Connect
Struggling with making an osteoporosis treatment decision
I am just struggling to make a decision about my treatment. I had my first bone density test and found I have osteoporosis. I have a couple of -3.2 vertebrae. My hip bones less problematic. I'm 60, active and fit. I've seen an endocrinologist and a rheumatologist who were both highly recommended. Both said "Evenity" before I barely sat down. But there is so little known about Evenity, and nothing known about its long term effectiveness or risk. I've read heart breaking posts from women who were advised to take Prolia with the same assurance and then had multiple debilitating fractures because so little was known/admitted about rebound risk. I am tearful and anxious and sleepless. I've been so healthy my body has carried me through so much life and adventure. I just don't know what to do , whether I'm putting me/my body at risk. Both doctors are paid consultants for Amgen. I feel hopeless and distressed. One of the doctors, although I said I wanted to consider my options, went ahead and got pre authorization for Evenity from my insurance "to show me how easy it would be". I feel cornered. My general doctor also has concerns about me being put on a relatively unknown drug when I haven't tried something like Forteo with a long track record.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.
Connect
Hi. Yes, I had my 6th injection last week. I’ve had no problems except for redness and some soreness at the injection site. I wish you a good experience should you decide to give it a try!
Elisabeth V.
Long Island
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThank you for your response tsc. I’m too chicken to take strontrium as well as the alendronate at the same time...would you consider this? I would have to build up my courage. Started taking strontium and will continue for 6 months as they suggest but if it doesn’t work, or if the osteoporosis gets worse, I will have to start the alendrondate. I won’t be able to get tested at 6 months because my province does not allow it plus I’m not permitted to pay for the test on my own and I’m quite sure the other provinces in Canada won’t allow me take the test in 6 months either. I have to wait a full year ugh!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHi @just diagnosed. See @windyshores comments about strontium above. I've also read that bone density does not improve quickly - it takes a while. Sara Meeks, an osteoporosis expert suggests once a year for the dexascan for those diagnosed, but I think the norm is every two years. For now, I'm going to keep exercising and take the alendronate with supplements like calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin K and magnesium. I also ordered a probiotic, L. Reuteri which looks promising for bone density, based on articles I've read. You can Google L. Reuteri and bone density if you want to look into it further. Good luck!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionNo problem, @becsbusddy. I also found Carol Michaels on YouTube. She specializes in safe exercises for osteoporosis. I do better with DVDs - so I purchased three of hers from Amazon. I'm happy with them. After getting back to strength training after a terrible year with an autoimmune disorder, they're the right pace for me now, challenging enough. They can be made more challenging with more repetitions and heavier weights as strength returns.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHi Elisabethv - thank you for sharing your experience. It is heartening! Are you otherwise healthy, no underlying conditions?
Ditto Carol Michaels, but you don’t need DVDs/DVD player to follow along; you can purchase for viewing/listening with tablet and/or PC
I know. I watched her on YouTube first, but prefer to use DVDs when I exercise. Just easier for me. Cheers!
To everyone who is apprehensive about taking drugs for osteoporosis I want to say try Evenity especially if your osteoporosis is severe. Somehow I managed to ignore several years of Dexascan results telling me that I had osteoporosis so when I finally paid attention it was already severe. My endocrinologist recommended Evemity, one of several new drugs that can rebuild bone. I was pleasantly surprised when I got a new Dexa after only a few months that showed considerable improvement in my spine. However I lost more bone in my hip joint which I attribute to the fact that I was not exercising. I think that it really is important to exercise along with taking supplemental calcium and Vitamin D3, getting enough protein and eating a healthy diet overall. I have other health problems and pain meds I take for those makes it difficult to keep exercising, but I am trying harder now.
I want to urge those who are hesitant to take the new osteoporosis drugs to take it from me they are safe and nothing else will help you rebuild your bones like Evenity. I was cautious at first and instead of taking a drug I thought I could eat a lot of yogurt and drink more milk and eat veggies that have calcium in them. Using those foods to fight this disease is fine if you have osteopenia or earlier osteoporosis but if your condition is severe like mine you should be looking for something to give you a quick start. I usually have a negative reaction to drugs but I did not have any real problems with Evenity and it is only a once a month injection in the doctor's office. After 12 months you have to switch to something else. My doctor recommended Prolia. I finished Evenity in June and I've had 1 Prolia injection which was fine. Prolia is injected only twice a year and is said to help maintain the gains you make with Evenity and even build more bone.
You don't want to mess around with osteoporosis. This is not COVID and these new drugs have been around long enough to know what to expect. No one will give out rewards if you try to muscle through this without the benefit of drugs that are proven winners. You only get one life and for most of us by the time we get osteoporosis we are half way through our alloted years. Don't waste time. Be smart. The only consideration is cost if you don't have insurance. You may qualify for assistance from the manufacturer if you don't have insurance. Evenity is effective and my Dexa shows that. I believe it is safe or I would have found out by now ( I was a medical librarian before I retired and I researched medical literature and still do). I would trust a doctor who recommends Evenity before I would trust a doctor or anyone that promotes some supplement which has not undergone the testing and scrutiny of medicines in the U.S.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsThe YoutTube clips are much shorter than the DVDs, but one can purchase the same material as you have on the DVDs - and watch them from any location with an internet connection! - by purchasing the digital editions of the DVDs. They are great work-outs!
Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge @catharbert. Osteoporosis is serious and can have disastrous consequences if not treated appropriately. Best to you.