Osteoporosis bone density test. Did you get yours? How did you do?
After 18 months on Tymlos, my bone density tests are in. For my age, 78, my scores are in the range and the hips have returned to osteopenia. I held my own but did not achieve statistically significant improvement. Now I must make a decision about my future:
-Stay on Tymlos for 6 more months until I have completed the two-year cycle. As soon as the Tymlos is stopped, the disintegration of my newly built-up bone will begin.
-Begin Prolia right now, which will protect my new bone from being reabsorbed. There is a 10% chance I will have a side effect called osteonecrosis, responsible for jaw pain, along with joint pain. These were the same side effects I had with Boniva, a bisphosphonate. A change was made to Tymlos that performed reasonably well with no side effects.
-Stay on Tymlos for 6 more months and then switch to Prolia. My worry... 2 injections a year... a long half-life....and I haven't seen any solutions if there are side effects.
-Discontinue all medication and adjust my diet as well as supplements to get enough D3 and calcium plus Increase my exercise routine. My small fiber neuropathy.....now progressing as I knew it would, makes exercise a challenge.
What are you doing to mitigate the effects on your bones from osteoporosis? How is that choice working for you? What concerns have you had about your future under your chosen strategy?
Stay in touch on Connect. Share your experiences so we all can learn from each other. You have a lifetime invitation. I am looking forward to hearing from you.
May you be safe and protected from inner and outer harm.
Chris
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.
Hello to all~
I'm a 77 yr. young women who wishes to stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible..please don't show me any reality graphs here....
I just became a widow, after 47 blessed years with my best friend and life partner. Life itself has been difficult to maneuver without him by my side...but I'm building on what I'm left with these days. If I live day to day...then I'm merely surviving..that's not 'living'...so I'm setting out anew..starting my own 'web'...weaving my own path.
As we're all dealing with our own life's obstacles...I'm realizing that I can only quiet my inner voices when there is agreement between the many factions of my mind/personality. Also realizing that being under stress makes it all that much harder to see any blue-skies or even a 'new day'...or any possibility of even getting out of my own way...for just a bit....but...I started to build on that 'bit'...and with more seeking of knowledge..is allowing me more peace of mind in making the decisions I'm now making...for me, myself.
I have severe osteoporosis...damn, that's a harsh realization!...but for me..following the 'path' of 'modern medicine' didn't quite fit my many sceptical brain cells. I've been searching for some kind of guidance as to how I can tackle this 'disease' in a way that will not only be beneficial, but also allow me to have more peace of mind then less.....
My plan is to continue taking the best grass-fed collagen powder out there...along with bone-building nutrients/supplements....wearing my new weight vest (does make a difference!) bouncing on my rebounder and walking when 'air' permits, Also really upping my protein intake!
Eating more protein as well as keeping up the D-3 ratio makes more sense than anything else I've read about lately. Easy to figure out how much protein one requires per body mass...and go for it!....more weight bearing, but gentle exercising...eating more protein and the right supplements should add up to a better life-style...as well as the peace of mind we all deserve!
And..hey...watch those DXA scores change!!!
Good luck to us all....stay safe out there.....
@bunky44
Hello,
First, I am sorry to hear of your husband’s passing but you sound like a person who can deal with any adversity head on with a sensible approach to life. I am with you 100% in regards to your osteoporosis decision as I also have been taking supplements and nutrients, including the grass fed collagen , walk every single day and attend a three times a week exercise class (8 years worth so far). I am 80 and passionate about food and diet. I took Fosamax and something else for 5 years many many years ago and have never taken another drug since then and refuse to be bullied my by health care provider. My daughter, who is a Nurse Practitioner lives across the breezeway from me and knows me and my health very well and she supports my decision.
All these nutrients and the collagen and my diet have made me feel incredible….lots of energy….good glossy hair…..decent skin (wrinkles don’t disappear lol). I’m not bragging, just stating a fact. You are what you eat.
Thank you for your positive post and continue doing what you are doing. Your husband is proud of you.
FL Mary
@imallears
“You are what you eat.”
NOW THAT'S SCARY!!!!!
Jake
@jakedduck1
Aw Leonard I love ya! You always make me burst out laughing.
FL Mary
@bunky44 I am sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. That's such a huge life change and as my husband and I age it's more and more on my mind.
You are obviously a very resilient person though and are moving forward and doing what's right for you. I think that's very important, to do what's right for ourselves as long as we are not affecting others in our choices.
I too am very conscious of my protein intake. I track that along with my calcium. May I ask which collagen powder you use? I suspect that's very helpful too. I am on Tymlos now but I expect to be on a relay drug after that. I have about 18 months to figure that out though.
JK
Hi Jk~
Good to hear from you. To know we're not alone in our quests for better health and peace of mind..is priceless. I feel you're very wise to correlate the balance of bone loss and protein intake as well as calcium and other nutrients known to assist bone growth.
I have found a lot of info on google pertaining to all the different kinds of collagen and what they can offer. I am now going to change to Vital Proteins formula...after finding out what's important to look for in these products. Now it's a question of price. I have found that Vitacost seems to be a quality company and one that I've used for years...they have many products to offer.
Can you also add in things like collagen to your Tymos treatment?...what is a 'relay' drug? How is your experience taking Tymos? I hope you are doing well with everything you do...stay connected...we all care.
Hi, @bunky44 Actually Vital Proteins is the type I use for protein. The daily dose is two scoops but I generally only do one in the morning. Most mornings I have oat bran for breakfast and I add it to that. I buy it either on Amazon or at Whole Foods. I have found it on sale at Whole Foods a couple of times and there's one in my town.
I have not been told that I could not add that to my Tymlos regimen so I assume I can. I don't see where it would be contraindicated.
Relay drugs are generally bisphosphonates that you take when you get off of Tymlos or Forteo to maintain your gains. I'm dreading that decision but my endocrinologist has mentioned Reclast as did another endocrinologist with whom I had a consultation.
I am doing pretty well, all things considered. My osteoporosis was discovered after a minor fracture of my trochanteric femur. The PCP I had should have been more on top of that since I was on prednisone.
I hope you have success with what you are doing. I tried going natural for a little over a year after my osteoporosis was diagnosed but my DEXA got worse so then I realized I needed to do something more. I am exercising also.
JK
Me gusta tu comentario y tus ganas de vivir con buena salud,me gustaría saber cuál es tu dieta,no de comidas sino de esos supementos que ayudan naturalmente ante estos casos,no medicamento gracias !!
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Hola~
Basically...I'm just finding my way..now 'living' for one. I try and eat what I do buy now...what I like. Trying to add in more proteins..while staying away from all the known bad ing. Understanding the synergistic 'play' going on with our bones...digesting enough protein, per BM..as well as getting the right amount of all the other important nutrients is as essential I feel, as exercise. Putting it all together in an ever changing and flowing way of living...I feel, can only help all of our disparate conditions. There is no magic bullet...we can only do the best we can at any one time....so..grass-fed anything...organic everything...keep it simple and joyful...color helps, as well..,good friends, loved ones...a lovely wine ...who's judging...just up the protein and try adding collagen..... do something nice for another.....
To bunky44 How is your Tymlos experience. I only lasted 4 months and the PA took me off. I have three months supply in the refrigerator and have been off one month. I am thinking of trying again. Next was going to be Prolia. But have to wait for my dental surgery to be over. I need some input on which way to go from personal experience.
Thanks to all and stay safe and healthy. Kits