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I reversed osteoporosis without drugs
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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At 65, I had a -4.5 in my spine and osteopenia in my hips and femoral neck. My doctor told me if I didn't do something that by my mid 70s I would have a twisted spine. I took Reclast for 2 years. First year I gained 6.1%. Second year I only gained .1%. I was put on Prolia 10 months ago. I think my next step is Forteo since my insurance doesn't cover Tymlos. The order of drugs matters. If I had to do it over again, I would do the strong bone building drugs first. -3.5 is severe osteoporosis. I was there once and because I didn't do any drugs, I am having a difficult time just to get back to-3.5. I am currently-4.1.
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1 ReactionStrontium ranelate, the prescription form of strontium that is not sold in the US, was restricted for awhile due to cardiovascular safety concerns. At that time some US supplement companies (like Doctor's Best) stopped making it. I believe it is now allowed in the UK (dangers disproven?) and is used for severe cases. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strontium_ranelate
The problem with strontium is that it distorts DEXA scan results. Strontium is heavier than calcium and when it replaces calcium in the bones, the DEXA reads it as denser.You may or may not care about that.
The algaecal dose is 680mg which is considered to be the therapeutic dose for osteoporosis.
After Tymlos, if I cannot tolerate Reclast, I may turn to strontium myself though I have some concerns. I was surprised that Keith McCormick did not recommend it though.
@pami were you originally -4.5 or -3.5 in your spine?
I too had a very difficult time finding a review by an independent source.
Here are the most recent studies about treating osteoporosis that I have been following:
— Osteoporosis: A Review of Treatment Options
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5768298/
— Patient education: Osteoporosis prevention and treatment (Beyond the Basics) — This one has a lot of reference links at the bottom on where to get more information.
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/osteoporosis-prevention-and-treatment-beyond-the-basics/print
- And one recent independent article about strontium supplements, pointing out that these are not without health risks:
https://americanbonehealth.org/medications-bone-health/why-strontium-is-not-advised-for-bone-health/
The last one was especially interesting to me, a "research nerd" because it specifically said the various forms of strontium are chemically the same, meaning the risks and benefits are similar. This confirmed what two doctors have told me - just because strontium is natural, and we get some from our food, does not mean it is safe or effective to take 100 times as much as a supplement.
Will you let us know what you think after you read some of these articles?
Sue
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1 ReactionI am sorry for your struggle with osteoporosis...sometimes I do not know who to believe about the meds esp the side effects. Hoping you find wonderful results with the meds
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2 ReactionsFrom what I understand, the studies posted on the Algaecal website were conducted by the company which gives me pause. Strontium can skew results on your dexa scan due to the fact that it is heavier than calcium giving the appearance that your bones have increased in density. I don't know whether there is enough strontium in their supplements to have this results. Strontium is a non-essential mineral to the human body whereas calcium is absolutely essential. Until there is further research determining the safety and efficacy of strontium citrate, I stick with calcium which I know the body needs.
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3 ReactionsI just ordered Dr McCormick's book.
I would be concerned about the false positive results on DEXA scans. But probably more concerned about replacing what the calcium is supposed to do with no benefit (?).
Thanks and good luck! Let us know how it goes!
Well I would research the benefits, though with some skepticism. Strontium HAS been used in the UK in the ranelate form as a prescription. Info I have read says it is both an anti-resorptive and anabolic. I would never use it as a primary treatment. It may be useful as a post-treatment approach if a person cannot tolerate anything else. There are cardiovascular risks, but those exist with many meds. McCormick's book is great but keep in mind that he himself did meds, then a "whole body" regimen to follow.
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2 ReactionsI have read medical reviews that are against strontium citrate. It makes bone density appear better because it is an element that weighs more than calcium. You might be interested in reading this:
https://www.ironwoodcrc.com/top-5-supplements-for-bone-health/
@pami the article linked above is dated: strontium ranelate is no longer banned in the UK and Europe, but is used for severe cases who cannot tolerate other treatments.
We repeat the info about strontium distorting DEXA scans over and over in this forum and it is also frequently posted on Inspire. Some still post about their improvements in bone density while on it.
However, despite this effect on DEXA, some people may still benefit from strontium at a therapeutic dose. It should be thoroughly reviewed for safety by the appropriate docs and used as a last resort, perhaps. But it does have anti-resorptive and anabolic effects, though probably not enough to address serious cases quickly enough, according to what I have read. This all needs to be discussed with a doctor or a provider like Keith MCormick or Lani Simpson.