Any non fracture members?

@fidget53

"From that point on it seems that you can never stop taking them."

This is a false statement. Most osteoporosis drugs are only meant to be taken for a few years. People with "severe" osteoporosis usually cycle on and off them every few years. This avoids the more serious (and rare) side effects.

"She passed this year at 97 and over the last 4-5 years she has fallen at least 6 times, several requiring stitches but never broke a bone. She too had osteoporosis!"

I am glad your mother never had to suffer the consequences of a fracture. She may have been very lucky, or her osteoporosis may not have been "severe" like yours. Just because she won the "lottery" does not mean you will too

While lifestyle habits like strength training and nutrition are vital for bone health, they aren't enough once someone reaches the threshold of severe osteoporosis. At that stage, the structural integrity of the bone is compromised to the point where natural remodeling can't outpace bone loss. A -3.0 T score means one has lost 30% of one's bone density already!

Medications—whether bone-builders or anti-resorptives—are critical tools specifically designed to lower the high risk of a life-altering fracture, like a spinal compression or hip break. Most people are able to take these medications with no side effects, or temporary side effects.

"My DEXA scan said severe osteoporosis but I knew from the beginning I was NOT going to take any medications."

This indicates to me you have already made up your mind. My response is aimed at those who are genuinely trying to find the best treatment for themselves, i.e., those who do not want to face the debilitating pain and disability caused by a fracture.

Here are a list of anabolic drugs, usually the 1st line of defense for severe osteoporosis.

Romosozumab (Evenity)
Vertebral Fracture Reduction: ~73% decrease
Non-vertebral Fracture Reduction: ~25% decrease

Teriparatide (Forteo)
Vertebral Fracture Reduction: ~65% decrease
Non-vertebral Fracture Reduction: ~35% to 50% decrease

Abaloparatide (Tymlos)
Vertebral Fracture Reduction: ~86% decrease
Non-vertebral Fracture Reduction: ~43% decrease

I have severe osteoporosis of the spine. After 1 years of Tymlos,
my T score has gone from -3.1 to -2.4. I ave experienced no side effects with Tymlos, and I am a small 100lb female.

@fidget53
Thank you for sharing that uplifting story! I'm 67, work full time and have a full and active life with severe osteoporosis - and like you, will never take the medication. Once I learned that you can never stop taking the medicaiton, or the bone loss comes back with a vengeance, that was enough for me to decline. I chose the Liftmor weigh lifting program and have never looked back.

@msoto8318

"Once I learned that you can never stop taking the medicaiton, or the bone loss comes back with a vengeance,"

Where did you get this information? It is so important to have the best substantiated and credible information and research to make the best treatment path for ourselves.

Saying that I hope the Liftmor is exactly what you need on your bone journey.

@msoto8318

"Once I learned that you can never stop taking the medication, or the bone loss comes back with a vengeance"

False information.

"Severe OP" means if you are at best with a -3.0 T-score, which means you have already lost at least
30% of your bone density.
With severe osteoporosis, you have more than twice the fracture rate of someone with osteopenia. As we age, bone density decreases, so you will lose more and more bone density. You are 67 so you have many more years in which your bone density will continue to decrease.

Lifting weights is great but it does not address your entire skeletal system. So many people fracture their feet, wrist, ribs, etc.... So, yes, you may never fracture, just like you may win the lottery.

My doctor said every unmedicated person she has met who then fractures regrets not being on medication.

You are free to live your life however you want. However don't post blatantly false info in a public forum. It confuses people who are genuinely seeking to help themselves.

btw: I wonder whether you have any curiosity at all about why you have such low bone density at a relatively young ago of 67.... there may be an underlying medical condition, in which case weight-lifting is not going to help you much.

5 years out from diagnosis (Covid put the kabash on moving forward back then) and no fractures. I remained active (swim daily, resistance and balance training near daily, heavy gardening and agility training with my dog - trot along side with some ballistic movement) but had to give up running - per advice from bone doc. I generally eat well but had to start Vitamin D last year as was a bit low - and I have increased my protein and begun taking six prunes a day. I am trying to decide what drug to use - if any.

I was diagnosed about 4 years ago - I have decided I probably need to take something - my doctor recommended Prolia, Fosamax, or Reclast - my choice. I am still trying to decide between the last two. I ruled out Prolia because it is espensive and my insurance doesn't cover it, and if I understand correctly, if you stop taking it, you are even more likely to have a fracture. I will probably try Fosamax, though I am concerned about the effect on my digestive tract. If I don't I guess it will be Reclast - but some say it causes pain sometimes - and the way I see it, Fosamax being once a week won't be in my system very long, where my body is "stuck" with Reclast for a whole year! I know there are other meds but these are the ones my doc prefers. I am 75 and have never had a break, and have been remarkably healthy all my life. My recent blood work was excellent, so I have a lot to be thankful for. Good luck!

@frog100 Hi! What do you think of Reclast and Fosamax? Have you taken either? Any side effects?

@aliv

Did you and your physician talk about the bone building drugs....forteo, tymlos and evenity? Did she explain why she is recommending fosomax, reclast or Prolia first?
We are all finding that it is very helpful to do our own research on Osteoporosis and treatments. It makes it easier to advocate for yourself.
Sequencing of these meds is important so you may want to explore that further.
I am not a physician only a tired patient. What were your latest dexa scores?

@wondering1 thank you for sharing. I'm a skier, and I was thinking I would have to stop.

@nermar1 , ah, skiing. Yes, I’ve been skiing. My endocrinologist calls it a high risk activity. Every year when it comes time to renew my ski pass, I hesitate and consider whether I’m nuts to keep skiing. But I love it. It makes me happy in the winter. I’m not a daredevil skier and try to be careful. Still, it certainly isn’t playing it safe. Crossing my fingers that I won’t be sorry. Good luck as you decide what to do!