Drugs or exercise and vitamins?

Posted by cmiller59 @cmiller59, May 10, 2023

I recently went to a rheumatologist to get some questions answered regarding my osteoporosis. He said I had Senile osteoporosis and that he felt I definitely should take Alendronate Sodium once a week. I have also heard such horrific stories about osteo meds and am terrified to take them but also terrified not to of I need them. I am taking calcium and Vitamin D and exercise almost daily since the diagnosis. Is this enough to stop it from getting worse or should I start the meds. I want to hold off until my next scan but that isn’t until Oct. 24. Can anyone shed some light on this for me? Thank you.

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

windyshores | @windyshores | May 12, 2023

In reply to @ritanada "True I think there's a difference if one has spontaneous fracture or following a fall" + (show)

@ritanada I have 4 from a traumatic fall in 2006 and 3 from an unwise movement in 2021. Any fracture regardless of cause increases risk of more unfortunately.

amylynn61 | @amylynn61 | May 13, 2023

In reply to @ritanada "Where can one find Dr Fishman yoga for bones?" + (show)

https://www.yogaville.org/yoga-for-better-bone-health-12-poses-to-counter-osteoporosis/
I do these poses daily. I'm opting for no meds at this time b/c of the side effects. I hike with a weighted vest, practice yoga, walk and lift weights. All of which I have done forever, I'm very active, the side effects of the drugs are just too scary for me, I want to enjoy my quality of life....

And I am using "Bone Maximizer" which has calcium, Vit D and MCHA. I'm also using collagen supplements. I'll have another DEXA in about 18 months.

ritanada | @ritanada | May 13, 2023

Thank you so much
I am also very active but because I had a fall and a slight but still compression vertebra
I need to decide whether to take evenity or not
As recommended by my endocrinologist
Your series of yoga Asana are excellent
I will do
The supplement for bone which company sells it?
Do you take Ca and bit D ?
Ritanada

windyshores | @windyshores | May 13, 2023

If DEXA's are under -3.5, I read, meds really are needed. maybe even higher depending on other factors like bone quality, age , diet, exercise - and fractures.

I am the point, after a few fractures, where I would tolerate serious side effects versus any more fractures. But there have been meds that I simply could not take. I am grateful to tolerate Tymlos at a partial dose with excellent gains. My doc okayed ramping up from low dose to 7/8 dose (the highest I can go) which made all the difference.

Osteoporosis has no symptoms and I felt so strong before fracturing. I just made a mistake in how I moved. I try not to focus on pain or complain, but the truth, is the pain and limitations from my fractures are far worse than side effects from my meds!

Now I have to take Reclast but I am scared due to low kidney eGFR. My doc will do a 20% test dose and leave the next dose up to me.

If you are scared of meds but really need them, work with your doc or find another one who will work with you in a flexible way that leaves your feeling safe.

amylynn61 | @amylynn61 | May 13, 2023

In reply to @ritanada "Thank you so much I am also very active but because I had a fall and..." + (show)

Where I live, the Bone Maximizer III is sold at Natural Grocers. The company is MRM Nutrition. It is also available on Amazon. Here is a link, you might have to copy and paste it, otherwise just do a search on Amazon.

Again, at this time, I'm opting for no meds.
https://www.amazon.com/MRM-Bone-Maximizer-III-Capsules/dp/B000Z93LKW/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=YDl4S&content-id=amzn1.sym.08900ed4-dd64-49b1-bce7-2e717defb1aa&pf_rd_p=08900ed4-dd64-49b1-bce7-2e717defb1aa&pf_rd_r=MF8908BV4AZ5Y7QDMGZ6&pd_rd_wg=u5waA&pd_rd_r=bcc76bdd-3f96-4b67-ab1d-6f479adc5cbd&ref_=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mi

resort | @resort | May 14, 2023

In reply to @amylynn61 "https://www.yogaville.org/yoga-for-better-bone-health-12-poses-to-counter-osteoporosis/ I do these poses daily. I'm opting for no meds at this time b/c of..." + (show)

What is MCHA for?

cmdw2600 | @cmdw2600 | May 14, 2023

In reply to @amylynn61 "https://www.yogaville.org/yoga-for-better-bone-health-12-poses-to-counter-osteoporosis/ I do these poses daily. I'm opting for no meds at this time b/c of..." + (show)

Which collagen do you take? I’ve been trying different ones (powder) but have yet to land on one that I want to stick with.

Thank you! Cindy

amylynn61 | @amylynn61 | May 14, 2023

In reply to @resort "What is MCHA for?" + (show)

What is an MCHA?
Calcium Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite (MCHA) is a calcium compound, containing minerals in their natural ratios, as well as residues of matrix, proteins, and glycosaminoglycans. MCHA supports bone mineral composition and can potentially reduce the risk of degenerative joint issues.

That's what I found when I googled. The woman(a nurse practitioner) who recommended this to me did a much better job of explaining it all...I should have taken notes!