Treating Osteoporosis: What works for you?

This forum really is helpful because there are so many experiences represented. Glad that it's helpful for you. I have osteopenia and devoutly hope to avoid osteoporosis so read the posts here to stay current about which drugs are being used so I can read the peer-reviewed studies about them in case I end up needing to plan ahead. And to read about what others are doing, in addition to drugs, to stop or even reverse osteoporosis.

Good evening @catluvr999. I am back. By the way, are you one of the folks that finds it hard to go back to a previous post........I do. The "Bookmark" feature in your profile really helps. After posting a reply or comment.....just click on the three dots and then on Bookmark. It takes you to your profile so you can find the post without hunting around.

So.....you want my T-scores. I am not an expert on this subject so, please be gentle. I hope this is helpful and would appreciate your feedback. These are all from the same Hologic Discovery densitometry system. The baseline is 10/29/18. The next one is post-Tymlos on 11/18/20. The last scan was 7/9/22.

Hip: -1.5 baseline and -1.2. Bone mineral density has not significantly changed having increased 0.9% since the previous scan.
Wrist: -3.4 baseline and then -3.2. Bone mineral density is increased by 2.6% which is not statistically significant.

Does this tell you anything about my rather rough experience and the medical value of the current weekly pill format as opposed to monthly injections? I call it, "taking less more frequently".

May you have ease and contentment.
Chris

Hi everyone, I just joined this group and I think it is wonderful. I just had a dexascan for the first time and my numbers weren't good..... femoral neck, -3.8, total hip -3.7, lumbar spine, -4.7. My doctor wants to put me on Fosamax, but I'm afraid of the side effects. What would you do? I'm in my late 60s, tall and thin.

@mj20 with scores like that, I would think you would qualify for bone-building drugs like Forteo, Tymlos and Evenity. Evenity builds bones very fast but cannot be followed by Forteo or Tymlos.

I chose Tymlos and will follow with Evenity if results aren't good enough. I also chose Tymlos because the delivery pen has 8 "clicks" and I could start at a low dose of two clicks and move up as my body adjusted. This minimized side effects.

With a spine score of -4.7 I would start with a bone-builder not an anti-resporptive like Fosamax. You need something stronger, I think. And I also would not do weight-bearing exercises, or I would be very careful with them. Seek advice on that. I do tai chi instead!

As @callalloo indicated, there are studies that indicate the bone-building drugs work better if you have not taken the anti-resorptives (Fosamax and other biphosphonates, or Prolia).

Thank you so much for your advice. You seem to be so knowledgeable. I wish my primary doctor was aware of, or had recommended these other drugs. I think waiting a month to be seen by the specialist is too long. I may seek out another hospital. Thanks for your help.

Primary care doctors see Fosamax as "front line." I have had two PCP's suggest it for

@mj20 Primary care doctors see Fosamax as "front line." I have had two PCP's suggest it for severe osteoporosis with fractures!

This is partly because insurance requires failing these meds before trying the bone-builders, for most patients. This needs to change because the bone-builders work best if used first.

Your osteoporosis is severe, so you should qualify for Tymlos, Forteo or Evenity. The PCP just doesn't know.

I would not take any meds while waiting a month. No need to panic either. Just be careful and maybe don't lift weights! And of course great if you can get in earlier.

Thank you! I thought lifting weights was the right thing to do, so I am thankful for your advice. I am also not taking calcium, so an not sure what I should do. It would be great if doctors read this forum. Ok, I'll hang in there until I can see the Dr., but maybe I can find a closer appointment with a different rheumatologist. Thanks so much for your help. Really appreciated.

Good evening @catluvr999. I am back. By the way, are you one of the folks that finds it hard to go back to a previous post........I do. The "Bookmark" feature in your profile really helps. After posting a reply or comment.....just click on the three dots and then on Bookmark. It takes you to your profile so you can find the post without hunting around.

So.....you want my T-scores. I am not an expert on this subject so, please be gentle. I hope this is helpful and would appreciate your feedback. These are all from the same Hologic Discovery densitometry system. The baseline is 10/29/18. The next one is post-Tymlos on 11/18/20. The last scan was 7/9/22.

Hip: -1.5 baseline and -1.2. Bone mineral density has not significantly changed having increased 0.9% since the previous scan.
Wrist: -3.4 baseline and then -3.2. Bone mineral density is increased by 2.6% which is not statistically significant.

Does this tell you anything about my rather rough experience and the medical value of the current weekly pill format as opposed to monthly injections? I call it, "taking less more frequently".

May you have ease and contentment.
Chris

Calcium via diet is best. I take supplements due to a dairy allergy. I also take Vitamin D (2-3,000 units), Vitamin K, magnesium (and potassium in the form of low sodium V-8m for leg cramps).

I don't know what weight you are lifting and also if it involves bending over 🙂