Treating Osteoporosis: What works for you?

Posted by heritage1955 @heritage1955, Apr 1, 2016

Hi. I'm new to the site and am interested in treating osteoperosis. I'm 39 yo and recently had a bone density that showed I'm at -2.4. So, going through the intial "I can't believe it" stuff. đŸ™‚

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

I know others have had lots of issues with Prolia but I have had positive results - 6% increase in bone density. I have no side effects so this is an easy decision for me to continue (been on it several years) I know its a difficult decision.

REPLY
@sewcouture

Hi, Definitely stay away from Prolia. It has ruined my life! It made me lose hair and my legs were in constant pain and my finger joints developed large bone spurs. I felt awful most of the time. All of the osteoporosis drugs have side effects and I am now on calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12. I keep active but do no formal exercising other than walking - about 2-3 miles a day in the course of my day. Good luck, Kaye -80 yrs. old

Jump to this post

Thank You. Your answer helps me so much. Blessings.

REPLY

Thanks. Replies like yours are very helpful. Blessings

REPLY
@windyshores

I don't know your scores but if you are just over the line of -2.5, I think you are doing the right thing. Along with calcium, D, K2 I would add making sure your balance is good. I did Tai Chi for that. Once on Prolia, you have to stay on meds. I do believe docs start meds prematurely in many cases. Keith McCormick's book The Whole Body Approach to Osteoporosis may be helpful. I am on meds now but stayed off for 14 years after my diagnosis.

Jump to this post

Thanks. I will buy the book.

REPLY
@rbryan

I am new here also. 88 yr old. Just had bone test and I am barely on the bad side. Dr ordered Prolia but I on my own decided to go with correct vitamins and foods and more sun. I feel that I am making the best decision. What do you folks think.

Jump to this post

Hi @rbryan It would probably be good to add some exercise. From what I've read lately, walking alone is not sufficient. There are two physical therapists who specialize in exercise and programs for osteoporosis. That's important because the wrong kind of exercises can cause fractures. Carol Michaels and Sara Meeks are both good and you can access information about them and their programs on the internet. Just google their names and osteoporosis. All the best!

REPLY
@tsc

Hi @rbryan It would probably be good to add some exercise. From what I've read lately, walking alone is not sufficient. There are two physical therapists who specialize in exercise and programs for osteoporosis. That's important because the wrong kind of exercises can cause fractures. Carol Michaels and Sara Meeks are both good and you can access information about them and their programs on the internet. Just google their names and osteoporosis. All the best!

Jump to this post

Thanks. I am very active for my age. I will follow your advise. Blessings

REPLY

Nope, you can never "catch up." I haven't looked at Prolia, but the drugs I have researched do not grow new bone. They keep old bone from leaving as would normally happen. Old bone and new bone are not the same. The minerals your body needs to be able to add them to bone are: calcium, magnesium, boron, and zinc (with copper). You won't get enough vitamin D from being in the sun unless you're wearing a bikini and at the right place on the globe. I had a blood test (and another and another), thanks to my rheumatologist, and learned I need 5,000 IU of D3 / day. Even tho I'm in a place on the globe where I don't have to completely cover up outdoors most of the year. The Japanese treat osteoporosis with all this and add K2. ... The bones in the arms benefit from lifting weights, especially. Dumbbells are inexpensive. I have mine on an A frame which fits into a closet.

REPLY

I meant to add: I have 5 dental implants and now a 6th in process. One of the risks with osteoporosis drugs is necrotic jaw bone. I can't risk that.

REPLY

Parus, "perks from pharmaceutical companies" would be what? Dinner in a nice restaurant? I worked in a teaching hospital for 20 years.
That's the "perk" they like to offer. Never to patients. Doctors are NOT trained in Rx'ing osteoporosis drugs. A pharm rep comes to the office with a new drug from his/her company. They talk with the MD briefly, if there's time, and leave samples. This is how doctors get new drugs. Once they're out of school, the opportunities to really learn are at conferences. They have to pick and choose which they will attend. Ask your prescribing doctor how he/she learned about the drug you are taking. Of course you will need more than a 10 min. appointment.

REPLY

Heritage 1955, You need to look at your diet. If you're where you can see a nutritionist or RD, do that. And look at what kind of exercise you've been doing and how often. Weight training is a good exercise for bones. You're too young to need a drug for bone health!!

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.