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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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@mariecarder I was in the same position 8 years ago. I did the aromatase inhibitor Femara for 5 years. I already had had osteoporosis for 8 years. I tried to get on every single med and couldn't tolerate them, well before cancer, and when I was being treated with Femara my doc didn't want to do Reclast due to my afib (now a disproven risk). My bone density went down the first year of Femara, and then the rate of loss eased, just like after menopause. It's tough. Maybe you could take Fosamax for one year only while on an AI-?
@kirstenlheld glad your Echolight was encouraging!
Windyshores. Did you find your virtual consultation with Dr McCormick worthwhile? Did you learn anything new that isn't already in his book? Did he collect your medical info re osteoporosis and build a plan for you? or just state your on the right path? I don't mean to be personal. Just trying to understand how he can help virtually.
Different topic. Do you use any of Dr McCormick's supplements?
I couldn't agree more.
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1 ReactionWindyshores. May I ask... why no bisphosphonate and rather go on Tymlos (bone builder)?
@leeosteo my osteoporosis was pretty severe at the time. McCormick (in person) really focused on the need for meds like Tymlos or Forteo. I was on anti-estrogen cancer meds at the time. He covered need for calcium, magnesium, Vitamins D3 and K, but didn't go into any of the details in the book, probably because the book is better suited to early cases. He did not sell me any supplements. I get them locally and take each separately (also B vitamins/folate). McCormick himself did meds. I assume that when finished with Tymlos, my appointment with him would be quite differeint.
@leeosteo are you asking about bisphosphonates versus Tymlos for yourself, or are you asking me why I went on Tymlos? Your bones don't seem bad at all and you could possibly even wait for meds, according to some studies. My bones were in bad shape and I had fractures. So I needed a bone builder. I will follow with Reclast.
This is one where it's really helpful to read his book and take notes. Bisphosponates only stop the Osteoclasts from breaking down bone. They do nothing to encourage the Osteoblasts to make more bone. These two processes work in concert together. Breaking down old bone so that it can be replaced with new bone is a necessary process for optional bone strength. If you just stop the Osteoclasts from breaking down bone that is old/weak and really needs to be replaced, you end up with more bone, sure; but much of that bone is not healthy, strong bone. If you are fracturing a great deal, then it seems that taking bisphosphonates for a short while to help prevent further fractures is warranted. In my case, my numbers are not bad so far and I haven't suffered any fractures yet. At least this is my understanding of the material I read. I welcome other interpretations of course. This was one of the most valuable things I got out of the book, was understanding how all these medications work differently so that you can choose the one most appropriate for your individual stage, which also might mean no prescriptions medications at all.
@kirstenlheld so nice of you to provide such a detailed explanation of anti-resorptive and anabolics.
One thing I would take issue with is this sentence: "If you are fracturing a great deal, then it seems that taking bisphosphonates for a short while to help prevent further fractures is warranted. "
When we fracture I think a bone builder like Tymlos, Forteo or maybe Evenity would be a better approach than bisphosphonates 🙂
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1 ReactionFrom what I’ve learned, Calcium supplements are not absorbed well. I’m currently researching a calcium supplement from algae called Algaecal. But also add calcium from food sources daily to meet the daily requirement. Food sources include: heavy cream( if you add creamers to your coffee), chia seed pudding, cheddar cheese, avocado, eggs, broccoli rabe, amaranth, ricotta cheese, cooked spinach or kale, sweet potatoes, almonds, almond milk, oat milk, sesame seeds, canned salmon with bones, sardines with bones, or anchovies with bones. The bones are very soft. It takes discipline to add these food sources daily. What is helping me is having a drawer with the no refrigerator needed items all together, placing refrigerator needed items all together. That way it’s “not out of sight, out of mind”.