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!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

bruceandruth1970 | @bruceandruth1970 | Apr 3, 2023
In reply to @irinig "In Covid I was handed an osteoporosis & no longer osteopenia diagnosis. The doctor who didn’t..." + (show)
@irinig

In Covid I was handed an osteoporosis & no longer osteopenia diagnosis. The doctor who didn’t even see me, since we were in Covid, recommended an IV drip at a hospital which I gratefully did do…a year later my osteoporosis had indeed improved somewhat…I now lift weights (not heavy) and try to posture correct. Gratefully Marianne

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What was in the IV drip that the dr recommended. Thank you.

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ckramer57 | @ckramer57 | Apr 3, 2023
In reply to @amiga "Some of the newer DEXA machines are able to provide a trabecular bone score which is..." + (show)
@amiga

Some of the newer DEXA machines are able to provide a trabecular bone score which is supposed to provide information regarding the microarchitecture of the bones. I was able to get that information from my last bone density test, and although my bone density is not good, at least the quality of my bones appears to be in the normal range.
Mary

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That's encouraging news. I did not know that newer DEXA machines might have TBS (trabecular bone score) technology. Glad to hear about this!
Thanks!

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dulu | @dulu | Apr 3, 2023

I was diagnosed 3 years ago with -3.2 in the spine and -1.7 in the hips. I started on AlgaeCal bone builder pack and after 2 years, my spine was -2.7 and my hips was -1.
I have since stopped the strontium and only talking the calcium. Next scan will be in another year. Will update then.

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3 replies
Mentor
Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Apr 3, 2023
In reply to @pmcgrady626 "Chris, are you saying we could connect with a doctor/doctors at Mayo and have them manage..." + (show)
@pmcgrady626

Chris, are you saying we could connect with a doctor/doctors at Mayo and have them manage our heath care virtually and by using the portal?

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Good morning @pmcgrady626. Oh my goodness.....wouldn't that be wonderful for many of us. What I was trying to say was that telemedicine makes it possible to do that. I was referring to a time-sensitive communication with clinicians who have seen you in person. My suggestion was that you can use the portal to communicate with your provider without having an appointment. I use it with my dermatologist and send her pictures of what my skin looks like after a procedure or when it appears that I might need a new procedure or medicene change.

And, because I live 3 hours away from Mayo Clinic, I often have virtual conversations with my health professionals. With my exercise program for stability, we chat, she observes my "performance" and then sends me instructions and images for new exercises she is adding to my routine.

Also, two weeks ago I had a molar tooth problem that my dentist is working on. I wanted to get input from my endocrinologist. So I sent a message on the portal and he responded promptly and sent me helpful information. That is much better than having to wait 3 weeks or more for an appointment.

Is this making sense now? And one more remembrance. My PCP has known me for 10 years. She offers me a virtual contact appointment when we don't have tests to do. What other ways can you think of to use existing technology to save wait time?

I hope this response helps you with some of your concerns.

May you be safe, protected and free from inner and outer harm.
Chris

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1 reply
pmcgrady626 | @pmcgrady626 | Apr 3, 2023
In reply to @artscaping "Good morning @pmcgrady626. Oh my goodness.....wouldn't that be wonderful for many of us. What I was..." + (show)
@artscaping

Good morning @pmcgrady626. Oh my goodness.....wouldn't that be wonderful for many of us. What I was trying to say was that telemedicine makes it possible to do that. I was referring to a time-sensitive communication with clinicians who have seen you in person. My suggestion was that you can use the portal to communicate with your provider without having an appointment. I use it with my dermatologist and send her pictures of what my skin looks like after a procedure or when it appears that I might need a new procedure or medicene change.

And, because I live 3 hours away from Mayo Clinic, I often have virtual conversations with my health professionals. With my exercise program for stability, we chat, she observes my "performance" and then sends me instructions and images for new exercises she is adding to my routine.

Also, two weeks ago I had a molar tooth problem that my dentist is working on. I wanted to get input from my endocrinologist. So I sent a message on the portal and he responded promptly and sent me helpful information. That is much better than having to wait 3 weeks or more for an appointment.

Is this making sense now? And one more remembrance. My PCP has known me for 10 years. She offers me a virtual contact appointment when we don't have tests to do. What other ways can you think of to use existing technology to save wait time?

I hope this response helps you with some of your concerns.

May you be safe, protected and free from inner and outer harm.
Chris

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Yes thank you. It was wishful thinking on my part I guess.

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melia7 | @melia7 | Apr 3, 2023

to ckramer57
Thanks for your answer to my question. In such a case, there is only one reason for your improvement - Better Bones Program.
About Echolight: here is the map of centers in Italy that are doing it:
https://www.echolightmedical.com/pazienti/
Hope the link will work for you.

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cloud60 | @cloud60 | Apr 3, 2023

What I v medicine did you get

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cloud60 | @cloud60 | Apr 4, 2023
In reply to @artscaping "Good evening @cloud80. (like that name). I'll get right to it. I don't know how to..." + (show)
@artscaping

Good evening @cloud80. (like that name).
I'll get right to it. I don't know how to answer your question about my preference for Tymlos over Forteo. Since I never did use Foreteo, I wouldn't be able to know how it would be different. I am pleased with my body's response to Tymlos.

And then....I am currently taking a tablet of Alendronate every Monday morning. I have had no side effects. I use precautions like sitting up for 30 minutes afterward and not taking any other meds or food for a while. This is a way to protect the new and old bone without having a twice-a-year injection that was way too much for my body.

Thanks for your response. And.....welcome to Connect. I see that you just joined. This is a
great forum to learn about your condition and your treatment options by sharing experiences with other members.

It's now bedtime I think. Good night.
Chris

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Yes I meant to write Tymlos. I can’t remember if you are the person who did the patch or you did self injections. I might have to choose between Tymlos or Forteo. I think Tymlos is better quality outcome for most than forteo with less side effects.
Tymlos will be having an fda approved patch that I am thinking I might want on a year or two. Have you had any teeth or jaw problems from Tymlos or from Alendronate. Did you try the twice a year injections. I can’t do those in case of bad reactions.

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1 reply
gigi4 | @gigi4 | Apr 5, 2023
In reply to @dulu "I was diagnosed 3 years ago with -3.2 in the spine and -1.7 in the hips...." + (show)
@dulu

I was diagnosed 3 years ago with -3.2 in the spine and -1.7 in the hips. I started on AlgaeCal bone builder pack and after 2 years, my spine was -2.7 and my hips was -1.
I have since stopped the strontium and only talking the calcium. Next scan will be in another year. Will update then.

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I started on Algaecal 2 months ago. But also exercise and eat foods with calcium. Besides taking Algaecal were you doing anything else to help improve your scores?

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cloud60 | @cloud60 | May 11, 2023
In reply to @dulu "I was diagnosed 3 years ago with -3.2 in the spine and -1.7 in the hips...." + (show)
@dulu

I was diagnosed 3 years ago with -3.2 in the spine and -1.7 in the hips. I started on AlgaeCal bone builder pack and after 2 years, my spine was -2.7 and my hips was -1.
I have since stopped the strontium and only talking the calcium. Next scan will be in another year. Will update then.

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Maybe I should go on algaecal

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