What helps improve osteoporosis without medication?

Hello windyshores~
I've been following all these 'threads' on what to take for 'osteo', the benefits as well as the frightening parts as well. I just found out that I now have three compression fractures, T-8,9 and 10. I knew about the the T-8 one..happened from a fall in 2012..but these new ones I don't have a clear image about, yet. I'm set for an MRI..had hip and back x-rays and labs...my lower back pain diag, as OA.
An upcoming appointment with an Orthopedic Surgeon...and another DEXA..which showed me in severe osteo a year ago...a lot of -3's.....
I am so very scared of the contraindications of these types of drugs...and don't know which is a better fit..if I have to start this medication. I fit into all the bad parts of need..White, female, thin, 77yrs. old..and other then my bone issues..I'm in great shape! I also looked into the cost of these drugs..OMG....I am a low income senior..but just squeak over the 200% below poverty line to qualify...I can't afford 4 grand a month for this!..and even with the patient assistant programs..there is an annual ceiling of 9,000 from the companies. I've taken care of myself and my health for all these years...recently lost my husband of 47 yrs....still (and always will) be grieving, while trying to have a life now instead of merely existing...
I take a slew of supplements...plant based diet...no alcohol....was quite the athlete in my day..still have tennis rackets and pickle-ball gear in my car...and now this news.... my older sister is relentless about me taking the meds...as is my doctor....I want an alternative!
Anyone have thoughts about this?
Thank you all....

@bunky44 so sorry for all you are dealing with. I chose Tymlos, so I could start at a low dose (2 clicks out of 8) and move up (on 7 clicks for several months now). That really helped with side effects.

The Radius Assist program may help you. The income guidelines may work for you: they did for me. Call Together with Tymlos and get a personal rep. They can guide you.

The actual application is on the Radius site but Together with Tymlos administers it.

I will at this point endure any side effect, given the pain and disability of fractures. To me, it is a matter of remaining independent. That said, the side effects do fade after the first weeks (headache for instance) and I have found Tymlos to be tolerable despite my many med sensitivities. Good luck!

I’m being advised by my primary and my podiatrist to begin osteoporosis medications, as my bone density test suggests thinning and I just experienced a stress fracture in my foot without any obvious cause. I am extremely hesitant to begin any of the medications because of the possible, sometimes serious, side effects. Is there anything I can do on my own or with OTC meds that has proven effective? I’m 70 years old and weigh just over 100 pounds.

Hi @detc, I moved your question about improving osteoporosis without medication to this existing discussion:
- What helps improve osteoporosis without medication? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/healing-osteoporosis-without-medication/

I did this so you can connect with other members like @windyshores @bunky44 @contentandwell @tsc @lee59 @jmanj and others who are talking about lifestyle approaches to managing osteoporosis.

Detc, keep in mind that medications have their place. I worry that you've had a stress fracture with no obvious cause. Some lifestyle approaches like weight bearing exercise may require professional guidance in your case. Have you discussed options with a specialist?

@bunky44
I'm so sorry to read this as I know how hard you've been working to overcome the past few years.

OK, first of all, don't panic. @windyshores and others are a rich source of information about the choice of meds for various steps in the saga. And resources for obtaining them. People who care are here for you.

It might be a good time to discontinue the Life-Pro for a bit until, and if, it's clear that it can't hurt. But for a body dealing with such stress, the fewer other stressor the better. At least until you have the go-ahead from a good doctor and physical therapist. I hope you have a doctor whom you have confidence in or can get a second opinion about what to do next.

You're in my thoughts!

Thank you, Colleen. I have not talked to a specialist regarding my options. Could you please advise as to what type of specialist I might consult?

Hi, @detc I'm sorry to hear that you may have osteoporosis. Have you had either a DEXA or an Echolight scan? Echolight is still very rare in the US, there are a very limited number of facilities that have that equipment. Once you have one of those you have more info although I have heard in the case of small-boned people, which it sounds as if you are, the results can be inaccurate.

Your first course of action should be to see either an endocrinologist or a rheumatologist. Both of those specialists have special training in osteoporosis. I think they are equally good. Then you can determine what your best course of action will be. Make sure it is one who really does specialize in osteoporosis. If you live close enough to use a major medical facility then your best options are probably there.

I tried going the natural way and my scores got worse after a bit more than a year so now I am on Tymlos which is one of the few treatments that actually build bone. You can only take it for two years and then it's a must to change to a bisphosphonate to maintain the new bone. I will be done with Tymlos in February and right now I am leaning toward following up with Reclast.

Yes, there can be some very difficult side effects from bisphosphonates which Reclast is one of, but the actual percentage of people with serious problems is minute. Of course if a person has a problem they are the most apt to be on a forum. People who are using these medications and have no problems have no reason to do anything such as that.

It is a tough decision. There is assistance available for Tymlos as @windyshores says, but if you are on Medicare that assistance is not available unless your income is under around $55,000. I'm not sure of the exact number. Tymlos is expensive if you are on Medicare, until you hit the "donut hole" which I have just reached - hallelujah!

I hope you can get an appointment with a specialist reasonably soon so you can proceed to do whatever is necessary to avoid future fractures. Physical therapy can help too. PT for osteoporosis generally includes balance which of course is necessary to avoid falls.
JK

Hi @detc, I am sorry you have osteoporosis. I was surprised by my diagnosis as I was a regular exerciser until an autoimmune disorder curtailed my activities. There is a history of osteoporosis in my family, I was pretty casual about talking calcium, and I drank wine regularly when I was younger. My aunt started getting spinal fractures and died shortly thereafter. She was in a lot of pain.
On the recommendation of my rheumatologist and another doctor I respect, I started taking alendronate a year ago. I have not had any side effects at all. I also purchased a vibration plate exerciser, and do regular weight bearing exercises to try and increase bone density. I just started Dr. Fishman's yoga program - 12 Poses vs Osteoporosis - to increase bone density as well. I do take calcium with Vitamin D and magnesium, boron and Vitamin K and eat more calcium rich foods.
So, I agree with others who have suggested you get a good doctor who specializes in osteoporosis and explore what other things you can do to improve your bone density and reduce the risk of fracture. There are physical therapists who specialize in osteoporosis and yoga instructors certified in Dr. Fishman's method - maybe there are some near you. Also you can find a lot of information by googling. I wish you the best.

Thank you for your input. I did have a DEXA Scan. My lowest number was a -2.7 in the left hip. All other numbers were better than -2.5. After reading your reply, I am going to schedule an appointment with a rheumatologist to discuss my concerns. I am dealing with a stress fracture right now but after that heals completely, I will focus on balance through yoga. Your point about the percentage of patients with serious side effects is well taken. I appreciate your taking time to address my question.

Thank you for taking the time to suggest options for me regarding osteoporosis. I was walking 3 miles a day with my husband and playing tennis multiple days a week. I was taking yoga once a week. I injured my foot last May which hampered those activities, then developed neuropathy in December from the Covid vaccine, followed by a stress fracture in my foot this May. Those two problems took me completely out of commission. I take calcium with vitamin D.
I plan to see a rheumatologist to discuss my concerns about the medications. I only had one number that was below -2.5 (-2.7) on my DEXA scan this past winter. I don’t know how dire my situation really is, but the stress fracture prompted a second doctor, my podiatrist, to tell me that I needed to be on medication.
I’m definitely going to look into the video you suggested once my foot heals.
Thank you, again, for weighing in on my situation.