I first took Fosamax in my early 50s and am now 69. My numbers were not good and my doctor told me my risk factor was high. I do not have bone scans anymore, so I cannot tell you my present numbers. For several years after stopping Fosamax my doctor asked me to test when I went in for yearly wellness check, but I have declined as I have no plans to start taking osteoporosis drugs no matter what the scan results numbers would be, so it would serve no purpose to have them. Each of us is different, and what I choose to do, may not be the right choice for others, so I strongly urge you to do your own research. I do understand your concerns and believe you are right, that many of the osteoporosis drugs that are offered require you to stay on that type or another one permanently, so it is a decision that requires a long-time commitment I make a dedicated effort to do things that will protect and build bone strength. I try to eat the right things, exercise, watch my weight so no extra stress is put on my bones, and try to be mindful of what I am doing and take precautions not to fall, lift items that are heavy, etc. etc.