Any non fracture members?

@stress101 pain is hard to live with as I can share having pain too. The only thing that has helped me with pain is trying to lower inflammation in my body. Sugar is the big one for me, so I have been using stevia in food and monk fruit in baking. If you google “Is sugar bad for my bones” you see it is. Nutrition has been my focus as well.

I'm 65 years old. I've had osteoporosis for close to 5yrs, and have never had a fracture. I'm supposed to take Calcium tablets, but I forgot too. I'm not worried about having a fracture. If I ever get one, that's when I'll deal with it.
Are you having side effects or something related to OS?

@gently
I was a distance runner and had stress fractures of my tibia in high school and college (two if I recall; possibly three). This was not an uncommon injury for distance runners. Those were the only fractures I’ve ever had. Any idea how these would be classified?

@yds

New studies have come out showing that REM scans are not accurate. I have listed the citations below. The DEXA score is the accurate one. -4.0 is very severe osteoporosis. Ask your doctor about trying Evenity. Evenity is good for the hips (and femoral neck). Best wishes to you.

Chan, D. C. C., Chen, W., Yabsley, E., & Pocock, N. (2026). Demographic determinants of REMS-derived BMD and fragility score. Osteoporosis International, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-026-07960-4

Bobelyak, M., Vaculik, J., & Stepan, J. J. (2025). Bone mineral density assessment using radiofrequency echographic multispectrometry (REMS) in patients before and after total hip replacement. Osteoporosis International, 36(1), 2237–2244. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-025-07685-w

@cliffdweller, fractures from repetitive stress are called fatigue or stress fractures; they are definitely not frailty fractures. After the callus stage the bone remodels usually recovering 100% of its original strength.

I’m 85 and have osteoporosis . I take risedronate sod 35 mg once a week. So far, no fractures. I take classes at my health club…..all have weight lifting as part of the class. One is called ‘Bars and Plates’, mostly weight lifting. I exercise 5 days a week. I eat high calcium food, lots of fruit and vegetables, lots of salmon. So far, so good. Good luck.

@gently Yes, it is a curious though; since my fracture was traumatic it would almost certainly have happened on non-osteoporotic bones. Unlike a friend who broke her foot getting out of bed (fragility) mine was from trauma. But I guess it triggered having a DEXA before age 65 (63 maybe) so at least there was opportunity to discover osteoporosis and to treat. Just seems odd to me; a better way IMO would be to have a DEXA within perhaps a few years past menopause (not just when/if you happen to fracture) so we can start to be aware of taking care of bone health when it first matters. Gentlemen, don't know when it would be appropriate for you!

@gently
Yes; stress fractures. I have sometimes been asked the generic question: “Have you ever had a fracture?” and wasn’t sure if those counted.

jozer, earlier dexa would make a difference. I consider 50 to be the preferrable age to begin having imaging. We start losing estrogen in our thirties. Osteoporosis is underserved. Most research money is applied to deadly diseases. Osteoporosis doesn't have independent specialists, almost anyone can prescribe for osteoporosis. One of the bone specialists says that PCs know more about osteoporosis than endocrinologists.

I switched from dexascans to REMS. REMS stands for Radiofrequency Echographic Multi-Spectrometry:
*Average cost $300-400
*Radiation free
*Fracture Risk included
My doctor at the time told me unless your dexscans are on the same machine, your results can vary. Why? because dexascan machines are made by different companies. REMS machine are only made by one company which gives you consistency in the technology.
The one thing I truly love about REMS is that it gives a score for fracture risk. That is incredibly helpful to give you a clearer picture.
I also learned weight bearing exercises are extremely important. So, I purchased ankle weights and you can choose the weight you want and a weighted vest where you can add more weight to the vest in 2 lb increments into pockets of the vest - both can be purchased on AMAZON.
My next REMS is coming up soon - we shall see what my scores are?
Best to all of you - aging as one of my friends says is "not for the faint of heart". We all deal with something as we get into our 60's and 70's.