Forteo or Reclast?

I'm so sorry you've been dealing with this for so long. Since your spine surgeon and endocrinologist are recommending different treatments, maybe ask them to discuss your case with each other. Your surgeon may be thinking about optimizing bone quality for spinal surgery and your endocrinologist may be focused on long-term osteoporosis treatment. It would be helpful to understand why each is recommending their approach in your specific situation. Given your history of lung cancer, bypass surgery, and ongoing severe pain, be sure your persistent pain has been thoroughly evaluated before moving forward. Wishing you the very best.

@babs10
Thank you so much for your kind words. I will definitely move in the right direction. The Lord has been with me and guiding me. My prayers for you too...

I’m sorry you’re in such awful pain. It sounds terrible. None of these are quick fixes. Forteo (teraparatide) involves a daily injection for two years. It’s a big commitment and takes a long time to see the results. (I just finished my two years and am still waiting for my repeat Dexa scan). Typically you take Forteo/teraparatide only after you “fail” Reclast (once a year infusion) or Prolia (twice a year injection). I started with Reclast, which didn’t seem to help, injected myself nightly with Forteo for two years, and am now on Prolia. But your situation is different and may involve unique considerations. Good luck to you!

I start Reclast in 2 wks. I have had lung cancer-6.5 yrs free-Diagnosed with COPD, Asthma, AFIB, RA, Osteoarthritis, Barretts Esophogus, Hypothyroidism, I have a partial colectomy, ventral hernia, kidney disease- Burst spine fracture-shoulder fracture. I have been 2 yrs on Tymlos and am not sure what is the best follow up with my other diagnoses. Appreciate any suggestions. I am 76 yrs old

@alicevondall i had a bad reaction most don’t. Ask them to put it in slowly and hydrate a lot before they do it. Even using iv fluids is a good idea.

@kaybollinger79
Thank you!

I have been using Forteo for almost a year. I chose it because the only real issue was potentially getting OsteoSarcoma. In April, I broke my back, requiring surgery. The surgeon later said it had been a little more difficult because the bones were "soft."
Currently, I am now doing a therapy called Limfa therapy, available at OsteoStrong. It takes roughly an hour for a total of 12 visits. The results in Italy, where it was developed, have been positive. As far as the Forteo, I began eating tofu to boost estrogen, since I can't take a HRT. Estrogen is the missing ingredient to get the calcium to reach the bones.
I won't know for a year

@alicevondall Ask for a 45 minute infusion. They should do a saline flush before and after. Take 650 mg of Tylenol the day before (after each meal), day of, and day after, and hydrate well. I try to get at least 54 oz. of water in me each day during that time. I also take an antihistamine the day before, day of, and day after, but you may not choose to do this. The hydration and Tylenol are key. They can drastically reduce the chance of acute phase reactions. Best of luck to you.

That's a tough position....Have you discussed with your endocrinologist why he/she prefers Reclast over Forteo? That would be a question for them. Endos are actually the "specialists" that deal with these drugs. I can't guess what your surgeon is thinking, but I do know that Forteo targets the spine. I just finished two years of Forteo and my spine improved enough so that I can have spine surgery (coming up in September). Reclast and Prolia are generally the favorites to "seal" the bones once bone-building drugs have been completed. I'm sure your endo has a reason for selecting Reclast, so you need to ask them. Maybe the Reclast gives quicker results?? Forteo was a two-year journey for me. Good luck! These questions/concerns are best answered by your doctor.