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Osteoporosis DX and Overwhelmed
My recent dexascan showed that osteopenia has progressed to osteoporosis in the lumbar spine and wrist. I am 73 and taking Anastrazole following a breast cancer dx and lumpectomy 2 years ago. The Anastrazole further blocks estrogen so that is likely a big part of the progression.
I do not want to take any of the meds but confused as to what else to do since there is so much conflicting information. I stopped taking a calcium supplement and now just take a multivitamin and D3+k2.
I walk every day and do some core exercises. I have cervical stenosis so I avoid lifting anything heavy.
I have been trying to get calcium in my diet- almonds, prunes, almond milk, etc but now i read that some foods contain oxalates that block calcium absorption.
My doctors say I am not doing enough but at this point I don't know what is best. My Gyno recommended Akgae Cal but i have read conflicting information about that.
I have read horror stories regarding the bone meds and refuse to go that route. Many people say they have not had success with diet and exercise.
I am at the point where I am ready to just take my chances and hope for the best as foolish as that may sound.
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@beachbabe Dr Lisa Moore's YouTube channel has lots of exercises, and she starts off slow.
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3 Reactions@beachbabe
Try looking at melioguide.com.
She is a physician therapist who specializes in Osteoporosis. There are other sites also but she also has a wealth of info.
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1 ReactionI just ordered Calciven by Nutreance. You can read about it. There is a video in their web site that I thought was interesting.
Best to you.
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1 Reaction@beachbabe I am 69 and rarely take even OTC meds. However, all the great diets, supplements, exercise etc. may help a tiny bit but if you get into the osteoporosis category you may need to do all that AND prescriptions meds. The trick is to figure out what will be tolerable for you. I use the phrase possible side effects; not probable side effects. There are people of course who will have severe side effects but statistically not many, and there are some on the same med that will have zero. It is a crapshoot!
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6 ReactionsI just came accross this, about the diagnosis and treatment.
https://robertyoho.substack.com/p/458-osteoporosis-how-pharma-invented
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2 Reactions@beachbabe
You are 73 and diagnosed with osteoporosis. Without medications your bones will continue to worsen. Also most people as they age acquire more medical conditions which makes it much more complicated if one fractures and then has to add another medication (an osteoporosis med) to their already complicated medication regime, on top of dealing with a disability and chronic pain from the fracture.
Osteoporosis drugs greatly reduce the probability of fracture. The majority of people taking these meds have NO side effects. I have been taking Tymlos for 14 months with NO side effects. With most medications there are always a small subset of people who experience side-effects, some serious. You cannot assume you will experience side-effects before you even go to a doctor and take the medication they recommend.
A lot of the "conflicting information" you are reading about is from a lot of random people posting about their uninformed fears. If you do nothing, and live long enough, you will most likely fracture. The side-effects of a fracture are much more debilitating (excruciating pain, being in a wheelchair) than any possible side-effects from trying an OP drug.
Good luck to you on your health journey.
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3 Reactions@beachbabe
"There is no way I will ever take any of the bone meds."
Osteoporosis leads to fractures, esp over the age of 70. Basically this person is saying they would rather experience a fracture with the associated pain and disability, then even try a bone medication. I highly suggest you go to a forum where people discuss their fractures and how they are dealing with the consequences of their newfound permanent disability.
@roseincalifornia thank you for your concern. I have read the accounts of many people in other forums who have osteoporosis and have no fractures. Many tried the bone meds and had adverse effects and some for whom they didn't work and they were worse off after discontinuing. There are also many who are managing with using natural means. I will do what I feel is right for me and it doesn't involve taking dangerous drugs. You can't have PHARMA without HARM.
@roseincalifornia I have just inched over from osteopenia to osteoporosis in the lumbar spine. Not everyone with osteoporosis will have a fracture.
While the condition makes bones weak and brittle, a fracture is not guaranteed. Statistics show that roughly half of women and a quarter of men aged 50 and older will experience an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime, meaning many people manage the condition without breaking a bone.
@beachbabe
The study you are referring to looked at the "general population" over 50 which includes people with and WITHOUT Osteoporosis.
For those who already have diagnosed osteoporosis, that individual probability is much higher.
Studies tracking individuals with osteoporosis from age 60 onward estimate that the lifetime risk of suffering any fracture is roughly 65% for women and 42% for men. See the peer-reviewed study: "Residual lifetime risk of fractures in women and men" https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17352657/.
As one progresses into their 70s and beyond, the percentages of those experiencing fractures increases much higher than 65% for women and 42% for men.
For those who enter or live through their 90s with diagnosed osteoporosis, the probability of experiencing at least one fragility fracture approaches or exceeds 80%. See the peer-reviewed paper: " Global prevalence of osteoporosis among the world older adults: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis"
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8590304/
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