Hi Tricia,
Thanks for your post. I think I probably wasn't clear enough that I'm very comfortable with my decision not to pursue meds for this. The main reason for that is that I have two books that I've used over the years to guide me in my treatment. One, titled "Exercises for Osteoporosis" by Dianne Daniels, M.A. is a great addition to my workout program (in addition to online classes, feeding and mucking horses, walking 2-3 times an hour/week) and "Mayo Clinic on Osteoporosis," edited by Stephen Hodgson, M.D., in 2003, which states in Chapter 6, p. 81 ". . . keep in mind that having osteoporosis doesn't mean you'll definitely beak a bone. . . And there's no T-score below which you will definitely break a bone." On pp. 82-83: "A bone density test doesn't measure bone quality. Bone quality is how connected and intact the structure of your bones is, not just the amount of material. Bone quality is another factor in how strong your bones are and how resistant they are to breaking. That means your bones may have low density but at the same time be of a high quality that resists breaking." "Some people may have low T-scores but never fracture."
These are things that were never mentioned to me by any doctor treating me for osteoporosis. I have had 6 bad falls in the past 20 years (none associated with balance issues) and no fractures. This is not conclusive of anything, but it is reassuring to me, and what continues to be reassuring is that I am not putting chemicals into my body that are creating other problems, the significance of which - now or in the future - I have no way of knowing.
None of what I am saying is for the purpose of suggesting that my approach is appropriate for anyone else. But I did want to add my two cents for those of us who have decided, for various reasons, to forego drug treatment for osteoporosis.
Take care and good luck with your chosen protocol!