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Has anyone improved bone density without meds?
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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Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words!
I am glad you found something that is working. Your daily exercise regimen is just amazing.Have a great day.
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1 ReactionI’m planning to ask my physician about Tymlos since my recent DEXA results had worsened by almost 10% on hip area. It’s not horrible at -2.2 but the 10% decease is definitely concerning. Had to stop Prolia which seemed to be helping as developed jawbone necrosis after taking for many years. I haven’t heard of the oral medication, what class of drug is it as cannot take bisphosphonates either due to both an allergic reaction & they also have the jawbone necrosis side effect
@omgirl like me you are kind of stuck with issues taking bisphosphonates (and my doc doesn't use Prolia). A score of -2.2 is not yet osteoporosis. I hope insurance takes into account your previous experience with Prolia and issues with bisphosphonates. I have to say that in my experience, since 2001, the scores do jump around a bit and I look for trends, but 10% might be significant. Do you see an endocrinologist?
This is my number one worry about long term osteoporosis meds..how was your jawbone necrosis diagnosed? How would you even know you had that?
I just got my latest DEXA to see if things were getting worse. My last one before this was last September. This one, on the same machine showed my lumbar spine to be -2.9, my left hip to be -2.1 and my right hip to be -1.9. Each of these is exactly one point lower than the last time and it says this is not statistically significant, which immediately made me wonder what is considered to be statistically significant. We're getting ready to move to Asheville, NC from Baltimore, so by definition, a year from now, it will be a different DEXA machine. I am due for a phone consultation with Dr. McCormick on July 19th. Hopefully after that and another consultation with a different endocrinologist, I'll be ready to make a decision about medication. I've heard really good things about AlgaeCal, so I'll be interested in his opinion about that. In the meantime, my almost constant ache in my lower back and left hip reminds me everyday that I have both erosive osteoarthritis and osteopenia/osteoporosis. It makes me more fearful of lifting heavy things or doing simply moving than I have ever been. And here we are in the midst of packing. Ugh!!
@kirstenlheld I wish the whole medical/insurance system were different. McCormick and my doc both said Tymlos is most effective for the first 6 months and it is really good for spine in particular. Wouldn't it be great if you could do that for 6 months and have insurance cover it? (They do have a patient assistance program). Otherwise your hips are pretty good, though osteoarthritis can bump those scores up, I have been told.
If you don't have fractures your bone situation is not likely to be causing any of that pain but I get that it reminds you that you are fragile. I took care of my 95 year old mother, who had dementia. When I took her to the doctor I had to ask her to lift her walker into the car!
The fact remains that at some point we are going to have to lock in gains with something. That is my current dilemma. McCormick agrees on bisphosphonates but I am afraid orals are intolerable with GERD and Reclast with kidney issues.
Bone on bone is no fun. Is your hip considered strong enough for a replacement? I am curious if that is being discussed.
@tkdesign just to mention that Tymlos and Forteo don't cause jaw necrosis. You probably know that but for others reading posts. I was told that by my doc but my dentist was not aware. I have had zero dental issues on Tymlos.
When I last had X-rays on my hips in 2020, I was told there was no arthritis in them at that time, which frankly surprised me. I had X-rays done of my spine last fall after getting the DEXA showing it had progressed to osteoporosis, and at that time, there was no sign of fracture. I think, and "think" being the crucial term, that the discomfort is arthritis related or muscular from one leg being slightly longer than the other, but without having another X-ray, who knows. If it continues I'll have to find out since there are some days when the ache in that hip becomes real pain. One thing I've learned from other people who had hip replacements done is that they wish they'd had it done sooner than they did. So far, it's not keeping me from doing certain workouts or otherwise limiting my movements, but if it starts to, then I won't wait.
When you research calcium supplements, check out New Chapter Bone Strength Organic Red Marine Algae Calcium, highly rated on Amazon. It has D3, K1, K2, Magnesium and trace minerals. A 40-day supply from Amazon is about $32. For AlgaeCal, a 30 day supply costs $53.
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