This is just an interesting aside note: I did some research and found that Ashkenazi Jews have a significantly higher risk of osteoporosis. I am 95% Ashkenazi and my mother has bad osteoporosis as well as my Ashkenazi Jewish friend. Looks like we can add this UN-fun affliction to our propensity for myopia and allergies. 🙄. I tried to treat mine
naturally with running and weight training and that helped my lower body (which has severe osteopenia), but I didn’t do enough weight training in my upper body to remedy the weak bones (I have severe osteoporosis there). I started on Reclast last year and my bone breakdown rate went from 27 (which is high) to 17 — good results according to my endo. My endo says weight training is great but you should check with a doctor that you can do this because if your bones are too weak and weights are too heavy you can cause fractures! I was at the point that a bone would break if I stubbed a toe and had 14 fractures overall (fifth metatarsal 4 times, toes, left hip, kneecap, 3 wrist fractures). I am a healthy half marathoner, 65 years old, very fit, 5’8” 125 pounds.
After a year on Reclast (no side effects, by the way, except for a slight flulike feeling for a few days after the infusion, which I had over 45 minutes rather than the usual 20 - and drank LOTS of water before and after). This summer, about 10 months after the infusion, my weak ankle rolled while I was gardening and I fell on the concrete driveway and got up and walked away with no broken bones. So I think it’s working! I’m going back for my second annual infusion later today. Altho I was doing everything right and I am very against taking drugs if I can address a health problem with diet and lifestyle changes, my endo said “You have been doing everything right but it’s not enough, you need the medicine.” Best of luck to you and I hope this info about my experience helps. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Susan
PS: Forgot to mention that, for the past six months, I have been taking a 1-hour Group Power barbell free weight class that is very intense and I feel much stronger with better balance and have been told by my endo that this really helps keep bones and muscles strong and balance good as we age. I go three times a week for one very rigorous and challenging hour and I am committed to continuing this so my skeleton doesn’t disintegrate. I consider weight training to be essential for my continued quality of life and well being. A small upfront price to pay for staying out of the hospital and surgeries!