the L3-L4 and L5-S1 disc spaces.

Decreased height of the D8, D10 and D11 vertebrae, with a recommendation for further assessment.

I have had scoliosis since I was 20 years old.

A DEXA scan showed:

Lumbar spine T-score: -3.5 (osteoporosis).

Right femoral neck: -2.2 (osteopenia).

Left femoral neck: -2.2 (osteopenia).

My orthopaedic surgeon has recommended starting Evenity (romosozumab).

I have always preferred to avoid medications whenever possible, so before making a decision I want to learn from others who have been in a similar situation.

My questions are:

1. Has anyone with a lumbar spine T-score around -3.5 managed to improve their bone density without prescription medication?

2. Have lifestyle changes, weight bearing exercise, resistance training, nutrition, or herbal supplements made a meaningful difference for you?

3. If you chose Evenity, what was your experience regarding effectiveness and side effects?

4. Looking back, would you make the same decision again?

I understand that everyone's situation is different, and I'm not looking to replace medical advice. I'm simply hoping to hear real world experiences to help me have a more informed discussion with my doctor.

Thank you for any advice or experiences you can share.

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

A T-score of -3.5 for the spine is severe osteoporosis, i.e., very serious. At 60, my T-score was -3.1, I have taken Tymlos for 1 year and my T-score is -2.4. I recommend seeing an endocrinologist so they can do testing to see whether u have an underlying problem which is causing problems with your bone metabolism. I don't think you can treat this serious of a condition yourself. Wishing you well,

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roseinacalifornia's suggestion about seeing an endocrinologist is well worth following. You have more options in medications than Evenity. I suspect that Tymlos or Forteo might/might not be a better bet. The radiologist advisement about further imaging for the thoracic compressions would happen through the endocrinologist.
And as rose mentions there may be secondary cause for your osteoporosis.

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After Evenity spine T score went from -3.2 to -2.2. Had very little side effect. There was some minor joint pain. Blood pressure lowered which was welcome, but had to watch out for occasional light headedness when standing. Pain in lower back from fracture slowly gained strength so I could stand longer as time went on . I am grateful for Evenity. After 12 mo. of Evenity injections, my T scores for hip did not improve much though, so am now on Prolia. It is important to keep doing all you can regarding exercise and supplementation along with the drug.

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I was diagnosed August of last year with Osteoporois, I am a very active 67 male, bike racing, sking, Golf ... I had a another bike wreak and broke several ribs and sclupa, then a few months later had another Bobsled in Park City had 2 commpression fractures when the doctor told me I should get a Dexa, found out I had -2.9 Lumbar -1.8 Femoral Neck, I am taking Tymlos since October, have had some slight side effects but have power through, going to have another Dexa in October if this year and hoping to see some improvements. Been doing Weight training 3 times a week, Walking and back on the bike.
I would suggest seeing a Endocrinologist ASAP and get on either Tymlos or Forteo. My thought is I want to get ahead of this ASAP and get back to doing what I want without the fear of fractuing. 2 years on a drug and follow-up for a year is much better than thinking everytime you move you think you could have another fracture. The other thing is if you look at the data and others comments the biggest gains in these 2 drugs are in the first 6 months to a year.
Best of luck!

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Doctors who are open to patients trying natural remedies usually strongly recommend medication at -3.5 . It would be good to do some research before choosing one. Forteo or Tymlos is a logical place to start for many reasons. And you can ALSO start addressing it through non-medication means: progressive strength training, tweaking your diet to ensure adequate protein and calcium throughout the day, with some basic supplements if needed. I suggest getting educated and looking for an endocrinologist who follows osteoporosis research actively.
Good luck!

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Interesting. My scores are similar. Just finished Evenity now took the one year reclast. Also doing some weight training resistance and trying to stay active. Not risking a fall or fracture. Many diet changes. Seeing Endrocrinology and also seeing doctor that’s out of the standard health care system at a high $$$$ cost. Addressing some root cause issues if thyroid and more.

Bodies are complicated and multiple factors affect why our density is affected.

Trying to untangle this and hoping all of you don’t have fractures breaks or pain. Keep moving and researching what might help!

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I just started evenity. Spine -4.6 t score and hips are at -3's. Had first dexa scan a month ago at age 61. (I had to ask for one..doctor wanted me to wait until 65). I have always been very very active and i do not have any other health issues. I have added citracal and have changed my diet. Although i eat clean and healthy I am trying to slowly gain more weight as i am very thin by nature. I walk a lot, use the elliptical, lift weights and keep ad active as i can. I never thought this could happen to me but it did !! I wish i had gotten a dexa scan much much sooner. My mom had osteoporosis. All i can do now is hope Evenity will help along with a healthy diet and exercise. I can only hope i do not get worse. I am lucky i have no fractures. I am a school teacher with 1 more year before i retire. I hope to go on many adventures at that time:).

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Profile picture for purpleflower @purpleflower

I just started evenity. Spine -4.6 t score and hips are at -3's. Had first dexa scan a month ago at age 61. (I had to ask for one..doctor wanted me to wait until 65). I have always been very very active and i do not have any other health issues. I have added citracal and have changed my diet. Although i eat clean and healthy I am trying to slowly gain more weight as i am very thin by nature. I walk a lot, use the elliptical, lift weights and keep ad active as i can. I never thought this could happen to me but it did !! I wish i had gotten a dexa scan much much sooner. My mom had osteoporosis. All i can do now is hope Evenity will help along with a healthy diet and exercise. I can only hope i do not get worse. I am lucky i have no fractures. I am a school teacher with 1 more year before i retire. I hope to go on many adventures at that time:).

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@purpleflower can you add HRT? That is a real bone builder.

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At this time I am interested in the support group discussions.

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