Thank you so much for your comments re Actonel. I took it for 8 years until a new doctor said I should have stopped at 5 years for a drug holiday. Discouraged, I never got back on anything and didn't have a DEXA as I wasn't ready for another drug. Obviously a big mistake! Other health issues took the focus off my bone health.
Now my bone density is seriously low: spine -5.2, femoral neck -4.4 and total hip -4.5, but luckily have yet to break a bone despite a few significant falls. Perhaps the Actonel did something but did not build bone. I have discussed my situation with my PCP, endocrinologists, and an endocrine surgeon (I have mild hyperparathyroidism). Surgeon offered surgery because of my bone condition but not sure it's worth the risk at age 76. I am grateful for the time and professional input of these doctors, but am frozen when it comes to making this decision as heart attack and stroke run in my family. I've had a cardiac ablation and am fortunate that it has normalized my heart function. I worry that introducing one of the anabolic drugs will upset that progress or introduce something worse. I know many of you have struggled with this decision and am grateful for your input. In the meantime I'll keep exercising and eating well and try to summon the courage to act.
Please share your "serious side effects," so I might assess if I can handle them. I'd especially like to know if dizziness and rapid heart beat are among the serious.
Thank you again.