1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health

Has anyone improved bone density without meds?

Posted by naomid @naomid, Mar 21, 2023

I have a very problematic dental history and will continue to need additional root canals and implants. I also have Sjogren's Syndrome and want to avoid any drugs that cause rheumatic symptoms. Other issues in my health history make all of the meds risky for me. That said, I work out almost daily, lift weights, maintain a healthy diet, take all the recommended supplements, and get most of my calcium nutritionally. My endocrinologist wants me to take an infusion/injectable drug. I dread the side-effects, yet I'm afraid of fracturing, which hasn't happened over the many years I have had osteoporosis. That said, my numbers are getting worse (-3.2 spine, -3.1 hip). I need to do something more than I've been doing, and am at a loss. I need hope and solutions I can be at peace with. Thanks for any comments or suggestions!

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teb | @teb | Mar 25, 2023
In reply to @barbjo "Your comment about the relief from ruminating really hit home. I’ve started my second pen and..." + (show)
@barbjo

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.

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Bravo! Hitting it from all angles. Sounds like it's "so far, so good". Hope that continues for you with no side effects and excellent gains.

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teb | @teb | Mar 25, 2023
In reply to @leeosteo "teb, thanks for responding with such positive energy! I think I too will have a sense..." + (show)
@leeosteo

teb, thanks for responding with such positive energy! I think I too will have a sense of relief when I can meet with someone and get moving on addressing this. I saw a rheumatologist years ago (I've been dealing with this since 2015) and didn't get anything out of that discussion. So I thought I'd go with an endo this time. I'm seriously thinking of consulting with Dr McCormick. Although my husband is not a fan of chiropractors. Dr McCormick is definitely more than an chiropractor in this instance.
I go to the gym 3x/wk and use treadmill and weight machines, plus I try to walk 2-3 miles/day 7 days/wk weather permitting. I've started Tai Chi. I wouldn't consider it a real bone builder, however, the class and people are really fun. What type of core reps and back lifts are you doing? I've been looking for something more I can do on the other 4 days besides walking.

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I'm not a fan of chiropractors either but people here seem to really like McCormick. I read his older book years ago. I think I read them all at that time and it's good to get a broad perspective.
Sounds like you're doing quite a lot of exercise that might be helpful. Tai Chi is really good for balance and if it's fun, that's a bonus! Also, when we do those slow, targeted movements I think you get this mirco tweaking of your muscles that we don't get with the larger movements.

The core exercises I do are mostly bicycle reps and toe dips. Since I do them in bed, my back is flat and fully supported by the mattress. I don't crunch or curve my back though I do lift my head and use my arms. I don't know if that's contraindicated for some as it does involve lifting at the cervical spine though you can do the exercise without lifting your head.
For the toe dips, those are completely safe. Back is flat, legs up in a table top position at a right angle. The first sets I do are dipping both toes down to the mattress (not touching it) and then returning to start position. After that set, I then dip one toe down, return to table top and alternate. (then I do a bunch of other stuff)I learned this exercise from a PT who I went to when I was having back discomfort. When he introduced this exercise, I couldn't do a single one of them though I thought I was strong! Didn't take too long before I had the strength to do hundreds.
The back lifts are laying flat on the stomach, arms bent in right angles aligned with the shoulder. Lift up using your back muscles and pulse your arms in that lifted position for 50 counts. Then lie back down and in that same position, lift and lower you upper body for 50 counts. I am told this exercise is safe for osteo but best not to go to end range and crunch the back. Strengthening the back muscles and core is great for strength, stability and balance and let's hope, for a little gain in bone density too! That's a long shot but worth the effort.

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naomid | @naomid | Mar 25, 2023
In reply to @barbjo "Yes, I’m on Forteo . It was a process. The co-pay is high, but I went..." + (show)
@barbjo

Yes, I’m on Forteo . It was a process. The co-pay is high, but I went weeks worrying it wouldn’t be covered at all or at a very high co- pay. Then it was concerns about side effects. So now , I’m letting it do its thing .

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Thanks, barbjo, have you had any side effects? I'm considering going on Forteo as well and have also been concerned about side effects.

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cloud60 | @cloud60 | Mar 26, 2023
In reply to @gigi4 "I cannot understand why women are not followed for osteoporosis beginning at menopause to get a..." + (show)
@gigi4

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.

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Are you sure the calcium in algae cal is absorbed better than in any other supplement ?
I take 3 capsules living bone and 1 capsule bone and marrow which is from the bones of cows. I don’t know how much is getting absorbed but I had my calcium level in blood checked and it’s normal.
I am continuing on this method for now.
I also take 45 mg k2 mk4 and 250 mg strontium citrate .

I am considering the very smallest dose of risendronate.

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2 replies
loplady | @loplady | Mar 26, 2023
In reply to @cloud60 "Are you sure the calcium in algae cal is absorbed better than in any other supplement..." + (show)
@cloud60

Are you sure the calcium in algae cal is absorbed better than in any other supplement ?
I take 3 capsules living bone and 1 capsule bone and marrow which is from the bones of cows. I don’t know how much is getting absorbed but I had my calcium level in blood checked and it’s normal.
I am continuing on this method for now.
I also take 45 mg k2 mk4 and 250 mg strontium citrate .

I am considering the very smallest dose of risendronate.

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Hi - can you tell me what brand you are taking to get just 45mg k2 mk4? Thanks!

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1 reply
barbjo | @barbjo | Mar 26, 2023
In reply to @naomid "Thanks, barbjo, have you had any side effects? I'm considering going on Forteo as well and..." + (show)
@naomid

Thanks, barbjo, have you had any side effects? I'm considering going on Forteo as well and have also been concerned about side effects.

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I was told to take it at night because some people feel dizzy or lightheaded. I didn’t, but I did have some additional insomnia issues. I switched to mornings (gradually) and I that has helped.

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gigi4 | @gigi4 | Mar 26, 2023
In reply to @cloud60 "Are you sure the calcium in algae cal is absorbed better than in any other supplement..." + (show)
@cloud60

Are you sure the calcium in algae cal is absorbed better than in any other supplement ?
I take 3 capsules living bone and 1 capsule bone and marrow which is from the bones of cows. I don’t know how much is getting absorbed but I had my calcium level in blood checked and it’s normal.
I am continuing on this method for now.
I also take 45 mg k2 mk4 and 250 mg strontium citrate .

I am considering the very smallest dose of risendronate.

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According to my doctor calcium from a food source, and algae is a food source, is absorbed better. I trust her knowledge.

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1 reply
cloud60 | @cloud60 | Mar 26, 2023
In reply to @gigi4 "According to my doctor calcium from a food source, and algae is a food source, is..." + (show)
@gigi4

According to my doctor calcium from a food source, and algae is a food source, is absorbed better. I trust her knowledge.

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I think it is definitely better absorbed than the chemical calcium carbonate or citrate but I take living bone and bone marrow sourced directly from cows. I don’t know if it’s better absorbed into the bones but my calcium level at my recent blood test was perfect .

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1 reply
rita | @ritabtripp | Mar 27, 2023

What is the brand name of the living bone and bone marrow?

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