Has anyone improved bone density without meds?

Tymlos has a patient assistance program. I got mine for free (18 months). You call Together with Tymlos and they help you connect to Radius Assist.

OR, you could take Fosamax once and if it doesn't agree with you, insurance might cover Tymlos then. Some will after you try another med first.

I think this needs to change. Now that there is a generic Forteo, that may be easier to get as a first med (I don't know if this is true) but that pen dose is not adjustable to my knowledge. Someone can correct me if that is not true.

@leeosteo , sure thing...My T-score at my first dexa at age 57 was -2.8 in my spine (hips are not in osteo). During the two years following that dexa I increased my exercise, etc, trying to improve my density and I dropped to -3.2. I then went on Forteo. After my first year on Forteo, my dexa showed I was back at -2.8. You get the highest gains the first year. Unfortunately, the second year was kind of a waste as my T-score lowered to -2.9. I've been on HRT since then. I just had a dexa last month after a 3 year lull and according to the total number, my spine supposedly is holding steady while I had a very small increase in density in my hips. Weirdly, each of the lumbar vertebrae show a decrease individually yet the total T score is exactly the same at -2.9. I don't understand how that can possibly be. I have an upcoming appointment with an endocrinologist (new doc for me but have always been seen by endos) so I will be discussing this with him along with a million other things! I'm hoping that now that the black box warning has been removed from Forteo that there is the possibility of going on it again for 1 year. I doubt it but will be discussing it with him. The thing I loved about being on Forteo was the freedom from ruminating about this constantly! That alone was a huge relief. I wish my gains were greater but at least I gained something and didn't continue down the path of greater loss.

teb, thanks for your info. Did your endo do any bone marker tests (CTX & P1NP) prior or during Forteo use? Or was your endo willing to look at secondary causes? Did your endo specialize in osteoporosis? This speciality is so difficult to find in my area. Most endo's appear to be diabetes centered.

My PCP suggested Prolia and I'm very concerned about that. He has referred me to an endo and the earliest appt is Aug. All the endo's in my area are scheduling out to Aug/Sept or 2024. I've had time to destress and do more research. I'm guessing Forteo my be my best option. My spine is currently -3.3, femoral neck -2.7. Hip and forearm are -2.2. and -2.4.

I cannot understand why women are not followed for osteoporosis beginning at menopause to get a baseline and then retested annually. It used to be every five years. At my last annual check up I mentioned to my doctor I hadn’t had a dexascan in a while. She said we don’t test every 5 years any more. I was 70 at the time. Because I asked, she ordered one. My osteoporosis had progressed obviously and she wanted me to take one of the biophosphates. I didn’t want to do that due to side effects, one being possible fracture of the jaw. I’m currently taking a calcium supplement called Algaecal made from algae, a food source and absorbed better than the other calcium supplements. Additionally, I also exercise with ankle weights, climb stairs, walk and run and getting back to tennis. And incorporate as many high calcium foods as I can daily. I’m asking for another dexascan at my next annual.

@leeosteo , sure thing...My T-score at my first dexa at age 57 was -2.8 in my spine (hips are not in osteo). During the two years following that dexa I increased my exercise, etc, trying to improve my density and I dropped to -3.2. I then went on Forteo. After my first year on Forteo, my dexa showed I was back at -2.8. You get the highest gains the first year. Unfortunately, the second year was kind of a waste as my T-score lowered to -2.9. I've been on HRT since then. I just had a dexa last month after a 3 year lull and according to the total number, my spine supposedly is holding steady while I had a very small increase in density in my hips. Weirdly, each of the lumbar vertebrae show a decrease individually yet the total T score is exactly the same at -2.9. I don't understand how that can possibly be. I have an upcoming appointment with an endocrinologist (new doc for me but have always been seen by endos) so I will be discussing this with him along with a million other things! I'm hoping that now that the black box warning has been removed from Forteo that there is the possibility of going on it again for 1 year. I doubt it but will be discussing it with him. The thing I loved about being on Forteo was the freedom from ruminating about this constantly! That alone was a huge relief. I wish my gains were greater but at least I gained something and didn't continue down the path of greater loss.

I did have an endo who was an osteo specialist initially. I've moved a lot in the last few years so had to change docs a bit. I was least happy with my last endo and now I will have a new one with an appt coming up in April. I also have Hashimotos so an endo is essential for me. Originally, I believe I had all of the bone marker tests. They never came up with anything concrete except that it was not my parathyroid and it's likely genetic. Not that I buy that but I have no other leads. I've been off Forteo for years so I don't recall the exact tests they did while on it but I think they periodically did the 24 hour calcium test and alkaline phosphatase. In the last few years, my alkaline phosphatase has still been low which they are happy about as it indicates I'm not breaking down as much bone.
I think Forteo (or Tymlos) is really your best option. Build your spine back first before going on a maintenance drug. Don't be scared of it. Go for it! The psychological relief you will feel knowing you are doing all you can will be a huge weight off your shoulders (and spine!). Also, I think it's *possible* to stabilize the hips with increased walking, heel bumps, squats with weights but really, really hard to get at the spine. Wondering if you do core work?? That's good for the spine and good for balance and stability. I do 400 core reps and a 100 back lifts every morning before I get out of bed. (I know, I'm a lunatic). It has helped me tremendously in strength, posture, tone, etc.
I'm so sorry you have to wait so long. It's very stressful. Have you tried finding a rheumatologist? They also specialize in osteo so maybe that would give you additional options. If you can get in to see someone sooner, you can hopefully get them to prescribe the drug for you and if you're not happy with the doc, you'll have some time to seek out a new provider without the stress and fear of your osteo progressing.
Fingers crossed for you that you can get in a little sooner and get things rolling!

Your comment about the relief from ruminating really hit home. I’ve started my second pen and I feel more like my old self. I switched to morning and my sleep has improved. I made a big change in my diet and exercise . More side effects could pop up, but a chance for bone growth hopefully without jaw issues seems worth it.

Hello Naomid, I am also in your team. I mean that I have the same difficult combination of dental problems, and probably even more in the future. I was afraid to make implants because I tended to have dental abscesses. And now I have read that the medicine I was prescribed, alendronic acid can cause the necrosis of the jaw bone. This information makes it problematic to try it. I visited the physiotherapist here in Spain and he said that he had several patients that were doing not bad following 2 rules: movement (walking and exercises) and force (machines with weight). As you see many specialists are sure that their help can help us to avoid fractures. If you want, I can send you his exercises. It is important to share our experiences.

Good luck, barbjo! Are you using Forteo?