I reversed osteoporosis without drugs

Posted by sheilad1 @sheilad1, Dec 28, 2022

I had my bone quality test yesterday along with another bone density test. This was my third bone density test in 14 months.

My first bone density test was Nov 2021.
I started consulting with different doctors. If I must take meds I would. But I had to get to the truth.
The physician who appeared to know the most is Keith McCormick DC the chiropractor who got osteoporosis at a very young age and really understands it.

That first DEXA scan showed I had mild osteoperosis of the spine, within the margin of error.
So no McCormick said to take the CTX (blood) test and a few others.
CTX was good.
My CTX shows that the osteoclasts are not breaking down too much bone. therefore, my next bone density test shouldn’t show that that I am much worse.

I decided not to wait until 2 years for another scan and took
I took another bone density (aka DEXA) scan 10/2022 to see if that was true about the CTX.
My spine was actually better in that scan and it was now osteopenia.
My hip was a little worse bringing it outside the margin of error. McCormick said this was a tough call so I said to him why don’t I get a bone quality test (that he told me about) and I figured that will buy me a little time anyway lol.

Unfortunately, the bone quality test only measures the spine.
Since it’s unusual for your spine to get better and your hip to get worse, it made me think - what have I done differently since the last test? Why would my spine improve but not my hip? What is my spine doing that my hip is not?

I decided it had to be the Supernatural virtual reality exercise app that I exercise to (on the oculus quest VR helmet). Even though I am striking the air, there actually is resistance, and I push hard to hit it as powerfully as I can.

I decided to put weights on my ankles. Everything I read says weight training should be once or twice a week, and I certainly only did it once.

Back to yesterday and the bone quality (TBS) test and yet another bone density (DEXA) test.
My hip was back to where it was on the first test. This put me back inside the margin of error where I would not have to take medication
This demonstrated to me that the CTX score did in fact mean I'm not losing density quickly.
Yesterday's test shows that my spine continued to improve and my bone density score was no longerosteopenia. It was normal. My bone quality test was great. The tech really loved it and called me over to show me how I was completely in the green meaning It was normal which is a little unusual at my age, 74, altogether.

I may be wrong about supernatural helping.
I’ll probably take the DEXA again in six months because I am anxious to see how the hip does, and if it improves even more.
And if so, I’ll turn myself into a study. 😂

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sheilad1 | @sheilad1 | Dec 28, 2022

I also went on a whole food plant based diet full of fruits, dark leafy greens, and whole grains. There's no way around that.

gather | @gather | Dec 29, 2022

If there’s a side effect, I will get it. I tried daily and weekly Fosamax and it was awful. Reclast is recommended but I already have ankylosing spondylitis and back pain. Will it get worse?

drummergirl | @drummergirl | Dec 29, 2022

So you are only doing these exercises? Are you taking any calcium, K,D?

kirstenlheld | @kirstenlheld | Dec 29, 2022

What is a CTX blood test?

sheilad1 | @sheilad1 | Dec 30, 2022

In reply to @drummergirl "So you are only doing these exercises? Are you taking any calcium, K,D?" + (show)

Can’t take calcium pills because I have a very high calcium level in my heart. I’m in the 91st percentile for women. My age comment 74. I ate a lot of dark leafy greens. I had a half a cup of yogurt every day. It was the only breach of my plant-basedcan’t take calcium pills because I have a very high calcium level in my heart. I’m in the 91st percentile for women. My age comment 74. I ate a lot of dark leafy greens. I had a cup of yogurt every day. I mix 1T kale powder with a little yogurt. It tastes bad but I add some sweetener and eat it quick. I take D. But I was already taking D when diagnosed. There's plenty of K in the food I eat. You should definitely do stregnth training 3x a week. Wear 1 pound ankle weights 30 minutes a day.

bettersleep68 | @bettersleep68 | Dec 31, 2022

Is anyone just trying to maintain their bones and dexa scan without meds and just doing supplements..I am trying that approach with my osteoporosis..if it stays the same that would be great...this journey is very difficult

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Dec 31, 2022

In reply to @bettersleep68 "Is anyone just trying to maintain their bones and dexa scan without meds and just doing..." + (show)

Do you mean only supplements, or are you making changes to your diet and doing weight bearing exercise as well?

I think the key to bone health is that there is no "one fix" - not supplements, not meds, not just diet. It is a combination approach.

My Mom was at HIGH risk for sever osteoporosis - long family history & years on steroids due to severe rheumatoid arthritis. But, she was very physically active, did a lot of weight-lifting in her work, ate well and took her calcium. She did not suffer clinical osteoporosis until in her 80's, after a series of strokes made her sedentary and her appetite declined so she wasn't eating healthy. Her sisters, who never did much physical exertion, and always were finicky eaters/weight watchers (even though they were thin) both had severe osteoporosis by their early 70's.

Now in my 70's, I am seeing the same pattern repeat with my sisters and cousins - the doers and healthy eaters are doing better than the sitters and picky eaters.

What is your total regimen to stay off the meds?
Sue

bettersleep68 | @bettersleep68 | Dec 31, 2022

As long as my dexa scan does not show more loss ..I will not take meds..I do take calcium etc....try to walk every day...and eat healthy..I read that the bone loss slows down after menopause and I hope that is correct....

windyshores | @windyshores | Dec 31, 2022

In reply to @bettersleep68 "As long as my dexa scan does not show more loss ..I will not take meds..I..." + (show)

@bettersleep68 what are your DEXA scores? Good luck!

linh | @linh | Dec 31, 2022

I went back and checked my labs to see if my doctors had ordered a CTx test in the past. I had one drawn this past year but the results say if you are greater than 49 years the adult female reference ranges are not established. How does one interpret the results when over that age?