1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health

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. 🙂

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jan 10, 2022
In reply to @contentandwell "@sueinmn That was what was confusing to me, that being a federal program the states might..." + (show)
@contentandwell

@sueinmn That was what was confusing to me, that being a federal program the states might have different rules for administering it. When I was much younger I actually worked in Blue Cross in Boston, within the Medicare administration department so I am somewhat familiar - things haven't changed that much.

When I went for PT, and I went a number of times for different things, at least monthly I had to fill out a form that was sent to Medicare showing my progress. It was difficult to fill out because not remembering what I had said the prior month I sometimes checked boxes that would indicate I was worse than I had been the prior month! Judging your ability and your pain is very subjective. I went to more than one PT place too and all three required that.

My relative in MA never had any of that! He went for quite a while after a hip replacement too so it just seemed strange. I realize the basic rules cannot vary but perhaps the administration of them can?
JK

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"I realize the basic rules cannot vary but perhaps the administration of them can?" Absolutely!
And also keep in mind that the PT Practice may be "covering their bases" - especially if it had happened before that the were under-documented and had some payments denied. I once had a (government) boss who insisted on a specific report being filed monthly and I couldn't figure out why - especially after I noted multiple versions sitting in his in-box, unsubmitted. When pressed, he answered "Oh, they are only due once a quarter, I just make you file monthly in case you might be gone when I need to file it." Duh! He was making me do triple work to cover his own b---.

Sue

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julie2020 | @julie2020 | Jan 11, 2022
In reply to @jmanj "I was on Forteo for 2 years. Had 12% increase in Spine and 6% in hip...." + (show)
@jmanj

I was on Forteo for 2 years. Had 12% increase in Spine and 6% in hip. Now on Reclast with no adverse reaction, and will see how my numbers look in a year. I agree that exercise, diet and supplements are so very important… and is what I did for 25 years to hold off Osteoporosis. But at 65, with extra “help” from menopause, it was time to add that pharmaceutical assistance. Be informed and do what is truly best for yourself and your stage in this process.

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How did you do on Forteo? My Endo has recommended Forteo for me - my spine is at -4.3. I am 63 years old. What was your bone density in your spine before you began Forteo?

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1 reply
jmanj | @jmanj | Jan 11, 2022

My spine measurement went from -3.0 to -2.1 at the end of two years (from age 64 to 66) using Forteo. I had a good experience, with no side effects. Give it some consideration.

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1 reply
windyshores | @windyshores | Jan 12, 2022
In reply to @julie2020 "How did you do on Forteo? My Endo has recommended Forteo for me - my spine..." + (show)
@julie2020

How did you do on Forteo? My Endo has recommended Forteo for me - my spine is at -4.3. I am 63 years old. What was your bone density in your spine before you began Forteo?

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My lowest was hip at -3.9 before Tymlos. And I had 3 fractures of lumbar spine, with one unusual movement. Added to 3 fractures from a 2006 fall. Spinal fractures are painful and disabling. With a spine at -4,3 I would not waste any time on getting on Forteo, Tymlos or Evenity.

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1 reply
julie2020 | @julie2020 | Jan 12, 2022
In reply to @windyshores "My lowest was hip at -3.9 before Tymlos. And I had 3 fractures of lumbar spine,..." + (show)
@windyshores

My lowest was hip at -3.9 before Tymlos. And I had 3 fractures of lumbar spine, with one unusual movement. Added to 3 fractures from a 2006 fall. Spinal fractures are painful and disabling. With a spine at -4,3 I would not waste any time on getting on Forteo, Tymlos or Evenity.

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Thanks. I am terrified of Forteo side effects and risks. How did you do on the drug?

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1 reply
windyshores | @windyshores | Jan 12, 2022
In reply to @julie2020 "Thanks. I am terrified of Forteo side effects and risks. How did you do on the..." + (show)
@julie2020

Thanks. I am terrified of Forteo side effects and risks. How did you do on the drug?

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Well I am a lot more terrified of fractures and frankly your spine is worse than mine! I have a sensitivity to Forteo. Tymlos has clicks on the pen so I could start at a low dose. Full dose is 8 clicks and I started with two and moved up slowly. If you are scared, I recommend that!

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1 reply
julie2020 | @julie2020 | Jan 12, 2022
In reply to @windyshores "Well I am a lot more terrified of fractures and frankly your spine is worse than..." + (show)
@windyshores

Well I am a lot more terrified of fractures and frankly your spine is worse than mine! I have a sensitivity to Forteo. Tymlos has clicks on the pen so I could start at a low dose. Full dose is 8 clicks and I started with two and moved up slowly. If you are scared, I recommend that!

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Thank you!

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elenamayo | @elenamayo | Jan 22, 2022
In reply to @cireland "Have you considered Forteo or Tymlos. Both of these meds actually build bone." + (show)
@cireland

Have you considered Forteo or Tymlos. Both of these meds actually build bone.

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Hi. I saw your 2019 comment about Forteo or Tymlos recommendations, and was wondering what if any information you might have about their stated side effect of developing osteosarcoma. Trying to find as much information on the risks as possible, since I was prescribed Tymlos and am very scared about this side effect.

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2 replies
windyshores | @windyshores | Jan 23, 2022
In reply to @elenamayo "Hi. I saw your 2019 comment about Forteo or Tymlos recommendations, and was wondering what if..." + (show)
@elenamayo

Hi. I saw your 2019 comment about Forteo or Tymlos recommendations, and was wondering what if any information you might have about their stated side effect of developing osteosarcoma. Trying to find as much information on the risks as possible, since I was prescribed Tymlos and am very scared about this side effect.

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Since 2002 there has not been a single case of osteosarcoma from Forteo, so the black box warning was removed and it can be taken longer. Tymlos is newer but I assume the same thing will happen with that. Anything you have been reading about Forteo and osteosarcoma may be dated. This is not something to worry about for Tymlos either, most likely, since it works with the parathyroid in the same way.

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JK | @contentandwell | Jan 23, 2022
In reply to @elenamayo "Hi. I saw your 2019 comment about Forteo or Tymlos recommendations, and was wondering what if..." + (show)
@elenamayo

Hi. I saw your 2019 comment about Forteo or Tymlos recommendations, and was wondering what if any information you might have about their stated side effect of developing osteosarcoma. Trying to find as much information on the risks as possible, since I was prescribed Tymlos and am very scared about this side effect.

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@cireland As @windyshores commented, the warning has been lifted on Forteo since there have been no cases of osteosarcoma in humans. I am on Tymlos but I believe the warning on that will soon be lifted also.

I believe that osteosarcoma has only been found in lab rats, never humans.
JK

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